Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley

The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek are located in the Gorkha District of north-central Nepal, bordering the Tibetan plateau. The region lies in the shadow of Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, and has been steadily gaining popularity among trekkers seeking a less crowded, culturally rich alternative to the Annapurna or Everest regions. The Manaslu Circuit circumnavigates the stunning Manaslu massif, passing through remote villages, diverse ecosystems, and crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), one of the highest and most beautiful passes in Nepal. Tsum Valley, often called the "Hidden Valley," branches off the main Manaslu trail and offers a deeply spiritual journey through ancient Buddhist monasteries, secluded villages, and landscapes steeped in Tibetan culture. Opened to trekkers only in 2008, Tsum Valley remains remarkably untouched and authentic. As of 2025, the region continues to be protected as a restricted area, meaning visitors must obtain special permits and trek with a licensed guide and in groups of at least two. With improving infrastructure, such as better trails and eco-lodges, yet a commitment to sustainable tourism, the Manaslu and Tsum region offers a rare blend of raw adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty — making it a top destination for serious trekkers this year.

Combining the Manaslu Circuit Trek with the Tsum Valley creates one of Nepal’s most special and rewarding trekking experiences, offering a rare fusion of natural grandeur, cultural depth, and genuine remoteness. While the Manaslu Circuit alone is celebrated for its dramatic mountain landscapes, wild rivers, and high-altitude challenges like the Larkya La Pass, adding Tsum Valley introduces a profound spiritual dimension to the journey. Tsum Valley, often referred to as the "Sacred Hidden Valley of Happiness," has preserved centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with its ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, colorful mani walls, and remote villages that seem frozen in time. In 2025, with Nepal's trekking trails seeing a resurgence in popularity post-pandemic, the Manaslu-Tsum combination remains relatively uncrowded, providing trekkers with a sense of true wilderness and solitude that is increasingly rare in more commercialized regions like Annapurna and Everest. Moreover, the combined trek covers a remarkable range of biodiversity, from subtropical forests teeming with wildlife to glaciated alpine zones, all within a trail that demands physical endurance but rewards with cultural encounters and jaw-dropping scenery. The strict restricted area status ensures that tourism remains low-volume and regulated, preserving the pristine environment and authentic local culture. For 2025 trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure that feels both timeless and transformational, the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley offers an experience like no other.  

The Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley is a rewarding journey best suited for experienced trekkers or adventurous beginners who are physically fit, mentally prepared, and looking for a more remote Himalayan experience in 2025. Due to the trail’s considerable length — typically 18 to 22 days — and the need to cross high-altitude passes like Larkya La (5,106 meters), trekkers must be ready for long walking days, steep ascents and descents, and variable weather conditions. A good level of cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and prior trekking experience at moderate altitudes (3,000–4,000 meters) is highly recommended, although not strictly mandatory if you are well-prepared. Because Manaslu and Tsum Valley are designated restricted areas, Nepal’s government requires trekkers to be in groups of at least two people (excluding the guide) and accompanied by a licensed trekking guide — making it less suited to solo, independent travelers unless they join a group or hire support. In 2025, with trekking regulations more firmly enforced to preserve the region’s delicate ecosystems and cultures, it's especially important that trekkers respect these requirements. This trek is ideal for people who are seeking a culturally immersive, physically challenging, and less touristy adventure compared to Everest or Annapurna, and who are willing to trek for extended periods without access to luxurious amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned Himalayan traveler or a determined first-timer looking for a life-changing experience, if you are fit, flexible, and open to adventure, the Manaslu-Tsum Valley trek can be one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.  

The Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley covers an impressive total distance of approximately 280 to 320 kilometers (174 to 200 miles), depending on the specific route variations and side trips chosen. Typically, trekkers spend 18 to 22 days on the trail, navigating a fascinating variety of terrain — from lowland river valleys and dense forests to high alpine glaciers and remote mountain passes. Starting from Soti Khola or Machha Khola in the Gorkha District, the trek first follows the Budi Gandaki River gorge into the mystical Tsum Valley, a spiritual enclave near the Tibetan border, before rejoining the Manaslu Circuit trail and gradually ascending toward the majestic Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. With many monasteries, villages, and hidden side trails, especially in Tsum Valley, the total trekking distance can slightly vary based on how deeply trekkers explore the valley's sacred sites such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. In 2025, as trekking companies are offering more customized itineraries to cater to flexible travel styles, the combined trek allows for optional extensions that could add extra kilometers, including visits to Pungyen Gompa or side hikes to secluded glaciers. The relatively remote nature of the trails — with fewer roads and less modernization compared to more commercial trekking regions — means that each kilometer trekked feels deeply authentic and untouched. Covering this distance requires good planning, strong endurance, and proper acclimatization, but the rewards are spectacular: a continuous journey through some of the most raw, culturally rich, and scenically diverse landscapes Nepal has to offer.  

The Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley offers trekkers a remarkable journey through some of Nepal’s most diverse and pristine ecosystems, showcasing a stunning variety of flora and fauna. The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), which spans altitudes from just 600 meters to over 5,100 meters, creating an exceptional range of habitats. In the lower subtropical zones near Soti Khola and Machha Khola, you’ll encounter lush forests filled with rhododendron, oak, pine, and bamboo, often buzzing with colorful butterflies and songbirds. As you ascend toward Deng and Namrung, the forests transition into alpine woodlands, famous in spring (March–May) for spectacular rhododendron blooms. The Tsum Valley, more isolated and bordering Tibet, features a drier, harsher landscape dotted with juniper bushes, wildflowers, and medicinal herbs treasured in Tibetan medicine. Wildlife sightings are one of the trek’s secret highlights: trekkers may spot rare species like the Himalayan tahr, blue sheep (bharal), musk deer, and if extremely lucky, the elusive snow leopard, especially in the upper reaches around Samdo and Mu Gompa. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy sightings of Himalayan Monals (Nepal’s national bird), lammergeiers, snow pigeons, and various species of eagles. In 2025, with increased conservation efforts and stricter regulations within the MCA, the region’s biodiversity remains impressively intact, providing trekkers a unique opportunity to experience Nepal’s natural beauty at its purest. Whether marveling at vibrant alpine meadows or hearing the haunting calls of mountain birds echoing through deep valleys, the flora and fauna of Manaslu and Tsum greatly enrich this already unforgettable trekking adventure.  

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

Head, face, and neck

• Sun hat or cap (day)
• Fleece beanie/woolen cap (night)
• Balaclava (optional)
• sunglasses
• Sunscreens
• Moisturizers
• Lip Balm
• Face towel
• Scarf
• Neck gaiters

Upper Body

• T-shirts (preferably quick-dry and breathable) (day)
• Parka/windbreaker (day)
• Rain gear/poncho
• Inner thermal (at night)
• Fleece T-shirts (night)
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket (night)

Lower Body

• Undergarments
• Trekking pants (preferably stretchable, quick-dry, and water-resistant) (day)
• Rain gear
• Inner thermal (at night)
• Fleece/wool pants (night)
• Hands
• Light/outdoor gloves (day)
• Warm winter gloves, fleece or woolen gloves (night)

 Legs

• Thin socks (day)
• Warm woolen socks (at night)
• Hiking boots (preferably GORE-TEX) with spare shoelaces
• Floaters or sandals
• Knee support (optional)

Essential Items

• Passport
• Extra passport-size photos (min. 2) for trekking permit
• Cell phone and charger
• Money
• Backpack and rain jacket
• Duffel bag*
• Padlocks
• Rain cover and a day pack (30L)
• Trekking pole
• Sleeping Bag
• Personal medicine
• water bottle

Toiletries

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Facial wash, soap, and shampoo
• Tissues or wet wipes
• Toilet rolls
• Hand sanitizer
• Quick-dry towel
• Handkerchiefs (optional)
• Basic first-aid kit

 Others (Optional)

• Thermo flask
• Portable water filter/purification tablets
• Earplug
• A Universal Adaptor
• Camera, memory card, and charger
• Reading books or maps
• Binoculars
• Watch
• Snack

If you are looking for alternative treks into Manaslu Region, we have more options for this trekking region.

1. Manaslu Circuit Trek
2. Manaslu Tsum Valley Heli Trek
3. Tsum Valley Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be promptly transported to your designated hotel, a comfortable and well-maintained 3 star hotel.  Your stay includes twin-sharing/double accommodation with breakfast. All the rooms have a private bathroom, TV, and ample storage for your luggage.

If you desire a more exclusive experience, you can upgrade to single occupancy or enhance your stay to a 4- or 5-star hotel at an additional charge.

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley trekking trail, the choice of accommodation is limited to a local and traditional lodge known as tea-houses. These lodges have basic rooms often shared with others but they do have toilets and shower facilities. As Manaslu region being one of the world's most popular trekking areas and also the flow of trekkers increasing every year, the standard of the services these tea-houses provide has become better with comfortable and cosy rooms and even attached toilets at some locations.

Having travel insurance that covers high-altitude adventure activities (above 5,000 m) is mandatory. This includes contingencies like flight disruptions, accidents, and emergency evacuations.

You can buy such insurance online from various providers. Some of the common choices based on client experiences for Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley include:

    USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross

    Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia

    Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad (Explore plan level 3)

    Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe

    India: ICICI Lombard

However, please ensure that the policy covers trekking up to 6,000 m altitude. While these are just suggestions, the policies, and coverage may vary accordingly. Contact these insurers directly to inquire about their offerings before making a purchase.

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley, electricity is available at all the tea houses where you will spend the night. At lower elevations, electricity is primarily generated from hydropower. But at higher altitudes, solar energy is used for lights and power, though it can be affected by poor weather. To be prepared, bringing personal torch lights and power banks is advisable.

Charging electronic devices is possible along the Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley trekking trails, but charging ports are usually not available in individual rooms. Instead, you can charge your device in the common dining room. Keep in mind that some tea houses may charge a nominal fee, typically a few hundred rupees, for charging your smartphone and camera.

It’s advisable to bring two-pin (type C) and three-pin (type D) adapters. However, you can either bring these adapters or buy them in Kathmandu.

We conduct Group Departure Treks as well as Private Treks. If you have your own group, we provide you discounts based on your group size.

However, you will not get discounts for groups we assemble or our Fixed Group Departure Treks. For a group of 12 or more, we add an assistant guide. You can choose to conduct a private trek exclusively for your team.

After completing the trek, you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal. There are many beautiful and adventurous places in Nepal.

You can spend your time in various ways, such as sightseeing in Kathmandu, Nagarkot View Trip, Chitwan Jungle Safari, paragliding, White Water Rafting, and canoeing before flying back.

Manaslu Circuit Trek combined with Tsum Valley is a challenging trek but incredibly rewarding adventure. A good level of physical fitness is required because it involves walking for several hours a day, frequently uphill, and at high altitudes. We highly recommend that you keep up a regular exercise routine for weeks before the hike. If you have any health issues, consult with your doctor before starting the hike.

Here are some tips to help you overcome difficulties during the trek and make the most of it:

Physical Preparation

We recommend you start fitness training before your trek. Focus on cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance activities. Incorporate uphill and downhill walking into your training to simulate the trek's terrain.

Altitude Acclimatization

This extraordinary trek usually starts from Machhakhola, which is accessible by road from Kathmandu. The trek to Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley trekking region involves a gradual ascent, allowing your body to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Our itinerary grants your body time to adapt to the increasing altitude, reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses. As you venture deeper into the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking region, the air gets thinner, the temperatures drop, and the landscapes become more surreal.

 Hydration and Nutrition

 You may have heard that everyone should drink eight glasses of water a day. Our guides are trained to keep you well-hydrated throughout the trek. We recommend you drink as much water as you can. Consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients. Eating light but frequent meals is recommended. Keep a nutrition bar in your day bag.

Pacing and Rest

Rest is essential for acclimatization and overall well-being. Pace yourself during the trek. Avoid rushing to prevent exhaustion and altitude-related issues. Listen to your body and our guide. Always take breaks as needed.

Proper Gear

We recommend you invest in high-quality, certified trekking gear, including comfortable and sturdy boots, warm clothing, a good backpack, a day bag pack, and other essential equipment. Dress in layers so that you can easily adjust to changing temperatures and conditions.

Mental Preparation

Stay positive and focused. A positive mindset can help you overcome challenges more effectively. If you have any issues that come to mind, kindly share them with our guide.

Our guides and porters are experienced in the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking region. They can provide valuable insights and assist with logistics, allowing you to focus on the trek itself.

While there are basic medical facilities in the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trekking region, they are limited. It's crucial to carry your personal medications and first-aid supplies. In case of severe altitude sickness or emergencies, evacuation options are available, but they may involve trekking back to lower altitudes or helicopter rescue, depending on the situation.