Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek - 19 Days

Manaslu · 19 Days

Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek - 19 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,163m (16,939 ft) at Larke Pass · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

19 Days

Max Altitude

5,163m (16,939 ft)

at Larke Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge + Homestay

Overview

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is the ultimate Himalayan combination - two restricted regions, one extraordinary journey of 19 days through Nepal's most spiritually and visually rich corner. Starting in the lower Gorkha hills, you climb first into the hidden Tsum Valley, then continue across to the dramatic Manaslu Circuit, culminating in the legendary crossing of the 5,163m Larke Pass.

This is trekking in Nepal at its richest: ancient monasteries, Tibetan-Buddhist culture, the world's eighth-highest peak Mount Manaslu (8,163m) up close, and sacred glacial lakes like Birendra Taal. Where most trekkers do Tsum or Manaslu, this itinerary combines both into a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Designed for serious trekkers with time to commit, this is the deepest cultural and altitude experience in the Manaslu region.

Highlights

  • Two restricted regions in one trek - Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit
  • Cross the legendary Larke Pass at 5,163m
  • See Mount Manaslu (8,163m) - the world's 8th highest peak - up close
  • Visit Mu Gompa, Hinang Gompa, Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Taal lake
  • Sacred Milarepa Cave and Rachen Gompa in Tsum Valley
  • Acclimatization at Choekangparo and Samagaun (largest village in Manaslu)
  • Witness blue sheep, Himalayan tahr and (rarely) snow leopards
  • Walk through Lower and Upper Manaslu - Kutang (Kukey language) and Nubri regions
  • Visit founder Namgyal's home village in Tsum Valley
  • Authentic teahouse and homestay culture throughout

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

⏱ Airport transfer 🍽 Welcome dinner

Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, trek briefing.

Day 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing

🍽 Breakfast

Visit Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.

Day 3

Kathmandu to Sotikhola (730m)

⏱ 6-7 hours drive ↔ ~150 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive through Dhading and Arughat to Sotikhola.

Day 4

Sotikhola to Gongong Village (1,000m)

⏱ 3 hours hiking + village exploration 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hidden trail to traditional Gongong village with homestay dinner.

Day 5

Gongong to Yaruphant (1,170m)

⏱ 1 hr hike + 1 hr drive + 4 hrs hike 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mixed walking and jeep day through waterfalls and Budhi Gandaki gorge.

Day 6

Yaruphant to Lokpa (1,900m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, pass Salleri and Philim villages.

Day 7

Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Forest trails into Tsum Valley with views of Ganesh Himal.

Day 8

Chumling to Choekangparo (3,045m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through pine forests and small villages to Upper Tsum's central village.

Day 9

Acclimatization at Choekangparo

⏱ 2 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike to Gaden Gompa for wildlife spotting and acclimatization.

Day 10

Choekangparo to Nyiloe (3,361m) via Milarepa Cave and Rachen Gompa

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spiritual day visiting Tsum Monastery, Milarepa Cave and Rachen Gompa.

Day 11

Nyiloe to Mu Gompa (3,800m) and Choshong Viewpoint (4,100m)

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike to Choshong Viewpoint for 360-degree mountain panoramas. Return to Choekangparo.

Day 12

Choekangparo to Lokpa

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend back to the Manaslu corridor at Lokpa.

Day 13

Lokpa to Prok (2,397m)

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Kutang region with multiple suspension bridges and scattered villages.

Day 14

Prok to Hinang Gompa (3,100m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Forest trails to Hinang Gompa, nestled under Himal Chuli.

Day 15

Hinang Gompa to Shyala (3,450m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

First views of Mount Manaslu and Peak 29 from Shyala.

Day 16

Shyala to Sama (3,530m) via Pungyen Gompa Viewpoint

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization day with side hike to Pungyen Gompa - close-up Manaslu views.

Day 17

Sama to Samdo (3,900m) via Birendra Taal

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning visit to crystal Birendra Taal lake, then walk to Samdo.

Day 18

Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)

⏱ 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short but steep climb in thinning air. Early sleep for the pass day.

Day 19

Dharamsala to Bhimthang (3,600m) via Larke Pass (5,163m)

⏱ 8-9 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pre-dawn start. Cross the legendary Larke Pass with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, then long descent to Bhimthang.

Day 20

Bhimthang to Tilje, drive to Besisahar

⏱ 5 hrs hiking + 3 hrs drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Forest descent and jeep transfer.

Day 21

Besisahar to Kathmandu

⏱ 7-8 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Final drive back to Kathmandu through paddy fields and hills. Farewell dinner.

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What's included

Included

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in clean teahouses and homestays
  • Accommodation in clean lodges and homestays throughout the trek
  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley
  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu region
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit (for trek exit)
  • Government taxes and office service charges
  • Luxury private jeep transport between Kathmandu and trailheads
  • Licensed local Tsumpa guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • Porter service: 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (insurance covered)
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers where available
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)
  • Two nights' hotel in Kathmandu before the trek, one night after
  • Airport pickup and drop-off

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Personal expenses and donations

Trek guide

Two Hidden Valleys, One Epic Journey

The Tsum Valley + Manaslu Circuit combination is the most rewarding multi-week trek in Nepal for trekkers who want depth, drama and cultural immersion. Spanning 19 days, it ties together two restricted regions divided geographically by a ridge but united by Tibetan-Buddhist culture and the rugged grandeur of the Manaslu massif.

Geography

The trek begins along the Budhi Gandaki river in Gorkha, climbs into the hidden Tsum Valley (a side valley pressed against the Tibet border), returns to the main Manaslu corridor, and continues clockwise around Mount Manaslu before crossing Larke Pass into the Marsyangdi valley and exiting via Besisahar.

Mount Manaslu (8,163m) - the world's 8th highest peak - dominates the second half of the trek. Locally called Gang Pungyen, the mountain is sacred to the Nubri people of Upper Manaslu, whose villages (Samagaun, Samdo, Lho, Shyala) preserve ancient Tibetan culture.

Culture - Tsum, Kutang and Nubri

You will move through three distinct cultural zones:
- Tsum Valley - Tsumpa people, Tsum language, Shyagya non-violence
- Lower Manaslu (Kutang) - Kutang people, Kukey language ("the language stolen from all parts of the world")
- Upper Manaslu (Nubri) - Nubri people, language ~70% similar to Tibetan

The trek visits monasteries from each tradition, including the sacred Milarepa and Guru Rinpoche caves.

Permits and Logistics

Three permits required:
- Special Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley
- Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
- MCAP and ACAP conservation permits

A minimum of 2 trekkers and a licensed guide are mandatory.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The highest point is Larke Pass at 5,163m, crossed on Day 17. The itinerary builds altitude gradually with rest days at Choekangparo and Samagaun. We carry oximeters, Diamox and supplemental oxygen. Helicopter evacuation is arranged immediately if needed.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons in bloom, comfortable temperatures
  • Autumn (September-November): The premier window for high-altitude pass crossings

Fitness

This is graded strenuous. You should be able to walk 6-8 hours per day for 14 consecutive days and cross a 5,000m+ pass. 4-6 months of cardio and strength training is recommended.

Packing list

Clothing:
- Down jacket -15°C
- Fleece mid-layer
- Waterproof / windproof shell jacket and trousers
- 3 quick-dry shirts
- 2 trekking trousers
- Thermal base layers
- 5-6 pairs merino socks
- Beanie, sun hat, buff
- Insulated and light gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, gaiters, microspikes (autumn/spring)

Accessories: 50L daypack, 80L duffel, -15°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 2L water capacity, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance certificate, 6 photos, cash NPR/USD

Medical: Diamox, personal first-aid kit, sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm SPF, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How does this compare to doing Tsum and Manaslu separately?
This combined trek is shorter and more efficient overall, with the bonus of visiting both regions in one trip. Many guests find the cultural variety of seeing Tsum, Kutang and Nubri in sequence very rewarding.

How hard is Larke Pass?
It is a 5,163m non-technical pass but physically demanding due to altitude and a long day (8-9 hours). Acclimatization through the trek prepares you well.

Can I skip the Tsum Valley portion?
Yes - the Manaslu Circuit only takes 14-15 days. But you would miss what many consider the spiritual heart of the trek.

What is the worst-case weather scenario for Larke Pass?
Heavy snow can close the pass. We monitor conditions daily and have alternate exit routes (back down to Besisahar via the Manaslu corridor) if needed.

How does altitude sickness risk compare to other Himalayan treks?
Moderate-to-high. Our gradual ascent, two acclimatization days and oximeter monitoring keep risk low for healthy trekkers.

How fit do I need to be?
Very fit. You will be walking 6-8 hours daily for nearly three weeks, crossing a 5,000m+ pass. Train for 4-6 months.

Is there phone signal?
Sporadic in Tsum, better in Samagaun/Samdo. Plan to be largely offline.

Can vegetarians eat well?
Yes - Tsum Valley is essentially vegetarian under the Shyagya tradition, and dal bhat is universally available.

How cold does it get?
Down to -10°C at Dharamsala and Samdo at night in shoulder seasons.

What insurance do I need?
A specialist trekking policy covering helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m and trekking-related medical care.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $2100

per person

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