Mansalu Circut Trek with Tsum Valley

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Trip Information
  • Trip Duration 22 days
  • Trip Grade 3A challenging
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 5,106m
  • Start/End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Trip Type Trekking and Hiking
  • Transport Jeep/ Flight/Car
  • Best Season Spring (March to May) & Autumn

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a remote and breathtaking Himalayan journey that takes trekkers deep into the culturally rich and geographically diverse regions of northern Nepal. This trek blends two spectacular routes - the Manaslu Circuit, which encircles the world's eighth-highest peak (Mt. Manaslu, 8,163m), and the Tsum Valley, a secluded Himalayan valley known for its ancient Buddhist traditions and untouched landscapes.

Starting from the lowlands near Soti Khola, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more alpine, and the culture transitions to Tibetan Buddhist influence, particularly upon entering Tsum Valley a sacred hidden valley that was closed to outsiders until 2008. Returning to the main Manaslu trail, you continue to Samagaun and Samdo, with increasingly close views of towering snow peaks, glaciers, and glacial lakes.

The trek’s high point is crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160m) a challenging but spectacular crossing with views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The descent through alpine forests and rhododendron-filled valleys ends near Dharapani, where you can connect to the Annapurna region.

Major Highlights

    Tsum Valley:

    • Culturally Tibetan, ancient monasteries, little-developed and peaceful.
    • Remote villages like Chhokangparo and Nile, with traditional stone houses and ancient customs.

    Manaslu Views:

    • Towering peaks including Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo, and Ganesh Himal.
    • The 8th highest mountain in the world.
    • Stunning views from Samagaun, Larkya Phedi, and Larkya La Pass.

    Larkya La Pass:

    • A scenic and challenging high mountain pass
    • One of the most dramatic high passes in Nepal.
    • Panoramic views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and Manaslu.

    Rich Biodiversity;

    • Manaslu Conservation Area is home to red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and rare bird species.
    • Lush forests of pine, rhododendron, and bamboo, transitioning to alpine landscapes.
    •  Blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and possibly snow leopards

    Cultural Immersion:

    • Tibetan Buddhist culture, prayer wheels, mani walls, and monasteries

     

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m), transfer to hotel

Day 02: Trek orientation 

Day 03: Kathmandu to Machha Khola by Jeep or Bus -7hours and stay overnight.

Day 04: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m) – 7hours

Day 05: Trek from Jagat to lokpa (2,240m) – 6 to 7 hours

Day 06: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,400m)– 5hours

Day 07: Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo (3,620m)- 5 to 6 hours

Day 08: Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile and stay overnight (3,361m) – 5hours

Day 09: Hike from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m)- explore the gompa and back to Chhokangparo – 7 hours

Day 10: Trek from Chhaoangparo to Chumling (2,400m) – 7 hours

Day 11: Trek from Chumling to Lokpa (2,240m) – 6 hours

Day 12: Trek from Lokoa to Deng (1,860m) – 5 hours

Day 13: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m) - 7 hours

Day 14: Trek from Namrung to Shyala (3,500m) – 4 to 5 hours

Day 15: Rest day hike to Pongen Gompa (4030m) – 5 hours and back to Shyala

Day 16: Trek from Shyala to Samagaon (3,420m) – 4 hours

Day 17: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m) - 4 hours

Day 18: Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi (Dharmasala) (4,460m) – 4 to 5 hours

Day 19: Early in the morning Larkha la pass (5,106m) – 4 hours and Bhimthang – 5 hours

Day 20: Trek from Bhimthang to Gho (2,515m) – 6 hours

Day 21: Trek from Gho to Tilche -2 hrs and drive to Besisahar (760m) vie  Dharapani (1.963m) – 6hours

Day 22: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 7 to 8 hours

Day 23: Departure 

 

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Trip Map
What's Included
    • All standard Meals during the treks (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) including one hot drinks and seasonal fruits.
    • Standard twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost).
    • Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek in Manaslu region
    • Permits for Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP), Tsum Valley Restricted Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP).  
    • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff.
    • Experience first aids trained, Government Licensed English speaking Trekking guide.
    • Porter during the treks (1 porter for every 2 clients).
    • 1 Cool Trekking duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter) and trip completion certificate
    • Government taxes & office service charge.
What's not Included
    • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
    • Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu hotel.
    • Expenses incurred towards usage of landline phone, mobiles, walkie-talkies, satellite phones and internet.
    • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa).
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    • Personal Trekking gear and equipment and personal medical kit
    • Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Useful Information

Essential Gear

  • Warm clothing (layered), down jacket, sleeping bag (–10°C comfort)
  • Hard shell jacket for the rain and snow.
  • Good trekking boots, poles, sunscreen, personal first aid kit
  • Headlamp, power bank/solar charger
  • Water purification tablets
  • Dry fruits and Bar, Chocolate

Best Time to Trek

  • Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, good visibility
  • Autumn (late September to November): Stable weather, best mountain views, popular season

Avoid monsoon (June–August) due to landslides, and winter (Dec–Feb) due to snow blocking high passes.

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