19 Days Journey of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, The Hiddden Valley of Happiness

If you’ve been trekking for a while and want something more authentic, challenging, and off the beaten path, consider trying this 19 Days Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek that combines the challenging Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley treks. It is a special combination that will allow you to visit two of the most remote and ethereal regions of Nepal. Here, you can genuinely connect with nature and the local culture.

The vivid Tsum is a peaceful valley where you can witness Tibetan Buddhist culture in its purest form. Like any other Buddhist region, there are many monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and that serene atmosphere. On the other hand, the Manaslu Circuit trek has high-altitude terrain, rugged paths, and the challenging Larkya La Pass. So, it’s perfect for those who love pushing their limits while enjoying jaw-dropping mountain views.

By merging both hikes, you enjoy the best of both worlds: the calm and cultural beauty of the Tsum Valley and the challenges and high-altitude excitement of the Manaslu Circuit. You can even have a life-changing experience after meeting the devoted Tsumba people, who are all about compassion and nonviolence.

Solo trekking is not permitted on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek since 2010. This policy requires trekkers to be in a group of at least two people accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. It was formulated mainly for the following reasons:

1. Group Trekking Regulations: The Manaslu and Tsum Valleys are both restricted areas. The restricted area permits (Manaslu RAP, Tsum RAP, MCAP) are only provided for a group of at least two people to manage and control the flow of trekkers into this remote region for sustainable tourism. Also, they should be applied through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
2. Safety and Support: Group treks provide mutual support, which is important in these challenging, high-altitude environments. You will never be alone in case of an emergency, altitude sickness, or an injury.
3. Cultural and Environmental Impact: These regions have been preserving nature and culture for a long period of time. The guide will help facilitate positive interactions and Leave No Trace principles.
4. Local Economy Support: Group trekking not only supports guides and trekkers but also the family-run teahouses in remote areas like the Manaslu Tsum Valley.

Combining these treks is not only possible, but naturally efficient as well. The Manaslu Tsum route goes to Tilije and Besisahar. These villages are located near Koto-Chame and, more importantly, the starting point of the Nar Phu trek route. It only takes a half-day jeep ride, or you can walk two easy stages of the Annapurna Circuit route to get you to Koto. From there, you can walk north into the concealed valleys of Nar and Phu without needing to go back or take extra domestic flights.

Since you’ve just spent three weeks trekking the challenging Manaslu Tsum Valley, you should be able to climb Nar Phu’s Kang La Pass (5,320 m) with only a few extra acclimatization days. It’ll add eight to nine more trekking days for the Nar Phu Valley trek. You can either leave by road or fly out of Humde. So, the Manaslu Tsum and Nar Phu Valley Trek will take approximately 30–32 days in total.

Note: Nar Phu is a restricted zone that requires a separate Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. So, you can use the same gear.

Like any other high-altitude trek in Nepal, the Manaslu Tsum Valley shares similar weather conditions. The sky is clear and temperatures are stable in the peak seasons, Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov).

The spring season offers colorful rhododendron blooms and the first stable weather on Larkya La. During the day, the temperature hovers between 18 – 22 °C in the lower villages and rises to around 8 °C above 3,500 m. However, at night, it drops to -3 °C in mid-elevations and as low as -8 °C at Larkya Phedi. Autumn offers the sharpest mountain views, thanks to the post-monsoon clarity. The daytime temperatures are similar to those in spring, but nighttime temperatures are lower, i.e., –4 °C to –8 °C above 4,000 m. Both seasons offer firm, leech-free paths and the best odds of a trouble-free Larkya La crossing.

In contrast, the summer days (Jun – Sep) are warm, 22 – 28 °C during the day and a minimum of 8 °C at night. The main problem is monsoon rain. It makes the route muddy, slick with leeches, and may even trigger a landslide, causing delays. Meanwhile, the winter season (Dec – Feb) is too cold. Snowfalls occur frequently, and storms may happen occasionally. Expect daytime temperatures around 2 – 6 °C at Samagaun and –12 °C or lower at the pass. Nevertheless, you can enjoy a peaceful journey in these seasons due to a quieter route.

Average Temperature on Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Tsum Valley is considered moderate to challenging. But crossing Larkya Pass at 5,160 m is not an easy task, especially if you’re a homebody. Plus, you’ll sleep above 3,500 m most of the days, facing cold temperatures, wind, and thin air that challenge your stamina. And, of course, it includes narrow cliff paths, suspension bridges, and lots of uphill and downhill walks. However, the trekking experience depends on the trekkers themselves. You can also get a Complete Guide To Tsum Valley Trek With Manaslu Circuit Trek to better prepare for the trip without compromising your safety

As Manaslu and Tsum Valley are both restricted regions and fall inside two conservation areas, you’ll need the following five permits:

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The entire Manaslu stretch, from Jagat to Larkya Phedi/Dharamsala, lies within this conservation area. There are several checkpoints, like in Jagat, Philim, Namrung, and Samagaun park posts. It’s just a one-time fee; good for unlimited days within the conservation area.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Similarly, Jagat to Dharapani (days 6–21 of the standard itinerary) is located in the restricted Manaslu region. It’ll be checked in the same MCAP posts, as well as in police logbooks along the route. The permit should be applied through a trekking agency, and only a group of at least two trekkers, accompanied by a guide, can obtain it. Its price differs by season, and the first 7 days are included. Then, the daily extensions will incur additional costs.

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Likewise, the Lokpa to Mu Gompa section of the Tsum side trip (days 7–12) needs this permit. Tsum Valley RAP will be checked in the Lokpa police post and the village police registers in Chumling and Chhekam Paro. It also requires a minimum of two trekkers along with a licensed guide. It is charged in weekly blocks for additional days.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit allows you to enter the Bimthang, Tilije, Dharapani, and onward to Besisahar after crossing the Larkya Pass. It is primarily checked at Dharapani. ACAP also takes a one-time fee and covers any duration inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit

We need this permit to enter Jagat, Lokpa, Chhekam Paro, Lamagaon, and many more locations, including Larkya Pass. It was introduced in October 2024. It is collected by the local government and is designed to support environmental preservation and tourism development in the area.

Since trekkers need five separate permits, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate to expensive trek in Nepal. However, the trekking costs more during peak seasons due to the influx of tourists. Additionally, it’s remote, so they use mules to transport goods to the village, making it more costly than more developed routes.

We, Himalaya Guide Nepal, charge you a base rate of $1,235 per person, which covers all core logistics, including restricted-area paperwork, a licensed guide, porter support, ground transfers, meals, and lodge stays. The larger the group, the cheaper the rate per person. Daily guide and porter wages, transport, and accommodation fees can be split among the group.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Cost Breakdown

Note: Figures are rounded. In larger groups, the guide/porter and transport shares drop, sliding the total toward $1,020 per person for a 10-trekker team.

Mu Gompa – 3,700 m, Upper Tsum Valley

This 19th-century monastery is situated on a windswept ridge near the Tibetan border. It is home to ancient thangka paintings, yak-butter lamps, and a small library of yellowed scriptures. You can witness the Ganesh Himal range painted pink during the sunrise and sunsets. As the valley is remote and peaceful, you’ll hear chants echo. Here, anyone who lives in towns and cities can understand what true isolation and devotion feel like.

Rachen Gompa – 3,240 m, Shiar Khola Valley

Piren Phu is said to be the location where the legendary poet and sage Milarepa meditated. Inside this cliffside cave, you’ll find soot-blackened walls, small statues, and a spout dripping holy water. Below, barley terraces stretch up until the base of Hiunchuli mountain.

Punggyen Gompa – 4,050 m, south of Samagaun

Similarly, Punggyen Gompa is another windswept hermitage facing Manaslu’s towering icefall. It’s a side hike where you’ll be offered butter tea if you visit. This spot allows you to view the never-ending glacier vistas and the thunder of avalanches that creates a magnificent world that will seem unreal.

Ribung Gompa (Lho) – 3,200 m, Lho Village

Sitting on the top of a pine hill, Ribung Gompa serves as a viewpoint to get the postcard views of Manaslu’s silver pyramid. The monastery holds an evening puja with drum beats. Villagers spin handheld prayer wheels around the long mani wall below during the puja. Visitors can also join in.

Kargyu Chholing Monastery – 3,525 m, Samagaun

Kargyu Chholing Monastery is home to young novice monks. They practice debating in the courtyard. In the inner sanctum, you will see glowing butter lamps, gilded statues, and yak-hair thangkas. Outside, you can witness the beautiful turquoise waters of Birendra Tal, where yaks graze.

Mani Walls of Samdo – 3,875 m, Samdo Village

In the village of Samdo, you’ll see hundreds of intricately carved stone walls. These walls stretch like a spine through the windswept settlement. It’s believed that walking clockwise while murmuring “Om Mani Padme Hum” here brings blessings and good fortune to one’s life.

Chhokang Paro Village – 3,010 m, Central Tsum

Chhokang Paro Village is a charming pair of settlements connected by beautiful barley fields and cozy stone houses, lovingly piled with firewood. Here, colorful prayer flags flutter gently in the breeze. You can spin prayer wheels and interact with the locals over a cup of salty butter tea, also called Noon Chiya.

Chhekam Paro Village – 3,031 m, upper Tsum

On the other hand, Chhekam Paro Village is another pair of settlements: Chhekam and Paro. Known for stone-rooftop terraces and long communal mani walls, it is the largest agricultural hub in Tsum Valley. In the morning, you can hear a bell. It’s rung to call villagers to the small temple to pray. Here, you’ll see the cliffs above glow orange at sunset.

Lokpa Gateway Chorten – 2,240 m, junction trail

Lokpa Gateway Chorten is a whitewashed stupa decorated with fierce protectors. It marks the official entrance to Tsum Valley. You need to circumambulate at least once before going ahead. It is believed that the circumambulation (Kora) helps you leave all your worries behind.

Namrung Stone Chorten – 2,630 m, Namrung

Similarly, Namrung Stone Chorten is also a carved gateway chorten that greets trekkers entering Nubri village. The chorten has symbols and Tibetan scriptures. This white chorten contrasts beautifully with the colorful rhododendron forest.

Philim Monastery – 1,750 m, Philim Village

Lastly, Philim monastery is a modest yet vibrant gompa where monks chant each dawn. You will see bright murals of the Buddha’s life line on its walls. Around it, terraced farms cascade, creating a perfect setting for evening meditation or leisurely walks.

Manaslu Tsum Valley, Nar Phu Valley, and Upper Mustang Trek are all restricted area treks. Besides that, they share other similarities, such as remote Buddhist valleys, and have no domestic flights from Kathmandu to start the trek. All are high-altitude treks above 3,000 m, featuring overnight stays in simple tea-house lodges, as well as dramatic terrain shifts from deep gorges to open highlands with majestic views of the peaks.

More importantly, all these treks take place in the Gandaki region but still have many differences, like:

So, why choose Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

Answer: You get to visit the remotest valley of Tsum. You also experience the high-alpine drama of Larkya La, all in one continuous loop. The permit bill is lower than that of Upper Mustang and higher than that of Nar Phu. Still, you get to trek for 22 whole days, which is a win. You can witness cultural performances, attend monk debates at Mu Gompa, and visit the meditation caves of Milarepa. Hence, this trek delivers the best blend of adrenaline, altitude, and heritage.

Contact us and get ready for those awesome panoramas of snow-capped mountains and prayer flags!