Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek – 21 Days hero image
Manaslu Region, Nepal • Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek – 21 Days

Discover the hidden Tsum Valley and the classic Manaslu Circuit. Walk through dramatic gorges, visit ancient monasteries, and cross the high Larkya La Pass for an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

21 DaysStrenuousManaslu Region, Nepal

Key Information

Duration
21 Days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Start Point
Kathmandu
Group Size
2–12 (Solo trekking not permitted)
Max Altitude
5,106m (Larkya La Pass)
Activity
High-Altitude Trekking & Cultural Tour

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek combines the remote Tsum Valley with the classic circuit around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). This 21-day journey offers pristine natural beauty, deep Tibetan Buddhist culture, and high-adventure trekking away from crowded trails.

The trek begins with a scenic drive to the trailhead, then ventures into the sacred Tsum Valley to explore ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa, surrounded by Ganesh Himal. After cultural immersion, you rejoin the main circuit, passing through high villages like Sama Gaun and Samdo.

The climax is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m) with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Multiple acclimatization days ensure a safe and successful journey through one of Nepal's most spectacular regions.

Highlights of This Trek

  • Explore the hidden Tsum Valley, a sacred Buddhist enclave with ancient monasteries and mani walls.
  • Trek around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world's 8th highest peak, with continuous mountain views.
  • Cross the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106m) for 360° panoramic Himalayan views.
  • Immerse in Tibetan Buddhist culture in villages like Sama Gaun and Samdo, and visit Mu Gompa.
  • Trek through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and glacial moraines.
  • Experience remote, restricted trails offering solitude, pristine nature, and authentic cultural encounters.

Why Choose the 21-Day Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek?

This combined trek is the ultimate choice for experienced trekkers seeking a comprehensive Himalayan adventure. The inclusion of the Tsum Valley adds a profound cultural dimension that few treks can match.

The 21-day duration allows for a safe ascent with essential acclimatization stops in Sama Gaun and Upper Tsum Valley, preparing you for the demanding Larkya La Pass. The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare snow leopards and musk deer.

Crossing Larkya La is the highlight, but the journey through Tsum Valley with its monasteries and warm Numbri people makes this trek truly unforgettable.

Highlights of Why Choose the 21-Day Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek?

  • Explore both Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit in one comprehensive journey.
  • Deep cultural immersion in Tibetan Buddhism, visiting ancient monasteries.
  • Well-paced itinerary with multiple acclimatization days for a safe pass crossing.
  • Trek through a pristine, restricted area with far fewer trekkers.

Fitness & Preparation

This strenuous trek is for experienced trekkers with excellent fitness. You'll trek 4–7 hours daily over 160–170 km of rugged terrain, with the longest day (Larkya La) taking 8–10 hours at high altitude.

Start training 3–4 months prior with long hikes, cardio, and strength training. Prior high-altitude experience is highly recommended.

Our guides monitor your health daily and set a safe pace. Success depends on listening to your body and communicating openly.

Highlights of Fitness & Preparation

  • Train for 3-4 months with long hikes, cardio, and strength work.
  • Prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
  • Pack four-season gear and a sleeping bag rated to -15°C or lower.

Trek Highlights

Discover the unforgettable experiences that make this journey extraordinary

Sacred Tsum Valley

Explore a restricted Buddhist enclave with ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa
mani walls
and traditional villages.

Larkya La Pass (5,106m)

Cross one of Nepal's highest passes with 360° views of Himlung Himal
Cheo Himal
Kang Guru
and Annapurna II.

Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)

Trek around the world's eighth-highest peak
experiencing its grandeur from all sides.

Ancient Monasteries

Visit Ribung Gompa
Pungyen Gompa
and Mu Gompa
experiencing living Buddhist traditions.

Diverse Landscapes

Trek from subtropical forests to alpine meadows
yak pastures
and glacial moraines.

Remote Trails

Experience true wilderness on less-crowded
restricted trails with pristine nature and authentic culture.

Cost Details

Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Includes

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle)

  • 3 nights' 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast

  • All ground transport: Kathmandu–Machha Khola & Besisahar–Kathmandu

  • All permits: Manaslu RAP, Tsum Valley RAP, MCAP, ACAP, local fee

  • Licensed English-speaking guide

  • Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)

  • Guide and porter wages, meals, insurance

  • All teahouse accommodation during trek

  • Three meals daily on trek (B/L/D)

  • First-aid kit and pulse oximeter

  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (loan)

  • All taxes and service charges

Full Value Package

Excludes

  • Nepal visa fee

  • International airfare

  • Travel insurance (mandatory, cover up to 5,600m with evacuation)

  • Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu (except welcome dinner)

  • Personal expenses: hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, drinks, snacks

  • Extra nights in Kathmandu

  • Tips for guides and porters

  • Personal trekking gear

Additional services might be available upon request

Itinerary

21 days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you can rest or explore. In the evening, attend a trek briefing with your guide and complete a gear check.

Accommodation

3-Star Hotel (Kathmandu)

Altitude

1,400m

Duration

Distance

Meals

Welcome drink

Location

Kathmandu

After breakfast, visit Kathmandu's UNESCO sites: Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square. In the evening, enjoy a Nepali cultural dinner with your guide and trek briefing.

Accommodation

3-Star Hotel (Kathmandu)

Altitude

1,400m

Duration

4–5 hrs (tour)

Distance

Meals

Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Location

Kathmandu

Early morning drive to Machha Khola via Arughat, following the Budi Gandaki River through beautiful rural landscapes. Overnight in a teahouse.

Accommodation

Tea House (Machha Khola)

Altitude

870m

Duration

8–9 hrs (drive)

Distance

~140 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Machha Khola

Trek along the Budi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Khorlabeshi. Views of waterfalls and lush hills. Stop at Tatopani hot springs. Arrive at Jagat, a traditional stone village and permit checkpoint.

Accommodation

Tea House (Jagat)

Altitude

1,340m

Duration

6–7 hrs

Distance

~14 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Jagat

Trail follows the river through narrow valleys, crossing suspension bridges. Pass Sirdibas and Phillim (permit checkpoint). Encounter chortens and mani walls. Lokpa is the gateway to Tsum Valley, with abundant birdlife.

Accommodation

Tea House (Lokpa)

Altitude

2,240m

Duration

6–7 hrs

Distance

~12 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Lokpa

Enter Tsum Valley, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. Tibetan-style houses, mani walls, and prayer flags appear. Views of Ganesh Himal. Chumling is a traditional village, gateway to lower Tsum.

Accommodation

Tea House (Chumling)

Altitude

2,386m

Duration

5–6 hrs

Distance

~10 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Chumling

Valley opens with cultivated fields and stone villages. Monasteries line the trail. Views of Ganesh and Sringi Himal. Chhokang Paro is a large village with a monastery and administrative center.

Accommodation

Tea House (Chhokang Paro)

Altitude

3,031m

Duration

5–6 hrs

Distance

~10 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Chhokang Paro

Ascend into alpine terrain, passing Nile and Phurbe. Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in Tsum Valley, offers panoramic mountain views and deep Buddhist culture.

Accommodation

Tea House (Mu Gompa)

Altitude

3,700m

Duration

5–6 hrs

Distance

~10 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Mu Gompa

Rest day with optional hikes to nearby viewpoints and monasteries. Spot blue sheep and birds. Acclimatize and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

Accommodation

Tea House (Mu Gompa)

Altitude

3,700m

Duration

3–4 hrs (optional hike)

Distance

Optional

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Mu Gompa

Descend through forests and villages, retracing your steps. Warmer temperatures and lush vegetation contrast with the upper valley. Reflect on the unique cultural experiences.

Accommodation

Tea House (Chumling)

Altitude

2,386m

Duration

6–7 hrs

Distance

~12 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Chumling

Rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail, following the Budi Gandaki through dramatic gorges and pine forests. Deng is a small settlement in a forested area.

Accommodation

Tea House (Deng)

Altitude

1,860m

Duration

6–7 hrs

Distance

~12 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Deng

Ascend through pine and rhododendron forests. Pass Rana and Bihi Phedi. Tibetan Buddhist influence intensifies. From Namrung, first clear views of Mt. Manaslu appear.

Accommodation

Tea House (Namrung)

Altitude

2,630m

Duration

6–7 hrs

Distance

~12 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Namrung

Open alpine valleys with yak pastures, mani walls, and stone houses. Pass Lho Gaun with stunning views of Manaslu's south face. Sama Gaun is a cultural hub with Ribung Gompa.

Accommodation

Tea House (Sama Gaun)

Altitude

3,520m

Duration

5–6 hrs

Distance

~10 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Sama Gaun

Hike to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake for acclimatization. Cross alpine meadows and glacial terrain with close-up views of Manaslu's North Face and surrounding peaks.

Accommodation

Tea House (Sama Gaun)

Altitude

4,800m (Manaslu Base Camp)

Duration

5–6 hrs

Distance

~10 km round trip

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Sama Gaun

Follow an open alpine valley with minimal vegetation. Samdo, near the Tibetan border, reflects strong Tibetan cultural influence and was a historic trading post.

Accommodation

Tea House (Samdo)

Altitude

3,860m

Duration

4–5 hrs

Distance

~7 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Samdo

Steady climb over rocky terrain and moraines to the base of the pass. Dharamsala is a basic lodge. Rest and prepare for the challenging day ahead.

Accommodation

Tea House (Dharamsala)

Altitude

4,460m

Duration

4–5 hrs

Distance

~5 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Dharamsala

Start early, ascend to Larkya La at sunrise for 360° views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Then descend steeply to Bimthang, a glacial valley.

Accommodation

Tea House (Bimthang)

Altitude

5,106m (Larkya La)

Duration

8–10 hrs

Distance

~14 km

Meals

B/L/D (packed lunch)

Location

Larkya La Pass

Descend through glacial valleys and pine forests, passing Gho and Karche. Notice the shift to Gurung and Magar villages. Tilije is a charming village on a hillside.

Accommodation

Tea House (Tilije)

Altitude

2,300m

Duration

6–7 hrs

Distance

~12 km

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Tilije

Final trekking day through farmland to Dharapani, joining the Annapurna Circuit trail. Drive to Besisahar for overnight stay.

Accommodation

Basic Hotel (Besisahar)

Altitude

1,860m (Dharapani)

Duration

4–5 hrs trek / 3-4 hrs drive

Distance

~8 km trek

Meals

B/L/D

Location

Dharapani

Drive back to Kathmandu (6–7 hours) with scenic views of hills and rivers. Transfer to your hotel. Free evening for rest or souvenir shopping.

Accommodation

3-Star Hotel (Kathmandu)

Altitude

1,400m

Duration

6–7 hrs (drive)

Distance

~170 km

Meals

Breakfast

Location

Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. If your flight is the following day, we can arrange extra accommodation.

Accommodation

Altitude

1,400m

Duration

Distance

Meals

Breakfast

Location

Kathmandu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers grouped by topic for your convenience.

Additional Info

Accommodation Standard

In Kathmandu: 3-star hotel in Thamel with breakfast. During trek: basic teahouses with twin-sharing rooms and shared bathrooms. Hot showers and Wi-Fi may cost extra. At higher altitudes, facilities are very basic.

A warm sleeping bag (-15°C) is essential. Power banks are recommended as charging may be limited.

  • Sleeping bag rated to -15°C or lower is essential.
  • Earplugs can help with shared accommodation.
  • Power banks (20,000mAh+) are crucial.

Meals on the Trek

All meals (B/L/D) are included. Teahouses serve Dal Bhat, noodle soups, momos, and pasta. Dal Bhat is the trekker's staple for energy. At higher altitudes, menu options are limited but warm.

Bring your own snacks like energy bars and nuts. Water purification tablets are recommended.

  • Eat warm, cooked meals; avoid raw salads.
  • Use water purification tablets or SteriPen.
  • Drink 3-4 liters of water/tea daily.

Permits Required

We arrange all permits: Manaslu RAP, Tsum Valley RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and local municipality fee (NPR 1,000). Bring 4–6 passport photos and passport copy.

Solo trekking is not permitted; you must be in a group with a licensed guide.

  • Bring 4–6 passport photos and a passport copy.
  • Solo trekking prohibited.
  • Carry cash in NPR for local fee and donations.

Packing List (Essentials)

Clothing: thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell, trekking pants, warm hat, gloves. Footwear: sturdy waterproof boots, camp shoes. Gear: 50-65L duffel, 20-30L daypack, sleeping bag (-15°C), trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, water bottles, purification tablets.

Toiletries: sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, first-aid kit (including Diamox). Extras: power bank, camera, universal adapter.

  • Duffel for porter ≤ 10–12 kg.
  • Use dry bags for organization.
  • Keep valuables in daypack.

Weather & Best Time to Trek

Spring (Mar–May): moderate temps, blooming rhododendrons. Autumn (Sep–Nov): clearest skies, stable weather, ideal for Larkya La.

Winter (Dec–Feb) is very cold; monsoon (Jun–Aug) brings rain and leeches—not recommended.

  • Layering is key.
  • Be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Health & Wellness Tips

Walk slowly, drink plenty, eat well. Communicate any symptoms to your guide. Avoid alcohol. Listen to your body.

  • No alcohol or tobacco.
  • Report any illness immediately.

No gallery images available

Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek Elevation Profile

Gradual ascent into Tsum Valley, return to main circuit, and climb to Larkya La (5,106m).

Max Altitude
5,106m
Day 17
Total Ascent
6,076m
10 days
Total Descent
6,076m
6 days
Avg Altitude
2,687m
17 days
D1D3D4D5D6D7D8D11D12D13D15D16D175,106mPeakD17D18D19D200m1,000m2,000m3,000m4,000m5,000m6,000mTrek DaysElevation (meters)

Cost and Date

Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek – 21 Days set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the departure dates don't fit your schedule, we can arrange alternative dates that better suit your needs.

Start Date
3 Apr 2026
End Date
24 Apr 2026
Guaranteed
Price from US$2,490
per person for groups
Start Date
17 Apr 2026
End Date
8 May 2026
Available
Price from US$2,490
per person for groups
Start Date
2 Apr 2027
End Date
23 Apr 2027
Guaranteed
Price from US$2,590
per person for groups
Start Date
16 Apr 2027
End Date
7 May 2027
Available
Price from US$2,590
per person for groups

Trek Route Map

Kathmandu to Kathmandu via 15 stops — free OpenStreetMap, no API key required.

  • Start: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & Transfer to Hotel
  • Stop: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870m) – 8-9 Hours
  • Stop: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
  • Stop: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m)
  • Stop: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m)
  • Stop: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m)
  • Stop: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
  • Stop: Trek from Mu Gompa to Chumling (2,386m)
  • Stop: Trek from Chumling to Deng (1,860m)
  • Stop: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
  • Stop: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaun (3,520m)
  • Stop: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,860m)
  • Stop: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
  • Stop: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) & Trek to Bimthang (3,720m)
  • Stop: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
  • Stop: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,860m) & Drive to Besisahar (760m)
  • End: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO

Similar Treks You Might Like

Discover more amazing treks in Manaslu Region

Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 DaysTOP CHOICE
14 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days

$1,099per person
View Details
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 DaysCLASSIC CIRCUIT
15 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 Days

$1,490per person
View Details
Khopra Danda Trek – 10 DaysOFF THE BEATEN PATH
10 Days

Khopra Danda Trek – 10 Days

$895per person
View Details

From

$2350.00