Tsum Valley or Larke Pass
Yet to be reviewed
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is the ultimate 22-day Himalayan odyssey, perfectly blending the world-famous Manaslu Circuit with the mystical, "Hidden Valley of Happiness." For trekkers seeking an alternative to the crowded Everest trails, this route offers a raw, time-travel experience through Nepal’s most preserved landscapes.
This journey is far more than a high-altitude hike. It is a dual-region exploration that begins in the subtropical lowlands of the Budhi Gandaki River, detours into the sacred, roadless sanctuary of the Tsum Valley, and concludes with the dramatic crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,106m). As a strictly regulated Restricted Area, this trek ensures a low-impact, high-authenticity experience. Since the Tsum region only opened to outsiders in 2008, you will encounter a Tibetan Buddhist culture that remains pure, spiritual, and untouched by modern commercialization.
Experience the "Great Himalayan Trail" at its peak. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is designed for adventurers who want to see it all from the deep-river gorges of the Gorkha district to the icy moraines of the high Himalayas.
The Sacred Tsum Detour:
Before merging with the standard Manaslu Circuit, we venture into the Tsum Valley, a recognized Beyul (sacred hidden valley) where the ancient law of Shyakya (non-violence) is still practiced. Here, no animal is slaughtered, and the silence is broken only by the chanting of monks at Mu Gompa (3,700m). You will walk past thousands of hand-carved Mani stones and visit the famous Milarepa’s Cave, where the Tibetan saint once meditated.
The Manaslu Circuit Challenge:
After immersing yourself in Tsum’s spirituality, the trek transitions into the rugged grandeur of the Nubri region. Following the spine of the Himalayas, you will reach Samagaon, the base for expeditions to Mount Manaslu (8,163m) the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The journey culminates in a pre-dawn push to the summit of the Larkya La Pass. At 5,106m, you are rewarded with a 360-degree theater of giants, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna massif.
Restricted Area Permits & Logistics:
Because this trek borders the Tibet Autonomous Region, special Manaslu Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Tsum Valley Permits are mandatory. As per Nepal’s Department of Immigration rules, you must trek with a licensed Nepali guide and a minimum of two participants. Our 22-day package handles all permit logistics, ensuring you can focus entirely on the transformative power of the mountains.
The Hidden Beyul: Explore the sacred Tsum Valley, a non-slaughter zone where ancient traditions are law.
Mu Gompa (3,700m): Visit the highest and largest monastery in the region, offering views into Tibet.
Larkya La Pass (5,106m): Challenge your limits on one of the most scenic high-altitude passes in the Himalayas.
Two Cultures, One Trip: Experience the unique distinction between the Tsumba people of the east and the Nubri people of the west.
Wildlife Sanctuary: Keep your eyes peeled for Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, and the elusive Snow Leopard in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Warm trekking socks (wool or technical fabric) Regular hiking socks Liner socks (optional) Waterproof trekking boots Ice cleats or micro spikes (Recommended from November to March) Casual shoes or sandals Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Four-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (Rental available: USD 35) Insulated down or synthetic jacket (Rental available: USD 35) Daypack (35–45L) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
Moisture-wicking base layers (lightweight for warm seasons, thermal for cold seasons) Quick-dry short-sleeve shirts (2) Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (2) Waterproof and windproof outer shell Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
Thermal base layer (seasonal) Trekking pants (2 pairs) Comfortable pants for evenings or teahouses Waterproof and windproof trousers Trekking shorts
Head Accessories Sun hat or cap Warm beanie or woolen hat Headlamp with spare batteries UV-protection sunglasses Hand Wear: Lightweight liner gloves (wool or technical fabric) Insulated outer gloves for colder conditions
Quick-dry underwear Sports bras (for women) Pajamas or sleepwear Note: Clothing quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference and trip length
Sunscreen Lip balm Personal medications Basic ointments or creams (Guides carry group first aid kits, but personal items are strongly advised.)
Power bank or spare batteries Camera or smartphone Book or playing cards Binoculars Trekking poles Whistle Thermos flask for hot drinks (Most trekking gear can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu, at reasonable prices.)
Passport, ticket Extra passport-size photos Reusable water bottle Toiletry kit Water purification tablets or UV purifier Lightweight towel Pillowcase Toilet paper (2 rolls) High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars) Dry bags for documents and money
Explore our comprehensive 22-day trek itinerary with daily activities, accommodations, and highlights
Welcome to the City of Temples! Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to shake off the jet lag. In the evening, we gather for a comprehensive trek briefing where you'll meet your licensed guide and fellow adventurers to discuss the 22-day journey ahead.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
While we finalize your Restricted Area Permits (RAP) with the Department of Immigration, you will explore the spiritual landmarks of Kathmandu. From the spinning prayer wheels of Boudhanath to the ancient courtyards of Patan, this day immerses you in the culture that you will soon see in its rawest form in the mountains.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey to the trailhead is a scenic adventure through the winding hills of Nepal. We drive along the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, passing terraced farms and rural villages. As the paved roads turn to gravel, the excitement builds. We reach Machha Khola, a bustling riverside settlement where our trek officially begins tomorrow.
Altitude: 870m
Duration: 9 hours
Location: Machha Khola
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail is carved into the cliffs and features several suspension bridge crossings. You’ll pass through the small village of Tatopani (Natural Hot Springs) before reaching the stone-paved streets of Jagat. Here, we register our permits at the first police checkpoint.
Altitude: 1340m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Location: Jagat
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After crossing a long suspension bridge to Philim, we leave the main Manaslu trail and turn east toward the "Hidden Valley." The trail climbs steeply through pine and rhododendron forests. Lokpa is the first village of the Tsum region, offering a quiet, secluded atmosphere away from the busier routes.
Altitude: 2240m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Lokpa
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A steep descent leads to the Lungwa River, followed by a challenging climb to Chumling. This is where you first witness the authentic Tibetan influence. You’ll see the Shringi Himal (7,161m) looming in the distance and visit ancient local monasteries that have stood for centuries.
Altitude: 2386m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Chumling
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We enter the "Upper Tsum" region today. The valley widens, revealing fertile fields of barley and buckwheat. Chhokang Paro is a unique twin village where the houses are built of stone and the residents follow strict Buddhist non-violence—meaning no animals are slaughtered here.
Altitude: 3010m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Chhokang Paro
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we walk toward Nile, we pass the famous Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave). It is said that the great Tibetan saint Milarepa meditated here. The cave is adorned with intricate murals and Buddhist scripts. We continue through small hamlets to reach Nile, the last northern village in the upper Tsum Valley.
Altitude: 3361m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Nile
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we reach the spiritual peak of our Tsum detour. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region, situated on a desolate, windswept plateau near the Tibet border. The silence here is profound. We spend time with the monks, explore the monastery’s treasures, and enjoy the panoramic views of the yak pastures.
Altitude: 3700m
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Mu Gompa
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin our descent back through the valley, stopping at Rachen Gompa. This is a significant nunnery belonging to the Ngakpa sect. The walls are covered in thousands of clay statues and vibrant thangkas. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on the spiritual energy of the "Hidden Valley."
Altitude: 3240m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Rachen Gompa
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Retracing our steps to Chumling allows us to see the Ganesh Himal range from a new angle. We enjoy the warmer air as we descend back into the forested zones, staying in Chumling for our final night in the Tsum region.
Altitude: 2386m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Chumling
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave the Tsum Valley behind and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit trail. The path involves several steep ascents and descents through bamboo groves. By the time we reach Deng, you’ll notice the trail getting busier as we meet fellow trekkers on the standard circuit.
Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Deng
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross the Budhi Gandaki once more and climb through beautiful forests of fir and oak. The terrain becomes distinctly alpine. Namrung is a beautiful village known for its exceptional viewpoints. From here, you get your first clear look at the majestic Manaslu massif.
Altitude: 2630m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Location: Namrung
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is one of the most photogenic days of the trek. As we reach Lho, the massive double-peak of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) dominates the skyline. We visit the Ribung Gompa, perched on a hill above the village, where monks study against a backdrop of snow-capped giants.
Altitude: 3180m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Location: Lho
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short but essential climb brings us to Samagaon, the cultural capital of the Nubri region. The village is filled with Mani walls and ancient stone houses. This is our base for the next two nights to ensure proper acclimatization before the big pass.
Altitude: 3530m
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Samagaon
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
To help your body adjust to the 3,500m+ altitude, we have two options: a challenging 6-hour hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for a close-up of the glaciers, or a gentler walk to Birendra Lake and Pungyen Gompa. Both offer spectacular views and vital high-altitude training.
Altitude: 4800m
Duration: 5-7 hours
Location: Samagaon/ Glacier lake optional
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail ascends gently through juniper forests and wide-open valleys. Samdo is a village of Tibetan refugees located just a few miles from the border. The air is noticeably thinner here, and the landscape is stark and beautiful.
Altitude: 3860m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Location: Samdo
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We take another acclimatization day to visit the Rui La pass (4,998m), a traditional trade route into Tibet. You’ll see the border markers and look down into the arid Tibetan plateau. This day is crucial for ensuring you can cross the Larkya La safely on Day 20.
Altitude: 4998m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Location: Samdo/ Rui La pass
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki for the final time and climb toward the Larkya Glacier. Dharamsala is the high-camp-a simple cluster of lodges designed for one purpose: rest before the pass. We go to bed early as tomorrow starts at 3:00 AM.
Altitude: 4460m
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Dharamsala
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the big one! We start in the dark with headlamps, climbing the glacier moraine. As the sun rises, the peaks of Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II explode into color. Reaching the 5,106m summit of Larkya La is an emotional triumph. A long, steep descent follows, bringing us down to the meadows of Bimthang.
Altitude: 5106m
Duration: 9-10 hours
Location: Larkya La Pass to Bimthang
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final full day of walking is a beautiful descent through rhododendron and pine forests. We pass through Gho village and enter the Marsyangdi Valley, where we join the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani. We celebrate our successful circuit with a special group dinner.
Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 7-8 hours
Location: Dharapani
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We swap our boots for a private jeep or bus. The journey back to Kathmandu takes us along the Prithvi Highway, offering a last look at the roaring rivers and terraced hills. Upon arrival in the city, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and a soft bed.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 9-10 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Water bottle on travellingAirport pickup and drop-offTrekking accommodation in teahouses or lodgesTrekking Permits (TIMS, National Park fees)Licensed English-speaking trekking guideMeals during the trek (breakfast,lunch,dinner)Transportation by Clean & AC vehiclesFirst aid kit carried by the guideInsurance for guide and porterGovernment taxes and service chargesAccommodation in 3–4 star hotels and eco-lodges
Porter (usually 1 porter 20kg)International airfare and visa feesTravel and medical insuranceMeals in any place (unless specified)Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, etc.)Extra accommodation due to delays or early returnOptional activities(sightseeing, cultural etc)Hot showers and charging fees in tea housesMonument FeesExtra filming or drone permitsThe trek is located in the Gorkha District of Northern Nepal, bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The Route: The trail follows a "lollipop" shape. You trek north from Machha Khola, "loop" into the Tsum Valley to the east, return to the main spine at Deng, and then "circuit" around Mt. Manaslu to exit via the Annapurna region in the west.
Starting Point: Machha Khola (870m).
Ending Point: Dharapani (1,860m).
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Reg. No. 154784-73-74 | License No. 3013
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