What makes the Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek unique?

The standard Manaslu Circuit focuses on high Unlike other treks, this combines the classic Manaslu Circuit with the hidden Tsum Valley. It offers both high-altitude adventure and cultural immersion, with monasteries, Tibetan-origin villages, and spiritual landscapes untouched by mass tourism. passes, panoramic mountain views, and Tibetan/Gurung culture. The Tsum Valley extension adds 3–5 days of trekking through remote villages, monasteries, and sacred landscapes for deeper cultural and spiritual immersion.

How long does the trek take?

The trek typically lasts 18–23 days, depending on your pace and optional side trips. The standard circuit is 14–16 days.

What is the difficulty level?

This trek is moderate to challenging. Crossing Larke La Pass (5,160m) requires good fitness, proper acclimatization, and trekking experience. The Tsum Valley extension adds extra days but is mostly moderate in difficulty.

Do I need a guide and permits?

Yes. The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so trekkers must travel with a licensed guide and obtain permits. Lynx Adventure Tour arranges all necessary permits, including the Manaslu Restricted Permit, MCAP, and ACAP.

What is the best season for this trek?

Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, stable weather, panoramic views. Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendron blooms, pleasant climate, colorful trails. Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible but cold and snowy—best for experienced trekkers. Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Less recommended due to heavy rain and landslides.

What kind of accommodation is available?

Mostly teahouses and lodges run by local families. In Tsum Valley, accommodation is more basic, providing an authentic Himalayan village experience.

Manansalu with Tsum ValleyManansalu with Tsum Valley

Experience the perfect harmony of wild nature and ancient spirituality with Lynx Adventure Tour. This expedition combines the classic Manaslu Circuit with the secluded Tsum Valley a “Beyul” or sacred hidden valley where Tibetan Buddhist culture remains frozen in time. From the subtropical jungles of the Budhi Gandaki to the high-altitude plateau of the Larkya La Pass, this journey is for the soul-seeker and the true adventurer.

Duration: 18 days (customizable)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (requires fitness + acclimatization)
Maximum Altitude: 5,160m (Larke La Pass)
Best Seasons: Autumn (Sept–Nov) and Spring (Mar–May)
Starting Price: Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your group size, preferences, and inclusions

Home » Trips » Manansalu with Tsum Valley

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Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is an extended odyssey into one of Nepal’s most remote “Restricted Areas.” The journey begins by branching off the main trail into the Tsum Valley, where you will discover ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, set against the backdrop of the Ganesh Himal. After exploring this “Hidden Valley of Happiness,” we rejoin the Manaslu Circuit to challenge the legendary Larkya La Pass.

Quick Trip Facts

Duration: 18 Days (Customizable)
Maximum Altitude: 5,160m (Larkya La Pass)
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Start/End Point: Machha Khola / Dharapani
Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Accommodation: Traditional Teahouses and Cultural Homestays
Highlights: Mu Gompa, Milarepa’s Cave, the “Spirit Mountain” (Mt. Manaslu), and crossing the high Larkya La Pass.

Itinerary

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This is the ultimate Himalayan pilgrimage. By combining the Manaslu Circuit with the "Hidden Valley" of Tsum, you enter a world frozen in time. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site where the culture is deeply rooted in ancient Buddhism and the landscape is dotted with centuries-old monasteries. This 18-day journey takes you from the deep gorges of the Budhi Gandaki to the high-altitude glaciers of the Larkya La Pass, offering a profound spiritual and physical adventure.

Day 1 :

Kathmandu to Machha Khola (Drive)

Altitude: 1,350m to 930m
Description: Leave the city behind for a scenic drive through the heart of rural Nepal. You’ll witness terraced green hills and bustling market towns as you transition from the highway to the rugged tracks along the Budhi Gandaki River.

Day 2 :

Machha Khola to Jagat

Altitude: 930m to 1,410m
Description: The trail winds through riverbanks and narrow valleys. You’ll pass Khorlabesi and the natural hot springs at Tatopani. After crossing a large suspension bridge, you climb a wide stone staircase into Jagat, the beautiful stone-paved entry point to the restricted region.

Day 3 :

Jagat to Lokpa (Entrance to Tsum Valley)

Altitude: 1,410m to 2,240m
Description: Today you leave the main Manaslu trail. After reaching Philim, the path branches off toward the Tsum Valley. You enter a wild, narrow gorge that feels like a gateway to another world. Lokpa is the first village in the Tsum region, offering complete seclusion and peace.

Day 4 :

Lokpa to Rainjam (Renzom)

Altitude: 2,240m to 2,400m
Description: A day of stunning biodiversity. You’ll trek through deep forests where the Shiar Khola river thunders below. The trail offers breathtaking glimpses of the Ganesh Himal and Boudha Himal ranges as you reach the quiet settlement of Rainjam.

Day 5 :

Rainjam to Chule (Nile)

Altitude: 2,400m to 3,360m
Description: You enter the "Upper Tsum" region. The valley widens into a vast, fertile landscape filled with mani walls and chortens. You’ll pass the famous Piren Phu Cave (Pigeon Cave), where the Buddhist saint Milarepa is said to have meditated.

Day 6 :

Hike to Mu Gompa & Back to Burgi/Jong

Altitude: 3,360m to 3,700m (Mu Gompa)
Description: Today you reach the highest and oldest monastery in the valley, Mu Gompa. This remote outpost offers a stark, beautiful landscape close to the Tibetan border. After exploring the ancient scrolls and statues, you descend back to the village of Jong.

Day 7 :

Jong to Lokpa

Altitude: 3,700m down to 2,240m
Description: Retrace your steps back through the valley, enjoying the views you might have missed on the way up. The descent is easier on the lungs, allowing you to focus on the unique architecture and local life of the Tsumba people.

Day 08 :

Lokpa to Bhi (Rejoining Manaslu Trail)

Altitude: 2,240m to 2,130m
Description: You emerge from the Tsum Valley and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit. The trail takes you through bamboo forests and across the river into the village of Bhi, where the landscape starts to feel increasingly alpine.

Day 09 :

Bhi to Namrung

Altitude: 2,130m to 2,660m
Description: A steady climb brings you into the Nupri region. The inhabitants here are descendants of Tibetan immigrants, and the culture is distinctly different. Namrung is famous for its viewpoints of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal.

Day 10 :

Namrung to Shyala

Altitude: 2,660m to 3,500m
Description: As you walk toward Shyala, the mountains seem to close in. You’ll pass through Lho, a village dominated by a massive monastery. Shyala offers one of the best 360-degree views in the world, surrounded by Manaslu, Peak 29, and Hiunchuli.

Day 11 :

Shyala to Samagaon (via Pungen Gompa)

Altitude: 3,500m to 3,530m
Description: You take a high-altitude detour to Pungen Gompa, a monastery sitting in a massive glacier-fed bowl. Standing here, you are directly underneath the icy east face of Mt. Manaslu. It is a powerful, silent place before you descend into the stone houses of Samagaon.

Day 12 :

Rest Day (Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp)

Altitude: 3,530m to 4,400m (Base Camp)
Description: A vital day for your body. Choose a gentle walk to the turquoise Birendra Lake at the foot of the glacier, or a challenging full-day hike to Manaslu Base Camp to stand where elite climbers begin their summit push.

Day 13 :

Samagaon to Samdo

Altitude: 3,530m to 3,860m
Description: The trail follows the thinning Budhi Gandaki river. The trees disappear, replaced by juniper bushes and tundra. Samdo is a purely Tibetan village located just a day’s walk from the border; it is a hub for yak herders and high-altitude trade.

Day 14 :

Rest Day or Tibetan Border (Rui La)

Altitude: 3,860m to 4,998m (Border)
Description: For those with energy, a hike to the Tibetan Border provides a view into the vast Tibetan plateau. This also provides perfect "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization for the pass tomorrow.

Day 15 :

Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi)

Altitude: 3,860m to 4,460m
Description: A short but steep climb takes you to the "High Camp" at Dharmasala. This is a desolate, rocky area where the air is thin. You’ll have an early dinner and sleep early, preparing for the 3:00 AM start for the pass.

Day 16 :

Dharmasala to Bhimthang (via Larkya La Pass)

Altitude: 4,460m to 5,160m (Pass) down to 3,720m
Description: The Summit Day. You’ll cross the Larkya La Pass as the sun rises. The view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna massif is overwhelming. After the pass, a long, knee-taxing descent on moraines brings you to the lush meadows of Bhimthang.

Day 17 :

Bhimthang to Tiliche

Altitude: 3,720m down to 2,300m
Description: One of the most beautiful walks in Nepal. You descend through "rhododendron heaven" dense forests that bloom in the spring following the Milky River (Dudh Khola). You’ll reach Tiliche, a prosperous village known for its local hospitality.

Day 18 :

Tiliche to Kathmandu/Pokhara (Drive)

Altitude: 2,300m down to 1,350m
Description: A short walk takes you to Dharapani, where you board a jeep for the descent to Besisahar. From there, your private vehicle will take you back to the comfort of Kathmandu or Pokhara. A long day of travel, but one filled with the memories of a lifetime.