Overview

The Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most extraordinary high-altitude adventures, seamlessly blending breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, authentic cultural immersion, and a sense of spiritual enrichment. This comprehensive 18-day journey connects two iconic trekking destinations   the mystical and remote Tsum Valley, often referred to as the ‘Hidden Valley of Happiness’, and the classic Manaslu Circuit, which encircles Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak.

Beginning from the lush lowlands of Soti Khola, the trek ascends through tropical forests, terraced farmlands, and roaring rivers, gradually transitioning to alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and snow-covered mountain passes. The Tsum Valley offers an unmatched opportunity to explore centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Nunnery, witness timeless rituals, and connect with locals whose way of life has remained unchanged for generations.

After exploring Tsum Valley, the route rejoins the Manaslu Circuit, unveiling panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal. Well-paced acclimatization days prepare you for the ultimate challenge – crossing the legendary Larke La Pass (5,160m), offering jaw-dropping vistas of  Himlung  Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Far less crowded than Everest or Annapurna, this trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, raw beauty, and cultural depth.

Best Time to Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek

• Autumn (October–November): Clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain visibility.
• Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures, rhododendron blooms, and vibrant landscapes.
• Winter (December–February): Cold, with snow at higher elevations; Larke La Pass may be inaccessible.
• Monsoon (June–September): Wet and slippery trails; generally avoided.

Trek Difficulty & Altitude Sickness

This Manaslu circuit trek via Tsum  Valley  is graded as ‘Challenging’ due to long walking days, high altitude, and remote terrain. Acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness, which may occur above 3,000m. To minimize risk: ascend gradually, hydrate well, avoid alcohol, and descend immediately if severe symptoms occur.

Permits Required

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Tsum Valley RAP
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

All permits are arranged by the trekking agency; a minimum of two trekkers with a licensed guide is mandatory.

Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Gallery

Equipment

Equipment List.

Clothing

• Base Layers (Inner Wear)
• 2–3 moisture-wicking T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
• 1–2 thermal tops and bottoms
• Insulating Layers
• 1 fleece jacket or pullover
• 1 down jacket (lightweight and warm)
• Outer Layers (Shell)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Waterproof trekking pants or rain pants
• Bottoms
• 2–3 pairs of trekking pants
• 1 pair of shorts
• Undergarments
• 3–4 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear
• 3–4 pairs of trekking socks
• 1 pair of thermal socks

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
• Lightweight sandals or camp shoes
• Gaiters (optional)

Headwear & Handwear

• Warm beanie or wool hat
• Sun hat or cap with neck protection
• Buff or neck gaiter
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Lightweight liner gloves
• Insulated gloves or mittens

Backpacks & Bags

• 35–45L daypack (with rain cover)
• 60L duffel bag for porter
• Waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags
• Small lock

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C rating)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Earplugs

Personal Hygiene & Toiletries

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap
• Quick-dry towel
• Wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Moisturizer
• Razor (optional)
• Nail clipper

Health & First Aid

• Personal first aid kit
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Altitude medication (consult doctor)
• Pain relievers
• Prescribed medicines
• Rehydration salts or electrolytes

Accessories & Tools

• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking poles (adjustable)
• Reusable water bottles (2L total)
• Pocket knife or multi-tool (optional)
• Power bank (10,000 mAh+)
• Charging cables
• Adapter (Type C, D & M)

Optional but Useful

• Camera or GoPro
• Journal and pen
• Books or e-reader
• Travel games/cards
• Snacks (trail mix, protein bars, chocolate)

Documents & Money

• Valid passport (copy + originals)
• Travel insurance copy
• Extra passport-sized photos (2–3)

Pro Tips

• Keep daypack under 7–8kg and duffel under 15–20kg
• Layer for variable temperatures
• Pack essentials only – go lightweight

Essential Info

Trek Difficulty: Manaslu circuit via Tsum Valley

The difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit trek via Tsum Valley is considered “moderate to challenging” level. The highest crossing is Larkya La Pass, commonly listed above 5,100 meters. The trail to the Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley mostly consists of a gentle uphill climb. I have seen professional trekkers struggling to reach Manaslu Base Camp, but beginner trekkers finishing the trek easily. We have a safe itinerary that respects the rules of the mountains with gradual acclimatization and proper rest. There are no beginner or professional trekkers for mountains. Mountain respects those who respect it.

Unlike Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest region, this trek has few facilities. The Manaslu region is more remote than other trekking regions. It is a trek to a restricted area. Most days demand 5 to 8 hours of walking, depending on your itinerary and pace. Upper Manaslu becomes open, cold, and wind-exposed with more moraine-like surfaces near glacial areas. it’s not the physical challenge that makes the difficulty of the Manaslu trek via Tsum valley difficult; it’s the altitude, attitude, and itinerary that makes big difference.

Manaslu was first opened between 1991 and 1992, and the Tsum Valley was opened in 2008 for its visitors. Before then, travelers were not allowed to trek to the Manaslu region. It means the trail is remote and less developed. You don’t need any technical mountaineering skills. If you are fit, healthy, and can walk 5-6 hours a day, you can easily conquer the Manaslu Circuit trek with Tsum Valley.

Can a beginner trekker complete the Manaslu circuit trek via Tsum Valley?

Yes, with proper planning, acclimatization, a positive attitude, and respecting the decision of your professional guide, even a beginner can complete the Manaslu Circuit trek via Tsum Valley. There is no beginner or professional for the mountains. Mountains don’t judge you by your experience. You can start with light training in advance.

You will be provided with the company’s duffle bag to load your accessories. Your porter will carry it for you. Your Himalayan porter carries a maximum weight of 25 kg. Even families with children and old member can complete this trek with proper rest days and acclimatization days.

Altitude Acclimatization:

Itinerary includes acclimatization days in Sama Gaun and gradual altitude gain to reduce risk of AMS.

Best Seasons to to trek Manaslu with Tsum Valley

Autumn (October to November) and Spring (March to May) are considered the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley trek. But, each season has its own uniqueness; it’s on you to choose the version of Manaslu you want to meet.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley in Spring (March, April, and May)

• The trail is full of vibrant rhododendron blooms.
• Birdlife and fresh greenery fill the lower valleys.
• Perfect temperature with clear skies.
• Clear view of snow-capped Himalayan giants.
• A lively trail vibe without the peak-season crush.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley in Autumn (September, October, and November)

• The air turns crisp, and visibility is often at its best.
• Trails are drier, which makes long stair sections safer and less tiring.
• Larkya La pass sits in its most beautiful form.
• Reliable trekking rhythm with fewer weather-stalled days.
• Clear views of the high Himalayas of Manaslu.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley in Winter (December, January, and February)

• Skies can be very clear, and the mountains look close and hard-edged.
• The Manaslu region is decorated with snow-blanketed trails everywhere.
• Very low crowds and a genuinely remote trail atmosphere.
• A stronger cultural feel in villages when you are one of the few visitors.
• Larkya La pass can be closed in the winter season, because of the heavy snowfall.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley in Summer (June, July, and August)

• Less crowded than other seasons.
• Immerse in local culture more deeply, as the trekkers will be less.
• The landscape turns intensely green with waterfalls everywhere.
• Changing landscapes and views every hour.

Accommodations and Meals on Manaslu circuit with Tsum Valley trek

Three distinct ethnic cultures shape accommodation experiences along the route of the Manaslu region. Each brings unique architectural traditions. Each serves different culinary specialties. Lower elevation villages showcase Gurung hospitality first. This ethnic group dominates the regions between Soti Khola and Philim. Cross into Tsum Valley and the cultural landscape shifts noticeably. The teahouse structure represents their culture and tradition. The rooms are small but cozy enough to keep you warm the whole night. Tsum Valley showcases the Tamang culture and Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Most of the tea houses are run by locals who call Manaslu their home. Modern teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek maintain ancestral hospitality values.

Toilets are usually shared, and the style changes with altitude and village size. Lower villages may have basic Western-style toilets, while higher settlements often rely on squat toilets in a separate block. Hot showers can be available in many mid-route teahouses, often as a bucket shower or gas-heated unit with an extra fee. Above roughly the mid-high villages, hot water can become limited due to cold, fuel cost, and weather. You can have hot shower by paying small fee for the boiling fee. Electricity is typically solar or a small local supply, so charging is treated as a paid service. Charging points are often in the dining room to reduce fire risk and manage limited power. Wi‑Fi exist in some villages, but the speed is unpredictable, and the signal depends on the weather and crowd levels.

Meat is restricted at the Manaslu region. Meat is discouraged by local values tied to non-violence and respect for living beings. You can get MoMo, chowmein, Dal Bhat to Sherpa stew, Thukpa, Tsampa, yak

Butter tea, Sea buckthorn juice at the trail to Manaslu. This journey offers something money cannot buy elsewhere. Authenticity untouched by commercial tourism. Hospitality passed through generations like a sacred inheritance.

Electricity, Wi-FI, and network on the Manaslu circuit with Tsum Valley trek

Electricity is available in most villages, but it is limited and shared. In many teahouses, power comes from solar panels. Solar power is the common reality higher up, which means cloudy days can reduce charging hours. Charging is usually not free because power is a real cost in remote villages. Most teahouses charge a few hundred Nepalese rupees per device for phone or camera charging. Prices often rise with altitude because fuel and maintenance are harder and more expensive.

Wi‑Fi exists on parts of the Manaslu Tsum Valley route, but it is not workable internet in some of the mountain villages. Charging is commonly done in the dining room, where owners can manage sockets and protect the system. Don’t forget to bring a power bank for backup. Most lodge Wi‑Fi runs through a basic router that depends on local signal and power. Speed is often slow, and the connection can drop.

In this region, NTC (Nepal Telecom) is usually the most likely network to appear, but it is still unreliable in many valleys. Ncell coverage is often weaker or absent on remote sections, depending on location and terrain.

Packing Tip:

Layered clothing, warm sleeping bag (rated at least -15°C), windproof jacket, gloves, headlamp, and trekking poles highly recommended.

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