--- title: "Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley: 20-Day Itinerary,…" description: "Combining Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit creates an extraordinary 20-day spiritual and high-pass journey." canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-with-tsum-valley" last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45" --- Tsum Valley extension # Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley: 20-Day Itinerary, Permits, Cost and Map Combining Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit creates an extraordinary 20-day spiritual and high-pass journey. The detour visits the sacred beyul of Tsum, Chumling, Chhekampar, Nile, and Mu Gompa (3,700 m) before rejoining the main circuit over Larkya La (5,106 m). **20 days**Recommended route **~6 days**Tsum extension **2 RAPs**Manaslu + Tsum **5,106 m**Larkya La DB **By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**4 min read **✓ Reviewed 21 Aug 2026** Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change. [Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology) Current information ✓ Last checked: 21 Aug 2026 Permits, fees, flights, border rules and operating conditions can change. We use official and current sources whenever possible and recommend reconfirming time-sensitive details before travel. [Official sources ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tims-card)[What to recheck →](/data-methodology) Details and source context Status Planning guidance reviewed Applies to Manaslu Circuit Trek Last checked 21 Aug 2026 On this page ## Complete 20-Day Day-by-Day Itinerary This 20-day itinerary provides the ideal balance: in-depth exploration of the sacred Tsum Valley without compromising acclimatisation days before the Larkya La pass crossing. Swipe to view table → | Day | Route & Village | Elevation | Highlights & Key Activities | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Day 01 | Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 900 m | Overland scenic drive along Budhi Gandaki river | | Day 02 | Trek Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,410 m | Enter Manaslu Restricted Area at Jagat checkpoint | | Day 03 | Trek Jagat to Lokpa (Tsum entrance) | 2,240 m | Ascend into the secluded gateway of the sacred Tsum Valley | | Day 04 | Trek Lokpa to Chumling (Lower Tsum) | 2,386 m | Cross Syar Khola; visit ancient Shingkhang Gompa | | Day 05 | Trek Chumling to Chhekampar (Upper Tsum) | 3,031 m | Enter the broad upper valley; Ganesh Himal views | | Day 06 | Trek Chhekampar to Nile via Milarepa Cave | 3,361 m | Pigeon Cave (Milarepa meditation cave) and Chiya Gompa | | Day 07 | Excursion to Mu Gompa & return to Nile | 3,700 m | Explore 1895 Mu Gompa (highest permanent monastery in Tsum) | | Day 08 | Trek Nile to Rachen Gompa & Chumling | 2,386 m | Visit historical Rachen Nunnery and descend down-valley | | Day 09 | Trek Chumling to Deng (rejoin circuit) | 1,800 m | Exit Tsum valley and rejoin the main Manaslu Circuit path | | Day 10 | Trek Deng to Namrung | 2,660 m | Forest trail with carved Mani stones and waterfall bridges | | Day 11 | Trek Namrung to Lho village | 3,180 m | Visit Ribung Monastery; spectacular sunset over Mt Manaslu | | Day 12 | Trek Lho to Samagaun | 3,530 m | Walk through Shyala plateau to ancient Bhotia village of Samagaun | | Day 13 | Acclimatisation Day in Samagaun | 3,530 m | Hike to Birendra Tal or Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m) | | Day 14 | Trek Samagaun to Samdo | 3,860 m | Short alpine walk; explore Samdo Tibetan trade village | | Day 15 | Acclimatisation day in Samdo | 3,860 m | Hike towards Tibetan border (Rui La 4,200 m) for acclimatisation | | Day 16 | Trek Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) | 4,460 m | Ascend to base high camp; prepare gear for pass crossing | | Day 17 | Cross Larkya La (5,106 m) to Bimthang | 3,720 m | Pre-dawn start; spectacular 360° summit views and descent to Bimthang | | Day 18 | Trek Bimthang to Tilije | 2,300 m | Walk down rhododendron forests into Dudh Khola valley | | Day 19 | Trek Tilije to Dharapani & drive to Besisahar | 760 m | Exit Annapurna checkpoint; 4WD jeep drive to Besisahar | | Day 20 | Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | Return drive along Trishuli river to Kathmandu hotel | ## Permits, Sacred Culture and Practical Guidelines Tsum Valley is a protected Non-Violence Area (Shaagya tradition) where hunting, animal slaughter, and forest destruction have been forbidden since 1920. The journey requires two separate Restricted Area Permits: the Manaslu RAP ($100/wk autumn, $75/wk spring) and the Tsum Valley RAP ($40/wk autumn, $30/wk spring), plus MCAP, ACAP, and TIMS. - Respect local Buddhist customs: always walk clockwise around Mani walls and chortens. - Strictly vegetarian ethics are observed across all homestays and lodges in Upper Tsum. - Do not attempt to compress the itinerary into fewer than 18 days to prevent severe altitude illness on Larkya La. ## Teahouse & Homestay Logistics in Sacred Tsum Lodging in Tsum Valley consists of intimate community homestays and rustic village lodges in Lokpa, Chumling, Chhekampar, and Nile. Infrastructure is more basic than on the main Annapurna or Everest circuits. - Accommodation Standard: Twin-share wooden rooms with foam mattresses; bring a warm down sleeping bag (-10°C rating) as unheated rooms get frosty. - Meals: Fresh, organic vegetarian meals cooked by host families (buckwheat pancakes, tsampa porridge, potato curry, local dal bhat). - Power & Charging: Solar electricity is prevalent; power banks are essential as grid charging is unavailable in upper villages. ## Acclimatisation & Larkya La Crossing Strategy Spending six days in Tsum Valley between 2,200 m and 3,700 m provides exceptional pre-acclimatisation for the subsequent ascent over Larkya La (5,106 m). When rejoining the main circuit at Deng, the body has already adapted to moderate altitudes, substantially reducing the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) when reaching Samagaun (3,530 m), Samdo (3,860 m), and Dharamsala (4,460 m). Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### With or Without Tsum Valley Adding Tsum Valley gives the Manaslu journey more village, monastery and cultural depth, but it adds days, permits, walking and a return through the same side valley. Skipping Tsum keeps the itinerary focused on the Manaslu Circuit and Larkya La.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-with-or-without-tsum-valley)[Related guide ### Detailed itinerary See a realistic 15-day Manaslu route with sleeping elevations, acclimatisation logic, Larkya La effort and road buffers before choosing a shorter plan.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-itinerary)[Related guide ### Trek Package A 15-day Manaslu package normally combines Kathmandu transfers, restricted-area permits, a licensed guide, teahouse accommodation, meals and the Larkya La crossing. The exact price and inclusions depend on dates, group size, transport and contingency terms.](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-package) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions How many days does Tsum add?+ Adding Tsum Valley adds 6 dedicated days to the 14-day Manaslu Circuit, making a 20-day total route ideal. Does the Manaslu RAP cover Tsum?+ No. Tsum requires a separate Department of Immigration Restricted Area Permit in addition to the Manaslu RAP. Is 20 days enough?+ Yes, 20 days is the recommended sweet spot for culture and altitude safety. Are meat dishes available in Tsum Valley?+ No. Tsum is a sacred non-violence beyul; all meals are strictly vegetarian out of respect for local Buddhist tradition. ## Sources & methodology Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking. [**Nepal Tourism Board — mandatory guide and agency-issued TIMS routes** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tims-card) [**Nepal Department of Immigration — restricted-area routes and permit fees** ↗](https://immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee) [**NTNC online conservation-area permit portal** ↗](https://epermit.ntnc.org.np/) Continue planning ## Related Manaslu Circuit guides [Compare options ### With or Without Tsum Valley Read the With or Without Tsum Valley guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-with-or-without-tsum-valley)[Compare options ### vs Tsum Valley Read the vs Tsum Valley guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-vs-tsum-valley)[Tsum Valley ### Tsum Valley Permit Read the Tsum Valley Permit guide →](/manaslu-circuit/tsum-valley-permit)[Rules & permits ### Solo and guide rules Read the Solo and guide rules guide →](/manaslu-circuit/manaslu-circuit-trek-solo-without-guide) Personalised planning ## Plan Your Manaslu Circuit Journey Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Manaslu Circuit itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers. [Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Manaslu%20Circuit%20journey.)[Back to Manaslu Circuit](/manaslu-circuit) Plan with context ## Custom Himalayan Route Planning Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing. [Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Manaslu%20with%20Tsum.)[← All Manaslu Circuit guides](/manaslu-circuit) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Manaslu with Tsum. Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place. Your request goes directly to [Amigo Treks & Expedition](https://www.amigotrekking.com/), our Kathmandu-based trekking and tour team. The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending. See the Privacy Policy. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy) - Route and pace fit for your dates - Practical trade-offs and fallback options - A reply from the local planning team Usually replied to within 1 business day. This is not an emergency channel or medical assessment. **Send a short planning request**Name and a short message are required. Add an email or phone number so we know where to reply. Your name * Email (or phone; one required) Phone (or email; one required) Short message *At least 10 characters. Do not send passport, payment or medical documents. 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