Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Guide
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is a strenuous 18-24 day restricted-area journey in Gorkha that combines the sacred, hidden Tsum Valley and its Mu Gompa at around 3,700 m with the full Manaslu Circuit around the world's eighth-highest peak, crossing the high Larkya La at 5,106 m.
A glimpse of Manaslu Tsum Valley
Overview
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is the full, restricted-area expression of one of Nepal's most spectacular journeys, combining the sacred and secluded Tsum Valley with the classic Manaslu Circuit around Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest peak. It unfolds in the district of Gorkha in Gandaki province, deep in the Buri Gandaki gorge, and it remains far quieter than the headline Annapurna and Everest routes because of its restricted-area status and remoteness.
The Tsum Valley is a hidden, deeply Buddhist side valley once closed to outsiders, where ancient gompas, mani walls, chortens and the monastery of Mu Gompa at around 3,700 m sit beneath a wall of high peaks near the Tibetan border. A sacred valley with a long tradition of non-violence, it offers a profound cultural detour before the trek rejoins the main circuit. The combination gives you both the spiritual depth of Tsum and the alpine grandeur of Manaslu in one trip.
The circuit itself climbs the Buri Gandaki through subtropical forest and Tibetan-influenced villages such as Lho, Samagaun and Samdo, then crosses the formidable Larkya La at 5,106 m, the high point and crux of the trek, before descending into the Annapurna region near Dharapani. Most people complete the full Manaslu Tsum Valley combination in 18 to 24 days, depending on acclimatisation, side trips and how deeply they explore Tsum.
What makes this trek special is its scale, its solitude and its cultural richness: a long, strenuous, high-altitude adventure through restricted country that few trekkers see. It demands a licensed guide, a minimum of two trekkers and full permits, but it rewards the effort with some of the finest and least-crowded mountain scenery in Nepal. It is sometimes shortened to the Manaslu Circuit alone or the Tsum Valley alone.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This is a representative Manaslu Tsum Valley itinerary that explores the Tsum Valley first, then completes the Manaslu Circuit over the Larkya La. It can be lengthened with extra acclimatisation and exploration days in Tsum, or shortened by skipping side trips. The trek begins and ends with long drives to and from Kathmandu.
Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700 m)
A long, rough drive west from Kathmandu through Arughat to the roadhead at Soti Khola in Gorkha. (8-9 hours by jeep.)
Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870 m)
The trail enters the Buri Gandaki gorge, climbing and dropping along the river through forest and small villages to Machha Khola. (6-7 hours.)
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m)
A day of suspension bridges and gorge walking, passing the hot springs at Tatopani, to the stone village of Jagat, where the restricted area and permit checks begin. (6-7 hours.)
Day 4: Jagat to Lokpa (2,240 m)
The route continues up the Buri Gandaki to the junction where the trail to the Tsum Valley branches off, reaching the village of Lokpa. (5-6 hours.)
Day 5: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m)
Entering the Tsum Valley proper, climbing through forest with first views of Ganesh Himal to the village of Chumling, with its old gompa. (5-6 hours.)
Day 6: Chumling to Chhokangparo (3,031 m)
The valley opens into the broad upper Tsum, with Tibetan-style villages and grand mountain views, reaching Chhokangparo. (5-6 hours.)
Day 7: Chhokangparo to Nile / Chhule (3,361 m)
A day past the important Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu) and through traditional villages to the upper-valley settlements of Chhule and Nile, near the Tibetan border. (5-6 hours.)
Day 8: Excursion to Mu Gompa (~3,700 m) and back
A climb to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley at around 3,700 m, set in a starkly beautiful high basin, with an optional visit to Dhephyudonma Gompa, before returning down-valley. (5-6 hours.)
Day 9: Descend Tsum Valley to Chumling (2,386 m)
Retrace the trail down the Tsum Valley, taking in the gompas and villages from the other direction. (6 hours.)
Day 10: Chumling to Deng (1,860 m)
Rejoin the main Buri Gandaki trail, descending out of Tsum and continuing up the gorge to Deng. (6-7 hours.)
Day 11: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m)
A climb through forest and Tibetan-influenced country, passing mani walls and entering more Buddhist villages, to Namrung. (6 hours.)
Day 12: Namrung to Lho (3,180 m)
A scenic day with the first close views of Manaslu, climbing through Lihi and Sho to the village of Lho with its large monastery. (4-5 hours.)
Day 13: Lho to Samagaun (3,520 m)
A relatively short day to the large Tibetan-style village of Samagaun, beneath the face of Manaslu, an important acclimatisation base. (3-4 hours.)
Day 14: Acclimatisation at Samagaun (Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake)
A vital acclimatisation day with a side trip towards Manaslu Base Camp or the glacial Birendra Lake and Pungyen Gompa. (4-6 hours for the side trip.)
Day 15: Samagaun to Samdo (3,860 m)
A gentle climb up the open valley past the tree line to the last permanent village, Samdo, close to a trading pass into Tibet. (3-4 hours.)
Day 16: Acclimatisation at Samdo
A second acclimatisation day, with an optional walk towards the Tibetan border pass or up a nearby ridge to aid the climb to the Larkya La. (3-5 hours.)
Day 17: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m)
A short but high day to the basic shelters at Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), the staging post for the pass. Rest and prepare for an early start. (3-4 hours.)
Day 18: Dharamsala over Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimtang (3,720 m)
The crux of the trek: a pre-dawn start and a long climb to the Larkya La at 5,106 m, with vast Himalayan views, followed by a steep, knee-testing descent to the meadows of Bimtang. (8-9 hours.)
Day 19: Bimtang to Tilije (2,300 m)
A long descent through forest and the Dudh Khola valley, leaving the high country behind, to the village of Tilije in the Annapurna region. (6-7 hours.)
Day 20: Tilije to Dharapani and drive towards Kathmandu
A walk to Dharapani, joining the Annapurna Circuit road, then a long jeep journey out via Besisahar towards Kathmandu. (Walk 2-3 hours; long drive, often split over a day or with an overnight at Besisahar.)
Itineraries vary widely: extra days in Tsum, more acclimatisation around Samagaun, or weather buffers for the Larkya La can push the trip towards 24 days, while skipping side trips can shorten it.
Difficulty & Fitness
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is graded strenuous, among the more demanding mainstream Himalayan journeys. It combines high altitude, a serious high pass, long days and great length, so it is best suited to experienced and well-prepared trekkers.
- High altitude. The route crosses the Larkya La at 5,106 m, with several days spent above 3,500 m around Samagaun and Samdo. Acclimatisation and careful pacing are essential.
- A demanding high pass. The Larkya La is a long, cold, high-altitude day with a pre-dawn start, a big climb and a steep, sustained descent to Bimtang. Snow and wind can make it serious.
- Great length. At 18-24 days, this is a long expedition-style trek that demands stamina and the ability to keep walking day after day, often on rough, remote trails.
- Remote terrain. The Buri Gandaki gorge and the upper valleys involve steep ups and downs, suspension bridges, landslide-prone sections and basic infrastructure.
You should be very fit, comfortable walking 6-9 hours a day for three weeks on rugged mountain trails, and ideally have prior high-altitude trekking experience. No technical climbing is required, but strong cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and mental endurance built up in advance will make the Larkya La and the long days far safer and more enjoyable.
Permits & Regulations
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek crosses a restricted area, and both Manaslu and Tsum have their own restricted-area rules, so the permit requirements are stricter and more numerous than on open routes. You will need several documents:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), required for the section of the Buri Gandaki within the restricted zone. Fees vary by season and the number of days.
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP), required specifically to enter the Tsum Valley, in addition to the Manaslu RAP.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), for the conservation area you trek through on the circuit.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), because the final descent towards Dharapani enters the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Crucially, this is not a route you can walk independently. A licensed guide is mandatory, and the restricted-area rules require a minimum of two trekkers on the permit, arranged through a registered agency, no fully independent or solo trekking is allowed. Since 2023 Nepal has also tightened its licensed-guide requirements more broadly. Because restricted-area fees, the exact permits and the rules change from year to year and by season, you should confirm the current fees and requirements with a registered agency before you travel. Carry your passport and several passport photos for the permit checkpoints.
Cost & Budget
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is one of the more expensive teahouse treks in Nepal, because of its length, the multiple restricted-area permits, the mandatory guide and the remote logistics, though it still avoids costly internal flights.
- Guided package: typically around USD 1,500-2,800 per person depending on group size, the number of days and how much of Tsum you explore. This usually covers the guide, porter, all permits, ground transport, accommodation and meals on the trek.
- Permits: the combination of Manaslu and Tsum restricted-area permits plus MCAP and ACAP is a significant cost, and the restricted-area fees vary by season. Confirm current figures with a registered agency.
- Transport: long jeep drives to Soti Khola and out from Dharapani via Besisahar, rather than flights.
- On-trail spending: carry enough Nepali rupees in cash for the whole trek, there are no ATMs on the route, and prices for food and lodging rise steeply with altitude and remoteness.
Smaller groups pay more per head, while larger groups (meeting the two-trekker minimum and beyond) spread the guide, permit and transport costs. A generous tip for guides and porters is customary, and you should budget a contingency for extra acclimatisation nights, weather buffers on the Larkya La or added days in the Tsum Valley.
Best Time to Trek
There are two clear trekking seasons for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, and the choice between them matters greatly because of the high Larkya La crossing.
- Autumn (October-November) is the prime season, with stable weather, the clearest views after the monsoon, firm trails and the most reliable conditions on the Larkya La. It is the most popular time to attempt the full circuit.
- Spring (March-May) is the other good window: warmer days, blooming rhododendron in the lower forests, and generally good mountain views, though the high pass can still hold deep snow early in the season.
Avoid the monsoon (June-early September): heavy rain, leeches, cloud-hidden peaks and a serious risk of landslides in the Buri Gandaki gorge, which is prone to slides. Deep winter (December-February) brings heavy snow that can close the Larkya La entirely and make the high villages bitterly cold, so the crossing is often impossible. For the safest balance of weather, views and a passable Larkya La, plan for autumn or settled spring.
Packing, Safety & Tips
Acclimatisation
With the Larkya La at 5,106 m and several days above 3,500 m, altitude sickness is a serious risk. Use the acclimatisation days at Samagaun and Samdo, climb high and sleep low, ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and watch for headache, nausea, breathlessness or loss of coordination. Never cross the Larkya La while unwell, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen, as high-altitude illness can be fatal if ignored.
Gear & packing
Pack for serious high-altitude trekking: a four-season sleeping bag, a down jacket, full layered clothing, windproof and waterproof shells, warm gloves and hat, sturdy broken-in boots, trekking poles, sun and snow protection, and a headlamp for the pre-dawn Larkya La start. Bring a reliable water-purification method, snacks and a first-aid kit with blister care and altitude medication discussed with your doctor. Microspikes or crampons can be vital on a snowy Larkya La.
Communications & money
Phone signal is patchy and absent across much of the restricted area. There are no ATMs on the route, so carry enough cash in Nepali rupees for the whole trek plus a generous buffer. Lodges deal only in cash, and prices climb steeply with altitude and remoteness.
Safety & insurance
Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to and above 5,000 m and explicitly includes helicopter evacuation. On a route with a 5,106 m pass and remote, landslide-prone gorges, the ability to arrange a rapid air rescue can be life-saving. The mandatory licensed guide and two-trekker minimum add a layer of safety, but you should still stay weather-aware on the Larkya La and be prepared to wait or turn back.
Combining and shortening
This trek already combines the Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit, each of which can be done separately if you have less time. The descent links to the Annapurna Circuit near Dharapani, and some trekkers connect the two. The neighbouring Rupina La offers a wilder, camping-style approach on the southern side of Manaslu. Base yourself in Kathmandu beforehand to arrange permits, transport and a registered agency.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Trek Safety
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek climbs to 5,106 m, well into the zone where acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a serious, potentially fatal risk, careful acclimatisation is non-negotiable. This section covers how to recognise altitude sickness, prevent it, prepare physically, and stay insured, it is general guidance, not medical advice.
Recognise the symptoms
| Level | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild AMS | Headache, nausea or loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, broken sleep. | Stop ascending, rest, hydrate. Do not go higher until symptoms clear; descend if they do not. |
| Severe, HAPE (lungs) | Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy or pink spit, chest tightness, blue lips. | Descend immediately and treat as a medical emergency, arrange evacuation. |
| Severe, HACE (brain) | Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, crushing headache, drowsiness, hallucinations. | Descend immediately, HACE is life-threatening within hours. Evacuate. |
Prevent it: the golden rules
- Ascend slowly. Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than ~300–500 m per day and take the built-in acclimatisation days.
- Climb high, sleep low. Day-hike higher, then come back down to sleep.
- Hydrate (3–4 litres/day), eat well, and avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking at altitude.
- Never ascend with AMS symptoms, and descend at once if they worsen, going down is the only reliable cure.
- Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive/treatment aid, but only after discussing it with your doctor.
Get trek-fit
Start training 6–8 weeks out: build aerobic base with running, cycling or brisk hill walking 3–4 times a week; add stair and hill repeats carrying a loaded daypack (6–8 kg) to ready your legs for long descents; and finish with a couple of back-to-back long hiking days to rehearse multi-day fatigue. Strong quads and good cardio make altitude far more manageable.
Insurance & evacuation
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking up to 5,106 m and helicopter evacuation, a rescue from altitude is essential and very expensive without cover. Carry your policy number and your operator’s emergency contact, and keep the booking details of any guide with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek take?
The full Manaslu Tsum Valley trek usually takes 18 to 24 days, including the long drives to Soti Khola and out from Dharapani. The length depends on how deeply you explore the Tsum Valley, how many acclimatisation days you build in around Samagaun and Samdo, and weather buffers for the Larkya La.
How hard is the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
It is graded strenuous and is one of the more demanding mainstream Himalayan treks. It combines high altitude, the serious 5,106 m Larkya La, long days and great length over three weeks. You should be very fit, able to walk 6-9 hours a day, and ideally have prior high-altitude trekking experience.
How high is the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
The high point is the Larkya La at 5,106 metres, the crux of the trek. Mu Gompa in the Tsum Valley sits at around 3,700 m, and there are several days spent above 3,500 m around Samagaun (3,520 m) and Samdo (3,860 m) before the pass.
What permits do I need for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
Because both Manaslu and Tsum are restricted areas, you need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Fees vary by season, so confirm the current requirements with a registered agency.
Can I trek Manaslu Tsum Valley independently or solo?
No. This is a restricted area where a licensed guide is mandatory and the rules require a minimum of two trekkers on the permit, arranged through a registered agency. Fully independent or solo trekking is not allowed, and the permits cannot be issued to a single trekker.
How much does the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek cost?
A guided package typically costs around USD 1,500-2,800 per person depending on group size and the number of days, usually covering guide, porter, all permits, transport, lodging and meals. The multiple restricted-area permits are a significant cost. Confirm current fees with a registered agency.
What is the best time to do the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
Autumn (October-November) is the prime season, with stable weather, clear views and the most reliable conditions on the Larkya La. Spring (March-May) is also good, with warmer days and rhododendron blooms. Avoid the monsoon for landslides in the Buri Gandaki, and deep winter, when the Larkya La often closes.
What is the Tsum Valley?
The Tsum Valley is a hidden, deeply Buddhist side valley near the Tibetan border, once closed to outsiders, with ancient gompas, mani walls, chortens and the monastery of Mu Gompa at around 3,700 m. It has a long tradition of non-violence and offers a profound cultural detour before the main Manaslu Circuit.
What is the Larkya La?
The Larkya La is the high pass at 5,106 metres that the Manaslu Circuit crosses, the high point and crux of the trek. Crossing it involves a pre-dawn start, a long climb with vast Himalayan views, and a steep, knee-testing descent to Bimtang. Snow and wind can make it serious.
Is altitude sickness a risk on the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
Yes, it is a serious risk because the route crosses the 5,106 m Larkya La with several days above 3,500 m. Use the acclimatisation days at Samagaun and Samdo, ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and watch for symptoms. Never cross the pass while unwell, and descend if symptoms worsen.
Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
Yes, a licensed guide is mandatory in this restricted area, and you must trek with at least two people on the permit through a registered agency. Since 2023 Nepal has also tightened licensed-guide requirements more broadly, so a guide is both legally required and strongly advisable here.
Can I do the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley on their own?
Yes. The Manaslu Circuit can be walked without the Tsum detour in roughly 14-18 days, and the Tsum Valley can be done as a shorter restricted-area trek of its own. Combining them into the full Manaslu Tsum Valley journey adds the spiritual depth of Tsum to the alpine circuit over the Larkya La.
Where does the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek start and finish?
It typically starts with a long jeep drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola in Gorkha, walks up the Buri Gandaki into Tsum and around Manaslu over the Larkya La, then descends to Dharapani in the Annapurna region, from where a long drive via Besisahar returns to Kathmandu.
Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek suitable for beginners?
No, it is not a beginner trek. The combination of high altitude, the 5,106 m Larkya La, long days and three weeks of rugged, remote walking makes it best for very fit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. Newcomers to the Himalaya should build up on easier routes first.
Compare with Other Nepal Treks
How Manaslu Tsum Valley stacks up against other popular Nepal treks, at a glance, to help you choose and plan.
| Trek | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Duration | Best Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Tsum ValleyThis trek | 🔴 Strenuous | 5,106 m | 18–24 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Gorkha, Gandaki |
| Manaslu Circuit | 🔴 Strenuous | 5,106 m | 14–18 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Gorkha, Gandaki |
| Tsum Valley | 🟡 Moderate | 3,700 m | 14–18 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Gorkha, Gandaki |
Why these grades?
Manaslu Tsum Valley 🔴 Strenuous, The full restricted-area journey linking the sacred Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit and its 5,106 m Larkya La, an 18-24 day expedition with long remote days, mandatory licensed guide and sustained altitude.
Manaslu Circuit 🔴 Strenuous, Circles the world’s eighth-highest peak, Manaslu (8,163 m), in a restricted area and crosses the 5,106 m Larkya La with several nights above 3,500 m; teahouses make it gentler than camping treks, but the long days, altitude and mandatory licensed guide keep it firmly strenuous.
Tsum Valley 🟡 Moderate, A culturally rich restricted valley that mostly stays between 2,000–3,700 m, so the challenge is the long approach days and basic teahouses and homestays rather than extreme altitude.
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By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated June 22, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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Explore More of Nepal
Manaslu CircuitA wild restricted-area circuit around the world's eighth-highest peak.
Tsum ValleyA sacred hidden Buddhist valley in the Manaslu region.Rupina LaA wild, remote camping crossing on the southern side of Manaslu.
Annapurna CircuitThe classic Himalayan circuit over the Thorong La to Muktinath.