Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – 22 Days
The 22-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek combines the sacred Tibetan Buddhist culture of restricted Tsum Valley with the complete Manaslu Circuit. Visit Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, walk beneath Mount Manaslu and cross Larkya La at 5,160 m before descending into the Annapurna region.
From
$2,600
per person · all inclusive
Pricing Per Person
Prices are per person in USD and based on twin sharing. The final cost may vary according to season, permit days, group size and requested services. Private departures are available on request.
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- Best Season
- Spring, Autumn
- Route
- Kathmandu → Kathmandu
- Group Size
- 1–12 trekkers
- Walking
- 5–7 hours per trekking day / day
- Stay
- Kathmandu hotel, mountain teahouses and basic monastery accommodation at Gumba Lungdang
TREK OVERVIEW
If you have already looked into the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you have probably noticed a smaller, quieter trail branching off near Lokpa. That trail leads into Tsum Valley, and once you combine it with the full Manaslu Circuit, you get one of the longest, most culturally rich treks currently open to foreign trekkers in Nepal.
The 22-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes you through a restricted Himalayan region that only opened to outsiders in 2008, then continues onto the classic Manaslu Circuit route, crossing Larkya La (5,160 m) before descending into the Annapurna region.
Over 22 days, you walk through six-hundred-year-old monasteries, sleep in villages where polyandry and Tibetan Buddhism still shape daily life, and cross one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal.
This is a long trip, and it demands real preparation. We will walk you through exactly what that preparation looks like, from permits and cost to altitude risk and what actually goes in your duffel bag.
We built this package the same way we build every itinerary at the Adventure Everest Team, around the questions trekkers actually ask us before booking, not around a generic checklist. So expect specific numbers, honest difficulty ratings, and a day-by-day breakdown rather than vague promises about adventure.
Trekking through Tsum Valley, a restricted "hidden valley" that remained closed to foreign visitors until 2008, keeping the region's Tibetan Buddhist culture largely undiluted by tourism.
Visiting Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the northernmost and largest monastery in Tsum Valley, sitting close enough to the Tibetan border that you can feel the cultural pull of Tibet in the architecture alone.
Walking to Rachen Gompa, a working nunnery home to dozens of nuns, where evening prayer chants fill the valley if your timing lines up.
Standing at the meditation cave associated with Milarepa, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most revered yogis, tucked into the cliffs above the Tsum trail.
What Makes the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Worth 22 Days?
We get this question often. Why spend 22 days on a trek when Everest Base Camp takes 12, and Annapurna Base Camp takes 10?
The honest answer is that this route is not one trek stitched onto another for the sake of length. It genuinely covers two distinct restricted regions, each with its own culture, altitude profile, and reason to visit.
Tsum Valley gives you the cultural depth. Think centuries-old Nyingma and Kagyu monasteries, villages that still follow customs found nowhere else in Nepal, and a pace of life that has barely changed since the valley opened to outsiders.
The Manaslu Circuit half of the trip gives you the high-altitude drama instead: glacier views, a genuine Himalayan pass crossing at Larkya La, and days spent walking directly beneath an 8,000 m peak.
Doing both together also solves a logistics problem. Tsum Valley branches directly off the main Budhi Gandaki trail near Lokpa. So you do not need to fly home and come back for a second trip.
We route you through Tsum first, then rejoin the main trail at Lokpa and continue upward toward Larkya La. You walk a big loop, not an out-and-back. Every day brings new terrain instead of retracing yesterday's steps.
If you are weighing this against the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek alone, here is the honest trade-off. The Circuit-only version is shorter, generally 14 to 16 days, and slightly cheaper in permit fees. But it skips Tsum Valley entirely. If cultural depth matters to you as much as mountain views, the extra eight days are worth it.
Where This Trek Actually Takes You?
The route starts in Machhakhola at around 869 m. From there, it follows the Budhi Gandaki river north through Gorkha district. Around Lokpa, the trail splits.
The Tsum Valley branch climbs the Syar Khola valley toward Chumling, Chhokangparo, and eventually Mu Gompa at 3,700 m, close to the Tibetan border. After looping back down through Gumba Lungdang and Ripchet, the trail rejoins the main Budhi Gandaki corridor.
It then continues toward Namrung, Lho, and Samagaun, following the classic Manaslu Circuit route to Larkya La (5,160 m) and down into the Marsyangdi valley near Bhimthang and Tilche.
Along the way, the landscape shifts through roughly six distinct climatic zones. The lower gorge near Machhakhola is humid and subtropical, thick with bamboo, banana trees, and the occasional leech during monsoon.
By the time you reach Namrung and Lho, oak, pine, and rhododendron forest dominate. Above Samagaun, the trail turns alpine and increasingly barren. The Manaslu, Pungen, and Samdo glaciers become visible from several vantage points.
Both the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Tsum Valley side valleys sit within protected habitat for red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards. Sightings of the last are rare, though, mostly limited to fresh tracks in snow.
The Budhi Gandaki river stays with you for most of the lower trail. You cross it repeatedly on suspension bridges strung high above the gorge. Waterfalls tumble down the cliff faces on either side, especially dramatic just after monsoon rain.
Once you climb into Tsum Valley proper, the terrain opens into wider, flatter stretches around Chhokangparo. It is a genuine change of pace after days of steep river-gorge walking.
Key Elevation Points on the Route
Here is a quick way to picture the overall climb:
- Machhakhola sits at 869 m, Jagat at 1,410 m, Lokpa at roughly 2,240 m, and Chumling at 2,386 m. Chhokangparo follows at 3,010 m, then Mu Gompa at 3,700 m.
- Back on the Manaslu side, Samagaun sits at 3,530 m, Samdo at 3,860 m, and Dharamsala at 4,460 m, before Larkya La (Larke Pass) itself at 5,160 m and the descent to Bhimthang (3,720 m).
Laid out like this, the trek is really two separate climbs joined by a loop through Tsum Valley. That is part of why the acclimatization schedule looks the way it does.
Why Trek with Adventure Everest Team?
Adventure Everest Team handles the restricted-area permit process, licensed guiding arrangements, transportation and remote accommodation required for this journey. Our itinerary explores Tsum Valley before joining the complete Manaslu Circuit, avoiding unnecessary backtracking while allowing gradual altitude gain. Acclimatization around Chhokangparo and Samagaun is built into the route, and our guides monitor each trekker carefully before the Larkya La crossing.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport. From there, we transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu, sitting at roughly 1,400 m. This is a deliberately gentle first day.
It is meant to let you rest after the flight rather than throw you straight into logistics. Depending on when you land, you can take a short walk through Thamel to pick up any last-minute trekking gear.
Or you can simply settle in and adjust to the time difference. In the evening, we run a full trip briefing covering your 22-day itinerary, permit paperwork, and a gear check.
This is also when you meet your guide for the first time. We encourage you to ask questions here rather than waiting until day five, since this is the easiest point in the trip to sort out any gaps in your packing or expectations.
Given the length of this trek, we also recommend confirming your travel insurance covers high-altitude helicopter evacuation up to at least 5,200 m before you leave the briefing.
The drive out of Kathmandu follows the Prithvi Highway before turning north toward Arughat and on to Machhakhola. This journey takes roughly 7 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions.
The route grows noticeably rougher past Arughat. Here, paved road gives way to a dusty, sometimes bumpy track running alongside the Budhi Gandaki valley.
Machhakhola sits at around 869 m, still low enough to feel genuinely subtropical. Humid air and dense vegetation line the road for most of the drive.
This is the last stretch of comfortable travel before the trekking itself begins, so most trekkers use the evening to settle in and check gear one final time.
Your guide will also confirm permit documents with you this evening. Jagat's checkpoint tomorrow marks your first formal entry point into the Manaslu Conservation Area, and having paperwork accessible rather than buried in your main bag saves real time there.
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river closely today. It crosses several suspension bridges and passes through small riverside settlements before climbing toward Jagat.
The gorge narrows noticeably along this stretch. Waterfalls tumble from the cliffs on either side, especially dramatic if there has been recent rain upstream. Jagat marks your first real permit checkpoint.
Both the Chumnubri Rural Municipality office and the restricted area permit office verify your documents here before you continue further into the conservation area. Keep your paperwork within easy reach today, since this stop is genuinely non-negotiable.
Rushing to find documents buried in a duffel bag slows the whole group down. Jagat itself is a fairly substantial village for this stage of the trek, with several solid teahouses and a real sense of having crossed into restricted territory.
Most trekkers find today's walking moderate, a reasonable introduction before the trail steepens and narrows further on the approach to Tsum Valley over the coming days.
Today is the day the trail splits. You take the branch toward Tsum Valley rather than continuing straight up the main Manaslu Circuit route. The walk from Jagat passes through Salleri and Sirdibas before reaching the confluence where the Syar Khola meets the Budhi Gandaki.
From there, the trail climbs steadily through pine and rhododendron forest toward Lokpa. This village functions as the gateway to Tsum Valley, and it sits at a modest elevation that still allows for comfortable walking.
Lokpa itself is small, with a handful of teahouses and genuinely striking views of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal on a clear afternoon. Because this is your first day properly inside restricted Tsum territory, your guide will confirm your Tsum Valley permit alongside your Manaslu paperwork here.
We suggest treating today as a mental marker. From here on, you are walking a loop rather than an out-and-back trail, and the character of the villages changes noticeably once you commit to the Tsum side valley tomorrow.
The trail today descends briefly to Lungwa Khola. It then climbs again through dense forest toward Chumling, crossing the Syar Khola on the way.
Chumling sits at 2,386 m and functions as the gateway to Lower Tsum, with striking views of Shringi Himal visible from the village on a clear day. This is genuinely the first village where the cultural shift into Tsum Valley becomes obvious.
An old monastery, Pango Gumba, sits just above the settlement and is worth a short visit if you arrive with daylight left. Local teahouses here are run by Tsumba families.
This is often the first place trekkers are offered chang or butter tea, which we would genuinely encourage trying if you are comfortable with it.
The pace of walking today is moderate, without the steep exposed stairways that show up later in the valley. So it makes for a reasonable day to settle into the rhythm of trekking after two long driving and walking days already behind you.
Today's walk takes you through Dumje, a small settlement at the confluence of the Syar, Sarpu, and Lungdang rivers. From there, the trail climbs steeply through a narrow river gorge toward Chhokangparo.
The terrain shifts noticeably once you arrive, opening into a wide, flat valley after days of tighter gorge walking. Chhokangparo itself is known locally as Upper Tsum.
Houses here are built almost entirely of stone, without the corrugated iron roofing common lower down. Surrounding fields grow barley, buckwheat, and potato at this altitude.
This is one of the larger settlements in the valley, and most trekkers notice a genuine sense of having arrived somewhere culturally distinct, closer in feel to a Tibetan village than anything on the Manaslu Circuit's lower trail.
Elevation gain today is moderate, but the terrain is more exposed. So pace yourself on the steeper stretches rather than pushing hard early in the day.
The trail continues north from Chhokangparo, passing near the Milarepa Piren Phu cave, a meditation site associated with the revered Tibetan yogi. From there, it leads on to the village of Nile.
This stretch of trail feels increasingly remote. The valley narrows again as you approach the upper reaches of Tsum, close to the Tibetan border. Nile itself is a small settlement, quieter than Chhokangparo, and serves mainly as the overnight base before the push to Mu Gompa tomorrow.
Views of the surrounding ridgelines open up considerably here. On a clear afternoon, you can already see the terrain shift toward the barren, high-altitude landscape that defines the Mu Gompa area.
We recommend visiting the small local gompa at Nile if you have energy left after arriving. It offers a genuinely different, more intimate feel compared to the larger monasteries you will visit over the next two days.
Today is a round trip to Mu Gompa, the largest and northernmost monastery in Tsum Valley. It sits close enough to the Tibetan border that the architectural and cultural influence is unmistakable.
The monastery holds ancient Kangyur scriptures and serves as a genuine center of religious practice, not a museum piece maintained for visitors. Depending on timing, you may catch monks in prayer.
The monastery's setting, with wide views back down the valley and toward the ridgelines separating Nepal from Tibet, makes this one of the most rewarding stops on the whole trek.
Some itineraries push on toward Ngula Dhojhyang or closer to the border. But our standard route treats Mu Gompa itself as the turnaround point, given the remoteness and limited facilities beyond it.
Returning to Nile for the night keeps you at a slightly lower, more comfortable sleeping altitude after a day spent above 3,700 m.
Retracing part of yesterday's route, the trail descends back through Chhekamparo. From there, it branches toward Rachen Gompa, one of the most significant nunneries in Tsum Valley.
Rachen Gompa sits at 3,240 m on a scenic plateau. It is home to dozens of nuns who split their time between prayer, study, and preserving centuries-old murals inside the monastery walls.
If your timing allows, sitting in on an evening puja here is genuinely worth rearranging your schedule for. The atmosphere inside a working nunnery is different from anything you will experience at the larger, more visited monasteries.
The walk down from Nile is easier than the climb up two days ago, losing elevation steadily rather than in sharp bursts. So today is a good opportunity to actually absorb the surrounding scenery rather than focus purely on footing.
Accommodation near Rachen Gompa is basic but comfortable, and the setting
Today's walk branches away from the main Tsum trail toward Gumba Lungdang, a remote nunnery tucked beneath the towering peaks of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m).
The trail climbs through pine and rhododendron forest, and the elevation gain is steady rather than steep. However, the final approach involves a genuinely demanding push through thinning tree cover into more open terrain. Gumba Lungdang is home to around 40 nuns.
It holds daily evening puja, usually between 6 and 7:30 pm, which is worth attending if your arrival timing works out. Accommodation options here are limited to what the monastery itself provides, along with bucket showers and basic but genuinely warm meals.
What makes the detour worthwhile is the view: unobstructed, close-up sightlines of the Ganesh Himal range, especially striking at sunrise and sunset. Many trekkers who make it this far rate Gumba Lungdang above both Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa as the most memorable stop of the entire Tsum Valley section.
The trail descends from Gumba Lungdang back through forest, eventually rejoining the route near Dumje. From there, it climbs again toward Ripchet, a small village of mixed Gurung and Thakali residents perched on a cliff at roughly 2,468 m.
Ripchet sits directly across the Syar River from Chumling, separated by a valley you can see clearly from the village itself. This gives a genuine sense of how much ground you have covered through the Tsum loop over the past week.
The walking today involves several ups and downs rather than one sustained climb or descent. It crosses deep gorges on suspension bridges and passes through sections of exposed, steep stairway that demand steady footing rather than speed.
Ripchet is quieter than most of the villages you passed earlier in the valley. It functions mainly as a transitional stop before you head back toward Lokpa and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail tomorrow.
Today closes the Tsum Valley loop. The trail descends from Ripchet back to Lokpa, the same junction village where you branched off eight days ago. From there, it continues south and east along the main Budhi Gandaki corridor toward Dyang (aka Deng), rejoining the classic Manaslu Circuit route.
This is a genuinely long day, combining a descent, a river crossing, and a fresh climb. So pace yourself, and treat the Lokpa junction as a good spot for a proper rest and lunch break.
The forest here thickens noticeably compared to the open terrain of upper Tsum, and the trail becomes more enclosed and shaded again. Deng itself is a quiet overnight stop with basic but comfortable teahouses, smaller than Jagat.
Given the steady elevation gain building again after Tsum's more gradual pacing, this is a good point to check in honestly with your body. Flag any early symptoms to your guide before pushing higher.
Today's walk brings a genuine shift in altitude and atmosphere as the trail climbs steadily out of Deng toward Namrung. The forest opens up gradually. Your first real glimpses of the high peaks ahead start to appear on clear mornings, a welcome change after the more enclosed forest walking of the past two days.
Namrung functions as the gateway to the Nubri valley proper, and it is known locally for its apple orchards. Prices for snacks and supplies rise noticeably beyond this point on the trail. So this is genuinely the last practical stop to stock up at lower-trail rates before the Manaslu Circuit's higher villages.
The architecture here shifts too, with sturdier stone buildings and a clearer Tibetan Buddhist influence in the surrounding gompas and mani walls compared to what you saw in lower Tsum. Most trekkers notice this cultural and architectural shift before they consciously register the altitude gain.
This is a shorter walking day, and a welcome one after the demands of the past week. The trail climbs gently through forest and past small settlements. Manaslu's south face becomes visible for the first time on a clear afternoon as you approach Lho.
Lho is one of the more photogenic villages on the entire circuit, home to a striking monastery set directly against the mountain backdrop. Many trekkers use the shorter day to explore the village properly, visiting the gompa and watching the light shift across Manaslu's face in the late afternoon.
This is genuinely one of the better sunset viewpoints on the whole trek. Given the lighter walking load today, it is also a good point to rest deliberately rather than push ahead. The elevation gain over the coming days increases again toward Samagaun and the trek's second major altitude test.
The trail continues climbing steadily from Lho, with Manaslu's south face growing larger and more dominant with every hour of walking. The terrain opens up considerably here, transitioning from forest into more exposed, high-altitude landscape.
It is similar in character to what you saw approaching Chhokangparo in Tsum, though the scale of the mountain above you now is considerably greater.
Samagaun is the single most important stop on the Manaslu Circuit half of this trek, and you will spend two nights here for proper acclimatization. The village sits directly beneath Manaslu's towering south face.
The scale of the mountain from this close genuinely surprises most trekkers who have only seen it from a distance until now. Arriving with enough daylight left, many trekkers use the late afternoon for a short walk around the village itself, getting oriented before the rest day ahead.
That rest day opens up options like Birendra Lake, Pungen Gumba, or the optional Manaslu Base Camp hike.
Today is your dedicated rest day, and after 14 days of near-continuous walking through Tsum Valley and back onto the Manaslu trail, it earns its place on the itinerary.
Rather than a full day of doing nothing, most trekkers use it for a shorter side hike that gains elevation before returning to sleep at Samagaun's altitude. This follows the standard climb-high, sleep-low approach to acclimatization.
Pungen Gumba, a 3 to 4-hour round trip, leads to a 600 to 700-year-old monastery with arguably the best close-up view of Manaslu's south face on the entire circuit.
Birendra Lake, a shorter 1-hour round trip, brings you to a turquoise glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding peaks in near total silence. It pairs naturally with the Pungen Gumba visit if you have the energy for both.
We do not recommend rushing this day regardless of which option you choose. Proper acclimatization here directly affects how you feel during the higher, harder days that follow toward Larkya La.
The trail leaves Samagaun and climbs steadily through increasingly stark, high-altitude terrain. Trees give way to hardy shrubs and eventually bare rock within a few hours of walking. Views of the Manaslu and Samdo glaciers become clearer as you gain elevation.
The landscape here feels genuinely different from anything in Tsum Valley, more exposed and geologically dramatic. Samdo is a small, remote Bhotia settlement close to the Tibetan border.
The genuine remoteness of this stage of the trek becomes unmistakable here, echoing the feeling you had approaching Mu Gompa but at a noticeably higher and starker elevation. Yak herding on the surrounding hillsides and strong Tibetan cultural influence define daily life in the village.
Given the shorter walking day, most trekkers arrive with enough energy to explore Samdo itself, including a short walk toward the ridge above the village for wider views across the valley toward the Tibetan border.
Today's walk is short in distance but genuinely significant in altitude, as the trail climbs steadily toward Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. The landscape here turns increasingly barren and exposed, with wide views back across the valley you have been climbing through for days.
Dharamsala has the most basic accommodation of the entire circuit. During peak season, some form of tent-based sleeping arrangement is genuinely possible depending on lodge capacity, similar to what you experienced at Gumba Lungdang earlier in the trip.
This is a non-negotiable overnight stop before the pass crossing, regardless of comfort level. Most trekkers turn in early tonight, since tomorrow begins with one of the longest and most demanding days of the entire 22-day trek.
Your guide will brief you on timing, layering, and crampon use for the pass crossing this evening. We recommend laying out your gear the night before rather than packing in the dark.
This is the defining day of the entire Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. An early pre-dawn start is standard, since wind and weather conditions on Larkya La tend to worsen as the day goes on.
The ascent is long and steady, with thin air slowing every step as you approach the highest point of the entire route. It stands considerably higher than anything you crossed in Tsum Valley.
From the top of Larkya La, a genuine 360-degree panorama opens up, taking in Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and Annapurna II.
The descent toward Bhimthang is steep and often icy. Crampons are essential here, particularly during spring and autumn when overnight refreezing hardens the trail considerably.
Arriving in Bhimthang brings real relief after the day's demands, with high alpine meadows and close glacier views waiting on the other side of the pass. It is a genuinely emotional milestone after three full weeks on the trail.
From Bhimthang, the trail drops steadily, and the landscape changes noticeably with the drop in elevation. After days of high alpine and desert terrain, forest and greenery gradually return.
Rhododendron and pine reappear along the trail, a welcome change after the barren stretch before Larkya La. The walk today is long but genuinely more comfortable than the previous two days, since you are losing altitude rather than fighting it. Your body responds accordingly!
Small hamlets along the way offer good rest points, and the air noticeably thickens as you descend. This eases the fatigue that builds over a long trekking day.
Tilche marks the point where the trek's remote, high-mountain character shifts back toward the more traveled Marsyangdi valley corridor. Arriving here after the demands of the pass crossing and the long descent feels like a genuine milestone. The hardest parts of the entire 22-day trip are now behind you!
The journey back to Kathmandu begins with a drive from Tilche down to Besisahar, following the Marsyangdi valley road. From there, the road continues toward Kathmandu on a longer stretch of highway.
This is a full driving day, and road conditions in the upper sections can still be rough in places. Even so, nothing compares to the trail conditions you have already handled over the past three weeks.
Most trekkers spend the drive reflecting on the trip as a whole. The scenery is genuinely different compared to the walk in, as terraced farmland and lower hill villages replace the high mountain terrain of the past week and a half.
Arriving back in Kathmandu brings a real sense of transition. A hot shower, a proper meal, and a full night's sleep at lower elevation make this one of the more comfortable stops of the entire trip. It is also a good chance to properly close out the trek with your guide over a final meal.
Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule, usually 3 to 4 hours ahead of departure. If your flight home is later in the day, this is a good window for any last shopping or a final walk through Thamel to pick up gifts.
Your trek completion certificate is presented before you leave. It marks the close of one of the longest and most complete Himalayan trekking routes currently open in Nepal.
Looking back, the 22 days cover genuine ground: a restricted sacred valley most trekkers never see, a full Manaslu Circuit crossing, and one real high-altitude pass. It is a long trip.
By the time you land at your next destination, you will understand exactly why we recommend it only to trekkers willing to commit to the full preparation this guide has laid out!
Included & Excluded
What's Included
- ✓Airport arrival and departure transfers
- ✓Kathmandu hotel accommodation stated in the itinerary
- ✓Ground transportation from Kathmandu to Machhakhola
- ✓Ground transportation from Tilche through Besisahar to Kathmandu
- ✓Licensed trekking guide throughout the trek
- ✓Additional guide for larger groups when legally required
- ✓Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- ✓Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
- ✓Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- ✓Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- ✓Chumnubri Rural Municipality entry fee
- ✓Any additional mandatory permit confirmed at booking time
- ✓Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- ✓Basic monastery accommodation at Gumba Lungdang
- ✓Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking portion
- ✓Trip briefing and pre-trek equipment check
- ✓Trek completion certificate
- ✓Government taxes and official service charges, if these are included in your actual selling price
What's Excluded
- ✕International flights
- ✕Nepal entry visa
- ✕Travel and medical insurance
- ✕Emergency helicopter rescue or medical evacuation
- ✕Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- ✕Sleeping bag, down jacket or crampon rental unless expressly included
- ✕Personal porter or additional porter service unless included in the confirmed package
- ✕Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- ✕Bottled drinks, alcoholic beverages and additional snacks
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery-charging fees
- ✕Extra hotel nights caused by early arrival, delayed departure or itinerary changes
- ✕Optional side trips not listed in the itinerary
- ✕Personal expenses
- ✕Tips for guides, porters and drivers
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Cost
Pricing for a 22-day trek covering two restricted areas depends on group size, season, and service level. Most complete packages through Adventure Everest Team fall in the USD 1,900 to 2,600 range per person for a standard group booking.
Solo travellers typically pay a supplement, since fixed costs like guide fees and permits do not shrink with a smaller group.
Our standard package includes your licensed guide, all five required permits, teahouse accommodation for the trekking portion, three meals a day on the trail, and ground transport between Kathmandu and the trailhead. Kathmandu hotel nights are usually included for the arrival and departure days as well.
A few things typically sit outside the quoted price: international flights, your Nepal visa, personal trekking gear, tipping for your guide and porter, and any private porter arrangement beyond what is included.
We always recommend confirming exactly what is bundled into your quote before booking, since packages vary agency to agency. Or just check the Price Includes/Excludes section where we have cleared things out for you!
Season affects your total cost more here than on most treks. This is mainly because both restricted area permits are priced higher during the September to November peak window.
Trekking in the December to August off-season saves a meaningful amount on permit fees alone, even before accounting for lower guesthouse demand. Group size matters too, since fixed costs like the guide fee get shared across more people in a larger booking.
Permits You Need for Manaslu and Tsum Valley in 2026/27
This trek crosses two separate restricted areas and briefly touches a third conservation zone. So the permit process for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is more involved than most standard Nepal treks.
All of it goes through us at Adventure Everest Team as your registered agency. Individual trekkers cannot apply for restricted area permits directly.
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This covers the core Manaslu region from Jagat onward. In autumn, from September to November, it costs USD 100 for the first seven days and USD 15 for each additional day. From December to August, the rate drops to USD 75 for the first seven days, plus USD 10 per additional day.
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: This is a separate permit from the Manaslu RAP. Tsum falls under its own fee structure, despite sitting within the same Chumnubri Rural Municipality. In peak season, September to November, it runs USD 40 for the first seven days and USD 7 per additional day. In the off-season, December to August, it drops to USD 30 for the first seven days, still USD 7 per additional day.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): A flat conservation entry fee of NPR 3,000 per foreign trekker. It covers both the Manaslu and Tsum sides of the conservation area.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This one is required because the itinerary crosses Larkya La and briefly enters Annapurna Conservation Area territory on the way down to Besisahar. You will not spend much time in ACAP territory. But you must present the permit at the Dharapani checkpoint. Cost: NPR 3,000 per foreign trekker.
- Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit: A local entry fee of NPR 1,000, collected at Jagat. It goes directly toward community development in the municipality.
Both restricted area permits are charged per day spent inside the zone. This itinerary keeps you inside restricted territory for roughly 18 to 19 days. So expect your combined permit cost to land somewhere between USD 300 and 450 per person, depending on season.
We calculate the exact figure once we confirm your travel dates, since autumn pricing runs noticeably higher than the December to August window.
One more update worth knowing: As of a March 2026 regulatory change from the Department of Immigration, solo trekkers can now obtain restricted area permits without a second traveler listed alongside them. You still need a licensed guide from a registered agency at all times. Each guide can accompany a maximum of seven trekkers before a second guide becomes mandatory.
How Difficult Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
Let's be straightforward about this. At 22 days, with a genuine high-altitude pass crossing at the end, this is one of the more demanding treks we run. You will walk 5 to 8 hours most days. Terrain ranges from flat valley floor around Chhokangparo to steep, exposed stone stairways near Ripchet and Dumje.
The Tsum Valley portion is moderately challenging on its own. Altitude gain is gradual, rarely more than 400 to 500 m between overnight stops, and there is no technical terrain. Where it gets harder is the cumulative fatigue. Nine or ten consecutive trekking days pass before you even reach the Manaslu Circuit's tougher sections.
The second half, from Namrung through Larkya La, is where the real physical test happens. Larkya La Pass sits at 5,160 m. The ascent from Dharamsala (4,460 m) takes 5 to 7 hours, followed by a long, often icy descent to Bhimthang.
Crampons are non-negotiable here, particularly during spring and autumn when overnight refreezing hardens the trail. Thin air slows every step near the top. The cold at that altitude is intense even in peak season.
None of this requires technical climbing skill. No ropes, harnesses, or prior mountaineering experience are needed anywhere on this route.
Fit beginners with a solid training base and realistic expectations complete this circuit every season, provided their guide paces the trek properly. The trekkers who struggle are almost always the ones who ignore their acclimatization schedule and try to rush the itinerary.
The terrain in Tsum Valley itself is more varied underfoot than most trekkers expect. Stone stairways near Ripchet and Dumje are steep and occasionally exposed.
The trail alternates between forest, riverbank, and open valley floor almost daily. It is not technical, but it is not flat either. Treating the Tsum section as a gentle warm-up before the "real" trekking on the Manaslu Circuit side is a mistake we see people make. Pace yourself from day four onward, not just from Namrung.
Altitude Sickness on This Route and How We Manage It?
You gain elevation from 869 m at Machhakhola to 5,160 m at Larkya La over the course of this trek. The risk of altitude sickness is real at both ends of the itinerary, not just near the pass.
The Tsum Valley section alone takes you above 3,700 m at Mu Gompa, high enough for mild symptoms to appear if you ascend too fast.
Acute Mountain Sickness, commonly called AMS, usually starts with headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, or mild nausea. If ignored, it can progress into High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Both are medical emergencies. Report any symptoms to your guide immediately rather than trying to push through them quietly. A few habits genuinely reduce your risk on this route:
- Follow the itinerary's built-in acclimatization pacing. Do not skip ahead, especially around Chhokangparo and Samagaun.
- Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, more on the day you cross Larkya La.
- Avoid alcohol entirely above Namrung. This includes the local chang offered in Tsum villages, however tempting it is to accept out of politeness.
- Ascend gradually, gaining no more than 400 to 500 m of sleeping altitude per day on average.
- Some trekkers carry acetazolamide after consulting a doctor before departure. Understanding when and how to use it matters more than simply packing it.
The rule that matters most on this trail is simple. If symptoms worsen, descend. Do not continue climbing with AMS symptoms present, regardless of how close you are to a planned stop.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu and Tsum Valley
Autumn, late September through November, is the most popular window for this trek. Skies are clearest after monsoon. Mountain views across both Ganesh Himal and the Mansiri Himal range are at their sharpest, and trail conditions are generally stable.
This is also when permit costs peak and teahouses fill up fastest. Pre-booking lodges beyond Samagaun genuinely helps.
Spring, March through May, runs a close second. Rhododendron forests along the lower trail bloom through March and April, adding real color to an otherwise fairly stark landscape lower down. Temperatures are milder than autumn at high altitude. Afternoon cloud build-up, though, can occasionally obscure mountain views.
Winter, December through February, is workable but demanding. Permit costs drop to their lowest rate of the year, and the trail is far quieter. But Larkya La sees significant snow accumulation. Some winters make the pass genuinely risky or temporarily impassable. We assess conditions closely before confirming winter departures.
Monsoon, June through August, deserves real caution. Heavy rainfall, leeches in the lower gorge, landslide risk near Machhakhola, and limited mountain visibility make this the least favorable window. Neither Manaslu nor Tsum sits in a significant rain shadow, unlike Upper Mustang. So monsoon hits this route in full force.
Getting to the Trailhead, Food, and Staying Connected
Most trekkers drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola by jeep, a journey of roughly 7 to 9 hours. The road grows noticeably rougher past Arughat, where paved road gives way to a dusty track along the Budhi Gandaki valley.
The return leg runs from Tilche through Besisahar back to Kathmandu, generally taking 9 to 10 hours by road.
Accommodation throughout the trek is in basic, family-run teahouses. In Tsum Valley, expect simple twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Around Gumba Lungdang, formal lodges are limited, so expect monastery-provided shelter instead.
On the Manaslu Circuit side, lodge quality improves noticeably from Jagat through Namrung. It turns more basic again above Samagaun, particularly at Dharamsala, the last stop before Larkya La.
Meals lean simple and filling. Breakfast typically means porridge, eggs, or bread with jam. Lunch and dinner center on dal bhat, noodle soup, thukpa, and momo in the lower villages.
Higher up, potato and buckwheat-based dishes take over as fresh produce becomes harder to transport. Carry a reusable bottle with purification tablets or a filter, since bottled water is both expensive and wasteful this deep into the mountains.
Wi-Fi exists at a handful of lower-altitude lodges, generally up to Samagaun on the Manaslu side. It becomes unreliable or absent in Tsum Valley's upper villages and around Dharamsala.
An NTC SIM card remains the most consistent mobile network option through most of the route, though signal drops out entirely in stretches of the Tsum side valley. Battery charging is available at select lodges with microhydro power, usually for a small fee. Bringing a power bank is genuinely worth the extra weight.
A quick note on etiquette in Tsum Valley specifically, since it comes up often. Always pass mani walls and chortens on your left, walking clockwise, in line with local Buddhist practice.
Ask before photographing monks, nuns, or interiors of active prayer halls. Dress modestly when visiting a gompa. None of this is complicated. But it genuinely matters to the communities you are walking through, and locals notice when trekkers make the effort.
What to Pack for 22 Days in the Manaslu-Tsum Region?
Packing for this trek means preparing for both subtropical lower-trail heat and genuinely icy conditions at Larkya La, often within the same week.
Clothing: Base layers, warm insulated jacket, waterproof outer shell, trekking pants. Pack at least one warm hat and a pair of gloves rated for sub-zero temperatures. You will need both lightweight clothing for the lower gorge and heavy insulation for Dharamsala and the pass crossing.
Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots that are broken in, with good ankle support, and a lightweight pair of camp shoes for evenings at teahouses.
Technical gear: Crampons are essential for the Larkya La descent toward Bhimthang. Bring trekking poles too, along with a headtorch for the pre-dawn pass crossing and UV-protective sunglasses for glacier glare.
Health items: A basic first aid kit, water purification tablets or a filter, any personal medication, and diamox if your doctor has approved it for altitude use.
Other essentials: A four-season sleeping bag rated for temperatures well below freezing, since accommodation above Samagaun and in upper Tsum villages offers minimal heating. Add a power bank for charging electronics, and cash in Nepali rupees, since there are no ATMs anywhere along the trail.
Getting Your Body Ready Before You Fly
Physical preparation should start at least two to three months before departure. Practice hiking for 5 to 7 hours in hilly terrain carrying an 8 to 10 kg daypack.
This is very similar to the daily demand of the actual trek. What matters most is cardiovascular fitness. Regular running, cycling, or stair climbing builds real capacity for the long days ahead.
Strengthen yourknees and legs with squats, lunges, and step-ups, particularly given the steep stone stairways around Ripchet and Dumje in Tsum Valley. Break in your trekking boots thoroughly before you fly. Blisters on day three of a 22-day trek are a genuinely miserable way to start.
Mental preparation matters just as much on a trip this long. There are no easy exits once you commit to the loop through Tsum Valley and onward toward Larkya La. So accept basic accommodation and unpredictable weather as part of the experience, not a problem to solve. That mindset makes a real difference to how you feel by day 15.
We also suggest spending two to three days in Kathmandu before the trek begins. Even the modest altitude adjustment at 1,400 m helps your body ease into the trip. It also gives you time to sort any last-minute gear.
A full health check-up is worth doing beforehand if you have any heart or lung condition, joint problems, or are pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek harder than the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek?
In terms of altitude and pass crossing, no. Both routes cross the same Larkya La. But this combined trek adds roughly eight extra days through Tsum Valley. Cumulative fatigue is a bigger factor here than on the Circuit-only route.
- Can we skip Tsum Valley and only trek the Manaslu Circuit portion?
Yes. Our standard Manaslu Circuit package runs 14 to 16 days and skips the Lokpa branch entirely. It costs less in permits too, since you only need the Manaslu RAP, not the separate Tsum permit.
- Do we need previous high-altitude trekking experience for this route?
No, but some hiking experience helps you judge your own pace realistically. Consistent fitness training in the month’s beforehand matters more than prior altitude experience. So does a genuine willingness to follow your guide's pace near Chhokangparo and Dharamsala.
- Is Tsum Valley safe for solo female trekkers?
Yes, when trekking with a licensed guide, which is mandatory throughout both restricted areas regardless of gender or group size. Tsumba communities are generally welcoming, and our female clients have consistently reported feeling comfortable throughout the valley.
- How does Tsum Valley compare to Upper Mustang in terms of culture?
Both are Tibetan Buddhist restricted regions. But Tsum's monasteries, particularly Rachen Gompa and Gumba Lungdang, are working nunneries rather than the more tourism-adjusted sites found in parts of Upper Mustang. The valley also sees noticeably fewer trekkers overall.
- What happens if we develop altitude sickness in Tsum Valley before reaching Larkya La?
Your guide will assess symptoms immediately and, if necessary, arrange a controlled descent toward Chhokangparo or Lokpa. Tsum's highest point, Mu Gompa, sits at 3,700 m, well below Larkya La. So most cases resolve with descent alone rather than requiring evacuation.
- Are there ATMs anywhere along the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
No. Carry enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu to cover the entire 22-day trek. This includes any permit-related costs your guide may need to settle locally, plus tips, snacks, hot showers, and charging fees along the way.
- Can this trek be extended to include Ganesh Himal Base Camp?
Yes. Ganesh Himal Base Camp, roughly 4,200 m, sits a further day hike beyond Gumba Lungdang. It is not included in our standard 22-day itinerary. But we can add it as a two-day extension for trekkers with extra time and a strong fitness base.
- Is a TIMS card required for this trek?
Requirements around TIMS for restricted areas have shifted in recent seasons. We confirm the current requirement directly with the Nepal Tourism Board before your trip. If it applies at the time of your booking, we include it in your permit package.
- Can we do the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in winter?
Yes, though we vet each winter booking individually. Tsum Valley itself stays open year-round, since it does not involve a high pass. Larkya La can see heavy snow accumulation between December and February, though. We occasionally shorten the itinerary to Tsum Valley only if pass conditions look unsaffe.
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