Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This trek takes you to the hidden valley of Manaslu “Tsum” which means vivid. This isolated hidden Shangri-la is home to the Tibetan descendant called Tsumbas and remained restricted till 2008. That is why, the Manaslu Tsum Valley is untouched by modernity and one can witness the pure Tibetan culture and tradition. They have their own ancient dialect, art, culture, tradition, and religion.
Manaslu Tsum Valley lies northeast of the main Manaslu Circuit Trek. This valley is surrounded by Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Poshyop Glacier, and Boudha Himal ranges. Moreover, you will explore monasteries, Gompas, mani walls, Milarepa’s cave, and Chortens. These are not the only main attractions that Tsum Valley offers. The off-beaten path, spine-chilling passes, fields of tsampa, Tibetan Buddhism, barren tundra land giving way to faraway Tibetan mountain peaks, and the frozen Tibetan plateau is sublime. There is a deep and pure spirituality over here. You will feel it the minute you step into this hidden valley of Manaslu. The messages of peace encoded in prayer flags, and the genuinely warm hospitality of Manaslu people, are real magic that compels you to devote more time to the Tsum Valley.
Moreover, the Tsum valley trails pass through the cascading river, suspension bridges, and remote Himalayan villages with dramatic scenery of green valleys and high snow capped mountains.
The Larkya ka La Pass is the highest pass of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek followed by Mu Gompa, having an altitude of 5106m and 3700m, respectively.
This is complete 22 day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Map. The Manaslu Trek starts from Arughat and ends at Besishahar. The trek from Budhi Gandaki valley is full of terraced fields, hilly villages and dense forest.
Click this link for the detailed Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary.
Alexander | New York
The best time to trek Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is early-October to November and March to April. These are the prime season for most of the trekking destinations in Nepal. During this time of the year, Tsum Valley trekking trails will be packed with flowering rhododendrons, clear skies, pleasant environment, and reasonable temperature.
December and January is the harsh condition for trekking in the upper Himalayan region. Due to heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures, there is a high chance of getting stuck and most of the villagers migrate towards the lower regions. It is possible to trek, but you need to be well prepared in terms of food, camping tents, and other essential gear.
June to September is the peak monsoon season in Nepal. The continuous rainfall and obstructed view of Himalayan makes your trekking very difficult and incomplete. Even though Manaslu Tsum Valley Region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the lower region of the Mansalu region will be rain soaked, slippery trails, and leeches.
As Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area and restricted area. Thus, you need to have Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, restricted area permit and Tsum Valley Permit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
September – November
USD 100 per person / week
USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
December – August
USD 75 per person / week
USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
Tsum Valley Trek
September – November
USD 40 per person / week
USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
December – August
USD 30 per person / week
USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
NOTE: Tour Operator Service Charge will be applicable in the above rates
Tsum Valley is not only the best attraction in the Manaslu region. There are many things that you will get to experience in Manaslu region.
Larkya La Pass
Situated at an altitude of 5165m above sea level, Larkya La Pass is one of the most splendid and dramatic highest passes in Nepal. It is hard to reach the highest level, but once you reach the point, you will witness the layers of dozens of mountains.
“The adventure is out there”. As Tsum Valley is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. The upper ridge of Tsum Valley, walks around the glacial valley, changing trails, steep routes to monasteries, and the harsh Budhi Gandaki Gorge are so wild that the starkness of this Manaslu trek will surely make you crazy adventurists.
Barpark is Gurung and Ghale village that lies in the northern part of Gorkha district. This hilltop station is the epicenter of the Nepal earthquake of 2015. The massif earthquake of 7.9 magnitude rocked Barpark severely costing the lives of many and destroying almost everything they had. This beautiful village is rising again and is becoming the key tourist destination in Gorkha district. A unique sloppy village filled with galvanized corrugated tin-roofed houses and mind-blowing scenes of Himalayas of Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, Siringe Himal, Manaslu Himal and Himchuli, Ghhulung Glacier, and abundant culture are the major attractions of Barpark village.
Larpark is also another picturesque village in Gorkha Nepal. Home to the Gurung community, they have their own language and traditions. Larpark Gurung village is the major tourist destination in the Manaslu region. The terraced hillsides, houses built with whole stone having wooden roofs, mesmerizing surroundings, green forest, and jarring view of the surrounding Himalayas will surely take your breath away.
The majority of people in Nepal’s remote areas rely on agriculture and yak herding as their primary sources of income, aside from trekking tourism. Their traditional village life is very distinct from urban areas.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a moderately difficult trek. It is also regarded as one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. This trek takes you to the hidden remote village in the Himalayan region bordering Tibet. High passes, severe steepness are common on this trail, making it a bit difficult for both novice and professional trekkers. Make sure you are guided by experienced trek guides.
As you will be trekking to Larkya La Pass (5165m), this highest point is cold and usually snowbound. It is very possible to get altitude sickness at this point. So make sure, you are sufficiently acclimatized for a couple of days before moving ahead. Those who do not think it’s unnecessary then they are risking their lives. So, it is mandatory to add acclimatization days and inform your guide immediately if you show any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Mt. Manaslu , Manaslu Region
Forest Trail, Manaslu Tsum Valley
Trekkers are not permitted to trek independently or solo over the Manaslu region because it is the most remote and isolated part of Nepal. Independent trekking is available in the Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, and Everest Region. All treks in the Manaslu region, including the Tsum Valley trek, should be organized by the Nepalese Tour Operator. Likewise, you must be accompanied by a special trekking guide and must be a party of two trekkers to obtain the permit for Tsum Valley trekking. It must be fully organized to show that you could not face both foreseen and unforeseen difficulties throughout the trek.
**Royal Mountain Travel has an experienced and special trekking guide dedicated only to Manaslu Region.
There are few lodges in the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek and throughout the Manaslu region compared to the Annapurna and Everest regions. Currently, Manaslu Tsum Valley has homestays, and the people there are very hospitable. You will surely be happy with what they will offer you. It is necessary to pack some sleeping bags and gear too.
Click here to know what to pack for you Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking.