Details:
The 18-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and culturally rewarding trekking adventures. This journey combines the remote Tsum Valley, known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness,” with the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek, crossing the magnificent Larke La Pass (5,106 m).
Along the way, you’ll trek through lush forests, dramatic river gorges, ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, centuries-old monasteries, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Visit sacred monasteries like Rajen Gompa and Mu Gompa, explore the traditional villages of Chumling and Chhokang Paro (Chhule area), witness the beauty of Birendra Lake, hike to Pungen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp, and finally cross the spectacular Larke La Pass before descending into the Annapurna region.
duration: 18 days
trek region: Manaslu and Tsum Valley area
maximum elevation: Larke La Pass – 5,106 m (16,751 ft)
starting point: Kathmandu
ending point: Kathmandu
total trekking distance: approximately 230km
driving: Kathmandu – Machhakohola – return to Kathmandu or Pokhara by Jeep
trek grade: challenging
accommodation: mountain tea houses/lodges
best seasons: spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November)
permit required: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
Trip Highlights
- Explore the hidden Buddhist kingdom of Tsum Valley
- Visit the ancient Rajen Gompa and Mu Gompa
- Experience authentic Tibetan culture and traditional villages
- Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and Cheo Himal
- Explore Birendra Lake, Pungen Gompa, or hike to Manaslu Base Camp
- Cross the challenging Larke La Pass (5,106 m)
- Walk through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys
- Perfect combination of culture, adventure, and Himalayan scenery
This itinerary is ideal for trekkers seeking a complete Himalayan experience that combines the spiritual heritage of Tsum Valley with the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Manaslu Circuit. It offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, remote wilderness, and high-altitude adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a trip briefing, permit check,
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu – Machhakhola
- Distance: 160 km
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours
- Elevation: 869 m
- Overnight: Tea House in Machhakhola
Drive through scenic hills, rivers, and traditional villages before reaching Machhakhola, the gateway to the Manaslu region.
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 3: Trek Machhakhola – Jagat
- Distance: 22 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +530m
- Jagat Elevation: 1,340m
- Overnight: Tea house in Jagat
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges, waterfalls, and small Gurung villages before arriving at Jagat.
Highlights:
- Entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area
- Budhi Gandaki River and Nepali suspension bridges
Day 4: Trek Jagat – Lokpa
- Distance: 17 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +710m
- Lokpa Elevation: 2,040m
- Overnight: Tea House in Lokpa
Today’s trail leaves the main Manaslu route and enters the mystical Tsum Valley. Dense forests and peaceful surroundings make this one of the most enjoyable trekking days.
Highlights:
- Entering mystical Tsum Valley
- Peaceful and dense forests
Day 5: Trek Lokpa – Chumling
- Distance: 11 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +380m
- Chumling Elevation: 2,386m
- Overnight: Tea House in Chumming
Descend through forests before climbing to the beautiful village of Chumling, offering magnificent views of Ganesh Himal.
Highlights:
- Traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Day 6: Trek Chumling – Lama Gaun
- Distance: 12 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +650 m
- Lama Gaun Elevation: 3,020m
- Overnight: Tea House in Lamagaun
Walk through Chhokang Paro before reaching Lama Gaun. Later, explore the beautiful Rajen Gompa, one of the most important monasteries in Tsum Valley.
Highlights:
- Rajen Gompa visit
Day 7: Lama Gaun – Chhule – Mu Gompa – Return to Chhule
- Distance: 18 km
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Elevation Gain: +720 m
- Mu Gompa: 3,700 m
- Chhule :3300m
- Overnight: Tea House in Chhule
Today’s excursion reaches the sacred Mu Gompa, the highest monastery in Tsum Valley. Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views before returning to Chhule.
Highlights:
- Mu Gompa and Tibetan plateau scenery.
Day 8: Chhule – Chumling
- Distance: 21 km
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Elevation Loss: -1,300 m
- Overnight: Tea House in Chumling
Retrace the trail back through traditional villages and forests to Chumling.
Highlights:
- Peaceful traditional Nepali villages.
Day 9: Chumling – Deng
- Distance: 20 km
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Elevation Gain: +760 m
- Deng Elevation: 1,860 m
- Overnight: Tea House in Deng
Rejoin the classic Manaslu Circuit route and continue toward Deng through beautiful forests and riverside trails.
Day 10: Deng – Namrung
- Distance: 20 km
- Walking Time: 7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +790m
- Namrung Elevation: 2,630m
- Overnight: Tea House in Namrung
Pass through charming villages with increasing Tibetan influence and enjoy the first excellent views of Manaslu.
Highlights:
- Tibetan influenced villages.
Day 11: Namrung – Lho
- Distance: 11 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +550 m
- Lho Elevation: 3,180
- Overnight: Tea House in Lho
Walk through forests and ancient villages before reaching picturesque Lho.
Highlights:
- Magnificent sunset over Mt. Manaslu.
Day 12: Lho – Samagaun
- Distance: 8 km
- Walking Time: 4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +350 m
- Samagaun Elevation: 3,530m
- Overnight: Tea House in Samagaun
Enjoy one of the most scenic days of the trek as you reach Samagaun beneath the towering Manaslu massif.
Highlights:
- Stunning views on the Manaslu massif.
Day 13: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
Choose one of the following hikes:
- Pungen Gompa (4–5 hrs)
- Birendra Lake (2–3 hrs)
- Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) (7–8 hrs)
- Overnight: Tea House in Samagaun
This important acclimatization day prepares you for crossing Larke La Pass.
Day 14: Samagaun – Samdo
- Distance: 8 km
- Walking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +320m
- Samdo Elevation: 3,875m
- Overnight: Tea House in Samdo
A gentle trek through yak pastures and alpine landscapes.
Day 15: Samdo – Dharamsala
- Distance: 7 km
- Walking Time: 4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +610 m
- Dharamsala Elevation: 4,460m
- Overnight: Tea House in Dharamasala
A short but steady climb to the final settlement before Larke La Pass.
Day 16: Dharamsala – Larke La Pass – Bimthang
- Distance: 24 km
- Walking Time: 8–10 hours
- Elevation Gain: +650m
- Elevation Loss: -1,560m
- Highest Point: 5,106m
- Bimthang Elevation: 3,590m
- Overnight: Tea House in Bhimtang
The biggest day of the trek. Cross the spectacular Larke La Pass (5,106 m) with unforgettable panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and Manaslu before descending to beautiful Bimthang.
Highlights:
- Crossing one of Nepal’s finest Himalayan passes.
Day 17: Bimthang – Tilje
- Distance: 19 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Loss: -1,64m
- Tilje Elevation: 2,300m
- Overnight: Tea House in Tilje
Descend through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and picturesque villages to Tilje.
Day 18: Drive Tilje – Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Distance: 210 km to Kathmandu / 175 km to Pokhara
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours
Drive by local jeep through Besisahar before continuing to either Kathmandu or Pokhara, marking the end of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
