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MANASLU And TSUM VALLEY TREK 2026

  • 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 is one of Nepal’s most rewarding and least-crowded Himalayan journeys. This 21-day adventure combines the dramatic Manaslu Circuit (circling the world’s 8th highest peak, 8,163 m) with the sacred, Tibetan-influenced Tsum Valley, a hidden “Valley of Happiness” that opened to foreigners only in 2008.

You’ll walk ancient trade routes, cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), visit centuries-old monasteries like Mu Gompa, experience pure Tibetan-Buddhist culture, and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and more, all in a region still free from mass tourism.

Why Choose the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek with Adventure Himalaya Nepal?

This combined route gives you the best of both worlds: the wild, high-altitude drama of the Manaslu Circuit plus the serene, culturally rich Tsum Valley. Most trekkers do one or the other and you’ll experience both in a single, perfectly paced journey.

You’ll trek through Gurung and Tibetan villages, stay in family-run teahouses, cross suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, and feel the spiritual energy of monasteries built by Guru Rinpoche himself. With our experienced local guides, private jeeps where possible, and full support, this is the safest and most authentic way to explore this restricted area.

Trek Highlights of the Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek

– Circle Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and cross iconic Larkya La Pass(5,106 m)
– Explore the sacred Tsum Valley “Valley of Happiness” with ancient monasteries and Tibetan culture
– Visit Mu Gompa (3,700 m), one of the highest and most historic monasteries in Nepal
– Acclimatization hikes to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) and Birendra Lake
– Panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal
– Walk through untouched Gurung and Tibetan villages with stone houses and prayer wheels
– Restricted-area permits handled by us (Manaslu + Tsum Valley special permits)
– Professional English-speaking guide
– Porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
– All meals, comfortable teahouse accommodation during the trek
-3 star Hotel Accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu

Overview

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a true off-the-beaten-path Himalayan classic. Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, you follow the Budhi Gandaki River through deep gorges, terraced fields, and subtropical forests before entering the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.

At Lokpa you branch north into the mystical Tsum Valley. Here the landscape opens into wide, peaceful valleys dotted with chortens, mani walls, and centuries-old monasteries. The people still speak a dialect of Tibetan and live much as their ancestors did farming barley and potatoes, spinning prayer wheels, and practicing pure Tibetan Buddhism.

After returning to the main trail at Deng, you continue the classic Manaslu Circuit: passing through Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo, crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass, and descending into the Annapurna region via Bimthang and Tilje.

This trek is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. It offers everything a serious trekker dreams of: high passes, remote valleys, ancient culture, and almost zero crowds.

Itinerary

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our Adventure Himalaya Nepal representative will greet you with a warm traditional garland and transfer you to your comfortable 3-star hotel in the bustling Kathmandu district.
In the late afternoon or evening, enjoy a relaxed trek briefing, where your guide will explain the itinerary, permits, gear, and safety measures.

Early morning departure by private comfortable jeep (recommended for groups) or tourist bus via the Prithvi Highway. The scenic drive winds through terraced fields, small towns like Dhading Besi, and along the Trishuli River before turning toward Arughat Bazaar. After lunch in Arughat, continue on a winding dirt road (often bumpy in the final section) to Machha Khola village beside the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. This marks the true start of your remote adventure.

Begin your first full trekking day with a gentle riverside walk. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through dense subtropical forests filled with bamboo, banana trees, and occasional langur monkeys. Stop at hot springs in Tatopani for a relaxing dip (optional small fee). The trail gradually ascends with some stone steps. Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat — a Gurung village with stone houses and mani walls.

Today you officially enter the restricted zone. The path climbs steadily through pine and rhododendron forests with beautiful views of the river gorge below. Pass Philim (a large Gurung village) and cross a long suspension bridge before a final steep ascent to Lokpa — the first village inside Tsum Valley. Enjoy your first glimpses of snow-capped Ganesh Himal (also called Yangra).

A shorter, scenic day as you fully enter the mystical Tsum Valley (“Valley of Happiness”). The trail contours through lush pine and rhododendron forests, crosses a dramatic landslide zone, and offers open views of Ganesh Himal peaks. Chumling is a peaceful Tibetan-style village with traditional flat-roofed houses, prayer flags, and chortens. Visit the small local gompa in the afternoon.

Follow a beautiful high ridge trail with panoramic mountain vistas. Pass millet and barley fields, mani walls, and small chortens. The valley widens here, revealing sweeping views of Ganesh Himal range. Chhokangparo is the largest village in lower Tsum, split into two parts (upper and lower) with stone houses and a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. Interact with friendly locals spinning prayer wheels.

Continue upstream along the Shyar Khola (a tributary of Budhi Gandaki). The landscape becomes drier and more Tibetan in character — barren hills, prayer flags, and ancient chortens. Pass through the village of Chule before reaching Nile, a compact settlement near the Tibetan border. Explore the village and enjoy sunset views over the peaks.

Crucial acclimatization day. After breakfast, hike steadily uphill toward the Tibetan border. The trail follows the valley floor past dry stone walls and grazing yaks before a final climb to Mu Gompa — one of Nepal’s highest and most ancient monasteries (est. ~1895 AD, with roots to Guru Rinpoche). Inside the gompa, view ancient manuscripts, statues, and thankas. From the rooftop, enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding peaks and into Tibet. Return to Nile by afternoon.

Easy downhill return journey through the same beautiful Tsum Valley trail. Enjoy the scenery in reverse and perhaps stop for tea with locals in Chhokangparo.

Descend back to Lokpa, then rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail at Philim and continue downstream to Deng. The path passes terraced fields and small Gurung settlements. Deng is a small, quiet village marking the transition back to the main circuit.

Enter the high Himalayan zone today. The trail climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forests before opening to alpine meadows. Pass through Bihi village and enjoy your first clear close-up views of Manaslu (8,163 m). Namrung is a prosperous Tibetan-influenced village with barley fields, stone houses, and a large gompa.

One of the most scenic days. Pass through Sho and Lho villages — classic Tibetan-style settlements with prayer flags fluttering against towering peaks. From Lho, enjoy stunning close-up views of Manaslu, Manaslu North, and Ngadi Chuli. Optional short side trip to Ribung Gompa for better panoramas.

Short but rewarding day through open pastures and yak grazing areas. Pass Pungen Gompa viewpoint (optional side hike for Manaslu views). Samagaon is the largest village in the region — explore the old gompa, Tibetan markets, and stone houses.

Essential rest day for altitude safety. Option 1: Challenging hike to Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint — steep ascent past glaciers with incredible close views of the massif. Option 2: Easier walk to serene Birendra Lake (ice-covered at high season) with reflection views of Manaslu. Both options help your body adjust.

Short, easy day across high pastures. Cross wooden bridges and pass yak caravans. Samdo is a remote Tibetan refugee village near the border pass to Tibet — explore gompas and border viewpoints.

Enter the stark, high alpine zone. Climb gradually through barren landscapes with dramatic glacier views. Dharamsala offers basic stone huts ,prepare warm layers for a cold night.

The trek’s highlight and toughest day. Start pre-dawn with headlamps. Ascend steeply over moraine and snow (possible early season) to the windy pass adorned with colorful prayer flags. At the top: 360° panorama of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and more. Long, knee-testing descent over glaciers and moraine to the green meadow of Bhimtang.

Relaxing descent through rhododendron and pine forests. Cross wooden bridges and pass small settlements. The landscape turns subtropical again. Tilije is a charming Gurung village with stone-paved paths.

Private/shared jeep ride through the Marsyangdi Valley to Besisahar (Annapurna Circuit start point). Enjoy river views and lower-altitude scenery. and Scenic drive along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers back to Kathmandu. Arrive by late afternoon. Evening free for shopping or relaxation. Farewell dinner with your guide and porter team.

Use this day for rest, shopping in Thamel, optional sightseeing (Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath), or a cultural tour. Perfect contingency for any weather/road delays.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. We wish you a safe journey home with unforgettable Himalayan memories.

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

Essential Information

Permits for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu is a restricted area.
We arrange the special permit, Tsum Valley permit, and ACAP.

Best Time to go Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

  • Spring (Mar–May) for rhododendrons and clear views.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov) for stable weather and festivals.

    • Difficulty & Fitness
    Challenging.
    You need good physical fitness, previous trekking experience, and the ability to walk 6–8 hours per day at altitude.

    What to pack?
    Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, trekking boots, down jacket, sleeping bag provided, trekking poles, water purification, headlamp, sunscreen, etc.
    Full list provided after booking.