Side by side
| Tsum Valley Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 14 | 16 |
| Highest point | 3,700 m | 5,106 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging | |
| Total distance | 100 km | 177 km |
| Best months | March to May and September to November | March to April and October to November |
| Typical cost | $1,000 to $2,000 | $1,400 to $2,800 |
| Starts from | Soti Khola or Machha Khola | Soti Khola (700 m) or Machha Khola |
| Permits | 2 | 3 |
Choose the Tsum Valley Trek if
The Tsum Valley Trek is a cultural journey into a hidden Himalayan valley near the Tibetan border. Known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional stone villages, and sweeping views of the Ganesh Himal, this restricted area offers a tranquil, deeply spiritual alternative to the busier Manaslu Circuit nearby.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek if
The Manaslu Circuit is a 14 to 18 day restricted-area trek in the Gorkha District of western Nepal, circumnavigating Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth highest mountain. The route crosses the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m and offers a rawer, less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit with comparable cultural depth and mountain scale.
The route is long and the Larkya La crossing demands proper acclimatisation. The trail is well-worn but involves some exposed rocky sections and glacier moraines near the pass. A restricted area permit and mandatory guide are required.
