Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trekking - 20 Days

Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Route Overview

The adventure to the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley is in the northern part of Nepal and passes through the hidden traditional villages of the lower Tsum called Chumling and the upper Tsum known as Chhaikampar, showcasing the distinctive culture of the native Tsumbas, who are the locals of the Tsum Valley.

Guarded by the Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Sringi Himal to the north, and Ganesh Himal to the south, all under the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area, Tsum Valley offers the most scenic landscapes along with the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the rich cultural encounters of the Manaslu region. 

The whole Manaslu Circuit boasts on its abundance in cultural and historical landmarks represented by several Mani walls, Chortens, vibrant prayer flags, the holiest monasteries, and gompas, including scared caves where Guru Rinpoche and Tibetan philosopher spiritual leader Milarepa were believed to have meditated and blessed with liberation.

Moreover, the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trekking Route is opened as a restricted trails in 2008 and presents trekkers and travelers with the most unspoiled, untainted natural beauty, along with the witnessing of a wide range of flora and fauna, including some endangered species like snow leopards, red pandas, Asian black bears, lynxes, and many more.

Highlights

• An intriguing drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back.
• Venture to the secret valleys and hidden trail of the eighth-tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft).
• Discover the unspoiled culture, religious values, and traditions at Mu Gompa, Rachen, Pungyen Gompa, etc.
• This is a great chance to get a refined insight into the people from the Valley of Happiness, Tsumbas.
• Spectacular views of Sringi Himal, Hiunchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Larkye Peak, along with the almighty presence of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m).
• Cross the rewarding high mountain pass of the Manaslu region, Larkye La Pass (5,106 m).
• Traverse through the dense forests, raging rivers, cascading waterfalls, thrilling suspension bridges under the Manaslu restricted region of Nepal, etc.

What to expect at Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley?

The isolated wonderland of Manaslu ponders trekkers with a bountiful natural and cultural gem of the country secluded in the center of the Langtang Himal, forming an extraordinary natural amphitheater of the western region of the majestic crown jewel alike set Himalayas, including the Jugal Himal.

Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is an adventurous expedition moving back and forth to the Budhi Gandaki river valleys, passing by scenic terraced farms, lush forests of oak, rhododendrons, and blue pine trees, and following the mesmerizing mountain views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), the Ganesh Himal range, and others, presenting you with a once in a life time opportunities with:

Less- Frequented Trekking route in Nepal

The Manaslu trekking region of Nepal is designated as one of the restricted areas of Nepal that has regulated its special permits to gain access to the area, which adds an extra layer to the overall trek logistics and is mostly preferred by true adventurers only.

Furthermore, the Manaslu region is relatively remote and has comparatively less developed tourist infrastructure in terms of roads and air links, which has not yet been as commercialized as some of the other popular trekking destinations in Nepal, resulting in a real sense of authentic adventure and achievement upon completing the circuit trek with Tsum Valley exploration. 

Impressive mountain views

The Manaslu Restricted Area of Nepal is situated on the north-western side of the capital city, Kathmandu, in the Gorkha district, primarily dominated by the eight-tallest mountain giant globally, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). At the same time, the extremely prohibited valley within the region, Tsum Valley, is nestled amidst Boudha Himal (6,672m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,405 m), and Shringi Himal (7,155 m/23 474ft).

Having said that, definitely, throughout the route to voyaging the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley, you will be stunned by the beautiful sight of these prominent Himalayan peaks, along with the spectacular views of Himalchuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m/25,823 ft), and many others.

Unique Cultural experience

The Manaslu region is famed for its untouched culture, traditions, and traditional Tibetan-style villages with flat-roofed stone houses. The upper regional villages of Samagaon and Samdo are home to distinctive Nubri people, while an integral part of the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley, is inhabited by people of Tsum and Tsumbas, especially in Chhokang Paro and Mu Gompa.

Similarly, the lower sections of the Manaslu Circuit, precisely Ghap, and Lho, are inhabited by the indigenous community of Gurung, while the higher altitude areas of the Manaslu region are dominated by Bhotis and Tibetan descendants, who share historical ties with Tibet and showcase evident resemblances in architecture, religious rituals, and practices. 

The native locals of this part of the Himalayas are often smiling, humble, and welcoming, and they consider guests as their gods. You will be impressed with the unswayed faith in Buddhism and Hinduism as flaunted by a series of monasteries, stupas, and Mani walls festooned with vibrant prayer flags that you might be one of the first ones to come across during your journey to the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek.

Inspirational Lifestyle of Monks in Mu Gompa and Pungyen Gompa

Far away from the hustling and bustling cities live Buddhist monks, the spiritual guides towards liberation in the gompas of the Manaslu region. The sole reason for their lives is to obtain nirvana, and they are usually strictly disciplined.

Several routes to the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek pass by these ancient gompas and monasteries, where you will get to be part of the daily rites and rituals performed to neutralize negative energies and channel positivity.

Mu Gompa and Pungyen Gompa are two of the noteworthy gompas that you will be visiting during your 20-day Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek. Mu Gompa, at an elevation of 3,700 m (12,139 ft), is considered the largest and oldest monastery in the Manaslu region and presents trekkers and travelers with the monastic lifestyle of a community of monks manifesting Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism.

Whereas, Pungyen Gompa is set in the foothills of the surrounding splendor of mountain ranges at an altitude of 4,050 m, which is believed to have been crafted by the Tibetan Buddhist Guru to shelter the refugees suffering from war and famine and has been serving as the major cultural, historical, and spiritual highlight of the Manaslu region, where one can learn to appreciate life.

Pristine Nature in the Manaslu Conservation Area

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking trails are ventured by the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is a haven for nature enthusiasts renowned for its serene and diverse natural beauty. The protected area is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, offering the unspoiled raw Himalayan wilderness.

On your lucky day, you might even get to see extremely rare wildlife such as marmots, Himalayan tahr, and varying species of birds while you traverse closer to the glacier of Manaslu and its alpine vegetation through the rural valleys of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Short Itinerary

• Day 01: Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (870m) – Drive via Prithvi Highway, Trishuli River, Arughat, and Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (9–10 hrs).
• Day 02: Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,400 m) – Trek via Tharo Khola, Tatopani hot springs, Dhoban, and suspension bridges to Jagat.
• Day 03: Jagat to Lokpa (2,040 m) – Enter the Manaslu restricted area; ascend Salleri, descend Sirdibas, pass Philim, and reach Lokpa.
• Day 04: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m) – Descend Luangwa River valley, ascend through pine & rhododendron forests to Chumling and Chumling Gompa.
• Day 05: Chumling to Chekampar (3,010m) – Trek upper Tsum Valley via Tanju, Dumje, Sarphu Khola, Chhokang, and Paro to Chekampar.
• Day 06: Chekampar to Nile (3,361 m) – Walk through Tsum villages, visiting Pigeon Cave (Piren Phu) and surrounding villages.
• Day 07: Day Trip to Mu Gompa (3,700m) – Short hike to the largest Gompa in Tsum Valley and return to Nile.
• Day 08: Nile to Chekampar (3,010 m) – Descend back through Pangden, Phurbe, Burji, and Lama Gaon to Chekampar.
• Day 09: Chekampar to Chumling (2,386 m) – Descend via Gho and Rainjam villages to Chumling.
• Day 10: Chumling to Deng (1,860 m) – Trek along the Shair Khola and Budhi Gandaki River, passing Lokpa and Ekle Bhatti to Deng.
• Day 11: Deng to Namrung (2,900 m) – Gradual climb past Ghap and bamboo/rhododendron forests to Namrung.
• Day 12: Namrung to Lho (3,180 m) – Trek past Mani walls, Gompas, and traditional villages with Manaslu views.
• Day 13: Lho to Sama Gaon (3,520 m) – Hike along the Budhi Gandaki River with views of Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and surrounding peaks.
• Day 14: Acclimatization Day – Optional day trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Pungyen Gompa (4,600 m).
• Day 15: Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,875 m) - Cross Budhi Gandaki via hanging bridges and enter Samdo Valley near Tibet.
• Day 16: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460 m) - Trek through Larke Bazaar, Larkya Glacier, and Salka Khola, and ascend to Dharamsala (Larkya La Phedi).
• Day 17: Dharamsala to Bhimthang (3,590 m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) Cross the highest point of the trek and descend to Bhimthang.
• Day 18: Bhimthang to Tiliche (1,900 m) - Downhill trek through hidden valleys, cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and terraced fields to Tiliche.
• Day 19: Tiliche to Dharapani (1,963 m) - Trek to Dharapani, then drive to Besisahar, Pokhara, or Kathmandu.
• Day 20: Departure from Nepal - Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.

Why Choose the 20-Day Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley Trek?

The 20-day Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley itinerary is designed after thoughtful consideration of trekkers so that you get the best out of the least amount of grueling experience based on our years of sharpened knowledge in the field of catering personalized services in travel and tourism.

The journey according to this 20-day itinerary to trek Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley begins with a scenic and thrilling drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, passing initially by the Trishuli River Valley and later the Budhi Gandaki, covering a distance of 140 km (87 miles) in 9–10 hours.

Then, the true expedition begins as you venture into several tiny and some larger Himalayan settlements, such as Chekampar and Chumling, also known as upper and lower Tsum, with a continuous ascending and descending ramble of 5–6 hours each day to the Larke La Pass and finally to Dharapani.

From Dharapani, you will take a jeep back to Besishar to catch a local bus either to Pokhara or Kathmandu, where we recommend you immerse yourself in the tourist paradise of Nepal, Pokhara for sure.

This itinerary is tailored to make sure you do not miss any highlights of the Manaslu region, including Mu Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, and several others, for not only a better natural experience but also a cultural endeavor in the celestial presence of the killer mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).

Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Cost

According to Ammonite Adventure the standard package price for the 20-day Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek is USD 1,055. Groups of more than 10 trekkers and travelers can get a special group discounted budget, which implies that solo trekkers or small groups might have to pay slightly more.

It is for a guided trekking package of 20 days to Manaslu Circuit with a side trek to Tsum Valley, where all of the travel and trek logistics will be taken care of by Ammonite Adventure, including food, accommodation, trekking permits, guides, and their necessities, along with their insurance.