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Manaslu Circuit Trek With Tsum Valley
Overview
Beyond Adventure
- The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek represents the pinnacle of Himalayan exploration, weaving together a rugged high-altitude adventure with a deeply spiritual pilgrimage into a land that time seems to have forgotten. This expedition is unique because it takes you into the "Hidden Valley of Happiness," known as Tsum, which remained entirely closed to the outside world until 2008. The journey begins in the subtropical lowlands of the Gorkha district, where the trail follows the relentless flow of the Budhi Gandaki River through deep, narrow gorges and lush forests of pine and rhododendron. As you trek deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation, shifting from emerald green valleys to the stark, windswept plateaus that define the trans-Himalayan desert.The Tsum Valley portion of the trek is often described as a "Beyul"—a sacred hidden land blessed by the 8th-century master Padmasambhava. Here, the local Tsumba people live by a centuries-old code of non-violence known as Shagya, which strictly prohibits the hunting or slaughter of any living creature. This profound commitment to peace has turned the valley into a natural sanctuary where rare wildlife like the Himalayan Blue Sheep and the elusive Snow Leopard thrive alongside human settlements. Walking through Tsum, you encounter ancient stone-built villages such as Chhokangparo and Nile, where life revolves around the rhythms of the earth and the chants of Buddhist monasteries. The spiritual anchors of the valley are the Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, which house priceless relics, golden statues, and intricate frescoes that have survived for hundreds of years.One of the most moving experiences in Tsum is visiting Piren Phu, also known as Milarepa’s Cave, where the legendary Tibetan saint is believed to have meditated in the 11th century. The air in these upper reaches is thin and pure, carrying the scent of juniper incense and the sound of fluttering prayer flags. After absorbing the quiet serenity of Tsum, the trek rejoins the main Manaslu circuit, shifting the focus toward a monumental physical challenge. The trail leads you through the high-altitude settlements of Samagaon and Samdo, where the massive wall of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world, dominates the northern horizon.The climax of the journey is the formidable crossing of the Larke La Pass at an elevation of 5,106 meters. This section requires immense physical grit and mental resilience as you navigate icy moraines and steep ridges in the early morning light. Reaching the summit of the pass rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the distant peaks of the Annapurna range. The subsequent descent into the alpine meadows of Bimthang marks the final transition of the trek, leading you back into the warmth of the lower forests. By the time you reach the end of the trail, you have not just completed a trek, but have traversed a living museum of Tibetan culture and experienced one of the most untouched wilderness areas left on our planet.
- Major AttractionsMu Gompa & Rachen Gompa: The highest and most sacred monasteries in Tsum Valley, housing ancient artifacts and murals.Milarepa’s Cave: A thousand-year-old meditation site of the legendary Tibetan saint Milarepa.Larke La Pass 5,106m: A challenging and iconic high-altitude pass offering panoramic views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.Shagya Culture: Witness a unique way of life where animal slaughter is forbidden and ancient traditions are preserved.Birendra Tal & Glacial Lakes: Pristine turquoise lakes located at the foot of the Manaslu glacier.
Duration: 19 days,18 nights
Best Period: September to November and March to May
Region: Gorkha, Manang
Trek Difficulty: Hard
Max Altitude: 5135m
Trek distance: 176 km
Food: Local and international cuisine-
Stay: Teahouses and camping
Railway Head: Dharapani or Besisahar
Eligibility
WHO CAN JOIN
Age Requirement
Minimum Age 16 Years
Experience Recommended for trekkers who have previously done a trek above 4,500m.
Fitness Exceptional cardiovascular health and mental toughness are required for this 22-day journey.
Fitness Criteria
1. The trekker should be able to cover 5 km in 30 minutes or 10 km in 70 minutes without stress.
3. If carrying your own gear, you must handle 10–12 kg. For off-load, a 5 kg daypack is required for water, rain gear, and medical essentials.
4. Trekkers should ideally be in the 18.5–28.5 range; those outside this must consult a coordinator due to the strenuous nature of the Larke La pass.
Journey Route
How to Reach
Pick-Up Information
Convenient start point
From your hotel in Kathmandu
Options to Reach
Flexible travel choices
By Road: 8–10 hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Arughat (Private Jeep recommended for comfort).
Return: Trek ends at Dharapani, followed by a Jeep ride to Besisahar and a bus/jeep back to Kathmandu.
A budget-friendly option but takes longer (10-12 hours) and can be very crowded.
Timeline
Journey Itinerary
Day
01
9-hour scenic but bumpy drive along the Budhi Gandaki River.
Day
02
Walk through riverside forests and cross the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
Day
03
Enter the Tsum Valley restricted area and climb through steep rocky trails.
Day
04
A demanding hike through tropical forests to reach the lower Tsum Valley.
Day
05
Ascend to the upper Tsum region with views of Ganesh Himal.
Day
06
Pass ancient Mani walls and visit the sacred Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave).
Day
07
Hike to the largest monastery in the region near the Tibetan border.
Day
08
Descend through the valley and visit Milarepa’s Cave.
Day
09
Return journey through the lower Tsum villages.
Day
10
Rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail and enter the bamboo forests.
Day
11
Cross the Budhi Gandaki river multiple times on high suspension bridges.
Day
12
Dramatic views of Mt. Manaslu and exploration of Ribung Gompa.
Day
13
Walk through yak pastures to the largest village in the region.
Day
14
Optional hike to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp.
Day
15
A short, scenic walk toward the last village before the Tibetan border.
Day
16
Ascend to the Larkya Phedi (base of the pass) for an early night.
Day
17
10-hour day crossing the glacier pass with spectacular 360-degree views.
Day
18
Long descent through rhododendron forests to join the Annapurna Circuit road.
Day
19
9-hour drive via Besisahar to conclude the journey.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Tsum Valley RAP, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area), and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) permits.
- Transport: Private/Local Jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Besisahar back to Kathmandu.
- Stay: Teahouse/Lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Staff: Government-licensed guide and porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
- Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
Excluded
- Visa: Nepal Entry Visa.
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m.
- Personal Bills: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and alcohol/soft drinks.
- Tips: Gratuities for the guide and porters.
Safety Policies
Kids Guidelines
Everything parents need to know to make this trek safe, fun and worry-free for young adventurers.
Recommended for Kids: This trek is not suitable for children under 15 due to the extreme length (3 weeks) and the physical toll of the 5,160m pass.
Technical Risk: The descent from Larkya La involves steep, slippery moraine and loose rocks which are dangerous for small children.
Isolation: Many parts of the Tsum Valley are very remote with no quick access to medical facilities or roads.
Age Recommendation: Only for fit teenagers (16+) who have a proven track record in high-altitude trekking.
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