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The Sacred Tsum Valley & Manaslu Expedition
The Manaslu & Sacred Tsum Valley Expedition is the definitive spiritual and wilderness pilgrimage of the Nepal Himalaya. By combining the pristine, hidden valley of Tsum (Beyul Kyimolung)—opened to trekkers only in 2008—with the full circumnavigation of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m), this 18-day journey takes you deep into the heart of ancient Tibetan Buddhism and untouched alpine wilderness.
Known historically as the "Valley of Non-Violence," Tsum has upheld a strict code of peace for over a century: no hunting, no slaughter of animals, and no burning of forests. Consecrated by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, the valley is peppered with ancient Buddhist retreats, including Mu Gompa (3,700m), the nunnery of Rachen Gompa, and the meditation cave of the poet-saint Milarepa (Piren Phu). After exploring Tsum Valley, you rejoin the main circuit trail at Deng to ascend past Samagaon, hike to emerald Birendra Lake, and triumphantly cross Larkya La Pass into the Annapurna region.
Ancient Mu Gompa (3,700m)
Hike to the highest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Tsum Valley, perched beneath the border peaks of Tibet.
Larkya La High Pass (5,106m)
Cross the dramatic glaciated mountain pass with 360° views of Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu)
Visit the sacred meditation cave of 11th-century Tibetan saint Milarepa nestled into the vertical cliffs near Burji.
Living Valley of Non-Violence (Shygpa)
Experience an authentic pacifist society where animals roam freely and traditional Bon & Buddhist customs thrive.
Circumnavigate Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)
Complete loop around the Mountain of the Spirit with close-up perspectives of its massive north and west faces.
Birendra Glacial Lake & Samagaon
Visit the turquoise glacial lake beneath Manaslu Glacier and explore ancient Samagaon village.
Why Trek Tsum Valley & Manaslu with Best Treks Nepal?
We manage both special Restricted Area Permits (Tsum RAP + Manaslu RAP), arrange private 4WD Scorpio transfers, and ensure high-altitude acclimatization staging before Larkya La Pass.
Dual Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
100% guaranteed arrangement of both Tsum Valley RAP, Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and TIMS cards.
Private 4WD Scorpio Transport
Comfortable private 4WD Mahindra Scorpio jeeps from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Besisahar back to KTM.
Native Tsumba & Sherpa Guides
Led by government-certified mountain guides with cultural fluency in both Tsumba and Tibetan Nubri dialects.
Superb Acclimatization Staging
Spending 6 days in Tsum Valley (up to 3,700m at Mu Gompa) builds supreme acclimatization before reaching Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
Guaranteed Pre-Booked Lodges
Pre-booked rooms in Tsum Valley homestays, Samagaon, and Dharamsala high camp.
15% Deposit & Lifetime Protection
Lock in your expedition with a 15% deposit ($253). Free date rescheduling up to 30 days prior with lifetime validity.
18-Day Tsum Valley & Manaslu Detailed Itinerary
Explore the sacred hidden sanctuary of Tsum Valley up to Mu Gompa (3,700m), then rejoin the classic Manaslu Circuit to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
Day 1
Scenic Private 4WD Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869m)
869m
7–8 hrs 4WD Drive
+
Early morning pickup from your Kathmandu hotel in our private 4WD Scorpio jeep. Drive northwest through Dhading Besi and Arughat along the Budhi Gandaki river to Machha Khola (869m). Check into your lodge and enjoy a dinner briefing with your Sherpa guide.
Day 2
Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) via Tatopani Hot Springs
1,340m
6 hrs / 14 km
+
Follow the Budhi Gandaki river through sub-tropical forests, passing the natural hot springs at Tatopani. Cross suspension bridges past Khorlabesi and Dovan, climbing stone stairs into the paved village of Jagat (1,340m).
Day 3
Trek Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) — Gateway to Sacred Tsum Valley
2,240m
6 hrs / 15 km
+
Register permits at the Jagat checkpoint. Climb past Salleri and Philim, then branch east at Ekle Bhatti off the main Manaslu trail into the dense pine and rhododendron gorge entering Lokpa (2,240m), the historic gateway to Tsum Valley.
Day 4
Trek Lokpa to Chumling / Lower Tsum (2,386m) across Siyar Khola
2,386m
5 hrs / 11 km
+
Descend into the wild Siyar Khola river canyon and climb through untouched forests of blue pine and rhododendron. Reach the picturesque settlement of Chumling (2,386m) with sweeping views of the Shingri Himal.
Day 5
Trek Chumling to Chhokangparo / Upper Tsum (3,031m)
3,031m
5.5 hrs / 13 km
+
Cross suspension bridges past Rainjam and climb steeply into the broad, flat glacial valley of Chhokangparo (3,031m). Savor your first magnificent panoramas of the Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Baudha Peak.
Day 6
Trek Chhokangparo past Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu) to Nile (3,361m)
3,361m
5 hrs / 11 km
+
Trek north through traditional stone villages past Lamagaon to visit the holy meditation cave of saint Milarepa (Piren Phu), where his footprint is preserved in rock. Continue across the valley floor past Chhule to Nile (3,361m).
Day 7
Hike to Ancient Mu Gompa (3,700m) & Trek to Rachen Gompa (3,240m)
3,700m
Tsum Pinnacle
+
Early morning hike to the 800-year-old monastery of Mu Gompa (3,700m), the highest religious outpost in Tsum Valley near the Tibetan border. Visit Dhephyudonma Nunnery, then descend the eastern bank of the river to stay at the serene nunnery of Rachen Gompa (3,240m).
Day 8
Trek Rachen Gompa down through Lower Tsum to Chumling (2,386m)
2,386m
5.5 hrs / 15 km
+
Descend through Lower Tsum past terraced buckwheat fields and traditional stone hamlets, returning to Chumling (2,386m) for a peaceful evening.
Day 9
Trek Chumling to Deng (1,860m) rejoining the Manaslu Circuit
1,860m
6 hrs / 16 km
+
Trek past Lokpa and rejoin the main Budhi Gandaki river trail at Nyak. Follow the river gorge across suspension bridges to reach Deng (1,860m).
Day 10
Trek Deng to Namrung (2,630m) entering Upper Nubri Valley
2,630m
6 hrs / 18 km
+
Climb through rhododendron and fir forests past Bihi Phedi and Prok, entering the Tibetan-influenced Nubri region at Namrung (2,630m).
Day 11
Trek Namrung to Lho (3,180m) & Ribung Gompa with Mt. Manaslu Views
3,180m
4 hrs / 10 km
+
Trek past Lihi and Sho into Lho (3,180m). Savor magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and visit the large hilltop Ribung Gompa.
Day 12
Trek Lho to Samagaon (3,530m) & Hike to Birendra Glacial Lake
3,530m
4.5 hrs / 9 km
+
Trek through Shyala forest into the broad valley of Samagaon (3,530m). In the afternoon, take a side excursion to turquoise Birendra Glacial Lake (3,691m) directly beneath the Manaslu icefall.
Day 13
Trek Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m) — Highest Tibetan Border Trading Settlement
3,860m
4 hrs / 8 km
+
Follow the riverbed past long mani walls and birch forests, ascending to the historic Tibetan trading settlement of Samdo (3,860m).
Day 14
Short Acclimatization Trek Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
4,460m
4 hrs / 7 km
+
Cross the wooden bridge and climb along the moraine of the Larkya Glacier to reach Dharamsala (4,460m). Early dinner and rest for tomorrow's high pass.
Day 15
Early Morning Crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m) & Descent to Bimthang (3,720m)
5,106m
Grand High Pass
+
Pre-dawn climb across glacial moraines to the summit of Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Savor panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II before descending to the valley of Bimthang (3,720m).
Day 16
Trek Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m) through Rhododendron & Pine Forests
2,300m
5 hrs / 13 km
+
Descend through fir, oak, and rhododendron forests along the Dudh Khola to the Gurung settlement of Tilije (2,300m).
Day 17
Trek Tilije to Dharapani (1,860m) & 4WD Drive to Besisahar
1,860m
3 hrs Trek + 3 hrs 4WD
+
Trek to Dharapani and board our private 4WD Scorpio jeep for the scenic drive along the Marsyangdi river to Besisahar.
Day 18
Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m) & Grand Farewell Celebration Dinner
1,400m
5–6 hrs Drive
+
Drive back along the highway to Kathmandu. In the evening, join the Best Treks Nepal team for a celebratory farewell dinner and certificate presentation.
Tsum & Manaslu Expedition Package Tiers
All tiers include both Tsum Valley RAP and Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, TIMS, licensed Sherpa guide, porters, accommodation, full board meals on trek, and private 4WD transport.
- ✓ Both Tsum Valley RAP & Manaslu RAP permits
- ✓ Private 4WD Scorpio KTM Machha Khola & Besisahar KTM
- ✓ 16 nights teahouse & homestay accommodation on trek
- ✓ All 3 meals daily on trek (Full Board)
- ✓ Licensed WFR Sherpa guide & porters
- ✓ Free 100L duffel bag & -15°C down sleeping bag
- ✓ Everything in Standard, plus:
- ✓ 2 nights 4-star hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu
- ✓ Best private rooms in all lodge stops
- ✓ Free hot showers & electronic device charging
- ✓ Fresh seasonal fruits & desserts every evening
- ✓ Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage sightseeing tour
- ✓ Everything in Comfort Plus, plus:
- ✓ 5-Star luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's / Hyatt)
- ✓ Dedicated 1:1 Senior Mountain Guide
- ✓ 1 porter per trekker
- ✓ Helicopter return standby option from Nile, Samagaon, or Bimthang
Read Before You Book — Knowledge Base
Essential preparation on Tsum Valley's spiritual traditions, dual restricted permits, and Larkya La pass crossing.
Tsum & Manaslu Readiness Tracker
You have reviewed 0 of 12 preparation topics.
1. Sacred Shygpa (Non-Violence) Code of Tsum +
In 1920, the people of Tsum made a formal spiritual pledge of non-violence (Shygpa): no animal slaughter, no hunting, no trapping, and no deforestation. Trekkers are strictly required to honor this peaceful vegetarian ethos while in the valley.
2. Dual Restricted Area Permits (Tsum RAP + Manaslu RAP) +
This expedition requires two separate Restricted Area Permits: Tsum Valley RAP ($40/week in Autumn, $30/week in Spring) and Manaslu RAP ($100/week in Autumn, $75/week in Spring), plus MCAP, ACAP, and TIMS. All permit fees are completely included in our price.
3. History of Ancient Mu Gompa (3,700m) +
Established in 1895 with roots dating back 800 years, Mu Gompa is the highest monastery in Tsum. It houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts, bronze statues, and stunning views of the Tibetan frontier peaks.
4. Superior Acclimatization Advantage +
Trekking 6 days in Tsum Valley between 2,300m and 3,700m allows your body to build exceptional red blood cell density. When you reach Larkya La Pass (5,106m) on Day 15, altitude adaptation is effortless!
5. Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m) +
The high pass day begins at 4:30 AM from Dharamsala. The ascent is steady and moraine-based, offering views of Himlung, Cheo, and Annapurna II before descending to Bimthang (3,720m).
6. Private 4WD Scorpio Vehicle Transfers +
Private 4WD Mahindra Scorpio jeeps transport your group directly from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and from Besisahar back to Kathmandu, ensuring comfort on mountain highways.
7. Physical Fitness Grade (4.5/5) +
Covering 18 days and over 220 km requires good aerobic endurance, leg strength, and mental stamina. Prior trekking experience at altitude is recommended.
8. Homestays, Teahouses & Monastery Lodging +
In Tsum Valley, accommodation consists of authentic local homestays and community lodges. On the main Manaslu circuit, modern teahouses with private rooms are provided.
9. Vegetarian Culture & Mountain Nutrition +
Due to the sacred non-violence ethos of Tsum, meals in the valley are 100% vegetarian, featuring organic potatoes, buckwheat pancakes, tsampa, noodle soups, and Dal Bhat.
10. Temperature Range (-12°C to 24°C) +
Warm valley hiking in the lower gorges (20°C–24°C) transitions to crisp autumn nights in Tsum (2°C to -4°C) and sub-zero temperatures at Larkya La (-10°C to -14°C at dawn).
11. Medical Safety & Emergency Protocols +
Your guide carries pulse oximeters for daily checkups and high-altitude medical kits. Helicopter rescue access points exist in Nile, Samagaon, and Bimthang.
12. Flexible 15% Deposit Policy +
Reserve with a 15% deposit ($253). Free date changes up to 30 days prior with lifetime validity protection.
18-Day Topographic Elevation Profile & Dual Pinnacles
Visualizing the ascent into Tsum Valley (Mu Gompa 3,700m), rejoining the circuit at Deng, and crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
Tsum & Manaslu Weather & Temperature Model
Calculated across waypoints from Machha Khola (869m), Mu Gompa (3,700m), Samagaon (3,530m), to Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
Rhododendron forests in full bloom across Tsum Valley, mild climbing weather, crystal morning visibility.
Lush green waterfalls in Lower Tsum, heavy afternoon rain in Budhi Gandaki gorge.
Prime expedition season with cloudless skies, dry trails, and stable pass conditions across Larkya La.
Heavy snow in Upper Tsum and Larkya La, frozen glacial lakes, sub-zero nights.
Guaranteed Small-Group Departures (Max 12)
Guaranteed permit slots for Tsum Valley and Manaslu, native Sherpa guidance, and private 4WD Scorpio transport.
| Departure Dates | Season | Status | Price / Pax | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22 – Apr 08, 2026 | Spring Bloom | ✓ Confirmed (4 seats left) | $1,690 USD | Book Seats |
| Apr 10 – Apr 27, 2026 | Prime Spring Peak | ✓ Confirmed (2 seats left) | $1,690 USD | Book Seats |
| May 02 – May 19, 2026 | Late Spring | Filling Fast (3 seats left) | $1,690 USD | Book Seats |
| Oct 01 – Oct 18, 2026 | Prime Autumn Peak | ✓ Confirmed (4 seats left) | $1,690 USD | Book Seats |
| Oct 18 – Nov 04, 2026 | Autumn Festival | ✓ Confirmed (5 seats left) | $1,690 USD | Book Seats |
| Nov 06 – Nov 23, 2026 | Autumn Clear Skies | ✓ Confirmed (6 seats left) | $1,690 USD | Book Seats |
We arrange private tailor-made Tsum Valley & Manaslu treks for couples, trekking clubs, and private groups on any departure date.
Alpine Teahouses, Mountain Nutrition & Homestays
Authentic community homestays in Tsum Valley and comfortable alpine teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit.
Authentic Homestays
Stay in family-run stone homestays in Chhokangparo, Nile, and Chumling, experiencing genuine Tsumba hospitality and Tibetan butter tea.
Organic Vegetarian Food
Nutritious farm-to-table meals: organic buckwheat roti, tsampa, potato stews, momos, garlic soup, and herbal Himalayan teas.
Solar Power & Connectivity
Solar lighting and battery charging available at all lodges. Cellular signal (NTC) available in Lower Tsum, Samagaon, and Samdo.
Hot Gas Showers
Hot gas showers available in Machha Khola, Jagat, Chhokangparo, Namrung, Samagaon, and Bimthang.
Wilderness Safety Standards & Pass Crossing Protocols
Rigorous high-altitude protocols, daily pulse oximetry, and emergency helicopter evacuation standbys.
Twice-Daily Pulse Oximetry
Daily oxygen saturation tracking and health assessments by your Wilderness First Responder certified guide.
Alpine Medical Kit
Comprehensive high-altitude medical kit with Diamox (acetazolamide), blister care, and emergency trauma supplies.
24/7 Operations Desk Link
Continuous mobile/satellite communication linking your guide with our Kathmandu Operations headquarters.
Helicopter Standby Access
Helipad evacuation access at Nile, Samagaon, Samdo, and Bimthang for immediate emergency response if required.
Essential Packing Gear Checklist
Recommended gear for 18-day high-altitude lodge trekking up to 5,106m (Larkya La Pass).
Upper Body & Thermal Layers
- 2x Merino thermal base layer tops
- 5x Quick-dry trekking shirts
- 1x Mid-weight fleece jacket
- 1x High-loft -15°C down jacket
- 1x Waterproof/windproof Gore-Tex outer shell
Lower Body & Pants
- 2x Thermal long underwear bottoms
- 2x Technical trekking pants
- 1x Waterproof rain pants
- 6x Merino wool trekking socks
- 1x Warm fleece lodge pants
Footwear & Pass Hardware
- 1x Ankle-support waterproof hiking boots
- 1x Pair of microspikes (for Larkya La Pass)
- 1x Set of sturdy adjustable trekking poles
- 1x Warm fleece beanie & sun hat
- 1x Windproof gloves + inner liners
Hardware & Accessories
- 1x 30L Daypack with rain cover
- 1x 100L Duffel bag (provided free)
- 1x -15°C Down sleeping bag (provided free)
- 2x 1L Reusable water bottles / thermos
- 1x High-lumen headlamp with extra batteries
Book Manaslu & Sacred Tsum Valley (18 Days)
Lock in your 2026/2027 trek dates with a 15% flexible deposit ($253 per person). Free cancellation and date transfers up to 30 days before departure.
What Travelers Say About Tsum & Manaslu
"Tsum Valley is truly a Shangri-La. Meeting the Buddhist nuns at Rachen Gompa and hiking up to Mu Gompa was a spiritual awakening. Combining it with Larkya La Pass gave us the ultimate 18-day adventure."
"The peaceful energy of Tsum Valley is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Our guide Pemba was a Tsumba native who shared so much local wisdom. Larkya La pass was breathtaking. Best decision of our lives!"
"The dual permits were arranged smoothly, private Scorpio jeeps made the mountain drive very easy, and the food was delicious. Milarepa's cave is an unforgettable sacred site."
"18 days went by so fast. The acclimatization gained in Tsum made crossing Larkya La Pass feel like a breeze. Highly recommended to anyone looking for deep culture and big mountain passes!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers from our senior expedition leaders covering Tsum Valley permits, monastery etiquette, and pass crossing.
What special permits are needed for Tsum Valley and Manaslu? +
You need five permits: Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu RAP, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS. All permit fees and applications are 100% managed and included in our package.
Can solo travelers join this 18-day expedition? +
Yes! While Nepal Immigration requires a minimum of 2 people for restricted area permits, we regularly pair solo travelers with our confirmed small group departures so you can obtain your permit without hassle.
What is the Shygpa (non-violence) tradition in Tsum Valley? +
Shygpa is a community covenant established in 1920 that prohibits the killing of any animal, hunting, meat trade, and forest fires. All meals served in Tsum are strictly vegetarian, and visitors are expected to maintain peace and respect sacred wildlife.
What monasteries will we visit in Tsum Valley? +
You will visit ancient Mu Gompa (3,700m), the historic nunnery of Rachen Gompa, Milarepa's meditation cave (Piren Phu) near Burji, and Dhephyudonma Gompa.
How does visiting Tsum Valley improve acclimatization for Larkya La Pass? +
Tsum Valley keeps you at comfortable intermediate altitudes (2,300m to 3,700m) for nearly a week before you reach the upper Manaslu Valley. This extended high-altitude staging guarantees that you arrive at Larkya La Pass (5,106m) in peak physical condition.
How difficult is crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m)? +
It is an 8 to 9 hour alpine day beginning at 4:30 AM from Dharamsala. The climb is non-technical, but cold and moraine-based. Sturdy trekking boots, warm thermal layers, and trekking poles are required.
What are homestays like in Tsum Valley? +
Homestays are clean, rustic family homes built of traditional stone and wood. You stay in twin rooms with foam mattresses, warm quilts, and eat home-cooked meals around the central kitchen hearth.
What medical safety and emergency protocols are in place? +
Guides carry medical pulse oximeters for twice-daily monitoring, Diamox, and emergency trauma kits. Helicopter rescue standbys are available at Nile, Samagaon, and Bimthang.
How does the 15% flexible deposit policy work? +
You pay a 15% deposit ($253) online to lock in your restricted permit slots and departure dates. The remaining 85% is paid upon arrival in Kathmandu. Deposits have lifetime validity with free date changes up to 30 days prior.
What meals are included during the 18 days? +
Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) is included on all trekking days. In Tsum Valley, meals are 100% vegetarian; on the Manaslu circuit, menus feature Dal Bhat, noodles, potato dishes, momos, eggs, and hot tea.
What road transportation is provided? +
We provide private 4WD Mahindra Scorpio jeeps from Kathmandu to Machha Khola on Day 1, and from Besisahar back to Kathmandu on Day 18, ensuring safe and comfortable transit.
What equipment is provided free by Best Treks Nepal? +
We provide a complimentary 100L waterproof duffel bag, a high-grade -15°C down sleeping bag, and a branded trekking shirt upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
Need guidance on Tsum Valley permits or spiritual pilgrimage itinerary?
Our Kathmandu operations desk and senior Sherpa expedition leaders are available 24/7 on WhatsApp.
