Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in November 2025/2026: Itinerary & Cost

Are you seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan trekking experience that blends raw nature with deep-rooted culture? The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in November 2025 or 2026 might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled in the remote northern region of Nepal, this trek fuses the majestic Manaslu Circuit with the mystical Tsum Valley, a spiritually significant area known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness.”

Far from the crowds of Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers something rare: untouched beauty, cultural immersion, and panoramic Himalayan views. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover why November is the perfect time to trek here, what makes this route unique, and how to prepare for your adventure in 2025 or 2026.

Why Choose the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a hybrid route that merges two spectacular regions: the adventurous Manaslu Circuit and the sacred Tsum Valley. Trekkers are rewarded with dramatic alpine scenery, centuries-old monasteries, and a deep sense of tranquility that’s increasingly hard to find in the Himalayas.

Key Highlights:

Fewer trekkers, offering peace and solitude
Authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture
Ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Nunnery
Diverse landscapes: subtropical forests, river gorges, and snow-covered high passes
Larkya La Pass (5,160m): One of Nepal’s most thrilling Himalayan crossings

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a cultural explorer, this trek promises an experience that’s both physically rewarding and spiritually enriching.

Why Trek in November?

November is one of the best months to trek the Manaslu and Tsum Valley region. It marks the end of Nepal’s peak autumn trekking season and offers stable weather, high visibility, and fewer crowds.

Advantages of Trekking in November:

Crisp mountain air with clear blue skies
Excellent visibility of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal
Dry trails with minimal risk of rain or landslides
Cooler temperatures ideal for hiking
Less crowded than October, ensuring quieter trails and better accommodation options

Whether you're planning your Himalayan adventure for November 2025 or 2026, this month ensures the most scenic and serene trekking experience possible.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

This well-paced 19-day Manaslu Tsum Valley itinerary combines high-altitude adventure with sacred heritage sites, providing the ultimate immersion into one of Nepal’s most pristine trekking regions.

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu via Arughat to Soti Khola (730m)

Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (890m)

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,400m)

Day 4: Trek to Lokpa (2,040m)

Day 5: Trek to Chumling (2,386m)

Day 6: Trek to Chhokangparo (3,010m)

Day 7: Trek to Nile via Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (3,361m)

Day 8: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700m)

Day 9: Return to Chhokangparo

Day 10: Return to Chumling

Day 11: Trek to Deng (1,860m)

Day 12: Trek to Namrung (2,900m)

Day 13: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,530m)

Day 14: Acclimatization Day (optional Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake hike)

Day 15: Trek to Larkya La Phedi (4,460m)

Day 16: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) to Bhimtang (3,720m)

Day 17: Trek to Gho (2,550m)

Day 18: Trek to Tal (1,700m)

Day 19: Drive to Besisahar and return to Kathmandu

This itinerary is designed to ensure acclimatization, scenic diversity, and cultural depth, making it ideal for your 2025 or 2026 Himalayan expedition.

What Sets This Trek Apart?

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is not just a physical journey, it’s a spiritual odyssey. Unlike more commercial routes, this trek immerses you in untouched landscapes and timeless traditions.

Unique Features:

Mu Gompa and Rachen Nunnery – Remote monastic centers of Tibetan Buddhism
Optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp
Wildlife sightings in the Manaslu Conservation Area: blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and even snow leopards
Deep cultural engagement with Tsumba communities
Larkya La Pass: A breathtaking high-altitude challenge

November Weather Conditions

Planning for the November trek? Here’s what to expect:

Daytime temperatures: 10°C to 15°C at lower elevations
Nighttime temperatures: Can drop below freezing above 3,000m
Conditions: Dry, with excellent trail accessibility
Visibility: Crystal-clear for photos and panoramas
Snow: Possible light snow at Larkya La toward late November

Permits & Trekking Regulations (2025/2026)

To legally enter the Manaslu and Tsum regions, you’ll need several permits:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Tsum Valley RAP
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Note: Solo trekking is not allowed. A minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are mandatory. Booking with a local agency like Best Heritage Tour ensures all permits, logistics, and safety protocols are professionally managed.

Cultural Treasures of Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan enclave where life is deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhism. Highlights include:

Prayer wheels, chortens, and mani walls throughout the trails
Mu Gompa and Rachen Nunnery: Centers of spiritual learning and meditation
Milarepa Cave: A site where the legendary yogi meditated
Warm hospitality of the Tsumba people

In November, you may also witness post-harvest rituals and community ceremonies, adding depth to your cultural experience.

Fitness & Preparation Tips

The trek is considered moderate to strenuous, suitable for hikers with decent fitness and trekking experience.

Preparation Checklist:

Start training 2–3 months in advance
Focus on endurance, elevation, and leg strength
Practice hiking with a loaded backpack
Acclimatize gradually during the trek

Essential Gear:

Down jacket and -10°C sleeping bag
Thermal base layers, windproof outer layers
Moisture-wicking socks, gloves, and sturdy trekking boots

Packing List for November Treks

Layered clothing (thermal, fleece, down, waterproof shell)
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
Sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen
Reusable water bottles & purification tablets
Trekking poles and a headlamp
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000m

Expert Trekking Tips

Train Early: Build stamina before your departure
Use Rest Days Wisely: Especially around Sama Gaon
Start Early: Avoid afternoon winds and maximize daylight
Hydration Is Key: At altitude, drink more than usual
Be Culturally Mindful: Dress modestly and ask before taking photos
Support Responsible Tourism: Travel with local guides and porters

Hiring a Local Guide for 2025/2026?

Trekking with a guide is not only mandatory, it’s transformational. Agencies like Best Heritage Tour offer:

Experienced, licensed guides
Seamless permit acquisition and transport
Culturally sensitive and sustainable itineraries
Ethical treatment of porters and staff

Let the experts handle the logistics while you focus on the adventure.

2025 or 2026 – When Should You Trek?

November 2025: Perfect for those ready to seize the post-pandemic travel momentum
November 2026: Ideal if you want more time to train, save, and plan

In both years, early booking is recommended for the best guides and accommodations.

Final Thoughts

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in November is one of Nepal’s most profound and least commercialized trekking adventures. From ancient monasteries and silent valleys to high mountain passes and vibrant cultures, it’s a journey that touches the soul.

Start planning today for November 2025 or 2026, and embrace the magic of the Himalayas before the world discovers it.

Book Your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek with Best Heritage Tour

Whether you're trekking in November 2025 or 2026, let Best Heritage Tour help you design a personalized, well-guided experience. From permits to porters, we handle everything, so you can focus on the journey.