Complete Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary – Route, Days & Highlights

Introduction

In this blog, we’ll discuss the Manaslu CircuitandTsum Valley Trek itinerary. You’ll have thorough knowledge of the places you'll go through or stay overnight during your trip, including their altitudes and travel durations, so you can plan accordingly. Besides, you will also learn about the beautiful peaks that accompany you in your journey.The trek is an off-the-beaten-path trip in Nepal. It offers stunning mountain views, a chance to learn about spirituality, and an opportunity to witness some endangered wildlife.

The trekking trail is located in the Gorkha District of Gandaki Province in western Nepal. It lies within the boundary of theManalsu Conservation Area. The locals along the routes are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. So, you can expect to visit or pass through monasteries, chortens, and mani walls during the trek, besides mountain views.The Buddhist prayer flag is common here. Every house in the villages along the way has it standing by on the rooftop. You’ll feel a sense of inner peace when you see it waving in the air during your journey.

Manaslu Circuit And Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is considered moderate to challenging in difficulty. Meaning it is both easy and challenging, and it’ll be much better if you have previous experience of trekking in high altitude locations. The trail isn’t too technical. However, the journey is long. Completing this trek requires 20 days. Thus, although the trail isn’t that hard to walk, you might still feel challenged because of its duration.

The elevations you gain during the trip also make it challenging. You’ll cross Larke La Pass (5,106 m/16,751 ft) during your journey. Such height might not be easy if you’re a beginner and reside at sea level.

Required Fitness Level For The Trek

As you’ve already learned, the trek is moderate to challenging. Hence, you need to be focused on your physique and conditions. However, your body does  not need to be athletic; it should be fit and healthy. If you aren’t a regular workout person, you should start doing it daily for an hour, at least one month before your travel date. Below are some of the basic exercises that help build your stamina and strength, and make your body flexible:

• Stretching
• Squats
• Running
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Meditation 

All these exercises aren’t possible to do within the span of an hour every day, excluding 10 minutes of stretching. Therefore, you can do 2 workouts a day if you can’t do more than an hour.

Trekking Experience Needed

As per our above discussion, it’d be much better and beneficial if you have some previous experience in high-altitude trekking for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Due to the altitude gain and travel duration of this journey, it might be difficult for beginners. Thus, I highly recommend that you do at least a couple of short and easy treks first to prepare yourself for this one. However, this does not mean it is impossible to stroll around the Manaslu Region if you don’t possess previous experience.

It’s tough. Nonetheless, you can do it safely by exercising caution and following your guide’s instructions.

Beginner Suitability: Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Moderate hikers can also enjoy panoramic mountain views and rich cultural experiences on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. The reasons to consider this adventure for beginners are:

• The trail is designed in such a way that trekkers can gain height gradually and have rest days, allowing them to adjust their bodies to the reduced oxygen levels safely.
• Accommodations along the way provide food and lodging services.
• Flexible itineraries allow you to hike within your fitness level.
• A well-prepared and targeted workout routine helps make this trip successful.

Best Time To Trek Manaslu Circuit And Tsum Valley

Understanding the best time for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is essential to make your journey safe and joyful. Making plans for this trek without knowing the weather patterns of each season in a year might put you in danger. Even if you return home safely, you don’t get the chance to enjoy your trip the way you expect.

Seasons: Spring & Autumn Recommended

The best time for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons are ideal because they offer stable weather, clear skies, good visibility, and dry trails. Also, spring has local festivals, Holi (festival of colours), Nepali New Year, and Buddha Purnima (the Lord Buddha’s birthday). While autumn has Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar. They all offer a festive vibe during the trek, adding an extra joy and chance to learn the local culture.

Please note that the weather in the Himalaya is so unpredictable, meaning it can turn bad at any time, even in spring and autumn. Hence, it’s better to check the weather forecast for your travelling dates when making a plan and stay tuned with it until you’re done with the journey.

Why Monsoon Or Winter May Not Be Ideal

Trekking on the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley is also possible during the winter and monsoon, with some serious preparation. Yet, these seasons are still considered the off-season for hiking. This is because winter has very cold temperatures (especially at night and in the early morning), snow on high passes, and limited teahouse availability. Whereas, heavy rain, slippery trails, risk of landslide and flood, and leech bites are common during monsoon.

Weather Overview (Temperature, Rainfall)

Here’s the season-wise table showing the average temperatures on the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek:

Manaslu Circuit And Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

• Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft) to Machha Khola (870 m / 2,854 ft), which takes 8- 9 hrs and covers approximately 160 km (99 mi).
• Day 02: Hike from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m / 4,396.32 ft), 6-7 hrs.
• Day 03: Hike from Jagat to Lokpa (2,040 m / ,493 ft), 6-7 hrs.
• Day 04: Hike from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m / 7,828 ft), 5-6 hrs.
• Day 05: Hike from Chumling to Chekampar (3,010 m / 9,875 ft), 5-6 hrs
• Day 06: Hike from Chekampar to Nile (3,361 m / 11,062 ft), 4-5 hrs.
• Day 07: Acclimatisation Day at Nile: Visit Monasteries such as Dhephu Doma Gompa in Mu Gompa
• Day 08: Hike from Nile to Chekampar, 2-3 hrs.
• Day 09: Hike from Chekampar to Chumling, 3-4 hrs.
• Day 10: Hike from Chumling to Deng (1,860 m  / 6,102 ft), 6-7 hrs.
• Day 11: Hike from Deng to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628 ft), 6-7 hrs.
• Day 12: Hike from Namrung to Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft), 3-4 hrs.
• Day 13: Hike from Lho to Sama Gaun (3,530 m / 11,581 ft), 3-4 hrs.
• Day 14: Acclimatisation Day at Sama Gaun: Visit Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m / 15,748.03 ft) or Birendra Lake (3,691 m / 12,110 ft)
• Day 15: Hike from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft), 3-4 hrs.
• Day 16: Hike from Samdo to Dharmashala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft), 4-5 hrs.
• Day 17: Hike from Dharmashala to Bhimthang (3,720 m / 12,205 ft) via  Larkya La (5,106 m/16,751.97 ft), 8-9 hrs.
• Day 18: Hike from Bhimthang to Tilije (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), 3-4 hrs.
• Day 19: Hike from Tilije to Dharapani (1,963 m / 6,440 ft), 2-3 hrs, and drive to Besisahar and then return to Kathmandu.
• Day 20: Departure

Note: This is just our standard itinerary. It can be modified according to your preferences.

Accommodation And Food

Plenty of accommodations are available along the trail, equipped with basic modern facilities such as electricity, hot showers, and internet. The facilities aren’t as good as those in city hotels; nonetheless, they’re available in such a remote location. They charge a little extra for using hot showers, internet, and charging gadgets. Speaking of food, a variety of options are available on the menu, from local (daal bhat, momo, and thukpa) to western (burger, noodles, and spaghetti) cuisines.

They focus on cleanliness and hygiene. So, they clean up the room right after a guest checks out. They provide you with enough blankets for the night.

Permits And Regulations

For the to get Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek permite, you’re required to obtain three permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): More than half of the trail lies in the restricted area. So, the permit helps the government protect local culture, control the flow of tourists, and ensure safety.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MACP): It helps to protect the natural environment, conserve wildlife, and maintain the trail in the region.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since you enter the Annapurna Region after crossing the Larke Pass, it’s required for the same purpose as the MCAP.

Guide And Porter Requirements

As mentioned above, more than half of the route is considered a restricted area by the government. For this reason, solo trekking isn’t allowed. You must hire a guide and porter (optional) to enjoy the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. Also, there must be two people in a group, excluding the guide.

Where And How To Get Permits

To obtain RAP, MCAP, and ACAP, you should contact a registered local tour operator. They arrange everything, from paperwork to a guide.

Packing List And Essentials

Since you’re planning to do the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek, you should be thoroughly aware of the packing items that are enough for 20 days. The success of your journey also varies depending on what you bring.

Here are some common items that should be carried for this trek:

• A quality backpack (minimum 55L).
• Down jacket rated for a minimum of -15°C.
• Clothing: trekking pants, a moisture-wicking t-shirt, trouser, high neck, and a thermal set.  
• Gear essentials: trekking poles, boot gaiters, raincoat, buff mask, etc.
• Footwear (slippers, waterproof trekking boots, and socks)
• Sleeping bags (optional)
• UV protection sunglasses.
• A cap and a woolen hat.
• Important documents: passport (with at least 6 months of validity) and permits.
• Enough cash.
• Toiletries: toothpaste, brush, body lotion, sunscreen (at least SPF 50+), lip balm, etc.
• Snacks: energy bar, dry fruit, chocolate, and cookies.

Safety And Altitude Tips

It’ll be much easier for you to trek, if you’ve got better knowledge about altitude sickness and tips to prevent it. High-altitude sickness can be expected at such an elevation and usually begins after reaching 2,500 m (8,202.1 ft). Hence, let’s discuss the following things below:

Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness

Some basic symptoms of altitude sickness are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath while resting

How To Prevent And Manage

To avoid altitude sickness from happening, follow these steps:

• Hike gradually with 5-7 minutes of frequent breaks.
• Drink at least 3-4 litres of water daily, and also eat apples or cucumbers.
• Focus on calorie-rich foods like rice, potatoes, and pasta.
• Bring acetazolamide (Diamox) under your doctor’s prescription.
• Add garlic soup with timur can help (Sichuan Papper) to your meal.
• Spend an extra day in the same place upon reaching 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft).

Importance Of Acclimatisation

During a long trek like this, acclimatisation is a must. Spending an extra day at the same point after making up to 3,000 m allows your body to adjust to the lower air pressure level. Acclimatisation day doesn’t mean resting at the hotel for an entire day. During this day, you should go on a short hike to a hill near your hotel to prepare for higher altitudes.

Final Thoughts And Planning Tips

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek itinerary offers an opportunity to explore the Himalayan region, cross high passes like Larkya La, and learn about the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. With a well-designed 20-day program, including proper acclimatisation days, you’ll experience spirituality along with adventure in a single journey. Proper planning is the key to enjoying this trek safely. Choosing the right time and preparing yourself both physically and mentally are important for a successful experience.