Discover Hidden Nepal: Tsum Valley, Manaslu Circuit, Trek Permit Cost & Best Trekking Agency
If you ever dream of walking on peaceful trails where mountains look like paintings and small villages tell old stories, then the Tsum Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek are what you need. These two treks not only take you far from crowds but also give you experiences full of culture, nature, and challenge. Nepal is full of beautiful trekking routes, but the Manaslu region is something different, still less walked and raw in nature.
In this article, you will find everything—why Tsum and Manaslu are special, what the permit costs, and how to find the best trekking agency in Nepal to make your dream journey happen.
Tsum Valley Trek—The Sacred Hidden Valley of Nepal
Tsum Valley Trek is not just a walking trail. It’s like entering a world that’s locked in time. Tsum is a hidden valley; people call it “Beyul,” which means secret sacred place in Tibetan. You see people still live the old way here, wearing traditional dress, speaking their own Tsumba language, doing farming, and believing strongly in Buddhism.
Why the Tsum Valley Trek is special:
Very less tourists go here, so it’s peaceful
Trails pass through beautiful forests, rivers, and old monasteries
You can visit Mu Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal
You see amazing views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal
Locals are very kind and welcoming
You feel a real spiritual and cultural connection
It’s a less commercial trek, not like Annapurna or Everest
Tsum people follow ancient Tibetan Buddhism, which is very unique
The trek starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, then slowly you enter the Tsum valley near Lokpa village. You visit places like Chumling, Chhokang Paro, Nile, Mu Gompa, and return on the same route. The best part of this trek is that you walk in silence, no road, no city noise, just the mountain and wind.
Manaslu Circuit Trek—Round the Mighty Eighth Highest Mountain
If you want a trek that’s adventurous, full of nature, different cultures, and less crowded, then Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best option in Nepal. It goes around Mount Manaslu (8163m), the 8th tallest mountain in the world. The trail goes from warm green forests to high, cold passes. Every day feels like a new world.
This trek is not easy but very rewarding. You cross the high Larkya La Pass (5106m), which gives amazing mountain views. Villages on this trek are a mix of Gurung, Tibetan, and other ethnic groups, so you feel both Nepal and Tibet at the same time.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Stunning mountain views from every angle
Crossing Larkya La, one of the longest and toughest passes
Beautiful villages like Sama Gaun, Samdo, Lho, and more
Visit Pungen Gompa near Manaslu Base Camp
Experience a pure trekking trail, no crowd like Everest or Annapurna
See glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, and suspension bridges
Chance to spot Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, and snow leopard (rare)
The trek end connects with the Annapurna trail, so you can extend to Tilicho or Thorong La
Trek usually takes 14 to 18 days, depending on your speed and side trips. Most people love to visit Manaslu Base Camp as a side hike from Sama Gaun. Locals are very friendly and helpful. Trails are rough but well managed, thanks to local conservation efforts.
Manaslu Trek Permit Cost—What You Need to Know
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so you need special permits to trek here. You cannot go solo. You need at least two trekkers and a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency.
Here are the Manaslu Trek Permit Cost:
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP):
September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per day after
December to August: USD 75 for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per day after
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):
USD 30 per person (one-time)
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
USD 30 per person (one-time)
4. Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (if going to Tsum too):
September to November: USD 40 per person per week
December to August: USD 30 per person per week
So, if you do the Manaslu Circuit plus Tsum Valley, you need 4 permits. All are arranged by a trekking agency. Don’t worry about paperwork—they do it for you before the trek. Just bring your passport copies and photos.
Best Trekking Agency in Nepal – Who to Trust for Your Journey
Choosing the right trekking agency is as important as choosing your trekking boots. A good agency gives you good guidance, safe planning, an honest price, and a stress-free journey.
So how to choose the best trekking agency in Nepal?
Things to check before booking:
Is the agency government-registered?
Do they provide licensed guides with Manaslu experience?
Are they transparent with price and itinerary?
Do they offer insurance for guides and porters?
Do they have real customer reviews (TripAdvisor, Google)?
Do they respond quickly and answer all questions?
Are they flexible with custom plans?
Do they help with permits, transport, hotel, and meals?
Some good trekking companies in Nepal who are known for Manaslu and Tsum treks include:
Mount Mania
Makalu Adventure
Himalayan Glacier
Third Rock Adventures
Nepal Eco Adventure
Manaslu Guide Nepal
But one thing to note, always talk directly with the agency before final booking. Ask them everything, from food to altitude plan. A good agency will guide you like a friend, not just like a business.
Best Time for Manaslu and Tsum Treks
The right time is key for a good trek. Manaslu and Tsum are not suitable in the monsoon or deep winter.
Ideal seasons:
Autumn (Sept to Nov) – Best time, clear skies, good weather, best mountain views
Spring (March to May) – Also great, warmer, rhododendron blooms, but hazy views sometimes
Winter (Dec to Feb) – Very cold, Larkya La may be closed with snow, Tsum can be very remote
Monsoon (June to August) – Avoid, trails are muddy, landslides risk, leeches, not safe
So plan your trek in October or April for the best experience.
Food and Accommodation on the Trail
Food and stay on Manaslu and Tsum have improved. You don’t have to carry a tent or food unless you go on remote side treks.
Foods you get:
Dal Bhat (rice, lentil, veg) – best for energy
Noodles, pasta, momo, soup, pancake
Tea, coffee, hot lemon, garlic soup
Some places have eggs, fried rice, and bread
Snacks like biscuits, chocolate, and dry noodles are available in villages
Accommodation:
Tea houses in most villages
Simple but clean rooms
A common toilet in most places
A thick blanket provided, but carry your own sleeping bag
Solar hot shower available in a few places (extra cost)
Wi-Fi and charging are possible in some lodges (costly)
Manaslu region is remote, so things are expensive. Please support locals by eating and staying in their lodges.
Tips for Successful Manaslu & Tsum Trek
Train your legs. The trek is long and steep sometimes.
Don’t skip acclimatization days (Sama Gaun is best for that)
Drink lots of water and garlic soup
Carry warm clothes, the weather changes fast
Take altitude medicine if needed (consult doctor before)
Walk slowly, don’t rush to reach the place. Enjoy the trail.
Hire a good guide and porter, they make the journey safe
Respect local culture—don’t enter a monastery with shoes
Take snacks, power bank, water bottle, and headlamp
Keep enough cash, no ATM on trek
Conclusion: Manaslu and Tsum – A Journey for the Soul
If you want to feel mountains with heart, walk on paths where few feet go, meet kind people, and see the sky touch the peaks, then Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit are calling to you. It’s not a luxury trek, it’s not a comfort trail—but it is a real adventure full of soul and beauty.
And when you return from that trek, you don’t just bring photos—you bring peace, strength, stories that stay with you forever. All you need is a proper permit, good agency, strong boots, an open heart—and Nepal will show you magic.
