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21-Day Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Package

  • Duration 20 Nights/21 Days
  • Difficulty Challenging
  • Region MANASLU REGION
  • Activity Nepal Trekking
  • Max. Altitude 5106m
  • Best Season March–May & September–November
  • Start/End Point Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-12 People (private or small group)

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Overview

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most rigorous and rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures in Nepal. This trek seamlessly weaves rugged wilderness with pristine Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal. This emerging off-the-beaten-path route will take you through the remote and restricted valleys that are untouched by modern road construction and offer jaw-dropping views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). We will also uncover the hidden Tsum Valley region and hike to Mu Gompa for a deep cultural immersion. This will let us explore and experience the local culture to the fullest. We will conquer the legendary Larkya La Pass at 5106m, which is one of the toughest and most highly rewarding passes in this region. We will be rewarded with the most amazing views of Himchuli, Cheo and Annapurna II peaks. 

This demanding wilderness corridor requires robust physical preparation, as trekkers navigate dramatic elevation gains from subtropical riverbeds to thin alpine air. Prioritizing systematic acclimatization is vital to avoid altitude sickness, ensuring your body adapts before tackling the high pass. By selecting this less-crowded alternative to classic routes, you actively support localized economies and experience a deeply authentic, untouched side of the Himalayas.

A major regulatory reform regarding this route in 2026 is that it is now open for solo trekkers to obtain a Restricted Area Permit without a companion trekker. However, the trekker still needs to hire a government-licensed trekking guide through a registered trekking agency like Adventure Himalaya Nepal. Additionally, the region now uses the Centralized Digital Trekking Portal, which features online applications and e-TIMS tracking for modernized safety. 

We will traverse pristine rhododendron forests, roaring rivers, and alpine moraines on this epic journey. We will be rewarded with the perfect sustainable tourism experience. Join us today and secure your Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek for an authentic teahouse trekking experience that stands out as the premium alternative to crowded trails.

Major Highlights of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

  • We will explore a pristine and culturally rich valley of Tsum Valley filled with ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages. 
  • The sacred Mu Gompa and Milarepa cave will reward us with the historic Tibetan-Buddhist culture. 
  • Views of the iconic Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) will provide us with a rooftop experience while being in Lho and Shyala villages. 
  • We will complete an exhilarating side hike to Manaslu Base Camp or the turquoise ice-fed waters of Birendra Lake on Acclimatization day. 
  • We will face the ultimate trekking challenge as we cross the breath-taking Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). 
  • Our journey through diverse ecosystems and landscapes will provide a glimpse into the diverse landscape of Nepal. 
  • We will begin and end the trip inside the Kathmandu Valley and possibly visit all the UNESCO World Heritage sites inside the valley. 
  • We will have an authentic remote Himalayan teahouse experience and enjoy local Gurung and Nubri community hospitality.

Why Choose Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek? 

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek grants us an exclusive entry into a wild and remote Himalayan paradise. We will be bound by the strict Restricted Area Permit rules, but these controlled trails will successfully limit the numbers to ensure the wilderness and pristine nature of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley region. We will avoid highly commercialised paths and get intimate with a raw and authentic Himalayan experience. 

  • We will get to enjoy the vast stretches of tranquil alpine wilderness without clogged trekking routes. We will have a complete immersion in nature. 
  • We will get to explore the ancient Buddhist monasteries like Mu Gompa and get to learn about pure Tibetan Culture. 
  • We will walk across the diverse, breathtaking ecosystems that climb steadily from humid, lush subtropical riverbeds right up into the stark and sub-zero temperatures. 
  • Our ultimate mountaineering challenge will test our endurance as we cross the formidable Larkya La Pass at 5106m. 

Major Attractions of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek by Adventure Himalaya Nepal 

1. The Hidden Tsum Valley (Beyul Kyimolung)

Tsum Valley is the hidden living museum of pristine Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is inspired by the hidden spiritual refuge blessed by Guru Rinpoche. This isolated paradise remained untouched by the modern road and facilities; hence, it provides and promotes the complete wilderness and off-the-beaten-path experience. We will trek past ancient stone mani walls, monasteries, and traditional villages like Chhokangparo and Nile. We will have a great experience of authentic Himalayan life, which has almost vanished in the Himalayas. 

2. Ancient Mu Gompa & Milarepa Cave

The historic Mu Gompa stands as the largest, oldest, and most isolated monastery in the entire valley. The spiritual heartland houses the most priceless religious texts and offers us sweeping visuals of the Tibetan Plateau. We will also visit the legendary Milarepa Piren Phu cave en route, which is a sacred pilgrimage site. The revered saint meditated surrounded by cliffs, and it will provide us with a unique experience of this spiritual heartland just below the Tibetan border. 

3. Majestic Mount Manaslu Vistas

We will be preparing for an unparalleled and intimate encounter with Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). This is also the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Unlike highly commercialized trails, this loop will provide us with quiet and crowd-free vantage points. The Mt. Manaslu peaks will dominate our skylines from the villages like Lho and Shyala, which culminate our experience of a dramatic amphitheater. We will witness the golden sunrise strike the sheer north face of the “Mountain of the Spirit”. 

4. Manaslu Base Camp & Birendra Lake

We will have a chance to visit Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake during our vital acclimatization day in Samagaon. We will have a thrilling experience either way. Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) will provide the great experience of standing beyond Mt. Manaslu, while Birendra Lake will offer us a jaw-dropping turquoise glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding massifs and offers the ultimate photography hotspot on the circuit. 

5. The Formidable Larkya La Pass

The ultimate physical and emotional climax of your Nepal trek is conquering the legendary Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. Navigating a challenging pre-dawn climb across frozen glacial moraines, you will reach the wind-whipped summit draped in prayer flags. Your reward is a breathless, panoramic 360-degree vista showcasing spectacular peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the mighty Annapurna II.

Travelling with Adventure Himalaya Nepal

Adventure Himalaya Nepal Pvt Ltd. will ensure your journey to Nepal is backed by the exceptional service standards and local expertise. We are a premier, government-registered travel partner based in Thamel, and we specialize in conducting safe and trusted services all over Nepal. 

Not just trekking, we provide services such as tours, mountain flights, city guides, and many more. We handle all the demanding logistics to make your first-hand experience better and sweeter. With Adventure Himalaya Pvt. Ltd, you can have a great experience visiting Nepal. Because visiting Nepal just once is not enough. 

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal. Our epic Nepal trekking adventure will begin as we welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport. A private transfer will escort you to the hotel in Thamel. The afternoon is yours to rest, explore nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square or Swayambhunath Stupa, or shop for gear. In the evening, we will have a briefing session with your Himalayan Trekking guide and a welcome dinner. Overnight will be in a hotel.

Our Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek begins today. We will leave Kathmandu early for a scenic and rugged drive. The overland journey will shift from highways to winding roads passing rural outskirts and villages. We will pass through Arughat Bazaar and Soti Khola and follow the massive Budhi Gandaki. Our journey will conclude as we reach Machha Khola, the starting point of our trek. We will check into a local teahouse for an overnight stay.

Today is our first day of walking on the trail. We will walk along the Manaslu Circuit trail following the Budhi Gandaki riverbank. We will navigate suspension bridges and rocky stone stairs. We will pass the natural hot springs of Tatopani before we cross the river. The trail will drop back before a final and steady climb that leads us to Jagat. A newly constructed road to Jagat is also under operation to make it easier for the trekkers. Overnight in a teahouse.

After getting our Manaslu restricted area permits checked at a checkpoint, we will begin our trek. We will climb through the dense forests towards Sirdibas and Philim. Philim is a beautiful Gurung Village. Here the trail splits us away from the main loop as we enter the secluded Tsum Valley region. The wild and narrow gorges will bring us to Lokpa, where we will be greeted by Shringi Himal Views. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will descend through a deep wilderness gorge before we tackle a steep, challenging climb along the Siyar Khola river corridor. We will cross the newly built suspension bridges. As we ascend, the rugged wilderness will soften into open valleys decorated with ancient Buddhist chortens. We will arrive early in Chumling, a classic Lower Lower valley village. We will enjoy the afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will cross a suspension bridge starting today. The trail will rise steadily, and we will enter the expansive Upper Tsum Valley. The landscape will widen into fertile agricultural plains. We will walk past stone mani walls before arriving at Chhokangparo. We will be deeply tied to Tibetan Buddhist culture here. If weather permits, we will be rewarded with great expansive views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal peaks. Overnight in a teahouse.

Today, we will walk through high-altitude farmlands where locals will be seen cultivating barley and buckwheat. We will pass through Lamagaon and visit the sacred Milarepa Piren Chu Cave, which is a famous site filled with rich Buddhist history. We will continue hiking past the scenic villages of Phurbe and Pangdun. A final bridge will lead us to Nile, which is the northernmost inhabited village of Tsum Valley. This is just below the Tibetan border. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will take a break to adapt to rising altitude and rest. We will dedicate this day to sightseeing, interacting with the locals, and hiking up to the valley. Our destination today will be Mu Gompa as part of the itinerary. Mu Gompa is the largest and oldest monastery in the Tsum Valley and hosts ancient religious texts. We will explore the historical monastery, and interaction with resident monks will make our day worthwhile. Afterwards, we will hike back to Nile to maximize adaptation to this high-altitude trekking environment.

We will say goodbye to the upper valley of Tsum Valley and begin retracing the trail. The downhill hike will be more intense and fast but will reward us with a fresh angle to the beautiful scenery. The air will grow noticeably thicker, and we will lose elevation. We will return to Chumling village and settle in a teahouse for an overnight stay.

The hidden valley will be exited today as we trek down to Lokpa. We will rejoin the primary Manaslu Circuit route. This trail follows a steep and narrow gorge carved out by the Budhi Gandaki River. We will navigate a series of undulating ups and downs through bamboo groves and pine forests. We will reach a peaceful village of Deng after crossing a river and a few suspension bridges. Overnight in a Deng teahouse.

We will cross the river again and navigate a climb through high rock tunnels into a beautiful alpine forest. We will pass the Lhana Village and climb towards Ghap. The route will reward us with the magnificent views of lush green hills. We will enter a dense forest before sustained uphill arrives. That uphill will take us to Namrung, which is very famous for the views of Ganesh Himal and Mt. Manaslu. Overnight in a teahouse.

Today, we will enjoy a stunning morning walk through Nubri Valley. We will pass through the Tibetan-influenced village of Lihi. The landscape will open to vast potato and barley fields. We will be rewarded with the iconic view of mt. Manaslu that dominates the entire horizon, Shyala and Lho. If time permits, we will push towards Shyala village; if not, we will settle in a teahouse of Lho. Staying wherever will reward us with a magnificent amphitheater of Peak 29 and Manaslu.

We will wake up to a majestic mountain sunrise before we start a short and high-altitude climb. We will first descend towards the river and then ascend through the pine forests into a wide glacier. The trail will lead us directly into Samagaon, which is the cultural capital of Nubri Valley. The population here is of Tibetan descent. We will immerse with the local culture, exploring the historic Ribung Gompa. Overnight in a teahouse.

Today, we will take our second acclimatization day of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. If you are a seasoned trekker, it is essential to take a hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). But if not, we can enjoy a gentler hike towards the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake. We will enjoy the landscape and offerings of either of the destinations and complete our “hike high, sleep low” method. We will return to our teahouse for an overnight stay.

We will descend towards Budhi Gandaki River as it thins to a stream. The trail passes the massive mani walls and climbs steadily along the widening valley. We will have a short trekking day to acclimatize more with the thinning air. We will arrive at Samdo by lunch and enjoy the settlement and its offerings. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will cross a final wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. We will then begin on raw and moraine slopes. The slight walking will bring us with the catching views of Larkya Glacier. We will take slow and measured steps as the air thins significantly on the approach to Dharmashala. Dharmashala is the last settlement before Larkya La Pass. We will eat an early dinner and sleep to rest up for tomorrow. Overnight in a teahouse.

Today is a big day. We will start pre-dawn and begin our toughest and most rewarding day of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. We have to climb steadily up the glacier moraine and navigate snow and rock until we reach the summit of Larkya La Pass. The jaw-dropping and unparalleled views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II will be waving to us. We will set out on a long descent down scree slopes to the lush, green basin of Bhimthang for a well-deserved celebration dinner. Overnight in a teahouse.

We will walk out of the high glacial basin. We will descend into lush forests of pine, oak, and blooming rhododendron. We will be following the rushing Dudh Khola river valley downwards. The trail will drop rapidly as it restores heavy oxygen and warm air to our lungs. We will walk through Tilije, which is a rich cultural Gurung Village. Here, we will settle in a comfortable teahouse for an overnight stay.

We will walk a short distance to meet our local four-wheel-drive vehicle. We will travel down the rugged jeep road to join the famous Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani, tracing the Marsyangdi River gorge down to Besisahar. Then, we will swap vehicles for a private transfer back onto the paved Prithvi Highway. We will follow the river valleys back to the capital. With this, our Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek completes. Finally, we will arrive in Kathmandu by evening, check into our hotel for a hot shower, and enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner.

We will take a buffer day in case of delay in arrival from the trek. This built-in buffer day will protect your itinerary against unpredictable Himalayan weather delays and provide you with the safety of your risk of missing an international flight. Assuming everything is smooth, we will use this free day for relaxing, souvenir shopping, and sightseeing around Kathmandu. We will visit iconic monuments like the massive Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, or the ancient city of Bhaktapur. We will celebrate the successful completion of your journey in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.

Your unforgettable off-the-beaten path trek of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek concludes today officially. You can enjoy the final morning with a savoury breakfast at your hotel before checking out. After checking out, you can stroll around Thamel for last-minute shopping or tasting the local food again. A private vehicle will pick you up and transfer you back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. We hope you really enjoyed Adventure Himalaya Nepal’s company and hope to see you again for more adventures. See you!

Price Includes

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle)
  • 3 nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Private jeep Kathmandu ↔ Machha Khola & Besisahar ↔ Kathmandu
  • All meals (B/L/D) during the trek + 3 cups of tea/coffee daily
  • Twin-share teahouse/lodge accommodation
  • Experienced licensed guide
  • porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit + Tsum Valley special permit + ACAP + TIMS
  • All government and local taxes
  • First Aid Kit
  • Duffel Bag(return after trek)

Price Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Visa Fees
  • Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses, snacks, drinks, hot showers
  • Tips for guide & porter
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu

Permits required for Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek?

Permit Name Peak Season Cost(Sept – Nov) Off-Peak Season Cost(Dec – Aug)
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 100 for the first 7 days

(+ USD 15/day extra)

 USD 75 for the first 7 days

(+ USD 10/day extra)
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 40 for the first 7 days

(+ USD 7/day extra)

 USD 30 for the first 7 days

(+ USD 7/day extra)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)

Flat fee

 NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)

Flat fee
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)

Flat fee

 NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)

Flat fee
Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Fee NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)

Flat local tax

 NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)

Flat local tax

Critical Permit Rules:

A trekker cannot buy these permits independently. The Department of Immigration issues RAP through a Trekking agency in Nepal. Adventure Himalaya Nepal will assist you in handling the permit logistics and hiring a trekking guide. 

Best Seasons for Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. 

Vibrant Spring (March to May)

Spring is a vibrant season in the Himalayas of Nepal where we will experience the ultimate Himalayan spring trekking window. The winter fades, and the trails awaken with spectacular life. Trekking during this season will offer moderate daytime temperatures and comfortable hiking conditions across the lower valleys. The major highlight of this season is the blooming rhododendron and other wildflowers. These flowers will paint the hillsides in the vibrant shades of pink, white, and red in the lower hills. Furthermore, longer daytime and warm temperatures will provide us more time, compared to others, to explore and enjoy the offerings. This season will have highly accessible paths and clear the way for a successful and safe crossing of the formidable Larkya La Pass. 

Crystal-Clear Autumn (September to November)

The autumn season is widely celebrated and regarded as the peak trekking season in Nepal. This season will deliver the absolute finest weather conditions for the circuit. We will get the sweeping post-monsoon winds. We will be rewarded with delightful mountain visibility and deep blue skies. Such conditions make this season perfect for sightseeing and photography. Trekkers will enjoy highly predictable and stable weather conditions with crisp and refreshing air and firm, dry trail conditions. Having chosen the autumn season for trekking to Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek will provide us with the celebrations of Dashain and Tihar in the villages. Most importantly, there will be a minimal chance of rain or sudden blizzards, which means traversing through the Larkya La Pass will be completely safe. However, expect more trekkers than in other seasons in autumn. 

Guides and Porters 

A trusted travel company like Adventure Himalaya Nepal will provide you with a safe and comfortable ride by pairing you with a highly experienced and government-licensed Himalayan trekking guide. The guide will be accompanied by elite and strong porters. 

Your Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek will be accompanied and led by the guide, who will be fluent in English, certified in wilderness first aid, and deeply knowledgeable about the local culture. They will manage daily logistics, check safety protocols, and monitor the trekker closely for the symptoms of acute mountain sickness. 

The local porters handle the heavy luggage. They will safely transport your baggage between the teahouses. They will be carrying all the required logistics and tents for our overnight tented camp stay. This essential logistical support will provide you with complete relaxation in the challenging high-altitude support required for safe navigation in the rugged Himalayas. 

What are the difficulties of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek? 

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek will present a severe physical challenge. The major challenge will be rapid altitude gain culminating at the Larkya La Pass. Trekkers will face extreme and unpredictable mountain weather that freezes the high-camp temperatures and a grueling 8-10-hour trek. The remote region means we will have to stay at basic remote teahouse accommodations without the advanced emergency medical facilities. 

Remedies and Responses for Difficulties

  • To combat severe altitude sickness symptoms, we must strictly adhere to the itinerary and gradual ascent strategy. 
  • Having a certified and experienced guide is always a necessity, who can monitor your health situation consistently and handle emergencies. 
  • One must invest in high-quality gear to combat the strains and physical injuries during the trek. 
  • One must drink at least 4-5 liters of clean water and maintain a high-carb, high-calorie diet of traditional Nepali meals like Dal Bhat. 
  • The trekker must secure comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6000m. 

Importance of Travel Insurance for Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek 

While a traveller travels outside of their native country, having comprehensive travel insurance is a necessity. In the past few years, travel insurance’s importance has been escalated as well. For the remote, rugged, and isolated treks like Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek, the importance of travel insurance skyrockets. Because this route navigates through extreme and isolated terrains, including Larkya La Pass(5108m), the risks of high-altitude sickness, sudden injuries, and weather-related cancellations are bound. That’s why buying comprehensive travel insurance is a necessity. Your travel insurance must include an adventure sports clause that covers high-altitude trekking up to 5500m and must feature emergency helicopter evacuation and rescue coverage. Travel Insurance will make sure you do not have to lose your hard-earned money. It is a small investment that could potentially save your USD $5000-10,000 depending on the incident. 

 

FAQs

In 2026, the Department of Immigration, Nepal has updated its restricted area permit policy. The new policy allows individual foreign travellers to obtain a permit without needing a fellow trekking partner. However, trekkers must be registered through a registered Nepali trekking agency and be accompanied by a government-licensed Himalayan trekking guide for the duration of the trip.

Yes. Because you are crossing into two distinctly classified security zones, your agency must secure a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (starting at Jagat) AND a separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (validated at the Lokpa checkpoint). A common mistake is assuming the standard Manaslu permit covers the Tsum Valley extension.

After the successful construction of the road, off-road jeeps now reach past Machha Khola towards the lower Tsum Valley. However, your 21-day itinerary preserves the classic and complete loop, which ensures you step completely away from vehicular roads as we branch into the isolated Upper Tsum Valley.

Tsum Valley is a sacred, non-sacrificial Buddhist sanctuary (Beyul). You must always walk clockwise around all Buddhist chortens, monasteries, and mani stone walls. Killing animals or consuming non-vegetarian meals is traditionally discouraged inside the upper valley. Always dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, especially when entering ancient structures like Mu Gompa.

Tsum Valley is a sacred and non-sacrificial Buddhist sanctuary. We must always walk clockwise around all the Buddhist chortens and monasteries. Killing animals and consuming meat is strictly discouraged on the premises to respect the local culture. Always dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees while entering religious shrines like Mu Gompa.

Teahouses in mid-altitude villages like Lho and Namrung have solar power and Wi-Fi connections. Dharamshala and Larkya Phedi remain incredibly primitive in terms of these facilities. Accommodations here consist of basic stone huts with dormitory-style layouts, and electricity is limited or unavailable. Night temperatures often drop below zero degrees Celsius, so it is safe to have a sleeping bag.

This double-acclimatization protocol is vital for protecting ourselves against altitude sickness. Samagaon acclimatization day will provide us with better respiratory performance, while the side hike to Manaslu Base Camp will utilize the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. Skipping these rest days greatly increases the statistical risk of severe high-altitude complications.

No, the last reliable ATM facility is in Arughat or Besisahar before we hit the rugged roads. In the village area, there are no banking facilities. It is recommended to carry enough cash from Kathmandu. You will need at least 2000 NPR per day on average to cover personal expenses, tips, local taxes, etc.

Larkya La Pass crossing required a pre-dawn start to avoid high winds at noon. This terrain consists of steep, frozen glacial moraines throughout the journey. While it is not a technical climb, navigating a high-altitude pass will require a steady pace, high-quality trekking poles, and microspikes.

Your trekking guide will assist if something emergency happens. Your guide will check your oxygen levels and heart rate every day, and if there is something wrong, they will immediately assess your symptoms. They will connect in Kathmandu for an emergency helicopter evacuation immediately.

Under the 2026 travel guidelines by the Nepal Government, Restricted Area Permits override the need for the TIMS card in the restricted zones like Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. However, TIMS is still valid for non-restricted zones.

What Our Traveller Says