Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek combines two of the most rewarding restricted-area treks in Nepal in one 22-day journey. Walk up the Budhi Gandaki gorge and turn into the Tsum Valley, a hidden Buddhist valley close to Tibet, to visit Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa (about 3,700 m). Then return to the Manaslu trail through the Tibetan-influenced villages of Nubri, acclimatise at Samagaon beneath Manaslu (8,163 m), and cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang and Dharapani.
Graded strenuous, it suits fit trekkers who want remote valleys, monasteries and a high pass. Restricted area permits, MCAP and ACAP, a licensed guide, porters, teahouses and homestays, meals on the trek and transport are included. Solo trekkers are welcome; restricted area permits have been available to individuals since March 2026.
Trip highlights
- Hidden Tsum Valley, Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa
- Tibetan-influenced Nubri villages of Lho and Samagaon
- Views of Manaslu (8,163 m)
- Crossing Larkya La (5,106 m)
- Quiet, remote trails in a restricted area
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Drive to Machha Khola (930 m) 930 m
- Day 3 Trek to Jagat (1,340 m) 1,340 m
- Day 4 Trek to Lokpa (2,240 m) 2,240 m
- Day 5 Trek to Chumling (2,386 m) 2,386 m
- Day 6 Trek to Chhokangparo (3,031 m) 3,031 m
- Day 7 Trek to Nile (3,361 m) 3,361 m
- Day 8 Hike to Mu Gompa (about 3,700 m) 3,700 m
- Day 9 Trek to Rachen Gompa and Chhokangparo (3,031 m) 3,240 m
- Day 10 Trek to Lokpa (2,240 m) 2,240 m
- Day 11 Trek to Deng (1,860 m) 1,860 m
- Day 12 Trek to Namrung (2,630 m) 2,630 m
- Day 13 Trek to Lho (3,180 m) 3,180 m
- Day 14 Trek to Samagaon (3,530 m) 3,530 m
- Day 15 Acclimatisation day at Samagaon 4,400 m
- Day 16 Trek to Samdo (3,860 m) 3,860 m
- Day 17 Trek to Dharamsala (4,460 m) 4,460 m
- Day 18 Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang (3,720 m) 5,106 m
- Day 19 Trek to Tilije (2,300 m) 2,300 m
- Day 20 Trek to Dharapani, drive to Kathmandu 1,860 m
- Day 21 Rest day in Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 22 Departure from Kathmandu 1,400 m
Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek overview
Quick answer: the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek takes 22 days from Kathmandu, reaches 5,106 m at Larkya La and about 3,700 m at Mu Gompa, and costs from US$2,190 per person. It requires restricted area permits and a licensed guide. It is graded strenuous.
Tsum opened to trekkers only in 2008, and its culture of non-violence, prayer walls and monasteries remain strong. Combining it with the Manaslu Circuit adds about a week to the classic loop and gives you two very different worlds: the quiet, sacred Tsum Valley and the high mountain scenery around Manaslu. Read our guides to the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit.
Trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 22 days (19 days of trekking) |
| Maximum altitude | Larkya La, 5,106 m |
| Grade | Strenuous |
| Start and finish | Machha Khola; Dharapani (by road) |
| Permits | Tsum and Manaslu restricted area permits, MCAP, ACAP |
| Rules | Licensed guide and registered agency; solo trekkers allowed since March 2026 |
| Best time | October–November, March–May |
| Cost | From US$2,190 per person |
Why choose this trek?
- Tsum Valley, a hidden Buddhist valley with monasteries and nunneries.
- Mu Gompa, near the Tibetan border.
- Manaslu (8,163 m) up close from Samagaon.
- Larkya La (5,106 m), one of the most dramatic pass crossings in Nepal.
- Quiet trails thanks to the restricted area system.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Private jeep Kathmandu – Machha Khola and Dharapani – Kathmandu
- Tsum Valley and Manaslu restricted area permits, MCAP and ACAP
- Teahouse, homestay and monastery guesthouse accommodation during the trek (18 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,200 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
This is a long and demanding trek with a very long pass day. You should be fit, comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day for three weeks and ideally have previous trekking experience. Train for three months with long hill walks, stairs and cardio.
Altitude sickness
This trek reaches 5,106 m at Larkya La, with nights up to 4,460 m at Dharamsala. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you.
Weather and temperatures
The lower gorge is warm; Tsum and Nubri are cold at night, below freezing in late autumn. Snow can close Larkya La after storms, and we may wait a day for conditions to improve.
Permits
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu restricted area permits, MCAP and ACAP are included. Restricted area permits require a licensed guide through a registered agency; solo trekkers have been allowed since March 2026.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money.
Drinking water
Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 5,200 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure.
Visa
Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Microspikes for Larkya La (ask us before departure)
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (few shops in Tsum)
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Annapurna Circuit extension from Dharapani over Thorong La.
- Manaslu Base Camp extra day.
- Helicopter return from Samagaon.
Frequently asked questions
22 days from Kathmandu, with 19 days of trekking.
Larkya La, at 5,106 m.
Strenuous, with long days and a very long pass crossing.
From US$2,190 per person, including all permits, guide, porters, teahouses, meals on the trek and transport.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu restricted area permits, MCAP and ACAP, all included.
Yes. Since March 2026, solo trekkers can get restricted area permits, with a licensed guide through a registered agency.
A hidden Buddhist valley close to Tibet, opened to trekkers only in 2008, with monasteries and a culture of non-violence.
October–November and March–May.
Yes, from Dharapani over Thorong La.
Yes, simple lodges and homestays, plus a monastery guesthouse at Mu Gompa.