Manaslu Circuit Trekking has been open only since 1991 for outsider travelers. This trek is a unique opportunity to experience and explore Pristine Mountain views, rich culture, and genuine adventure surrounding the "untouched" region of Nepal. Mt. Manaslu, 8,163m tall, is one of the most beautiful mountains in Nepal. Manaslu is derived from the Sanskrit word “MANASA,” which is translated as the mountain spirit. The trek begins from the old, independent kingdom of Gorkha to the Budi Gandaki valley. Distinctively, people are Buddhist, and their links are transmitted from the Tibetan tradition. The flat-roofed houses boast Monasteries with embossed prayer wheels and Chortents guarding the entrances of towns. The Tibetan monks inhabiting sacred monasteries give the joy of the Tibetan feeling and spirituality. This area offers a combination of cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty, and biological diversity. There are so many nice places for a meaningful travel plan in the Manaslu region.
Manaslu Circuit
A standard Manaslu Round Trek is 15 days, starting with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and ending with a drive from Dharapani to Besisahar/Kathmandu. It includes trekking through the Budi Gandaki gorge, crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m) this trek requires special permits and minimum of 2 people in a group is mandatory for issueing permits.
Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. Located in the Gorkha district near the Tibetan border, this "Hidden Valley" (known as Beyul Kyimolung) remained closed to foreigners until 2008. It is a deeply spiritual region where the ancient Buddhist "non-violence" tradition (Shyakya) is still practiced, which means killing any animals in this valley is not allowed.
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek
Combining the Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit is the ultimate Himalayan "grand tour." This combined trek takes you from the deep, spiritual seclusion of the Tsum Valley to the high-adrenaline challenge of the Larkya La Pass. Because the Tsum Valley branches off from the main Manaslu trail at Lokpa, adding it to your circuit trek typically extends the journey for 21 days.
Benefits of Combined Trek
Better Acclimatization: Spending a week in Tsum Valley (under 4,000m) acts as a perfect warm-up for your body before you attempt the 5,000m pass.
Two Worlds in One: You experience the quiet, ancient Tibetan-style villages of Tsum and the more "commercial" but majestic teahouse route of Manaslu.
The "Shyakya" Tradition: In Tsum, you experience a rare region where no killing of any kind (even for food) is permitted—it feels like stepping back 100 years
Rupinala Pass and Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Rupina La Pass (4,720m) trek is a journey through one of the most historically significant and geographically rugged pockets of Nepal’s Gorkha district. Often called the "original Manaslu trail," it predates the modern, more commercialized Manaslu Circuit.
