Table of Contents
Guide to manaslu basecamp circuit trekking with tsum valley Nepal – a quick info
Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain of the world completely inside the Nepalese boundary; Manaslu base camp has a unique geography, above the hanging glacier that supplies water to the nearby glacial lake called Birendra Lake.
Manaslu is a Sanskrit word, meaning “intellect” or “soul” and is famous as a Mountain of the spirit located in the Gorkha, Manang-Gandaki Zone, Nepal. Geographically Mt Manaslu is located in Mansiri Himalaya range. Manaslu basecamp is pristine high land located very near to the valley view point. View of Sama Valley is nice from the basecamp. Sama valley is called Numbri Valley in local language. Manaslu is often said as “wall of snow and ice hanging in the sky”.

Variation, Famous & Selected treks in Manaslu Trekking Nepal are –
1- Manaslu Trek/ 2- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek/ 3- Manaslu base camp trek to Samagaun/ 4- Rapid Manaslu Circuit Trek
Base camp of Manaslu is one of the major sightseeing points in route of Manaslu circuit trekking trail. The side trip is an acclimatization hike for people staying in the village of samagaun. Manaslu base camp is regarded as the tough acclimatization hike, however. Because of this reason – Manaslu base camp side trip is often excluded while doing Larkey pass trek. This saves the energy of hiker for the big push of Manaslu circuit completion.
Possible itinerary for Short Manaslu circuit trekking
Manaslu circuit trekking is one of the trending restricted trekking route in Nepal. There are many itineraries that you can follow for this trekking. One of the famous itinerary is a 16 days Manaslu circuit trekking. But with the development of the road and other infrastructure for the trekking, you will be able to complete this trekking in a 12 days time frame.
Not just 12 days, if you are fit and you think, you are properly acclimatized from previous trekking in the Himalayas, you can do manaslu circuit trekking in less than 12 days time frame. The Larkey pass is the highest level at 5000 m. It is recommended trekking with a acclimatized itinerary. This sort itinerary proposed below, is an acclimatized itinerary.
- Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2 – Kathmandu valley sightseeing/preparing for trekking leave in next day/ collect permits.
- Day 3 – Kathmandu to Sotikhola
- Day 4 – Trek to Machchha Khola
- Day 5 – Machhakhola to Salleri
- Day 6 – Trek to Deng, 6-8 hours
- Day 7 – Trek to Namrung Village, 7 hours
- Day 8 – Trek to Lho Gaun.
- Day 9 – Trek to Sama Gaun
- Day 10 – Rest/Acclimatize and explore Manaslu base camp/Birendra Glacial lake/Pungen Monastery.
- Day 11 – Trek to Samdo
- Day 12 – Trek to Dharmashala
- Day 13 – Trek to Bhimtang.
- Day 14 – Trek to Goa
- Day 15 – Trek to Dharapani & drive to Besisahar, Overnight at Bensisahar
- Day 16 – Drive to Pokhara or Kathmandu
If you have any questions and concerns regarding this itinerary please feel free to contact us. Looking at your time frame and your fitness level Nepalgram adventure can draft a better itinerary to suite your expectation and reality.
There is one acclimatization day on the short Manaslu circuit trekking but we can accommodate the itinerary in such a way that you don’t need that day as well. Or, we can make an itinerary which will fit with your fitness level, and have longer camps and still include the acclimatization day and excursion to Manaslu base camp from Samagaun village.

Manaslu Basecamp Guide
Basecamps of this most of the mountains normally doesn’t have great view. Same is the 8th highest Mt Mnaslu’s base camp. It is inside a closed perimeter of tall mountains. Even though Annapurna Himalaya range is very close to Manaslu you cannot see the Annapurna range from the base camp of Manaslu. However, from the top of Larkey pass wide range of Annapurna can be seen during the Manaslu circuit trek.
Wildlife of the region is conserved in a preserved eco system by Manaslu conservation area also called MCAP. Manaslu conservation area was established in 1997 in an area of 1,663 square kilometers (642 sq mi). The route of Manaslu basecamp or Manaslu circuit trekking trail has 10 peaks over 6,500 meters (21,300 ft) are visible, including a few over 7,000 meters (23,000 ft).
The best view point is Larky La pass itself, which is at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 ft). The major mountains in the region are Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m / 25,823 ft), Shringi (7,187 m / 23,579 ft), Langpo (6,668 m / 21,877 ft) and Syaula (6,235 m / 20,456 ft), Naikey peak (6100 meter 20008 ft) and Larkey peak right next to Larkey pass top.

Manaslu Basecamp trekking permit
Manaslu conservation area is a restricted trekking destination. Therefore the trekking permit is not handy as other trekking permits in Nepal. You will have to go through lots of paperwork and also the trekking permit can only be applied via trekking agency of Nepal. If you are trying to find out how to get the permit for Manaslu circuit trekking or Tsum valley trekking. We can be your helpful hands.
For your information you must have to go through or register trekking agency in Nepal to obtain the trekking permit for Manaslu region. Trail lies inside Manaslu conservation area. This is a restricted region for trekking. The meaning of restricted region is that, it used to be no go territory for foreign Travelers until early 2000AD.
To obtain this region permit you will need to be physically present in Nepal. That means the trekking agency which is doing the permit work for your Manaslu circuit trekking, they have to have your password stamped with Nepal visa. Therefore you will have to have at least one extra working day in Nepal. For your information, working days in Nepal starts from Sunday till Friday. Nepal has just Saturday as a holiday in the week.
Trekking permit might be a hectic process. Because of the irregularities in the government office who issue the permit, sometimes it might be more than a day work. Therefore it is suggested that you have at least two spare days on your entire trip. In Nepalgram Adventure, we are used to making this kind of permit, so we are 99% sure that you will get this trekking permit in one working day.
In the past we also have done some special arrangement to our guest where we make the permit on the day you start the trekking and one of her our guy will meet you at the checkpoint before you enter the restricted region. The restricted region starts from 2 to 3 days of trekking start point. That means you will be trekking outside of the restricted region and if the permit is possible to be delivered to you within these two to three days of unrestricted region trek, you’ll be fine. We have done this kind of arrangement for our guest often.
Manaslu region Tsum valley trekking
Manaslu conservation area is a big region. There are a couple of option that you can choose to trek inside the Manaslu conservation area. Famous one for sure is Manaslu circuit trekking, Manaslu base camp and Tsum valley trekking.

But there are other short trails to replace the base camp trek, it is relatively new trekking in Nepal. Trekking on the lower circuit of Manaslu. Nepalgram adventure has this trip as Manaslu cultural circuit trekking. In this Manaslu cultural circuit trekking you will be trekking on the lower region where you don’t need a special permit to travel in Manaslu region. But you still, will be able to find interesting and peculiar view of the mountains and the Himalayas. Hills, people and their tradition is pretty interesting and good time spending while you are in Nepal and want to do a trekking in Manaslu region.
Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit are often trekked together as they can fit in the itinerary of 19 days trekking in the Manaslu region. If you are thinking of including true value in the trek, below his itinerary that you can follow for Manaslu Tsum valley trekking in Nepal.
- Day 1 – Kathmandu to Soti Khola(700m, 8/9 hours)
- Day 2 – Soti Khola to Machha Khola(870m, 6/7 hours)
- Day 3 – Machhakhola to Jagat(2340m, 6/7 hours)
- Day 4 – Jagat to Lokpa(1980m, 6/7 hours)
- Day 5 – Lokpa to Chumling(2386m, 6/7 hours)
- Day 6 – Chumling to Chhekampar(3010m, 6/7 hours)
- Day 7 – Chhekampar to Nile(3360m, 5/6 hours)
- Day 8 – Nile to Chumling(2386m, 6/7 hours)
- Day 9 – Chumling to Deng(1,804m, 21km)
- Day 10 – Deng to Namrung(2,630m, 20km)
- Day 11 – Namrung to Syala(3290m, 12km)
- Day 12 – Syala to Samagaun(3500m, 15km) via Pungen Gompa
- Day 13 – Sama gaun – explore Manalsu Base Camp
- Day 14 – Samagaun to Samdo(3910m, 12km)
- Day 15 – Samdo to Dharamsala(4,460 m, 13km, 3/4 hours)
- Day 16 – Dharamsala to Bimtang(3,700m, 30km) via Larkya Pass (5130m)
- Day 17 – Bhimtang to Goa/Tilje(2300m, 18km, 5/6 hours)
- Day 18 – Goa/Tilje to Dharapani/Chamje(1410m, 22km, 5/6 hours)
- Day 19 – Drive from Chamje to Besishahar and then drive to Pokhara
How is the trek to Tsum to valley? It is isolated inside the restricted trail of Manaslu area. Meaning the geographical location of the region is so isolated that you need to walk through the rough trail, narrow hiking route to get to the villages of Tsum valley region. Interestingly this villages are on the flat pasture land. The region is inhibited by Sherpa people. It is believed that this region is inhibited by Tibetans. However the territory is inside Nepal at the present. And these people are Nepali.
Does it worth to visit to Tsum valley? Yes for sure it does. Because this is such a preserved region of Manaslu conservation area that you will enjoy from cultural prospective. The Mountains of the region, the people, the tradition that you see along the trail on those local villages, is very interesting and refreshing. If you are interested in history, geology, nature, people of different types, this is the reason you have to include Tsum valley region within Manaslu circuit trekking.
However, you can do Manaslu circuit trekking as a different trekking. So as the Tsum Valley trek. If you are thinking of doing Manaslu alone that will be 12 to 18 days trek. Where as if you are thinking of doing just the Tsum valley trekking, it will be 7 to 10 days trekking.
The difference between Manaslu and Tsum valley is that Manaslu Cultural circuit and Tsum valley together will give you a circuit trekking trail. Whereas if you are just going for Tsum Valley Trek, you will be going to repeat the trail on the way back from your destination. Tsum valley trekking alone is not a circuit trekking. However if you want to customize this trekking and connect with lower Manaslu cultural circuit, we can make a small loop for the circuit experience, towards the end of the customized Tsum valley trekking. For this one please write us an email or connect with us through whatsapp.
Tsum valley trek is often included in the Manaslu circuit trek and this will also take trekkers to Manaslu basecamp as a side trip. But looking at the physical stress and the longest pass of Larkey la pass, this basecamp hike as a side trip is rarely chosen.
Skip the Larkey Pass and trek to Manaslu
There are 2 options as prescribed by Nepalgram Adventure. We have already did some trips and people love it. Give a try for yourself.
1-Manaslu cultural circuit hike
This is a Nepalgram product. We made this Manaslu cultural circuit hike to accommodate the interest of trekkers who want to visit Manaslu region without doing hard-core Larkay la pass. This trekking option also exclude the necessity of restricted region special permit. Because of that lower Manaslu region can be visited with our product Manaslu lower cultural circuit without high cost and without necessity of difficult walking.
If you are traveling with your kids, or if you are in your retirement but still has eager to visit Manaslu region. This option of trekking can give you a good insight of the region.
We have some Travelers booking Manaslu cultural circuit trekking, to come back and see how the things has been changed in past couple of decades. In the past they have done Manaslu circuit with larkey pas and now are old but want to come back and see the region without doing the hard part of it. This sounds like fun, is it not?
In Manaslu cultural circuit trekking you don’t need to worry about the special permit, that is why you don’t need to have one extra day or two days for safety net, for this trip.
This Manaslu cultural circuit trekking is about 7- 10 days including tour of Kathmandu.
2-Manaslu Bhimtang trek
This is another Nepalgram product. If you want to travel in the Manaslu region skipping the high pass -Larkey la pass of the restricted trail.
Either you can do Manaslu trekking from another side or you can do from Manaslu base camp side. That means if you do Manaslu base camp only, you will be able to skip Manaslu’s high pass – Larkey La pass. This will not take you over the pass and make sure trekking easier. On the contrary, this trial will not be a circuit trekking trial.
Lower Manaslu circuit trekking is another option where you can skip high pass of Manaslu circuit trail and you can still get the scenery of Manaslu region. You’ll be able to see Mount Manaslu from the other side of Manaslu base camp.
Same as Manaslu cultural circuit trekking, this Manaslu Bhimtang Valley trek will take you on the lower part of Manaslu from Annapurna circuit trail. The access point is the starting point of the Annapurna circuit trail at Besisahar. And once you get to the connection point of Manaslu circuit trekking and Annapurna circuit trekking, we will get into the deep valley which widens later at the foot of Mt Manaslu in the village of Bhimtang.
This trial has access to the glacier view, glacial lakes and the exit view of larkey pass. If you want an easy trekking, experience both trail of the famous Annapurna circuit trekking trail and Manaslu circuit trail – this is the best option. Similar to the lower Manaslu circuit trekking, this trekking trail does not need special permits either.
Manaslu Bhimtang Valley trek is a gradual Trek on pretty much flat terrain through forest trails along the river side. You’ll be exploring intense nature with easy hiking. The view of the mountain at this trek’s final destination is amazing. You’ll be right at the foot of Manaslu and the range of the surrounding mount Manaslu. You will also see the range from Annapurna Himalayas. The final destination of this trekking is Bhimtang village. This beautiful valley of Bhimtang enclosed by snow Peak Mountains.
Manaslu conservation area and Annapurna trekking
The ending point of Manaslu circuit trekking is pretty close to the starting point of an Annapurna circuit trekking. This is how Manaslu and Annapurna trails are connected to each other. After completing the Larkey La pass of Manaslu, we will meet the trail of Annapurna circuit trekking at a village called Dharapani. Once you get to the other side, the mountain view disappears and opens the deep River gorgeous on your trekking trail. You will also get to the excess of motor able Road. In our Manaslu circuit Tsum valley trekking itinerary we include drive down on a Jeep from here.
Some people who has more than 3 weeks of holidays for Nepal can connect both of these Manaslu Tsum valley circuit trekking and Annapurna circuit trekking in Nepal. Manaslu Tsum valley circuit trekking is in the restricted region whereas Annapurna circuit trekking is a famous first circuit trekking of Nepal.
Manaslu used to be a no go region and until 2011. But now people can trek with a special permit. Both of these Annapurna and Manaslu region are now tea house trekking. That means you don’t need to worry about accommodation. Both of this region has enough tea house to accommodate for the flow of tourist in the region.
While comparing Annapurna circuit trekking with Manaslu. Manaslu is considered a relatively conserved trekking region as it is started little bit later. There are a couple of villages like Samagaun and Samdo; which are very peculiar and gives you insight of the traditional villages resembling Tibetan culture inside Nepali territory.
For your information both of these villages are pretty close to the Tibetan boundary. There is a route where you can walk from either of this villages to the Tibetan side within one daytime trekking.
Wide open mountain ranges deep River gorge, jungle, smiling faces along the trail, simple lifestyle, Himalayan architect, pasture land, monasteries and temples, the life of the people, tea houses with welcoming owners and our guide from Nepalgram Adventure in your company during the trip will be fun for both Manaslu circuit & Tsum valley trekking. Which one? you have to choose. Choice up to you. If you are looking for a recommendation, please feel free to send us an email or reach out to us by whatsapp.
Manaslu base camp trekking is a restricted trekking destination in Nepal, hence conserves the pristine beauty of nature along with the antique culture, tradition and the architecture of the village along the basecamp trekking route. The trekking trail follows an ancient trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River.
Cost of Manaslu trekking blog
Cost for Manaslu circuit trekking is around $1,000 per person. But this price depends with your choice of cost include and cost exclude. If you choose to trek without porter it will be cheaper by around USD 200-300. If you want to pay your food expenses and accommodation expenses by yourself, you will save more.
But there is no choice that you can trek without a guide in this region. The reason is, Manaslu circuit trekking or Tsum valley trekking is a restricted region trekking. It needs a special permit. Whichever trekking trail in Nepal needs a special permit, you will have to have a local trekking guide with you throughout your trekking duration.

Other factors affecting the cost for your Manaslu circuit trekking can be choice of accommodation, choice of food, choice of gear that you are using, choice of guide you want, choice of service you want. Nepalgram Adventure offers three different kind of services; service trekking, all inclusive package, luxury package. If you want to choose any of this trekking packages with us feel free to reach out.
Another big factor to influence the cost for Manaslu trek is the transportation from Kathmandu to trekking start point of Manaslu trail. If you want to choose a private transportation then the cost will increase by around $500. But if you are okay with traveling in a local bus, with the local experience then you will save that cost there.
Most of the people choose to go with local bus. But if you are traveling with time crunch, or if you have problem traveling in a local bus which might be shaky and not very comfortable in the Himalayan dirt road, it is recommended to choose private Jeep or private mode of transportation to get to the trekking start point of Manaslu circuit trekking.
For Nepalgram adventures team, cost is not the major factor. We promise to give you the best service possible. So, reach out to our team, we will see what your expectation are and advice what can be done to lower the cost and maximize the experience for your Nepal trip with us.
Popular Packages
Choose Best Holiday Package
There are lots to explore
Choosing what is right fit is not easy when there is lots of options. We can help you. Text on Whatsapp – +977-9841046094 for all over the world. Or use +1-6472954309 for American countries.
Upper Mustang Trek, where Yara is located, is a restricted area in Nepal, a long-forbidden kingdom of Tibetan villages in…
Taking you deep into the Himalayas is the magnificent EBC pikey peak trek. The goal of this journey is to…
Every weekend or every day-off comes with a possibility of exploration. Around Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri national park and Nagarjun national…
Upper mustang is also famous as rain shadow trek, forbidden kingdom & a Tibetan trek in Nepal. In 12 days…
Jiri Everest Three High Passes trek is located in Nepal's Khumbu area. In contrast to the conventional beginning point of…
The largest glacial lake in Nepal is reached through the Short Tsho Rolpa Lake trek. The well-known Rolwaling Valley, also…