Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek - 21 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 21 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-10
  • Max. Altitude 4460 M.
  • Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November

Highlights

  • Dynasty views of Ganesh Himala and Mt. Manaslu (the world's eighth highest mountain).
  • Explore the fantastic, hidden meditational land of Guru Rinpoche.
  • Discover Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Tsum Valley.
  • Cross the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).
  • Dense verdant forest of Juniper and Rhododendron.

The valley created by draining the Shear Khola originated from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and glaciers of Sringi Himal to the east and south, meeting at the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak, is ‘Tsum’ which is abundant in nature with several rare wildlife under protection with the strict prohibition of hunting and fishing, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue sheep, which congregate in herds of 50 to 200. The valley boasts some of the unique and historic monasteries, such as Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, lying on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Lungdang Gumba on a conical base hill, as the town has a long history of Buddhism that begins with the meditation of the Buddhist saint Milarewa in the caves of the mountains encompassing the valley.

Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical area called "Tsum Tso Chuksum", meaning thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact. Therefore, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek are one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal, bordered by two major river systems: the Budhi Gandaki to the east and the Marshandi Khola to the west. The biggest attraction of this trek is undoubtedly Baudha Himal, Gorkha Himal, and Himal Chuli, including the spectacular Manaslu range and the Annapurna ranges, combined with the forest and wildlife along the ridge.

The route begins in Gorkha and follows the rugged gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River through the native Gurung communities with large Buddhist monasteries, which can be seen from the upper reaches of the river. Initially, a few days of the trek move along the Marshyangdi through communities predominantly composed of Gurung and a sizeable number of Brahmin. One of the highlights of this section is the numerous high waterfalls cascading down into the main river while the valley rises slowly with a rare chance of acute mountain sickness (AMS). After four days on the trail, the river changes course and flows from the south while the landscape shifts to steep, rocky gorges with large stands of pine covering the forest that passes by several ancient temples representing the pre-Buddhist Bon religion.

Whereas, the diverse geographical and climatic region has led to a wide variety of flora and fauna with heavily cultivated landscapes with terraced paddy fields and rolling hills that are famous for their winter crops of oranges, freshly harvested from the trees along the trails in the foothills, while the landscapes in the rain shadow area to the north of the mountains are barren, being extensive south of the Tibetan plateau. As you progress higher up into the hills, the natural vegetation changes from tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech, and rhododendron that give way to coniferous forests of pine and, ultimately, juniper just below the tree line. A large variety of animals are in sight, including the barking deer and Himalayan marmots above the tree line and exclusive pheasants, as well as all the usual alpine birds along with ravens and coughs just below the tree line.

The trekking in this region is going to be slightly more challenging than normal treks, precisely during sudden snowfall while crossing Thorong La Pass, which can be completed in a minimum of fifteen days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Pokhara. So, potential trekkers must be well prepared and equipped for all events, allowing a few days extra to enjoy several possible side trips and add immeasurably to the experience.

What to expect from Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek?

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu trekking trail are geographically and culturally swanky regions in Nepal that let you snuggle with Mother Nature and its Himalayas with radiant mountain views, picturesque landscapes, beautifully oriented terraced hillsides, gushing canyons, and the authentic Tibetan culture that originated all below the Larkya La High Pass.

The trek is throughout the river valleys of the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi rivers, which still showcase ancient Vajrayana Buddhism coexisting with Hinduism, as interpreted by several monasteries, gompas such as Mu Gompa at an altitude of 3,700 m, numerous Chortens, and Mani walls that are watched over by the majestic ranges of Ganesh Himal, Singri, and Boudha Himal, which are dominated by the eighth highest peak in the planet, Mt.Manaslu (8,163m).

During your trek to the isolated natural and cultural fascination of the Manaslu region, you will get to pass by several exciting dense forests that are home to diverse flora and fauna some endangered listed species as well. Expect:

The unique people and culture of the Tsum Valley Manaslu

The restricted Tsum Valley, which was opened for trekkers and travelers only in 2008, is yet another raw Himalayan area, still hidden and mysterious, and home to distinctive cultures and traditions.

The locals from the Tsum prefer calling themselves Tsumbas, the people from ‘Beyul Kyimolung’ or people from the Valley of Happiness, as translated from the local language. They inhabit the typical stone-built, intricately carved Tibetan houses.

Although their architecture, culture, traditions, socio-norms, values, and religion showcase an uncanny Tibetan influence, the locals have their dialects, costumes, and distinguished way of regulating life and have kept it alive till today away from the massive modernization.

They celebrate the Tibetan New Year, Lhosar, when the beautifully dotted ancient monasteries look extra vibrant, adorned with new prayer flags, usually in February or March. The Mani walls, chortens, and gompas at this time add immense beauty to the whole region.

On the way to trek the Manaslu, you will get to savor the extraordinary cultural and traditional presentation while you pass by the historical Tsum Valley, which once was an important trade route between Nepal and Tibet.

Cross the longest Mountain Pass in Nepal, Larkya La Pass (5,106m)

The maximum altitude you will reach in the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is the Larkya La Pass, at 5,106 m (16,748 ft) above sea level. Being the longest high mountain pass in Nepal, like any other mountain pass, it also conceals the Manaslu Trekking Region and its valleys from the hustling and bustling world.

Though the Larkya La Pass isolates the Manaslu region's valleys and its beauty from the rest of the world in the serenity of the dominating eighth-highest mountain in the globe, Mt. Manaslu (8,416 m), it connects the major mountain villages of Dharamshala and Bimthang with incredible mountain vistas of the Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, and many others.

The dramatic pass is outstandingly rewarding when you get to make it through it safe and sound via the tough, rugged terrain, chilly Himalayan wind, and steep ascents and descents that are intriguing but at the same time the most stunning, once-in-a-lifetime scenery.

That is why Larkya La is considered the ultimate challenge as well as the most mythical sight of the Manaslu trek through the valley of Tsum, which provides you with impressively varied landscapes, encounters with rare Himalayan flora and fauna, and the unspoiled culture and tradition of the locals.

Witness the beauty of Buddhism in Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Tsum Valley in the Manaslu region, Gorkha District of Nepal, on the way to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, is an amazing sacred Himalayan valley almost completely untouched by modernization.

The valley is culturally, historically, and naturally flourished with ancient monasteries, gompas, chortens, and mani walls dedicated to the lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, demonstrating the locals' deep connection to Buddhism.

The majority of the Tsumbas are active practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism and perform daily rituals by visiting several monasteries in the valleys, such as Ranchen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Gumpa Lungdang Nunnery.

They are artistically carved and hold substantial religious and historical values dating back to centuries when the Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have obtained liberation by medicating in the cave of Milarepa.

It all has nourished the most hospitable, welcoming, and smiling people of the Manaslu region, who are capable of thriving hard even on that rural continent of the Himalayas.

Trek Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit in Monsoon of Nepal

Often, the monsoon season in Nepal, spanning from June to mid-August, is considered to be off-trekking season. Most of the trekking region at this time observes heavy showers, muddy and slippery trails, and leeches above 2,400m.

The weather in the summer/monsoon season is rainy throughout the day and night and obstructs visibility, adding more to the difficulties of the trek. However, Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit lie in the west central rain shadow area of Nepal and are the best off-beaten paths to explore, even in the monsoon months.

It barely even drops, yet the whole Manaslu region at this time comes with the excellent greenery of the surrounding hills, verdant woods, roaring rivers, cascading waterfalls, and mind-blowing scenery.

While trekking in other regions than Tsum Valley and Manaslu is also possible in the monsoon with careful selection of extra gear and equipment, Tsum Valley and Manaslu remain the best options for more convenient and hassle-free trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.

The safest, least-trodden trekking trail in Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek

The trekking route to Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is undoubtedly less crowded and involves crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Yet, it is one of the safest trekking trails in other regions of Nepal, comparatively, with a lower probability of altitude sickness.

On the other hand, unlike other high mountain passes in Nepal, where climbing the pass can be compulsory and requires climbing gear and equipment, the overall Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is a teahouse trekking experience to enjoy without having to put extra thought into camping gear and climbing equipment.

In addition, there are a minimum or not at all chances of seeing blizzards or glacial slides, and you will not be spending the trek nights at the highest altitudes like in the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp Trek.

Therefore, the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is a less-trodden yet safest trekking route within the Manaslu area of Nepal.

Tsum Valley Manaslu Trekking Itinerary

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Trekking itinerary can be extended or shortened as per the individual preferences and time restrictions of trekkers, which usually spans around 17 to 21 days.

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek itinerary set by Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks is of standard 21 days, which includes ample time for adequate acclimatization and considering varying mountainous weather.

The trek officially commences from Soti Khola, which later on follows the trail to Maccha Khola, Jagat, Lok Pa, Nile, and Mu Gompa and then heads to the Manaslu Base Camp by Nyak Phedi, Bi Phedi, Namrung, and Sama Goau, and traces the way back to Kathmandu via Sando, Larke Pass, Bhimthang, Tilije, Dharapani, and Besisahar.

Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek Cost

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek cost depend mostly on your specific selection of itinerary, trek duration, season, mode of transportation used for the trek, and special services you have chosen to relish during the trek.

Nonetheless, to the great delight of Tsum Valley Manaslu aspirants, you will be granted a surreal trekking experience. At the same time, you trek Tsum Valley Manaslu at an affordable cost according to the budget plan and trek cost customized by one of the most reputed travel, tour, and trekking organizers, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.

We are offering discounts on groups, which are USD 1,790 per pax (a group of two people). In general, the cost of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Guided Trek is:

  • USD 1,790 for 1 pax
  • USD 1,675 for 2-3 pax
  • USD 1,625 for 4-6 pax
  • USD 1,575 for 7–10 pax

This package covers all the expenses of food, accommodation, transportation, and guides during the trek, including their insurance, expenditure on lodging, and food.

Itinerary
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Your landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) marks your arrival in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.

In the evening, you can meet the participants and crew members over dinner, when you will be detailed about your tour by our guide or tour leader.

  • Accommodationthree star Hotel
  • Mealsnot available
  • Max. Altitude1,340 m

The city tour starts this morning right after breakfast, which includes visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Pashupatinath is most sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, where the cremation ceremony is performed.

Boudhnath is one of the largest dome structures in Asia and is extremely revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Swayambunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, dates from 2000 years ago.

The combination of three ancient kingdoms holds the place of the ancient palaces and artistic Newari architects.

In the evening, you will do the necessary packing for the upcoming trek as suggested by our guide.

  • Accommodationthree star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

The road to Dhading has asphalt and is unpaved from Dhading to Arughat Bazaar, sometimes impassable after a heavy monsoon rain.

In such cases, it takes 3 to 4 hours of walking to finally reach Arughat Bazar, a small market town that lies next to the Burdhi Gandaki River. From here, you will take a Jeep to Soti Khola.

Overnight in the Tea House!

  • AccommodationThe Tea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude870 m

From Soti Khola, the course repeats ascents and descents within the thickly forested zones through a small village of Alamara and others on a hillside.

Continuing a steep walk on the rocky path, you will reach a point with a large tributary stream entering into the Budhi Gandaki River from where the trail descends and past the cultivated paddy fields of the upper village of Lapubesi.

Lowering down gradually takes you to the MacchaKhola, a stream of fish.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude869 m

From Maccha Khola, you will travel along the slope with farm fields and terraces with rice paddies on top, with soaring views of Sringi Himal, also called Chamar (7,187 m).

The path then descends to the shores of the white sand and passes several villages to reach Kholabesi.

You will leave some valleys behind, following the narrow path that soon connects you to Tatopani with a hot spring to relax your muscles, and finally, you are at your destination of the day, Jagat.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,340 m

The trail from Jagat descends to the pleasant village of Salleri, with a slate-paved main street and friendly villagers.

About 2 and a half hours from Jagat, you reach Sirdibas (1,430m), a compact village with nice stone houses and slate roofs, then pass the small village of Ghote Khola before crossing the Budhi Gandaki on one of the longest suspension bridges of this trek, followed by a steep climb to Philim.

Then, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki yet again and push up the trail, hugging the cliffside over the ridge, where you willget to gaze at the valley and cascading waterfalls.

The trail then splits in two hours, one heading northwest up the Manaslu Circuit towards the Larkye La Pass and another to the northeast along the Syar River, moving forward to the Tsum Valley that you will take. 

To reach there, you will climb through a pine forest that levels out and stops at Lokpa, with a small teahouse on the main pathway, a few hundred meters below the village.

Overnight in the tea house!

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,240 m

Overall, the trail is up and down along a steep valley wall above the Syar River, despite the gain in elevation of only a few hundred.

You will start descending the river and then climb steeply, staying high above the river for a long stretch before returning to cross an old bridge to the north side.

From here, it is a steady climb up to Chumling, surrounded by open meadows contrasting starkly with the deep forest on the opposite side of the valley, where you will stay overnight at the spacious teahouse with splendid views.

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,386 m

Today is an easygoing hike along the well-constructed trails through elegant little villages towards the bulkier villages of Chule, whose background is dominated by a huge headwall with an icy waterfall and the Nile facing opposite each other on the Syar river at the base of the steep valley.

About 100 meters above the village looms a 700-year-old Buddhist monastery that you are free to visit before or after crossing the river to the Nile.

Overall, it will be an easy day with a bountiful of time in the afternoon to relax and explore.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,300 m

This day, you will start to trek very early in the morningalong the Syar River, leading up the valley to Mu Gompa. As you approach the Gompa, the trail steepens sharply after an hour or two of hiking.

After it, you will be engulfed in the shadows of the deep valley, which comes with the twist of a holy monastery above the head, shining brightly as the sun’s rays spill down another high valley to the east.

You will get plenty of time to delve into the monastery complex and its gompa, with a spectacular view of Ganesh Himal along the stark valley terrain serving as the perfect backdrop for the sparkling witness of the snow-capped peaks.

Depending on the trek pace and group interest, it is possible to have a look at other gompas and vistas in the mountains surrounding Mu Gompa, which can be your overnight accommodation, with the option of returning to the Nile as well, which is a walk of one and a half hours.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner

As you start to make your way down the valley, you will notice the different mountain views dominated by the broad face of Ganesh Himal, and as you move forward in this region, you must have a freshened-up and well-informed perspective on the varying cultures and traditions of the villages that lie along the route.

The trail takes a small break at Ranchen Gompa, a sprawling nunnery that hosts hundreds of Buddhist devotees from around the world each year.

When you approach Chumling, the terrain will once again be transformed from arid high plains to verdant forests.

Overnight in the tea house!

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner

On this day, you will descend continuously from the Tsum Valley, facing a few challenging ascents and descents on the valley walls before reaching Lok Pa for lunch.

From Lok Pa, you will follow the trail that meets the Budhi Gandaki River again as you retrace the way back to Philim, which splits off to the Manaslu Circuit route heading northwest at the juncture of the Syar and Budhi Gandaki below Lok Pa.

Here is where the combined Manaslu/Tsum Trek route diverges while you move ahead to Nyak Phedi.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,760 m

You will climb over a rocky ridge in Salleri with a good view of Sringi Himal and pass through numerous Gurung villages to reach Ekle Bhati, which has a strong Tibetan influence from Nyak Phedi, to reach Bi Phedi.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,990 m

Today, you will leave the Bi Phedi village and make a small ascent with a path going down following the river shores, passing the Gata Khola village and Sher Khola, whereas the path starts to get pleasant as you walk through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola.

After reaching the tiny village of Deng, you will enter Nepri, also known as Kutsang (a mini Gurung village with a strong Tibetan influence), encompassed by cliffs, then cross a suspension bridge to reach Lana.

The trail now gets a gentle ascent until Bih and traverses through the forest to farm fields leading towards the Khani and ultimately Ghap.

After it, the route becomes steeper to Namru village, with the Tibetan border only a few kilometers to the north.

Overnight in the tea house!

  • AccommodationLocal Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,630 m

This present day, you will pass through several villages, come and cross along the Hinan Khola to Lho village, where you will see spectacular views of Naike Peak, Manaslu north peak, and Manaslu.

Lho has wide farm fields on the gentle mountain flank; it is a large village with many houses and a fine gompa, which has excellent scenery.

After crossing the Pungen glacier, the valley becomes wider, from one Chorten to another to reach Sama with a large number of Mani stones and Chortens.

The gompa on the top of the hill is very fine and worth visiting.

Overnight in the tea house in Sama Goau!

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,520 m

After breakfast in Gompa, you will take a side trip to base camp, which helps to acclimatize to the high altitude, and in the evening return to the same lodge.

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner

Crossing by foot over the great Manaslu Glacier, you will pass the trail that branches off to Manaslu Base Camp, which enters a woodland where you might see marmots in the birch and juniper bushes when a final steep ascent brings you to the charming village of Samdo.

The village has a well-established Tibetan refugee community, with Tibet only a morning’s walk away.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner

After an easy first part of the day, you cross the Budhi Gandaki for the final time before the trail gradually rises through juniper and tundra with a viewpoint overlooking the Larkya La Glacier. Climbing further, you arrive at the Spartan Larkya guest house.

It is a good day for acclimatization before crossing the Larke Pass.

  • AccommodationSpartan Larkya Guest House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,460 m

An early morning start is needed for a strenuous yet rewarding day. A pre-dawn start to avoid the anticipated heavy wind is important.

After a long, gradual climb alongside the moraine, you will make a short descent to a glacial lake and reach the head of the moraine (4,700 m), which you will cross to climb to the ridge top. Four frozen lakes lie below, and then it is up to the crest of Larkya La (5,100m).

The reward for these difficult trekking conditions is brilliant westerly views of Himlung Himal, Kangurru, and Annapurna II, as well as the looming omnipresence of Manaslu.

On the steep descent, it drops around 600m in less than an hour, then levels off onto yak pastures before finally reaching Bhimthang, a collection of typical summer Kharkas.

  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,460 m

This very day, you will descend on easier terrain through meadows and pine and rhododendron forests until you arrive in Hampuk. Then the path drops further, following the course of the Dudh Khola.

Crossing the stream fed by the snows of the Kichke Himal, you will be at Karche and continue to the village of Gho, where rice is back on the menu and Nepalese ‘dhal bhat' is revisited.

Keeping to the west bank of the river, the afternoon is one of gradual descent to the Gurung settlement of Tilije. From here, the trail again descends to Thonje and crosses the Marshyandi River to reach the village of Dharapani.

Overnight in the guest house!

  • AccommodationThe Guest House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinnner
  • Max. Altitude4,066 m

This morning, you will catch a jeep to Besisahar, conclude the journey with a bus ride to Kathmandu, and have a celebratory Nepali dinner in Kathmandu upon arrival.

Overnight in the hotel!

  • AccommodationThree star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast-Farewell dinner

A representative from Himalayan Adventure Treks and Tours will transfer you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

On your way home, you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the country of hills and mountains, Nepal.

We hope to see you soon!

  • MealsBreakfast

This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

Route Map
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek - 21 Days Map
What's Included
Includes
  • 17 nights and 18 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to trekking departure point, and back to Kathmandu after trek
  • English speaking local expert guide, porters(porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
  • Annapurna Conservation permit (ACAP)
  • Special rstricated permits for Tsum Valley (valid for 8 days) and Manaslu (valid for 10 days) regions - bring three photos for the permits
  • MCAP permit (Manaslu Conservation Area Project)
  • Tourist service charge, VAT
  • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at three star hotel with bed and breakfast
  • Airport transfers and escort
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
  • Equipment (sleeping bag, Duflel bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
  • Insurance for all staff & porters.
  • Trekking achievement certificate
  • Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
Excludes
  • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
  • International flight & all domestic airfare
  • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
  • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu
  • Hot shower and Electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
Dates and Prices
Date PriceAvailability 
Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 12, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 01, 2025PricePriceUS$1675StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 16, 2024End DateEnds: SundayJan 05, 2025PricePriceUS$1675StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 19, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 08, 2025PricePriceUS$1675StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 23, 2024End DateEnds: SundayJan 12, 2025PricePriceUS$1675StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: ThursdayDec 26, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 15, 2025PricePriceUS$1675StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 30, 2024End DateEnds: SundayJan 19, 2025PricePriceUS$1675StatusStatusAvailable
Useful Info

When is the best time to trek Tsum Valley and Manaslu?

The weather, temperature, and exceptionally clear visibility of mountains in Nepal during the spring and autumn make it the perfect time to visit the home country of eight of the highest peaks in the world, including the tallest mountain on the planet, Mt. Everest (8,848m).

The spring season in Nepal is from mid-March to mid-May, and the autumn lasts from mid-September to mid-November. This is the best time to explore various trekking regions of Nepal, including the Manaslu region.

Especially if you are seeking a combined Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek, the king of seasons, spring, when the wildflowers and the national flowers of Nepal bloom vibrantly, and autumn, when the whole Himalayan environment begins to shade its color with warmer days and stable weather conditions, are the most suitable times to trek.

Don’t be surprised to know that the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek is the best monsoon trek. Being one of the major rain shadow areas in Nepal, Tsum Valley rarely observes rainfall in the summer season, and hence the valley is considered the best monsoon season trekking destination.

Is solo trekking allowed in Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek?

The answer is no. Solo trekking in almost every trekking region of a country of hills and mountains, Nepal, including Tsum Valley and Manaslu, is completely banned from April 1, 2023.

However, if you are a trekking aspirant looking forward to a more secluded and isolated experience in the Himalayas, you will have the option to make this dream come true by hiring a licensed guide from a government-registered travel and trekking agency.

Is Tsum Valley Manaslu a restricted area in Nepal?

Yes, the Tsum Valley Manaslu is a restricted area in Nepal due to its unique culture and traditions in a closer vicinity to the Tibetan border, where the developmental infrastructure is limited and remote, which might not be able to handle mass tourism at once.

Therefore, the land is highly restricted, allowing only a few numbers of properly guided tourists each year to conserve the ancient culture, moral values, and practices at the Tibetan border which was opened for foreigners only in the year 1991 A.D.

What is the special permit required to trek Tsum Valley Manaslu?

As per Nepalese government regulation, to enter every prohibited area in Nepal, a special permit, also known as a restricted area permit (RAP), is necessary.

The same goes for the trek in Tsum Valley, Manaslu. To trek the combined Tsum Valley Manaslu, you will have to obtain the restricted area permit (RAP) along with the standard Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Both of the permits are made available by authorized trekking agencies on behalf of trekkers when you have chosen a service from them. If not, you will need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

The Tourist Service Centre, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Pokhara also provide all the essential permits to trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACP).

The cost of RAP is USD 70 for the first week and USD 15 afterward in the peak trekking seasons of autumn and spring. While it will cost you only USD 50 during the off-trekking seasons of summer and winter.

What are the foods and accommodations like in Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek?

There is a famous quote: “You are what you think. You become what you eat," which makes it very clear that the food you consume plays an important role in our day-to-day lives, especially when you are set for your dream adventure in Tsum Valley, Manaslu.

On this trek, the foods you will encounter on the way are generally typical Nepali and Tibetan dishes, which normally include local cuisines high in proteins, much required for uphill climbs and descents.

During the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek, the menus commonly serve traditional Dal-Bhat, Gundruk, pancakes, Tsampa, butter-salted teas, etc. in the tea houses or local lodges where you will be spending your trekking nights.

The rooms in the tea houses or lodges usually consist of twin beds, shared bathrooms, and a common dining hall, which provides basic amenities that might get more limited as you ascend to a higher altitude.

How to prepare for the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek?

It is one hundred percent impossible to trek Tsum Valley Manaslu independently. One must at the very least be in the assistance of the local licensed guide, as they will help you with every other aspect of the trekking in Tsum Valley and Manaslu except physical preparedness.

As several sections in the trek are slightly difficult to overpass on the Tsum Valley Manaslu route, physical fitness is crucial to making the expedition more comfortable and enjoyable. For it, start:

  • Engaging yourself in cardiovascular strengthening exercises like hiking, running, walking, and cycling
  • Exercising regularly to increase the endurance level of the legs, core, and upper body for the ascending and descending paths at higher altitudes.
  • Following stretching and flexibility routines to decrease the risk of injuries during the trek.
  • Try avoiding consumption of any alcohol, nicotine, etc.

What makes the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek moderately difficult?

The Tsum Valley Manaslu trek, in terms of difficulty, is rated as fairly challenging and can be conquered by any healthy individual without any prior trekking experience, yet one must always stay aware of probable mountain threats, high altitudes, and sickness caused by it.

The trekking is relatively through some of the rugged terrain that is constantly dealing with the lack of modern amenities where the weather changes at the speed of light. Further, the Larkya La Pass adds to the adventure of the trek, which is easily crackable when you maintain your trekking pace and avoid alcohol.

However, you never know how much or how fast your body can adjust to the altitude, so it is vital to acclimatize adequately, stay hydrated, and be well informed on acute mountain sickness (AMS), its symptoms, and preventive measures as well.

Guides and porters during the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek

Guides and porters are yet another influential character who heavily impacts your holistic trekking experience on the Tsum Valley Manaslu trek. If you were making a plan to trek without them, it is good to reconsider your overall trekking estimation, as it is not going to be fruitful at all.

First thing, trekking alone in prohibited areas like Tsum Valley and Manaslu is strictly banned in Nepal by the Nepalese government, as hiking trails like Tsum Valley, Larke La Pass mountain pass, and the base camp of Manaslu border Tibet from Nepal.

As a consequence, the whole Manaslu region is a redacted zone of Nepal and demands a special trekking permit to enter the land of unique culture, traditions, flora, and fauna where guides can help you understand more deeply and build an implacable connection with the region’s nature, people, and customary life.

Similarly, authorized guides and porters are highly trained, and experienced, and have better navigating skills in the local terrain and landscapes. In case of any medical emergencies or health issues that may arise in the high Himalayas, guides and porters provide greater relief with their first aid knowledge as well as the arrangement of necessary logistics and others.

Therefore, hiring guides and porters is a must if you are seeking a better trekking experience in the Himalayas of Nepal, as they tend to help you assure your safety and quality experience. At Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we prioritize our clients' safety more than anything else and recommend that you be in safe and trustworthy hands.

Although every guide and porter from Nepal is multilingual, possesses an exceptional intellect on each route they take, is honest, and is a hard worker as guiding is part of their very day-to-day lives, the local Sherpa Guide from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Trek stands out due to its more than 20 years of cultivated expertise in the field of tailoring, customizing, and navigating adventures.

What to pack to trek Tsum Valley Manaslu?

Packing to trek the upper Himalayas, such as Tsum Valley and Manaslu, needs careful consideration. Make sure you are not packing unnecessary equipment, and keep it as light as possible.

Carry only those that are an absolute necessity during the trek, not weighing more than 10 kg, to enhance the overall trekking acquaintance, not only for you but for your porters and guides as well.

In short, pack:

  • Nicely torso-fitting backpack and daypack
  • Perfectly fitting, light-weight trekking boots
  • Sandals
  • A few pairs of underwear
  • Several pairs of woolen socks
  • Thermal wears
  • Quality down jackets and pants
  • A pair of warm gloves and a hat
  • Sunglasses, cream, brimmed hat, or cap
  • Refillable water bottles and water purification tablets
  • First-aid-kits
  • Toiletries, and
  • Energy bars from the city areas

Are hot showers available in Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek?

Yes, the majority of the tea houses in the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek provide hot showers, whose definition may vary from what you have been used to in urban areas. Which is a bucketful of lukewarm water with a jug at some extra cent available even at the higher valleys like Samdo and Sama Gaou.

However, please be aware that as you ascend more, the modern facilities are privileged in the remote areas for more authentic trekking feelings, and keep your anticipation of such amenities realistic.

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