The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek with Alpine Vista Treks is one of Nepal’s most extraordinary long-distance Himalayan journeys, combining the remote Manaslu Circuit with the sacred, hidden valley […]
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek with Alpine Vista Treks is one of Nepal’s most extraordinary long-distance Himalayan journeys, combining the remote Manaslu Circuit with the sacred, hidden valley of Tsum. This 20-day adventure takes trekkers into restricted regions near the Tibetan border, where ancient Buddhist culture, dramatic mountain landscapes, and traditional Himalayan villages remain beautifully preserved. The journey reaches its highest point at the breathtaking Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) while offering panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) and surrounding Himalayan giants throughout the trek.
With Alpine Vista Treks, this remote expedition becomes a safe, well-organized, and deeply rewarding experience. Our government-licensed trekking guides are highly experienced in high-altitude trekking, acclimatization planning, and cultural interpretation, ensuring trekkers feel confident and supported every step of the journey. To make the trek more comfortable, we provide essential trekking gear, including a duffel bag, sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking map, and comprehensive first-aid support, allowing you to travel lighter while staying prepared for changing Himalayan conditions. Our team carefully manages permits, accommodation, transportation, and meals so you can fully focus on the adventure.
Ronish Gurung
Born in Gorkha in the Manaslu region, Ronish Gurung brings over a decade of experience in Nepal’s trekking industry. As a government-certified trekking guide with deep local knowledge of the Manaslu area, he ensures safe navigation, proper acclimatization, and meaningful cultural interaction throughout the journey. His friendly personality and professionalism make every trek both secure and enjoyable.
Ramji Bhatta
Originally from Gorkha, Ramji Bhatta has more than 10 years of trekking experience in the Himalayas. A government-licensed trekking guide, he is widely respected for his strong route knowledge, dedication, and focus on client safety and comfort. His calm leadership and supportive approach help trekkers feel confident on challenging mountain trails.
Som Gurung
Som Gurung, also from the Manaslu region of Gorkha, has spent the past 10 years guiding treks across Nepal. As a certified trekking guide, he combines extensive trail experience with deep cultural understanding, helping trekkers connect with the traditions and lifestyle of Himalayan communities along the route.
Tsum Valley is a top highlight of our Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek. This hidden valley was restricted until 2008. This valley offers a rare, authentic, and untouched beauty of preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture. This is a spiritual pilgrimage that passes the ancient Mani walls and chortens. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ganesh and Shringi Himal ranges, the Tsum Valley showcases Nepal’s incredible topographical diversity. The journey through this deeply spiritual land will reward us with an enriching cultural immersion and experience.
As the highest point in the Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa serves as the major destination near the Tibetan border. This remote monastery sits high on the ground and offers profound peace in an isolated environment. The hike from the Nile will make our trek enriched and provide a soul-touching experience. The visitors can explore the historic gompa that meets the resident monks or nuns. Trekkers come a long way to witness its breathtaking panoramic vista, along with the rich cultural tapestry.
Sama Gaun is the major cultural heart of the Nubri Valley on our Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek. We can rest just below the Manaslu Peak. This large and traditional village serves as the vital acclimatization hub. The trekkers can end a quality time engaging with the locals or hiking up to the nearby Pungyen Gompa. This can be done all while preparing our bodies for the high pass trail ahead.
Pungyen Gompa is a historic monastery set on a high plateau. This monastery is perched above the Sama Gaon village, which is a popular acclimatization hike on the Manaslu Circuit. This will be a hourours round trip and provides a direct view of Mount Manaslu. The picturesque view of Mount Manaslu is said to be the most iconic view of this trek. The monastery is a sacred site and well-revered by the locals.
The Larkya La Pass at 5160m is the highest point and ultimate challenge to the entire Manaslu Circuit region. We have to start before dawn and cross the highly strenuous and non-technical climb to a glacier moraine. We will reach the prayer-flag summit high at 5160m, which offers the jaw-dropping panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung, Himal, and other distant viethe ws of the Annapurna range.
After the grueling, icy descent from Larkya La, the Bimthang Valley feels like a hidden paradise. This vast, flat alpine meadow is surrounded by a stunning amphitheater of peaks, including the back (west) face of Manaslu. Filled with turquoise glacial streams, it is the perfect place to recover, celebrate the pass crossing, and enjoy a spectacular mountain sunset. Bhimthang is a fascinating stop for the trekkers after crossing the pass.
The first week of the trek is defined by the mighty Budhi Gandaki River Gorge, showcasing Nepal’s incredible topographical diversity. The trail ascends from subtropical lowlands (930m) into the high mountains, often carved dramatically into cliff faces. It involves crossing numerous suspension bridges over the churning river, taking you through traditional Gurung villages and terraced fields.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unrivaled journey into the core of the Himalayas. This trek perfectly blends the hidden culture of sacred Tsum Valley with the classic high-adventure challenge of the Manaslu Circuit. This is an off-beat path experience and is very far from the crowd. Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek is a perfect choice for those who want to undertake in culturally authentic path.
Permits Required for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek (Foreigners & SAARC Nationals)
| Permit Type | Foreigners | SAARC Nationals |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | Peak (Sep-Nov): $100/7 days + $15/day after Off-season (Dec-Aug): $75/7 days + $10/day after | Peak (Sep-Nov): $20/7 days + $3/day after Off-season (Dec-Aug): $15/7 days + $2/day after |
| Tsum Valley Permit | Peak: $40/7 days + $7/day after Off-season: $30/7 days + $7/day after | Peak: $10/7 days + $2/day after Off-season: $7/7 days + $2/day after |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (~$22-25) | NPR 1,000 (~$7-8) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~$22-25) | NPR 1,000 (~$7-8) |
Additional Notes:
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is the best season to undertake any tour and trek in Nepal. After the monsoon, the rain washes away all the dirt and dust from the atmosphere. The air is left crystal clear, hence there will be breathtaking views throughout the trek. The high peaks like Manaslu and Ganesh Himal will be perfectly seen, and other views will also be rewarded by nature. The temperatures this season are also trekking-friendly, along with the nights being colder. The trail conditions are generally excellent, and there will be dry trails free of snow. Autumn also collides with the major Nepali festivals, Dashain and Tihar, so trekkers can have an important cultural immersion while being on the trek.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is another trekker-friendly season and is widely famous for its vibrant landscapes. After winter snow melts, the forests on the lower parts of the trek will explode with the rhododendron colours. The shades of red, pink, and white will be in full flow this season. Spring also provides progressively warmer temperatures and makes it comfortable to trek. While the views will be fantastic, the weather can get hazy, and evening passing showers are also possible. You must be preparing for the Larkya Pass crossing, because this pass can still hold the winter snow early in the spring season. However, the experience will still be more spectacular and promotional.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is rated challenging. This trek is a significant undertaking as it is more demanding than the classic trekking routes in Nepal. The journey will involve long hiking days, steep ascents, and descents. The crossing is also strenuous. We have to be in the remote restricted area with basic teahouse facilities, and a high level of physical fitness is required for this trek to be undertaken successfully.
Here is how to cope with the difficulties:
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an incredible tapestry of an exceptionally deep cultural immersion into the two distinct Himalayan regions. Our first entry at Tsum Valley will be welcomed with the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Tsumba people. This sacred area, which has been closed to the trekkers for decades and is filled with profound cultural richness. The spirituality of this region has remained largely unchanged even over time.
After entering Tsum, we will enter the Nubri Valley along the Manaslu circuit, another region of strong Tibetan influence. We will stay in the village like Sama Gaon, which is the cultural hub of this trek. This route will contrast sharply with the Gurung community residing in the region. While visiting this trek, you are not just a trekker, but a breather of ancient culture.
Food along the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek will be served in the teahouse facilities. The menus will revolve around the high-energy giving food. The most common and highly recommended meal for lunch and dinner is Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is a Nepali staple mixed of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles. Dal bhat will come with unlimited and free refills. For breakfast, you will have options like Tibetan bread, porridge, eggs, and bread. The other major menus will include pasta, momo, chowmein, noodles, and pizza in some teahouses. The options will shrink in the remote regions of Tsum Valley. However, there will be plenty of hearty and carbohydrate-rich meals to fuel energy on our trek.
Accommodation during our Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek will be in the local teahouses or lodges. The teahouses will provide basic and comfortable lodging. A simple room will contain two beds with a mattress, pillow, and blanket. The bathrooms will be shared and basic throughout the trek. The communal dining hall is the heart of the trek, as this will provide the trekkers to enjoy the hot tea and reflect on the day’s trek with fellow trekkers.
The dining room is heated by the wood-burning stove at night, which makes it easy and comfortable to heat. The extras like internet, hot showers, and device charging are also available for a small fee. The nights can be very cold, hence having your own sleeping bag will be very necessary.
Travel Insurance for the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is essential and non-negotiable. The primary danger is the sudden altitude gain of up to 5160m when we cross the Larkya La Pass. This will create a risk of catching altitude sickness, which can be a life-threatening emergency. Long trekking days on the rugged terrain are also another danger during this trek, which makes travel insurance even more important.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek trail is a remote alpine terrain. If we suddenly catch the symptoms of altitude sickness or get injured, the most effective emergency response is helicopter evacuation only. Having travel insurance that reimburses hospital bills and helicopter evacuation costs will save you at least 8000 USD. That is why Alpine Vista Trails firmly advocates the requirement of Travel insurance added to your trip. It is your critical safety net that saves a potential financial catastrophe.
Traveling with Alpine Vista Treks will ensure a trekker or traveler for a seamless, comfortable, and enriching Himalayan experience. Our expert guides will navigate through the trek with a meticulously planned and crafted itinerary and well-equipped service to have your routine checkups and get updates on your health. We provide you with full logistical support on your demand from your arrival in Nepal till you depart from the country.
Alpine Vista Treks has carefully designed the itinerary and acclimatization days to adapt to the elevating altitude and ensure you get the experience of Nepal without any health problems. We invite everyone who wants to visit the country and explore. You can directly text us on WhatsApp on + 977 9851232342 or email us at [email protected]
