Overview of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a combination trekking route in the remote village of Nepal, known for its untouched natural beauty, authentic adventure, and the chance to experience the unique lifestyle, culture, and religion of the local people. The trail features ancient monasteries and breathtaking snow-capped peaks like Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), and more.
The journey begins with a visit to the remote Tsum Valley near the Tibet border, then continues along the Manaslu Circuit, crossing the high Larke Pass (5,106m) and ending in Dharapani, part of the Annapurna Circuit. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River up to the pass and descends along the Marshyangdi River.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers a deep exploration of traditional lifestyles and hidden Buddhist culture, with visits to sacred sites like monasteries, stupas, chortens, mani walls, and prayer wheels. Notable monasteries include Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Lho Gompa, home to both male and female monastics. The trek also features stunning views of Mt. Manaslu (8,167 m), the world’s 8th highest peak, along with many other majestic mountains. It’s a true blend of wilderness and authentic adventure.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat along Soti Khola till Machhikhola, followed by a beautiful trek along the Budhi Gandaki River. This up to 17-day adventure offers a perfect itinerary at a reasonable cost, with full-board packages and top-quality services. The route is fully supported by teahouse accommodations, making the journey comfortable and immersive.
This trek is rich in cultural and natural diversity. You'll explore remote villages, observe traditional farming, and visit significant Buddhist sites such as Rachen Gompa (a female monastery), Mu Gompa, Gumbalumda Monastery in Tsum Valley, and Lho and Samagaun Monasteries in the Manaslu region. You'll also find sacred caves, including the famous Milarepa Cave.
The landscape ranges from terraced farmlands to alpine wilderness, home to yaks, goats, sheep, and cattle. Locals cultivate crops like barley, wheat, buckwheat, potatoes, and various vegetables. Along the way, you'll witness breathtaking mountain views, including Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's 8th highest peak, and the stunning Ganesh Himal range.
Lifestyle, culture, and religion in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The region is home to a mix of ethnic groups, mainly Lama, Gurung, and others, each with their own unique culture, language, traditions, and festivals. The mountain communities are deeply religious, following Buddhism, and nearly every village has its own monastery. Most locals are farmers, growing a variety of crops and vegetables suited to the high-altitude terrain.
How about lodging and fooding on the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
The Manaslu Tsum Valley area offers well-managed lodges with clean rooms and comfortable beds. Locals are primarily farmers, growing a variety of organic crops and vegetables. Guests are warmly welcomed with hygienic, home-cooked meals made from fresh local ingredients, reflecting the area's warm hospitality.
Route of Manaslu Tsum Trekking
First visit to Tsum Valley
The route to Tsum Valley is long: Arughat Bazaar 600m, Sotikhola 700m, Machhikhola 870m, Jagat 1340m, Philim 1570m, Chumling 2385m, Chekampark 3030m, Rachen Gompa 3250m, Nile 3360m, and Mu Gompa 3700m.
Route of Manalsu Circuit Trek
After visiting Tsum Valley, the trek continues along the Manaslu Circuit route along Deng (1860 m), Namrung (2630 m), Lho Monastery (3180 m), Samagaon (3520 m), Samdo (3875 m), Dharamshala (4460 m), Larkya Pass (5160 m), Bimtang (3590 m), Goa (2515 m), Tilje (2300 m), Dharapani (1963 m), Besisahar (760 m), and return to Kathmandu.
Cost of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek costs US$ 1200 per person and offers excellent services with a full-board package (based on a minimum of two people). For solo travelers, the cost may be slightly higher. If you're part of a larger group, the price can be reduced accordingly For more details or customized options, please feel free to contact us.
The above-mentioned cost is for a full board package for 17 days of trekking. If you need a hotel booking in Kathmandu, we can book it; the cost would be extra. And you should plan a few extra days for your arrival and departure in Kathmandu. 2 or 3 days extended would be perfect. We can book your hotel in any category in Kathmandu; feel free. Thank you!
How about transportation on the Manaslu Trek?
You need to use vehicle transactions before starting your trek and after ending your trek according to the following.
- Airport pickups and drop-offs are private vehicle.
- Kathmandu to Arughat along Sotikhola till Machhikhola by local bus or private jeep for your comfort.
- After ending your trek, travel from Tilje to Besisahar by local jeep.
- Besisahar to Kathmandu by comfortable bus or private vehicle.
- We arrange according to your required private or public vehicle.
Attractions Mountain View from Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
There are many crystal-clear, white snow peaks in the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
- Mt. Manaslu: 8163m / 26782ft.
- GanesHimal: 7422m / 24350ft.
- Shringi Himal 7161m / 23495ft.
- Himalchuli 7893m / 25895ft.
- Nadichuli (Peak 29) 7871m / 25824ft.
- BuddhHimal: 6772m / 22218ft.
- Annapurna-II 7937m / 26040ft.
- Himlung: 7126m / 23380ft.
- Larke Peak: 6249m / 20502ft.
- LamjunHimal: 6983m / 22910ft.
How about lakes and rivers views in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek features two major rivers and two beautiful lakes. The trail first follows the Budhi Gandaki River, and after crossing the Larke La Pass, it continues along the Marshyangdi River. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning glacial lakes like Birendra Lake and Ponkar Lake, as well as the impressive Manaslu Glacier.
Do We Need Any Entry Permits for Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek?
To trek in the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions, you’ll need several permits, including the Manaslu Special Permit, Tsum Valley Special Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). A minimum of two trekkers is required to obtain the special permits. They required an issue permit from a government-authorized trekking company and a mandatory licensed trekking guide.
At Unique Nepal Adventure, we take care of all the necessary permits for you. To process them, we’ll need a copy of your original passport and a few passport-size photos. Our experienced guide will carry all permits during the trek and present them at each checkpoint. After completing the trek successfully, we also offer a small souvenir as a token of your journey with us.
- Manaslu Special Permit – US$ 75 to 100 according to season.
- Tsum Valley Special Permit – US$ 30 to 40
- MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) – Nrs. 3000/-
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Project)—Nrs. 3000/-
- TIMS (Trekking Information System)—Nrs. 2000/-
Best Time to Visit Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers an authentic adventure, featuring high passes and the opportunity to explore local culture, traditions, and religion. The best times to trek are during autumn and spring, when the weather is clear, with crystal-clear views and comfortable temperatures.
Autumn Season (September to November): Ideal weather with clear views and mild temperatures.
Winter Season (December to February): Snowy and cold, with most lodges closed and fewer trekkers. Not recommended for trekking.
Spring Season (March to May): Excellent weather, perfect for trekking with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Monsoon Season (June to August): Rainy, cloudy, and with poor visibility. Trekking is possible but not ideal.
Avoid trekking in January and February due to heavy snow and closed lodges in the region.
Carry your important medicine
Medicine is very important; if you have any disease, you must carry the medicine with you. That “prevention is better than cure” mountain region we can’t find any healthcare, clinic, or hospital. If there is clinic, you may get medicine according to your problem So, humbly request, please prepare if you are continually taking any medicine. It is very important, but our company will provide something first aid kit bag normally for a headache, fever, stomach problem as diarrhea, cough & cold some bandages, and Diamox for high altitude sickness, etc.
