Manaslu Region Treks

Manaslu Region Treks are high altitude restricted area treks in the Manaslu Conservation Area of Gorkha district in north-central Nepal, built around Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163 m. The main route, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, follows the Budhi Gandaki River through the Nubri Valley and crosses Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, with views of Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal from the pass. To add more culture, the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek joins both areas into one trip. The Tsum Valley Trek on its own goes into a quiet Buddhist valley near the Tibet border, with old monasteries, mani walls and small villages. Our local team knows these villages, routes and seasons well, and plans each trek to take you beyond the highlights and closer to the culture of the Nubri and Tsum valleys.

Choose the trek that fits your time. The 15 day Manaslu Circuit Trek drives to Machha Khola, walks through Jagat, Namrung, Lho and Samagaon with an acclimatization day, crosses Larkya La Pass, and finishes at Dharapani. The 20 day Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek adds the Tsum Valley and its monasteries before the circuit. The 13 day Tsum Valley Trek stays in the valley and does not cross Larkya La. We give you clear advice and honest information about how the treks differ, and every package shows what is included and what is not, including group prices by group size on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the trails are dry and the mountain views are clear. This is a restricted area, so you cannot trek independently. You need a licensed guide through a registered agency, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which covers the final stretch from Bimthang to Dharapani. The Tsum Valley treks need an additional Tsum Valley permit. Thamel Travels and Tours arranges the permits, guides, lodges and the full trek plan.

What Makes These Treks Special

  • Cross a High Himalayan Pass
    You will cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, with an early morning start from Dharamsala and a descent to Bimthang. This demanding day is carefully planned with guidance on pacing and timing.

  • Circle Mount Manaslu
    You will see Manaslu build from Namrung (2,630 m) through Lho (3,180 m) to Samagaon (3,530 m) and take a full acclimatization day with a side hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (about 4,800 m) and Birendra Lake. 

  • Discover Traditional Mountain Villages
    You will pass Jagat (1,340 m), Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samdo (3,875 m), where mani walls, chortens and monasteries show the Tibetan Buddhist character of the upper valley. 

  • Explore the Remote Tsum Valley
    You will reach monasteries such as Mu Gompa, at about 3,700 m, and Rachen Gompa, with Milarepa’s cave on the way, on the two treks that include the valley. 

  • Local Knowledge, Clear Planning
    Trek with a licensed guide in this restricted region, with permits and arrangements planned in advance. Our team provides clear information about costs, inclusions and exclusions, along with personal support throughout the journey.

Package Highlights

Package
Grade
Route Highlights

Manaslu Circuit Trek, 15 Days

Challenging

Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon rest day, Samdo, Dharamsala, Larkya La Pass, Bimthang, Dharapani

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek, 20 Days

Challenging

Tsum Valley monasteries including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, then the Manaslu Circuit over Larkya La Pass

Tsum Valley Trek, 13 Days

Challenging

Machha Khola, Jagat, Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Milarepa’s cave

Permit and Visa for Manaslu Region Treks

Requirement
Who needs it
Cost
Good to know

Nepal tourist visa, 15 days

Most foreign passport holders

US$30

Valid for multiple entries. Leaves little buffer, so we recommend the 30 day visa.

Nepal tourist visa, 30 days

Most foreign passport holders

US$50

Recommended for all three treks, as delays on mountain roads are common.

Nepal tourist visa, 90 days

Most foreign passport holders

US$125

For longer stays.

Visa for Indian and SAARC citizens

Indian and SAARC passport holders

Indian citizens need no visa.

Other SAARC citizens, except Afghan citizens, get up to 30 days free on a first visit in a visa year.

Visa extension

Anyone who stays longer

US$3 per day, with a minimum of 15 days

Done at the immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Passport

Everyone

No fee

Valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with one blank page.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

Every foreign trekker

US$100 for the first 7 days from September to November (US$75 from December to August), then a daily fee

Valid from Jagat. Issued only through a registered agency. Included in our packages.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

Every foreign trekker

NPR 3,000

One fee covers the whole trek. Included in our packages.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Every foreign trekker crossing Larkya La

NPR 3,000

Covers the final stretch from Bimthang to Dharapani. Included in our packages.

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit

Trekkers entering the Tsum Valley

US$40 for the first 7 to 8 days from September to November, then a daily fee

Separate from the Manaslu permit. Needed on the 20 and 13 day treks only.

Licensed trekking guide

Every foreign trekker in the restricted area

Included in our packages

Must be hired through a registered trekking agency.

Package(s)
Trip NamePriceSeasonNights
Manaslu Circuit Trek – Premium 15 days Adventure map
Price US$845SeasonNights