Tucked in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas, the Manaslu region remains one of the most breathtaking yet less crowded trekking destinations. Dominated by Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest peak, this remote paradise offers towering snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, glacial rivers, and an immersive cultural experience.
Among the treks in this region, two stand out: the Manaslu Circuit Trek (17 Days) and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek (24 Days). While both journeys take you through the stunning Manaslu Conservation Area, the Tsum Valley Trek extends further into one of Nepal’s most sacred and secluded valleys, deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Here, the longer route through Tsum Valley offers a unique spiritual dimension, featuring ancient meditation caves and centuries-old monasteries. However, the shorter circuit focuses on dramatic mountain scenery and high-altitude adventure.
Larkya La, Highest point in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Understanding The Two Treks
Manaslu Circuit Trek (17 Days)
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 17-day journey that takes you deep into the Manaslu Conservation Area. Often considered a quieter alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, this trail remains relatively untouched.
Your trek begins in Machha Khola after a scenic drive from Kathmandu and gradually ascends through dense forests, suspension bridges, and terraced farmlands. As you climb higher, the landscape transforms, revealing snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and Buddhist monasteries tucked into the mountainsides.
The route passes through charming villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaun. One of the ultimate highlights of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). It is one of the longest and most challenging Himalayan passes, from where you will get jaw-dropping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The trek then descends through the lush alpine forests of Bhimthang and Dharapani, eventually concluding in Besisahar.
Pros
Shorter and more manageable with limited time.
Challenging yet rewarding, with a mix of adventure and cultural immersion.
Diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high-altitude alpine terrain.
Lower overall cost compared to the extended Tsum Valley trek.
Cons
Misses out on the culturally rich Tsum Valley.
Can feel more commercialized compared to Tsum Valley.
Tea houses with basic services only.
Altitude challenges at Larkya La Pass, requiring proper acclimatization and physical fitness.
No major rest days or extended cultural experiences compared to the Tsum Valley Trek.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek (24 Days)
If you are craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers a deeper exploration of Nepal’s mystical landscapes and ancient cultures. This trek extends the classic Manaslu Circuit by venturing into the secluded Tsum Valley aka the “Hidden Valley of Happiness.” Unlike the main circuit, which focuses on mountain scenery and high-altitude challenges, this trek extension immerses you in a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Initially, the journey follows the Manaslu Circuit route until Philim, where the path splits towards Tsum Valley. You will trek through deep gorges, pine forests, and terraced fields. As you ascend in this route, the landscape transforms into a rugged, high-altitude plateau surrounded by towering peaks, including Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
The Tsum valley is home to Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, two of Nepal’s most revered Buddhist monasteries.Within this valley, you will also find the Milarepa Cave which is believed to be the meditation retreat of the famous Tibetan saint. During your trek past Tsum Valley’s villages, such as Chumling, Chhokangparo, and Nile, you will get a glimpse into a lifestyle shaped by centuries of Buddhist traditions.
Small tea shop on the way to Chumling
Pros
Offers a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience, with fewer trekkers.
Deeper cultural immersion with Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient monasteries, and meditation caves.
More time to acclimatize, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Encounters with Buddhist monks, providing a spiritual trekking experience.
Less commercialized and more preserved.
Cons
Requires a longer commitment, making it difficult for those with limited time.
More challenging due to remote trails, with rougher paths and fewer modern facilities.
Longer trekking hours each day, increasing physical and mental endurance requirements.
Requires good physical fitness and experience, as the extended trek adds extra challenges.
Key Differences Between Manaslu Circuit And Manaslu Tsum Valley Treks
Trek Duration
One of the biggest differences between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is the duration. It is a crucial factor when deciding between these two adventures. While both treks follow a similar route in the Manaslu region, the Tsum Valley extension adds an extra 7 days on the trail, taking you within the hidden Tibetan-influenced Tsum valley.
On both treks, you will walk 5 to 7 hours per day on average, covering 10 to 15 kilometers daily. However, the Manaslu Circuit Trek follows a more direct and faster-paced itinerary, reaching the highest point, Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), by day 12 before descending towards Besisahar. Therefore, the trek to Manaslu circuit is ideal if you want a challenging yet time-efficient Himalayan experience.
In contrast, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes a slower and more immersive approach, adding several acclimatization days and cultural side trips. The additional week in this itinerary allows you to explore the remote Tsum Valley, visiting Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and sacred meditation caves before rejoining the Manaslu Circuit. This trek is best suited if you have extra time to experience both the high-altitude thrills of the circuit and the deep spiritual heritage of Tsum Valley.
Route And Itinerary
While both Manalsu treks begin in Machha Khola and follow the same rugged trails through the Manaslu Conservation Area, their routes diverge at Philim. The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes a direct path toward Larkya La Pass before descending into the Annapurna region and finishing in Besisahar. On the other hand, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes a detour into the mystical Tsum Valley, before rejoining the main circuit.
Manaslu Circuit Route
Starts in Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Shyala → Samagaun
Acclimatization at Samagaun, with optional side trips to Manaslu Base Camp, Pungen Gompa, or Birendra Lake.
Descend to Samdo for another acclimatization day, with optional side trip to Tibetan border.
Trek continues through Dharmashala, then crosses the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters)
Descent through Bhimthang, Goa, and Dharapani, ending in Besisahar
Manaslu Tsum Valley Route
Follows the same path starting from Machha Khola until Philim after Jagat, then diverts into the Tsum Valley
Stops in Chumling, Chhaikampar, and Nile, offering deep cultural immersion in Buddhist villages untouched by modernization.
Explore Milarepa Cave, a sacred meditation retreat of the 11th-century Tibetan saint.
Acclimatization day in Nile, with optional side trip to Mu Gompa (3,700 meters) and Rachen Gompa, two of Nepal’s most significant monastic sites.
Trek continues to Gompa Lungdang, Ripchet, and rejoins the Manaslu Circuit at Deng.
Follows the exact route of Manaslu Circuit from Deng to Besisahar.
Difficulty Level
The trek to Manaslu Circuit is a strenuous high-altitude journey, with its most challenging section being Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). During the journey, you will experience gradual altitude gain, starting from Machha Khola (1,300 meters) and steadily climbing above 5,000 meters.
The difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit route is contributed by its steep ascents, rocky trails, and glacier crossings. While beginners can complete this trek with proper preparation, they must be physically strong and well-acclimatized.
On the other hand, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is even more demanding, due to longer trekking days, higher altitude, and remoteness. This trek extends the classic Manaslu Circuit by adding an exploration of Tsum Valley before rejoining the Manaslu Circuit.
Besides trekking through the Tsum Valley, this trek also takes you to the Larkya La Pass. Therefore, the Tsum Valley Circuit Trek is best suited for experienced trekkers who can handle multiple high-altitude days and long walking hours (6 to 8 hours daily) without access to modern amenities.
Scenery And Landscapes
Both the Manaslu Circuit and Manaslu Tsum Valley Treks offer two distinct experiences. If you are looking for dramatic, ever-changing terrain, the Manaslu Trek starts in lush subtropical forests and rice terraces before transitioning into rugged alpine meadows and ultimately barren, high-altitude landscapes.
In contrast, the Tsum Valley Trek feels like stepping into a hidden, mystical world. This secluded valley offers a more intimate and spiritual atmosphere. Unlike the Manaslu Circuit’s rugged high-altitude crossings, Tsum Valley features wide plateaus, deep gorges, and remote monasteries perched against stunning cliffs.
Cultural And Religious Experience
While both the treks offer a deep dive into the Tibetan-influenced culture of Nepal’s remote Himalayan regions, the level of cultural immersion differs significantly between the two.
On the one hand, the Manaslu Circuit gives you glimpses into Tibetan Buddhism. Along the route, you will encounter beautifully crafted mani walls, prayer wheels, and ancient monasteries like Ribung Gompa in Lho and Pungyen Gompa near Samagaun.
On the other hand, the trek through Tsum valley takes cultural exploration to an entirely deeper and more immersive level. The valley is often called a "sacred Himalayan sanctuary" due to its strong Buddhist heritage and ancient monastic sites.
Here, you will visit Mu Gompa (3,700 meters) and Rachen Gompa, two of the most revered monasteries in Nepal. You will also get a chance to explore Milarepa’s Cave. Unlike the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley remains largely untouched by modernization, offering an authentic Buddhist way of life.
Cost And Budget
When comparing the budget for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, the extra days in Tsum Valley naturally lead to a higher overall cost. The additional days spent trekking through Tsum Valley translate into increased expenses for everything from accommodation to food, as well as the hiring of guides and porters.
In the Manaslu region, accommodation is typically in local teahouses, with meals costing around NRs 500 to 1000 per day (USD 5 to 10). The cost for a guide is generally around USD 25 to 30 per day, and a porter can cost USD 15 to 25 per day.
So, on the trails of Manaslu Circuit, you can expect moderate daily costs for meals and lodging. However, for the Tsum Valley Trek, the extended duration adds up quickly. With an additional seven days of trekking, all expenses, including food, lodging, guide, and porter fees will be significantly higher.
Altogether, if you are trekking with a budget in check, the trek to Manaslu Circuit offers a more economical experience.
Which Trek Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek depends on your time, interests, and trekking goals. If you are an adventurer looking for a thrilling high-altitude trek with breathtaking scenery but have limited time, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the better option. This trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush green forests to rugged mountain terrain.
However, if you wish to experience both the adventure, culture, spirituality, and untouched Himalayan traditions, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers a deeper and more immersive experience. This trek extends beyond the Manaslu Circuit into the hidden Tsum Valley.
Conclusion
Both the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offer breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and a true sense of adventure in the Himalayas. The key difference lies in the duration, cultural depth, and level of remoteness. The 17-day Manaslu Trek is perfect for those seeking a challenging yet time-efficient trek, while the 24-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is perfect for those who want adventure and the spiritual heart of the journey in a single package.
Ultimately, your choice depends on what kind of experience you seek. If you are short on time but want an epic Himalayan trek, the Manaslu Circuit is the way to go. However, if you crave a deeper cultural and spiritual connection alongside stunning mountain views, the Tsum Valley extension is well worth the extra days. For a seamless trekking experience, Nepal Trekking Experts can help plan your journey, so you can contact us at any time.
FAQs
Which trek is more challenging in terms of difficulty and altitude: Manaslu Circuit Trek or Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is more challenging compared to the Manaslu Circuit Trek due to its longer duration, remote trails, and extra elevation gain. However, both treks require good fitness and acclimatization.
Is the Tsum Valley extension worth the extra days?
The Tsum Valley extension is worth it if you seek a deeper cultural experience, remote trails, and stunning Tibetan-influenced villages. It adds unique highlights like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.
Can I do these treks solo, or do I need a guide?
You cannot trek solo on either the Manaslu Circuit or Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek due to restricted area regulations. You will need a licensed guide and at least one trekking companion to obtain permits.
What is the best time of year to trek the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley?
The best time for both the Manslsu treks is during Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and temperatures are moderate.
Is the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley Trek suitable for beginners?
The trek to Manaslu Circuit is challenging but manageable for fit beginners with prior trekking experience. However, since the Tsum Valley Trek is longer and more remote, it is better suited for experienced trekkers.
How much does it cost to do the Manaslu Circuit vs. the Tsum Valley Trek?
Generally, it costs around USD 1090 for the Manaslu circuit trek and USD 1490 for the Tsum valley trek. This cost includes the trekking agency fee, permits, transportation, three meals a day, accommodation, and guide and porter fee.
Is travel insurance required for Manaslu circuit and Manaslu Tsum valley trek?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for both treks, as they take you to remote, high-altitude areas. Your insurance should cover altitude sickness, medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
This is Mr. Rajesh, also known as Raj. I was born and raised in the mountain region of Manaslu and have a deep and abiding connection with the culture and nature of the Himalayan mountains. With more than 25 years in the trekking industry and having traveled most of the trekking trails available in Nepal, I have a deep affinity and connection to the broad spectrum of people and their cultures, as well as a deep appreciation for the various religions, history, flora, and fauna of the mountain regions and their scattered valleys.
