Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek: How to Combine Both Routes
MountainKick can combine the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek into a single 20 to 25 day custom itinerary. The two routes share the same approach through the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley before diverging at Lokpa, one path continuing into Tsum Valley, the other around the Manaslu massif. The combined trip includes two nights inside Mu Gompa monastery and a visit to a village school in the Manaslu region. It’s a custom, bookable itinerary rather than a fixed departure, so exact dates and pricing are built around your schedule.
- Duration: 20 to 25 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
- Regions: Manaslu and Tsum Valley restricted areas
- Max altitude: 5,160m at Larkya La Pass (Manaslu Circuit), 3,700m at Mu Gompa (Tsum Valley)
- Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, ACAP
- Guide: required by law for both restricted areas
- Best season: March to May and September to December
Why Combine the Two Treks
Both routes use the same approach through the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley before the routes diverge toward Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit, splitting at Lokpa. Combining them means you walk the shared approach once rather than twice, and MountainKick arranges the required permits as part of the combined itinerary.
The combination gives you a genuinely different experience on each half: Tsum Valley for monastery culture and Tibetan Buddhist village life, including two nights inside Mu Gompa itself, and the Manaslu Circuit for the high-altitude pass crossing and the more classic teahouse trekking experience. Trekkers who’ve done one and want the other, or who want the fuller picture of the region rather than picking one, are the natural fit here.
Part of the combined trip includes a visit to a village school in the Manaslu region, alongside the Mu Gompa monastery stay. This gives you real contact with the communities living in these valleys, not just a walk through them.
What the Route Looks Like
- Kathmandu to Machha Khola by road, then the shared approach trail through Jagat and Philim
- Split at Lokpa: the Tsum Valley side climbs to Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa (with an optional day hike to Nagdalo Viewpoint at 4,110m), then descends back through the same villages
- The Manaslu Circuit side continues from the Lokpa area around the mountain through Namrung, Samagaon (where the school visit takes place), Samdo, and Dharamshala, crossing Larkya La Pass before descending into the Annapurna region at Dharapani
- Return to Kathmandu by road from Dharapani, or extend to Pokhara
Because this runs as a custom itinerary rather than a fixed departure, the exact day count and sequencing, which valley first, how many rest and acclimatisation days, are built around your dates and group when you book. Contact us and we’ll put together a realistic day-by-day plan.
Cost
Because the two routes share part of the approach and can be arranged as one continuous itinerary, the total cost may differ from booking the two treks separately. The exact price depends on your dates, group size, transport and final itinerary. As a starting reference, see our separate cost breakdowns for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek.
Permits
Four permits altogether: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, and ACAP for the Annapurna-side exit at Dharapani. MountainKick arranges all four as part of the booking. See our Nepal Trekking Permits 2026 guide for current costs and rules.
Thinking about combining Manaslu and Tsum Valley?
Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll put together a realistic combined itinerary and quote.
Customize Your Trip Ask a QuestionFrequently Asked Questions
Is this a fixed departure trek?
No. This is a custom combined itinerary built around your dates and group. Contact us to plan yours.
How long does the combined trek take?
20 to 25 days, depending on the exact route and acclimatisation schedule.
Do I need a guide?
Yes, both the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley are restricted areas requiring a licensed guide by law.
Which should I do first, Tsum Valley or the Manaslu Circuit?
Tsum Valley is generally done first because it reaches a lower maximum altitude, while the Manaslu Circuit finishes with the higher Larkya La crossing. The exact order can be adjusted when planning a custom itinerary.
