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For trekkers already committed to the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley presents a tempting side trip. The Tsum Valley is often described as one of Nepal’s last untouched Himalayan sanctuaries. Located in the northern part of the Gorkha district and bordering Tibet, the valley opened to international trekkers only in 2008. Its isolation, preserved Buddhist culture, and dramatic landscapes offer a distinct experience that feels remarkably different from the main Manaslu trail.
The addition of an extra few days to the branch off near the village of Jagat and rejoin the main circuit at Deng makes this trek. For instance, if you choose the 12 Days Manaslu Circuit trek, you may need to add an extra eight days to the itinerary to trek the Tsum Valley. And the detour justifies the added time, cost, and energy you spend on this trek.
Nonetheless, for the trekkers in dilemma to decide whether to include Tsum Valley in their itinerary, understanding its remoteness, cultural richness, and logistical realities is essential.
Sacred Valley with a Living Culture
Described as a hidden valley or beyul (a place of spiritual refuge in Tibetan Buddhism), it is famous for its cultural heritage and pristine landscapes.
Along with being a remote area, Tsum Valley is known for its strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The valley’s inhabitants are known as Tsumba. And they have close historical and cultural ties to Tibet.
Their language, architecture, and traditions reflect centuries of isolation from mainstream Nepali society. Many villages in this Valley also feature carved mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens. They all form central parts of the Tsumba people’s daily life.
Some of the spiritual centers for both the pilgrims and locals of the region include ancient monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. At an elevation of around 3,700 meters, Mu Gompa offers the best views of the surrounding peaks. It remains one of the valley’s important monasteries. The nearby Rachen Gompa nunnery also welcomes respectful visitors and occasionally hosts evening pujas that feel unchanged for centuries.
Add to that Milarepa’s Cave above Chhekampar. It is the place where the poet and saint Milarepa is said to have meditated. As such, this place draws pilgrims and trekkers alike.
Landscape Shaped by Isolation
Much of the natural environment of Tsum Valley is intact thanks to its physical remoteness. High mountain ranges like Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal surround this valley. The terrain is rugged and includes narrow trails and deep gorges.
In addition, there is no road access to the valley, and you need to walk for days to reach here. Also, it shares its border with Tibet. And this has resulted in a historical isolation of the place. All these factors together contribute to the remoteness of the Tsum Valley.
As such, the trail of Tsum Valley is less trafficked even than the Manaslu. The trekkers often need to walk long stretches without meeting another group. Interestingly, this solitude is a major attraction for those who love to walk through quieter terrain.
Nonetheless, you should attempt to trek in this area as the valley’s scenery is different from the dramatic cirques and glacier views of the upper Manaslu region. Instead, Tsum Valley offers a softer and more pastoral landscape. You can see high ridges, grazing yaks, and dense pine forests along the trail.
Likewise, snow-capped mountains visible throughout much of the journey enhance the beauty of the region and add to the valley’s serene atmosphere.
How the Detour Affects the Manaslu Circuit
Standard Manaslu itineraries run 12 to 15 days from Machha Khola to Dharapani. Adding Tsum typically extends the trip to some 20 days. The split happens around Day 5 at Jagat (1,340 meters). From there, the valley route climbs steadily to 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa before descending to rejoin the circuit near Deng (1,804 meters).
The extra ascent and descent totals roughly 4,000 meters of elevation gain and loss — significant, but spread over a week.
Acclimatization is the real advantage. Most trekkers who include Tsum arrive in Samagaun (3,530 meters) far better adjusted than those who follow the direct route. This reduces the risk of altitude issues on the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) later.
Cost is the main downside. Restricted-area permits for both Manaslu and Tsum are required, and the extra days mean higher guide and porter wages and food bills. Solo trekkers are not allowed. You need a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide to be eligible to trek here.
Why Add Tsum Valley
You should add the Tsum Valley to your Manaslu Circuit trek because it offers an older and more traditional cultural landscape. You get to feel that sense of timelessness in the preserved monasteries and long-standing traditions.
Likewise, this option is best for those trekkers who want to avoid crowds. That is because even in peak season, the number of visitors remains modest here.
Similarly, you may choose the Manaslu for getting a full picture of the main circuit. However, the Tsum Valley offers different angles of the surrounding massifs. That includes Ganesh Himal. The scenery is more intimate and less dramatic on this trekking trail.
Most importantly, adding Tsum Valley transforms the Manaslu trek into a full high-Himalayan expedition. Together with adventure, you can experience cultural, spiritual, and environmental depth. For those who have the time, the extension enriches the overall experience.
Is Tsum Valley Worth Adding?
Tsum Valley is not a minor detour during your Manaslu Circuit trek. But it is a destination in its own right. Adding it transforms the Manaslu Circuit from a challenging trek into a deeper cultural immersion. And that still feels genuinely off the beaten path. But if time is short or you simply prefer to keep things lighter, the helicopter ride to Mount Everest and the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour remain spectacular alternatives. They deliver jaw-dropping aerial views of the Himalayas in just a few hours, without the long commitment of boots on the ground. Tsum, however, still belongs to those willing to walk slowly and stay longer.
