Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek encapsulates a wide scope of offerings for travelers. Bestowed with the enigmatic beauty of the natural wonders, this trek is fulfilling and challenging at the same time. It circles around the towering massif of Mt.Manaslu (8163m)- the eighth-highest peak in the world traversing through the famous Larkya La Pass (5106 m).
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is the perfect combination of the unique Tsum Valley one of the remote trekking destinations open for travelers only in 2008. Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek can be done as a tea house without Camping arrangements staying at Lodges and tea houses. Untouched Buddhist monasteries, unique local villages, and the trek Circuit of the Mount Manaslu trek over the Larke La Pass are one of the most beautiful trekking holidays in Nepal.
Manaslu Tsum Valley trek highlight:-
- Combination Tsum Valley & Manaslu Circuit over Larke La Pass 5135 meters.
- A superb blend of cultural and natural diversity in untouched Tsum Valley.
- Visit the Oldest Buddhist monastery Mu Gompa, Gompa Lungdang, and Milarepa Cave.
- Breathtaking Himalayan views Trek around Mt. Manaslu over Larke La pass 5106 meters.
- Trek along the river basin of Buddi - Gandaki River (Tributaries of Gandaki River System)
- Enchanting Flora and Fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Immersion in Hindu and Buddhist Culture.
- The high prospect of sight of endangered Species.
- Sparsely Crowded than its well-known Peers.
- Astounding views of glaciers, canyons, raging rivers, and numerous mountains.
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek Route:-
Our trek starts from Barpak up where you will be driven by a vehicle. The trail follows the river basin of Buddi Gandaki River through the small villages of Jagat, Lokpa, Chokhangparo, Nile, and finally Mu Gompa which reveals the astonishing views of the neighboring mountains of the east: Himalchuli, Ganesh, Singri, and others. A whole new mystical world of the deserted valley appears before you upon reaching Mu Gompa.
Old Buddhist Monastery Mu Gumpa is Located in Tsum Valley.
Considered a hidden gem of Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley then follows a series of gorges, lush forest, pine, and rhododendron forest until you reach a steep ridge that leads to Lokpa, which is the gateway to Tsum Valley. As we cross Lokpa, we hike up to Chumling which is popular for its 3 sacred monasteries: Pango Gumba, Mani Dhungyr, and Gurwa Gumba. All of these monasteries are architecturally astounding and portray centuries-old Buddhist artistic magnificence all over. You may opt to observe the prayer procession of the monasteries the following morning as you will be spending the night in Chumling.
The following day shines upon us with an early departure for our next destination Chokkangparo, which is popular for its panoramic views of Mt.Ganesh and Mt.Himalchuli. Chokkangparo is a tranquil village and is considered the largest in Tsum Valley. You will witness variations in the lifestyle of the people as you ascend during the trek. The inhabitants of the region have traditions and lifestyle that is quite similar to Tibetan natives.
The next stretch of the trek follows through the inner Himalayan valley towards the Nile. The topography and spatial distribution of the region now shift, and lush forests turn to rugged high mountain deserts. You will observe rocky mountains with semi-arid vegetation in place of sub-tropical landscapes. On the way to the Nile lies Piren Phu Cave which is a religiously incanted cave in the valley. The trail then ascends uphill through narrow gorges finally reaching Mu Gompa which is the highest point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
The journey doesn't end here as the second section of the trek: Manaslu Circuit is still remaining on your adventure package. We descend down from Mu Gompa following the same trail that we ascend on. We descend to Lokpa and continue the journey northbound to Sama Gaon. The first stop after Lokpa is Deng where you will be spending a night. The following villages of Namrung will leave you spellbound as you ascend toward Mt.Manaslu.
Once you reach Sama Gaun, you have multiple alternatives to doing day hikes to have a picturesque view of the Manaslu vista. You may either opt to hike to Birendra Glacier Lake, Samdo village, Nepal-Tibet Border, Winter shed of Yaks, Pungen monastery, and Manaslu basecamp. All of these destinations are within a day’s reach and will provide an alternative for you instead of staying at the teahouse for your acclimatization at Sama Gaun.
Being a protected area, there have been numerous sightings of mammal species like Leopard and Musk Deer in the higher section of this trail. It has been discovered that this region alone holds over a hundred species of birds and reptiles too. Sightings of golden eagles are common during Autumn and Spring. You might want to pack your filming equipment along on your journey, however, take note that special charges apply for drone filming in the regions. Check our Drone permit requirements in the Nepal section for the subject matter.
The next and the toughest stretch of the trek begins from Sama Gaon. You will pass via Larkya La Pass (5106 m) and begin your descent from there on. You will reach Dharmashala after a day’s trek from Sama Gaon. On your ascent to the past, you will be blessed with various mountain vistas of Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. Larkya La Pass is considered one of the longest passes in the Himalayan belt. As you descend you will traverse through the small Nepalese villages of Bhimathang, Gho, and Dharapani where you will connect the popular Annapurna Circuit Trail. At Dharapani we will meet our transport to Kathmandu.
Local Village in Tsum Valley with Himalayan Views.
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley?
The standard duration of the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley is 24 days (arriving in Nepal to departure from Nepal. Trek itself (real walking days) is 20 days plus 2 days of drive-in and drive-out. Within these 22 days, you will be driven to the starting point of the trek, Barpak, and will be received from the endpoint, Dharapani. Please note that the number of days to finish the trek varies from person to person. If you’re limited by time this same trek can be shortened. Our team of experts at Visit Himalaya Treks is ready to hear you out and tailor make your itinerary fit Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley?
Relative to other major treks in Nepal, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is challenging. It becomes arduous for travelers as they ascend to an altitude above 4000 meters i.e.: above the Nile and Sama Gaon. As trekkers elevate beyond these regions, the oxygen level in the air gets thinner and your pace slows down. You will trek through a semi-arid landscape high in the Himalayas and traverse through one of the most challenging passes in Nepal, Larkya La Pass (5106m) this trek is strenuous and arduous for those with limited or no prior high-altitude trekking. An optimum level of fitness and endurance is required for choosing this trek.
Manaslu region is amongst one of the remotest regions of Nepal. The roads that lead to Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass are narrow, rugged, uneven, and rocky making it harder to walk on. With all, this is a teahouse trek that provides very basic accommodation with limited food options: usually Nepali and Tibetan dishes. Owing to the remoteness of the region, cellular network disruption is common in the villages of the trail.
That being said, our team of professionals is willing to take all these risks into consideration and ensure a safe trek for our clients. We have set aside 2 days for acclimatization so that you can adapt well to the high altitude and travel comfortably. Our guides are professionally trained and provide pre-eminent service.
How much does Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Cost?
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Cost is relative to the hotel you choose for your stay in Kathmandu. The trekking trails have similar kinds of accommodation and are basic. We Offer 25 days Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Cost $1900 per person minimum group size 2 travellers basis for a 25 days package arriving in Nepal to departure from Nepal.
When is the best time to go Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Trek?
Nepal has moderate climatic conditions except for a few months that are muggy and highly humid. Nepal experiences four major weather patterns during the year, namely:
Spring season (March, April, May);
Summer season (Monsoon(June, July and August);
Autumn season (September, October, and November);
Winter season (December, January, and February).
The best time to trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley is during Autumn and Spring when the sky is clear and it is warm. Spring is characterized by the blooming of flora across the Nepalese belt making it lush and filled with colors all across the trekking trails. Autumn season in Nepal is scheduled right after the harsh monsoon which brings heavy rain. During autumn the temperature in the highlands of Nepal is moderate and the places at higher altitudes are relatively warmer during those times.
What accommodation options are available in Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley?
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek traverses through small quaint villages of the Manaslu region. There are permanent settlements of people all across the trail till your final ascending stop of Samagaon. All these villages have tea houses available for your accommodation services. Please note that the tea houses that are available on the trek are very basic with few modern amenities. You will barely find a room with an attached bathroom as you ascend higher from Lokpa. In the higher elevated regions, you will have a common bathroom in the teahouse which will have to be shared with other guests too.
These teahouses along the trail are equipped with basic facilities. Each room in the tea house is provided with at least 2 twin beds. These beds have foam pads, pillows,s, and blankets. You can always ask for an extra pillow or blanket for your guide if the provided one is warm or comfortable enough. We advise you to rent a sleeping bag while in Kathmandu or bring your own in case it gets colder during the night.
Every teahouse is set up with Bukhara Stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit) which is lit every night to keep the teahouse warm. It is usually put up in the dining room of the teahouse. Most teahouses will have power outlets which will be powered by solar panels which may be used for charging your electrical appliances ( Camera, Cellphones)
Food availability along the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions of Nepal.
During the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, since you’ll be staying in a teahouse, the food options provided will be limited. These regions in higher elevations don't have road access and every single thing that is used will be carried on the back of a mule or flown by a helicopter. There are very limited food options to choose from during your trek. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Some Nepali versions of Western food such as pie, pasta, and French fries are also available but depends on the tea house you’re staying at. Soft drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trailside restaurants. And of course, Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.
Do you need a guide for Trekking to Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley?
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek passes through various sections of the Manaslu Conservation Area (Jagat to Bhimathang) which has been declared a restricted area by the Government of Nepal. A government-registered guide is mandatory for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. We Visit Himalaya treks Provide an experience, friendly to the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek.
Mount Manaslu and Buddhist Monastery view Trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary;
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 meters).
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Barpak village (1915 meters).
Day 04: Trek to Laprak (2100 meters).
Day 05: Trek to Khorla Besi (970 meters).
Day 06: Trek to Jagat. (1120 meters)
Day 07: Trek to Lokpa. (2240 meters)
Day 08: Trek to Chumling. (2368 meters)
Day 09: Trek to Chhokangparo. (3010 meters)
Day 10: Trek to Mu Gompa. (3700 meters)
Day 11: Trek to Chhokangparo. (3010 meters)
Day 12: Trek to Gomba Lungdang. (3200 meters)
Day 13: Trek to Lokpa. (2240 meters)
Day 14: Trek to Deng. (1860 meters)
Day 15: Trek to Namrung. (2630 meters)
Day 16: Trek to Lho. (3180 meters)
Day 17: Trek to Sama Gaon. (3525 meters)
Day 18: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon.
Day 19: Trek to Samdo. (3860 meters)
Day 20: Acclimatization Day at Samdo.
Day 21: Trek to Dharmasala. (4460 meters)
Day 22: Cross Larke La (5106 meters) and trek to Bhimthang. (3610 meters)
Day 23: Trek to Dharapani (1960 meters)
Day 24: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
Day 25: Departure.
What permits are required for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley?
Beyond everything, please take note that you require 4 different permits planning to go there) before embarking on Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The stretch between Jagat and Dharapani in the trek has been secluded as a restricted area by the Nepal Government where you will require Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for access. Owing to this, independent trekkers are not allowed in the Manaslu region. The government further mandates that there need to be at least two trekkers in a group accompanied by a local guide. The Manaslu RAP is only issued if it has been applied through a registered agency.
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Information (RAP)
For your stretch between Jagat and Samagaun (the Ascent section of the trek), the Manaslu Restricted Area permit is paramount. Once you pass through Samagaun, an ACAP permit is required for access to the Larkya La Pass and the following villages up until Dharapani. The cost of Manaslu RAP is on a daily basis, implying that, the longer your stay between this section, the more you’ll have to pay for the permit. The final checkpoint of MRAP is in Samagaun.
Cost for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit:
November to September:
For the first 7 days: USD 100 per person
From the 8th day onward: USD 15 per person per day
December to August:
For the first 7 days: USD 75 per person
From the 8th day onward: USD 10 per person per day
Note: Physical Copy of your photograph is not necessary for Manaslu RAP. Your permit will be sent online and so will your photograph.
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Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
Since the trek pierces through the Conservation area of Manaslu from the village of Philim, you are required to pay a standard one-time permit fee of USD 30 for access. However, it required you to have a physical copy of your photograph for the MCAP Permit.
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Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
During your descent from Larkya La Pass, you will enter another conservation area: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Analogous to the MCAP permit, access to ACAP requires you to pay a one-time permit charge of USD 30 and a physical copy of your photograph.
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Tsum Valley Restricted areas entry Permit cost:-
A separate permit needs to be acquired to visit Tsum Valley prior to your departure. It costs :
September to November:
For the first 7 days: USD 40 per person
From the 8th day onward: USD 7 per person
December to August:
For the first 7 days: USD 30 per person
From the 8th day onward: USD 7 per person
On a side note, TIMS (Trekkers Management Information System) card is not required if you already have your MRAP, ACAP, and MCAP permit and are willing to return from Besisahar. However, if you wish to extend your trek and head for Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is paramount to get a TIMS card.
List of gears required for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
- A pair of light hiking boots
- A pair of sandals
- 2 pairs of woolen socks and 2 pair of hiking socks
- 1 medium poly pro shirt
- 1 pile jacket
- 1 down jacket
- 1 woolen hat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A pair of glove shells with liner or ski gloves (opt.)
- A pair of woolen gloves
- One Trekking pack 3000 cubic inches capacity
- One Sunscreen lotion SPF 10 to 30 and One Sunscreen stick SPF 10 to 30
- Two Reading books (Optional)
- A one-liter water bottle
- A pair of trekking poles
- One flashlight
- -5 to -20c sleeping bag
- Two T-shirts and one long sleeve T/city shirt
- Two Trekking baggy pants.
How to Communicate during the Trek?
Most of the teahouses in the lower stretch of Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley will be well equipped with uninterrupted internet service and cellular networks. You can ask for the password of wifi if be available at your lunch stop or your overnight stop. Our team at visit Himalaya will always be in connection with your guide in order to confirm everything is in place.
Owing to the remoteness of the region, there are several disruptions of cellular networks and power connections in the Manaslu region. While some teahouses may have satellite networks, they are relatively expensive and are out of service most of the time. You can always ask your guide for assistance if there is anything that needs to be communicated and he/she will arrange for the rest.
