Recommended by 99% of travelers
Recommended by 99% of travelers
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The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek is Nepal’s premier grand-loop wilderness expedition, pairing an extended cultural journey with high-altitude alpine thrills. Located inside a pristine restricted area bordering Tibet, this strenuous-grade circuit requires a minimum of two travelers plus a licensed guide. It stands as the ultimate choice for adventurers looking to explore deeply preserved Buddhist sanctuaries and massive mountain landscapes completely free from mass commercial tourism.
Spanning 18 to 22 days and covering roughly 220 to 230 km (137–143 miles), the route begins by branching off the main canyon into the mystical Tsum Valley—a hidden sacred sanctuary where ancient Tibetan traditions and century-old monasteries like Mu Gompa (3,700m) remain entirely frozen in time. After rejoining the main loop, the trail ascends to the traditional stone village of Samagaon (3,530m) for crucial acclimatization directly beneath the sprawling glaciers of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain on Earth. The ultimate physical test of the journey is conquering the majestic Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet), rewarding your endurance with boundless panoramas of Himlung Himal and the Annapurna massifs.
The trail descends past the scenic alpine pastures of Bhimthang to finish seamlessly at Dharapani, allowing for a direct overland 4x4 jeep transfer back to Kathmandu. Supported by cozy local teahouses, Himal Trek Nepal manages all complex logistics, including your dual-zone restricted area permits (RAPs), National Park entry cards, and expert mountain guides
Day 1
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, take time to rest. In the evening, meet your licensed trekking guide for your pre- departure briefing. Sort out gear, finalize last-minute preparations, and ask questions before departure.
Day 2
Permit sort out day. Meet your guide, sort out last minute preparation for trek before departure.
Day 3
Drive past scenic foothills along the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers to the rugged trailhead.
Day 4
Cross the suspension bridge at Khorlabesi and trek through the Tatopani natural hot springs. Enter the formal checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat.
Day 5
Walk through the riverside village of Philim. Pass Ekle Bhatti where the trail splits, turning right into the wild, steep forest gorge that leads into Tsum Valley.
Day 6
A challenging day crossing suspension bridges over the Syar Khola river. Climb steadily through dense pine forests to get your first views of the Ganesh Himal range.
Day 7
Enter the flat, open alpine plain of the Upper Tsum Valley. The stone houses here feature pure Tibetan architecture, and you will pass long, ancient stone mani walls.
Day 8
Walk through scenic crop fields and stone villages. Make a stop at the holy Piren Phu (Milarepa’s Cave), where the famous Buddhist saint is said to have meditated.
Day 9
Hike up early to Mu Gompa (3,700m), the highest and largest ancient monastery in the valley, right near the Tibetan border. After exploring its sacred scrolls, turn around and trek down the valley to sleep at Rachen Gompa nunnery.
Day 10
Retrace your steps back down the valley plateau, dropping steeply back through the deep forest gorge to sleep at Lokpa village.
Day 11
Hike out of the Tsum Valley branch to rejoin the core Manaslu Circuit highway, crossing the river to settle in the small village of Deng.
Day 12
Climb steadily through rhododendron and bamboo forests into the upper Bhotia cultural zone, passing spinning prayer wheels and traditional farms.
Day 13
A short but stunning uphill walk that opens up to spectacular, direct views of Mount Manaslu's twin peaks. Explore Ribung Gompa monastery above the village.
Day 14
Walk through ancient pine forests to reach the wide valley basin of Samagaun, the primary high-altitude hub of the region.
Day 15
Vital rest day to prevent altitude sickness. Spend the day hiking to Pungyen Gompa or making the steep, snowy climb up to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) before returning to sleep in town.
Day 16
A shorter, slower walk across high alpine pastures. You will see yak herds grazing right against the backdrop of the Tibetan border mountains.
Day 17
Climb past the ruins of the ancient Larkya Bazaar up to the base of the pass. Rest and hydrate early at the remote stone lodges of Dharmasala.
Day 18
Start at 4:00 AM with headlamps. Climb the long, frozen glacial moraine to the prayer-flag clad pass for 360-degree views of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. Followed by a steep, rocky descent down to the green valley of Bhimtang.
Day 19
Enjoy a beautiful, continuous downhill walk through lush rhododendron, pine, and oak forests. Pass right through Tilije village to reach Dharapani, where the trail hits the road head.
Day 20
3 hours jeep drive to Besisahar, followed by a 6-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Catch a local sharing jeep out of the mountains to Besisahar city, then transfer immediately to a private or public vehicle to drive back to the capital.
Day 21
Free day for self exploration.
Day 22
Hotel check-out and international airport transfer. Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport exactly three hours before your scheduled flight time, marking the conclusion of your journey.
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15 Days
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5,545m/18,192ft
