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21 days
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Manaslu
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Challenging
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5,106 m
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From 2 people
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Trekking
Highlights
- The hidden Tsum Valley and the monasteries of Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa
- Close views of Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world
- Samagaon and the Tibetan villages of the upper Budhi Gandaki
- Crossing the Larkya La pass (5,106 m)
- Two restricted areas visited by few trekkers
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek combines two of the most rewarding treks in Nepal. You drive to Machha Khola and follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge north, then turn into the hidden Tsum Valley, a sacred Buddhist valley close to Tibet with the monasteries of Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.
You then rejoin the Manaslu Circuit through the Tibetan villages of Lho and Samagaon below Manaslu (8,163 m), cross the Larkya La pass (5,106 m) and descend to Dharapani. Both areas are restricted, so special permits and at least two trekkers are required.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is cold at altitude and high passes can be closed by snow. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging trek with six to eight hours of walking on most days and a long day over the Larkya La pass (5,106 m). Lodges are simple, especially in the Tsum Valley. No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and used to hiking several days in a row.
The slow ascent through the Tsum Valley and the acclimatization day in Samagaon help your body adjust before the pass. Training with long walks, hill hikes and cardio exercise before the trip makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need Manaslu and Tsum Valley restricted area permits, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The restricted area permits require at least two trekkers and a licensed guide.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We arrange the restricted area permit for the Tsum Valley, and later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing and checks your equipment. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long drive of 8–10 hours takes you out of Kathmandu via Arughat and Soti Khola, with the final section on rough, unpaved road. You arrive at the riverside settlement of Machha Khola in the Budhi Gandaki valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Machha Khola (869 m).
The trail follows the narrow Budhi Gandaki gorge upstream, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls along the way. You reach the stone-paved village of Jagat, where permits are checked. Overnight in a teahouse in Jagat (1,340 m).
Beyond the village of Philim, you leave the main Manaslu trail and climb into the Tsum side valley. The path offers fine views down the gorge and towards the surrounding peaks. Overnight in a teahouse in Lokpa (2,240 m).
A steep forest trail follows the Siyar Khola, with several ascents and descents through pine and rhododendron. You reach Chumling, the first village of lower Tsum, set among terraced fields. Overnight in a teahouse in Chumling (2,386 m).
The trail climbs through the valley to Chhokangparo, the main village of upper Tsum, with views of Ganesh Himal on clear days. The local culture here is strongly Tibetan Buddhist. Overnight in a teahouse in Chhokangparo (3,031 m).
You walk past chortens, mani walls and the Rachen nunnery as the valley widens. The trail continues to Nile, one of the last villages before the Tibetan border. Overnight in a teahouse in Nile (3,361 m).
A short climb brings you to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the valley, set on a hilltop close to the Tibetan border. The short day helps with acclimatization and leaves time to settle in. Overnight in Mu Gompa (3,700 m).
The trail descends through dry, open terrain past chortens and mani walls, with views of Ganesh Himal on clear days. You spend the night at Rachen Gompa, one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Rachen Gompa (3,240 m).
The descent follows the Siyar Khola back through Chhokangparo and the villages of lower Tsum, crossing suspension bridges through forest and farmland. It is a long day of six to seven hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Chumling (2,386 m).
You walk back down to Lokpa and rejoin the main Manaslu trail along the Budhi Gandaki, through forest and gorges to the village of Deng. The walk takes six to seven hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Deng (1,860 m).
Several river crossings and a gradual climb lead you into the upper valley, where the culture becomes increasingly Tibetan. Namrung is the first village with this character, marked by prayer flags and mani walls, and offers good mountain views. Overnight in a teahouse in Namrung (2,630 m).
A short day via the villages of Lihi and Sho, with barley fields and mani walls along the trail. Views of Manaslu grow steadily as you approach Lho, and the short distance helps with acclimatization. Overnight in a teahouse in Lho (3,180 m).
From Lho the trail climbs through forest to Shyala, with fine views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. A gentle walk then brings you to Samagaon, the main village of the upper valley, set below the mountain. Overnight in a teahouse in Samagaon (3,520 m).
A rest and acclimatization day in Samagaon. Following the climb-high, sleep-low principle, you hike up to Birendra Lake or towards Manaslu Base Camp, then return to the village to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Samagaon (3,520 m).
A gentle climb along the river brings you to Samdo, the last village before the pass, close to the Tibetan border. The short day helps you adjust to the altitude, with time to explore the village in the afternoon. Overnight in a teahouse in Samdo (3,875 m).
The trail passes the old trading site of Larkya Bazaar and climbs steadily to the simple lodges at Dharamsala, below the pass. Rest well, keep warm and have an early night in preparation for tomorrow's crossing. Overnight in a lodge in Dharamsala (4,460 m).
The most demanding day of the trek begins with a pre-dawn start to cross Larkya La (5,106 m), with views of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II from the top. A long, steep descent follows to the pastures of Bimthang. Expect around 8–10 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Bimthang (3,600 m).
The descent continues through pine and rhododendron forest and open pastures via Karche, with views back towards Manaslu. The air becomes noticeably warmer as you lose height. Overnight in a teahouse in Goa (2,515 m).
A short walk through farmland and villages via Tilije and Thonje brings you to Dharapani, where the route joins the Annapurna road. From there a jeep takes you down the Marsyangdi valley via Besisahar to Kathmandu, a drive of nine to twelve hours that usually arrives in the evening. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
