Max. Elevation
The journey into Tsum Valley takes you through beautiful forests, terraced fields, traditional settlements, and narrow mountain trails surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. The region is home to Tibetan-origin communities whose traditions, language, and Buddhist practices remain an important part of everyday life.
Along the trail, you can visit historic monasteries, including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, explore sacred chortens, and walk beside mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers. The peaceful villages and spiritual atmosphere make Tsum Valley one of Nepal’s most distinctive trekking destinations.
Experience the Classic Manaslu Circuit
After exploring Tsum Valley, the route joins the Manaslu Circuit, where the scenery gradually changes from green valleys and forested hills to rugged alpine landscapes. The trail passes traditional villages, suspension bridges, glacial rivers, and mountain settlements that reflect the region’s diverse cultures and lifestyles.
One of the trek’s major highlights is crossing Larkya La Pass (approximately 5,106 m). This challenging high-altitude crossing rewards trekkers with spectacular views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The descent leads through alpine terrain toward lower valleys, completing a remarkable journey around Mount Manaslu.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek combines remote Himalayan scenery, rich Buddhist heritage, traditional village life, and the challenge of crossing a high mountain pass. It is an excellent choice for trekkers looking for a less commercialized alternative to Nepal’s busier trekking routes.
With experienced guides and carefully planned logistics from Alpinist Club, you can explore these remarkable landscapes while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, culture, and natural beauty of the Manaslu region.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
- Transfer to hotel
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
Have breakfast, and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally, the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Manaslu Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
- Day tour
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
After a warm breakfast, we ascend by a peaceful forest path until we reach Pushu Danda, located at 3,000 m altitude. Our effort is rewarded with superb views of Buddha Himal (6,672 m) and the various peaks of Ganesh Himal (7,100 m). We then descend to Laprak, an authentic Gurung village. We sneak between the stone houses to join our hosts, who welcome us warmly.
- Walking: Approximately 7 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +1300 m / -620 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 900 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Enjoy beautiful views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal (7,400 m), and Bouddha Himal (6,670 m). You will see terraced crops of amaranth, corn, and millet up to Singla village, where you will have lunchLeave Singla, under the protective gaze of Ganesh Himal, via a mountain-flank path. After crossing a final ridge, you will overlook Khorla village and begin a long descent towards the Bhudi Gandaki river, with views of Ganesh Himal peaks and the Machha Khola valley.
- Walking: Approximately 7 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -1530 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 2,300 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
The source text is somewhat confusing here, as Day 6 describes leaving Jagat while the day title says Khorlabensi to Jagat. Assuming the progression is correct: You leave Khorlabensi and eventually arrive at Jagat. The trek involves crossing a suspension bridge over the confluence of the Dudh Pokari Khola and Pahang Khola, passing traditional stone and bamboo houses in villages like Philim. You will have views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal (7,161 m) and encounter Himalayan pines. The gorges narrow, and you will leave the Manaslu tour trail.
- Walking: Approximately 6 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +865 m / -305 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 1,950 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
You enter the "secret valley" of Tsum, passing through a beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons in the Syar gorges. You will reach Chumling, a stone village in Botia country, with views of Ganesh Himal and Langju Himal. You can also see an abandoned gompa and an alignment of 14 chortens. Lokpa is a hamlet of 3 houses.
- Walking: Approximately 5 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +810 m / -380 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 2,340 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Continue along the right bank of the Syar Khola with ascents and descents. At the confluence of the Syar and Sarpu, you will see a beautiful traditional chorten and cross a suspension bridge. You will ascend to Chhokung Paro with its series of chortens, entering the "Haute Tsum" at the foot of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal.
- Walking: Approximately 5 hours.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,050 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Cross several Tibetan villages on the high Tsum plateau. After passing Nakyu village, you will have a "Chai" break in Lamagaon. Above Lamagaon, on a cliff, is the Piren Phu hermitage, where Mila Repa is said to have meditated, evidenced by his footprint in the cave
- Walking: Approximately 4 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +320 m / -150 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,350 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
You will discover Chhule and its magnificent stupa before arriving in Nyle after crossing the Syar Khola. Nyle is described as a beautiful "medieval" village, where you will visit the Gonhgie Gompa monastery of the Kagyu lineage.
- Walking: Approximately 7 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -700 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,150 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night
Ascend to Mu Gompa Monastery via a path rich with mani walls and chortens. Mu Gompa is the last inhabited area before the Tibetan border and is a famous ancient monastery founded between 1895 and 1936, restored in 1998. It is a renowned Kagyu lineage meditation center, dependent on Kopan monastery near Kathmandu. The main hall is dedicated to Chenrezig, the Buddha of compassion. Enjoy magnificent views of the mountains and the caravan path to Tibet.
- Walking: Approximately 5 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +110 m / -970 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 2,440 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge or homestay night.
Begin the return journey on the left bank of the Syar River, passing through numerous villages and reaching Rachen monastery, which houses 60 nuns and is a meditation school. The ancient monastery is of the Kagyu lineage, while the new one is Gelugpa. You will take a different route than the outward journey to visit the large village of Ripchet, which was destroyed by the 2015 earthquake but is largely reconstructed, except for its Gompa. Ripchet is located on a beautiful plateau of crops with great mountain views.
- Walking: Approximately 6 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +630 m / -1,110 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 1,950 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
You will trek through the forest, followed by a long descent down steps to the Syar Khola and the junction with the outward path. Then, you will experience "Nepali flats" until you reach Lokpa.
- Walking: Approximately 8 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,040 m / -520 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 1,800 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
You will trek along a balcony path, sometimes above the river, crossing several villages including Philim. Himalayan pines line the path. You will change river banks multiple times as the gorges narrow. You will arrive in Deng, a village of Tibetan culture with the first Buddhist temple and chortens.
- Walking: Approximately 8 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,340 m / -600 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 2,520 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
You will cross the Kutang region, populated by Buddhist Gurung people. The day will be punctuated by various villages and landscapes, including pine and bamboo forests, rivers, torrents, and villages like Rana, Ghap, and Bihi, before reaching the beautiful stone houses of Namrung.
- Walking: Approximately 7 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,350 m / -500 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,400 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Continue along the Budi Gandaki River, passing through numerous villages inhabited by Bhotias of Tibetan origin, notably Bengsam, Lihi, Sho, and Lho, to reach the glacial plateau where the beautiful village of Sama is located. After Sho, the view opens up to the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m), and you will be dominated by Himalchuli (7,893 m) and Ngadi Chuli. You will also have a beautiful view of Ganesh Himal.
- Walking: Approximately 7 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +550 m / -550 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,400 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
This is an acclimatization day. You will visit the superb Tibetan village of Samagaon, the monastery, and the nuns' cells. For those in good shape, there is an option to hike towards the Manaslu base camp, with a short detour to Birendra Kund Lake (3,570 m) at the foot of Manaslu, before discovering Sama Monastery (Sama Gompa).
- Walking: Approximately 4 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -50 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,850 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Continue your progression towards the long Mani wall of Kermo Manan and the village of Samdo (3,780 m), located near the Tibetan border and the confluence of the Sama Chu and Budhi Gandaki. Samdo is home to a community of Tibetan refugees, and a caravan trail connects to Tibet via the Lajyung Pass (5,096 m). This is an acclimatization day, with the possibility to explore the surroundings of Samdo before continuing to Dharamsala, which is a stone hut.
- Walking: Approximately 4 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / -50 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 4,480 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge or tent night (this will be the coldest night of the trip).
Depart early in the morning, ascending the Larke Khola. The initial progression is easy, but it becomes much steeper towards the end of the ascent to Larkya Pass. The altitude of the pass varies by source (4,910 m to 5,220 m). From the pass, you will have superb views of the Tibetan border peaks such as Cheo (6,812 m), Nemjung (7,140 m), and Himlung (7,126 m), as well as Kang Guru (7,010 m), Gyaji Kang (7,036 m), and even Annapurna II (7,937 m). On the other side of the pass, the descent often involves snow, then scree, to reach Larcia, then and the glacial valley of Bimtang, from where you can see the West face of Manaslu.
- Walking: Approximately 9 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -1,450 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,710 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Descend the Dudh Khola valley to the village of Tilije, inhabited by the Gurung ethnic group. You will pass through more alpine hamlets, then re-enter wooded areas and encounter the first villages.
- Walking: Approximately 8 hours.
- Elevation gain/loss: +350 m / -1,950 m.
- Altitude: Approximately 1,900 m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge night.
Depart by jeep on the track for 3 hours to Besi Sahar, then take a bus that will drive you to Kathmandu in approximately 7 hours.
- Transport: Private vehicle, approximately 10 hours total.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, free dinner (not included).
- Accommodation: Hotel night.
Free time depends on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you off at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels
- Meal: Breakfast
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Airport pick- up and drop : Airport – hotel transfer- airport (pick up and drop).
Accommodation in kathmandu : One night sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3-star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.
Welcome dinner : One welcome dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with offices staff.
Permits : All necessary paperwork trekking permit, including MCAP and special permit, TIMS card, and conservation entry fee
Special permits : Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley restricted permit.
Staff insurance : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
Map : Manaslu Region trekking map
Member Transportation : land transportation: Kathmandu – Barpark and while returning Dharapani – Kathmandu (by reserved jeep/ bus, as per itinerary)
Member luggage : up to 15 kg per member for personal baggage during the trek, carried by porters.
Food and lodging : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in a tea house/ camp during the trek.
Guide : Government-licensed guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley.
Porter : Porters (2 trekkers:1 porter) during the trek.
Staff salary and allowance : All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salaries, equipment, food, and clothing.
Medical kit : Comprehensive medical kit
Extra : Any other services or activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other items not listed in the "Cost includes" section.
Excluded Points
International airfare : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu.
Nepal visa fees : Nepal visa fee is US$ 40per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days, USD$ 100).
Lunch and dinner : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (also in case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
Extra nights in kathmandu and pokhara : Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Insurance : travel and high-altitude insurance, accident, medical, and emergency evacuation.
Personal expenses : Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and alcoholic beverages.
Personal equipment : clothing, packing items or bags, personal trekking gears, etc.
Toiletries : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste and other items used to keep yourself clean.
Filming : special filming, camera, and drone permit fee.
Internet services : Internet facilities during the trek is not included.
Tips : Tips for guides, porters, and staff.
Extra : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “cost includes” section.
Trip Information
Details about the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all, follow his advice! Often, your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains, especially during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
•The Guide Leader (Sirdar): is responsible for and the leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often, he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
•The Assistant Guide: actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and setting camp.
• The Porter: is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:
For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum;
Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passes.
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation And Meals during the Trek
For lodge accommodation: during the Manaslu circuit Trek, you will stay in the lodge or Tea House with twin shared bedrooms. For this trek, Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and served in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, Tibetan bread or pancakes, pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: We provide water purification tablets. and recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Physical level in Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 12 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The Larkya Pass (5,150 m) often has snow later in the season.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoying your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first consult your doctor to verify that it is suitable for you. Think about it before you go.
Safety During Manaslu and Tsum valley Trek
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring that safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication.
Embark on Your Manaslu And Tsum valley Adventure with Alpinist Club
Safe, Official, and Hassle-Free Booking!
Alpinist Club, we are a government-licensed trekking company and proud members of Nepal’s official trekking organizations. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priority.
Secure your spot today with a 15% advance via bank transfer. Within a week of booking, simply send us:
- Passport copy
- Recent photo
- Travel insurance
- Flight details
Pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Nepal using cash, bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or credit card. We’ll guide you through all payment options—easy and stress-free!
Private Treks for a Personalized Experience
We specialize in private treks, so every step of your journey is tailored just for you.
Groups larger than 12? No problem—we’ll add an assistant guide for extra support and comfort.
Last-Minute Bookings? We’ve Got You Covered!
Even if your trip is last-minute, Alpinist Club makes it possible. Just have your documents and travel insurance ready. Full payment is required 24 hours before departure.
please note: Last-minute trips may be subject to weather delays or limited accommodations.
Call us anytime: +977-9767482155
Email: info@alpinistclub.com
Flexible Schedule, Just for You
Our treks and Climbing have fixed departure dates, but we understand life is flexible. Let us know your preferred dates, and we’ll customize your trek so it fits perfectly into your schedule.
Extend Your Adventure in Nepal
Why stop at Everest Base Camp? Extend your stay with cultural tours, jungle safaris, or additional treks. We can design your itinerary to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Hassle-Free Permits
We handle all the paperwork for your Manaslu Restricted Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Permit, Manaslu conservation project Area (MCAP), Annapurna conservation project permit (ACAP ) and Tsumnubri Rural Municipality Permit, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Meet the Alpinist Club Team
Our experienced, licensed guides and Sherpas are experts in the Himalayas. Trained in Mountain Rescue course, Rock climbing, Basic and Advance Mountaineering course and wilderness first aid, with deep knowledge of local culture, they ensure your trek is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
We care for our team too—providing fair wages, insurance, food, and lodging—because a happy team means a better experience for you!
- Trek Responsibly with Alpinist Club
- We are committed to eco-friendly trekking:
- Reduce plastic waste with reusable water bottles
- Support local lodges and communities
- Follow all national park rules
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