The Manaslu Circuit alone takes 12 to 16 days. Adding Tsum Valley, a side valley of Tibetan Buddhist villages and monasteries that branches off near Lokpa, adds 6 to 7 days and a second restricted area permit, making about 19 to 22 days. Add Tsum if you have three weeks and care about culture as much as mountains; keep to the circuit if you have two.
Circuit only and With Tsum Valley at a glance
- Days. Circuit only: 12 to 16. With Tsum Valley: 19 to 22.
- Highest point. Circuit only: Larkya La, 5,106 m. With Tsum Valley: Larkya La, 5,106 m; Mu Gompa in Tsum at 3,700 m.
- Permits. Circuit only: Manaslu restricted permit plus two conservation permits. With Tsum Valley: all of those plus a Tsum Valley restricted permit.
- Extra walking. Circuit only: none. With Tsum Valley: about 6 to 7 days out and back.
- Character. Circuit only: a mountain circuit with a high pass. With Tsum Valley: adds a cultural journey into a hidden valley.
- Crowds. Circuit only: moderate. With Tsum Valley: very few in Tsum.
Where Tsum Valley is
On the fourth or fifth day of the circuit, beyond Philim, the Budhi Gandaki is joined by the Shiar Khola from the east. The Tsum trail turns up this side valley through a forested gorge to Lokpa and Chumling, then opens into a broad upper valley of barley fields and mani walls around Chhokangparo and Nile. The last settlement is Mu Gompa, a monastery at 3,700 m near the Tibet border. You return the same way to rejoin the circuit. See the Tsum Valley guides.
What makes Tsum different
Tsum was opened to trekkers only in 2008. Its people, the Tsumba, follow Tibetan Buddhism, and the valley has long observed a tradition of not killing animals. You pass nunneries such as Rachen Gompa, the cave of the saint Milarepa at Piren Phu, long walls of carved prayer stones and views of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. The interest is cultural first and scenic second, in contrast to the circuit, which builds towards the pass.
Does Tsum help acclimatisation?
Yes. Several nights between 3,000 and 3,700 m before you head for Samagaon mean you arrive on the upper circuit well adjusted. The cost is fatigue: three weeks of walking is long, and the pass comes near the end.
Lodges
Tsum has simple family lodges and homestays, with basic rooms and local food. Above Nile the only shelter is at the monastery. The circuit's lodges are more developed, especially from Samagaon onward.
Season
October to November and March to May for both. Tsum, lying a little in the rain shadow, can also be visited in early December. The Larkya La is the limit in winter.
Cost
The extra week adds the second permit, charged per week, and a week more of guide, porter, food and lodging. Both permits need at least two trekkers and a licensed guide.
How fit do you need to be?
Three weeks of walking is a test of stamina more than strength. If you have done a two-week trek and finished well, you can do the combination. If the circuit would be your first long trek, do it alone and keep Tsum for another year.
Choose Circuit only if
- You have about two weeks.
- The pass and the mountain views are your main aim.
- You prefer a single continuous journey.
- You want to keep the budget down.
Choose With Tsum Valley if
- You have three weeks.
- You are drawn to monasteries and village life.
- You want the best acclimatisation before the Larkya La.
- You like valleys with very few visitors.
Can you do both?
Tsum can also be done alone, as a trek of about 12 to 14 days from Machha Khola, for those who want the valley without the pass.
Plan it
See the Manaslu Circuit guides, or ask us for the circuit, Tsum alone and the combination, priced for your dates.
Common questions
How many days does Tsum Valley add?
Six to seven days to the Manaslu Circuit.
Is a separate permit needed for Tsum?
Yes, a Tsum Valley restricted area permit in addition to the Manaslu permits.
Is Tsum Valley difficult?
No more than moderate. It is lower than the upper circuit; the challenge is the length of the combined trek.
Can I do Tsum Valley without the Larkya La?
Yes, as an out-and-back trek.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
We run this route as a Manaslu Circuit trek from Kathmandu, with the restricted-area paperwork handled for you.
