Tsum Valley Trek

Day 01: Drive to Soti Khola (700mt to Machha Khola (870m/2854Ft) 8 – 10hr

Kathmandu to Arughat’s journey takes Approximately 7 hours. Our journey begins early in the morning after breakfast. You drive along the Highway to Arughat on a local bus and following the Budi Gandaki River through the rocky, small, and narrow path you will reach Machha Khola. Although the path is rough, you witness the stunning scenery of the countryside view that is more engaging. You should be careful on the rocky path as well. You can enjoy a view of a refreshing swim spot near here.

Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Machha Khola

Day 02: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395)

We resume our journey from Machha Khola following Tharo Khola through the narrow path and finally to Khorlabesi. After a few times, we reach the most popular hot spring Tatopani. We can relieve our stress and tiredness by taking a hot bath in Tatopani. Then we cross the suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River to reach Thado Bharayag. Walking along the river we reach Jagat village.

Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Jagat.

Day 03: Trek to Chisopani (1600m), 4  – 5 hours walk. (7km)

Day 04: Trek to Chhumling (2386m/7769ft) 6-8hr (9km)

Day 05: Trek to Chhekampar (3030m/9940Ft), 4 – 6 hours walk. (7km)

Day 06: Trek to Nile (3360m/1120Ft)),4 – 6 hours walk. (6km)

Day 07: Trek  to Mu Gompa (3700/12136Ft)) 5 – 7hr (10km)

Day 08: Trek Back To Chumling (2386m) 6 – 7hr.

Day 09: Trek to Deng (1,860m/6100ft) 7 to 8 Hours

Resuming our trek, initially, we climbed a rocky cliff towards Siribas. Then continue towards Ghatte Khola. Crossing the suspension bridge we reach Philim village, a settlement of the Gurung community. We have lunch here and continue our journey from grassy slopes and some cliffs to cross over Budi Gandaki to reach a small village called Deng. We rest for the day here and stay overnight. 

Day 10: Trek to Namrung (2630m) 6 – 8hr (20km)

We begin our trip by crossing over the Budi Gandaki Bridge to climb a bit far to join the trail from Bhi. Passing through several landscapes and forests we reach Ghap. It is vital to follow your guide’s instructions and be extra cautious while trekking along the challenging trail. Eventually, we reach Namrung Village, where we can soak in the stunning sunset view and spend the night.

Day 11: Namrung – Lho Gaun – Samagaon 3180m (4 – 6hr)10km

We commence our trek passing Banjam, Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Sayla settlements. Adore the sight of Naike Peak, Himchuli, Manaslu, Siring Himal, and Ganesh Peak on the way. Arrive at Samagaun. Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Samagaon. 

Day 12: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon

Today you explore the Samagaun Village where you learn about the traditional and cultural Monasteries as well as the geographical cultivation such as potatoes and barley flourish. Most people prefer to wear woolen clothes made of sheep’s wool and are involved in the manufacture of blankets and rugs for trade. Monasteries have impressive designs and carvings that reflect the history of Tibetan settlers. There exist 8 different monasteries and among them, Pemba Chholing Gompa is the largest. You can witness the wonderful view of Manaslu, as well as the beautiful lake that lies, ascend of monasteries. After trekking for 5-6 hours, we arrive at Manaslu Base Camp. You can also visit Pungyen Nunnery (3870m) lies above the Pungyen glacier. Stay Overnight.

Day 13: Samagaun to Samdo (3860): 4 – 5hr (8km)

Resuming today’s trek descends towards Budi Gandaki. The journey is relatively easy and it lies above the self above the Gandaki River. You get to see the stone arch and plane granny land before you enter the village. Attractive place, get to see yaks and goats around the fields and the stunning view of Samdo Peak (6335m). In about 4-5 hours, we reach Samdo village.

Day 14: Samdo to Dharmashala (4460m): 5 – 7hr (12km)

We start our day trek by traversing over the Budi Gandaki River. After some ascend hike you see a glimpse of the Larkya glacier. Visit the valley and way upward again to reach Dharmashala. Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Dharmashala.   

Day 15: Dharmashala to Bhimphedi via Larkya La (5106m): 20km

New day toward a new destination, after breakfast we headed toward Larkya glacier in the north direction offering a clear view of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. From here we start the trek to reach Larkya La Pass which is the highest point of our whole trek. The climb is challenging and in some steep sections, you should follow the instructions of the guide properly. One can have a panoramic view from the Pass. After some time here, we start our long descent to Bimthang. Rest for the day after reaching Bimthang village. Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Bimthang. 

Day 16: Bhimphedi to Dharapani  (15km)

Today, we descend to Dhud Khola. We traverse through the forest abundant with Rhododendron and pine to reach Dharapani. As the last walking day of the Manaslu Circuit, enjoy the plenty of scenery throughout the trail. Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Dharapani. 

Day 17: Back to Kathmandu from Dharapani

We take a shared jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar. And we drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu by local Bus. After the successful trek, we transfer you to your hotel. Rest for a while and join us for a farewell dinner. Share some stories and feedback as well for the team. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 18: Departure Day

We do pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to TIA before your departure. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek remains with you forever alongside the lifelong memories and experiences from the trek with the Himalayan Sanctuary.

Cost Included

• Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfer by Private Car/Van

  • Transfers between the airport and hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be done by private vehicle.

• Accommodation

  • 3-Star Category Hotels: Accommodation on a twin-bed sharing basis with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Teahouse/Lodge Accommodation: During the trek, you’ll stay in teahouses or lodges with meals included (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).

• Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure Duffel Bag

  • A duffel bag will be provided, which is essential for your trek.

• Kathmandu Sightseeing

  • Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, including major attractions.

• Transportation

  • Kathmandu to Pokhara and back: Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara by a tourist coach.
  • Trek Transportation: Private vehicle transport from Pokhara to the trek starting point.

• Trekking Support

  • Experienced Trekking Guide: An experienced and friendly guide will accompany you throughout the trek.
  • Porters: 1 porter for every 2 trekkers to carry your belongings. The porters’ food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance are covered.

• Necessary Permits and Paperwork

  • All necessary permits and paperwork for the trek will be arranged.

• Service Charges and Taxes

  • All applicable service charges and government taxes are included in the package.

Cost Excluded

• Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

  • Meals other than breakfast in the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included. You will need to cover the costs for lunch and dinner in these cities.

• Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance, including coverage for trekking and emergency evacuation, is not included in the package and must be arranged separately.

• Nepal Tourist Visa Fee

  • The cost for obtaining a Nepal Tourist Visa is not covered. You’ll need to get this upon arrival at the airport or in advance, depending on your nationality.

• Tour Guide and Entrance Fees for Sightseeing

  • While a tour guide is included for the sightseeing, the entrance fees to various attractions or monuments in Kathmandu or Pokhara are not included and must be paid by you.

• Personal Expenses

  • Any personal items, such as souvenirs, clothing, toiletries, and other personal expenses, are not covered by the package.

• Food and Drinks

  • Alcoholic Beverages: Any kind of alcoholic drinks are not included.
  • Hot and Cold Drinks: Drinks like tea, coffee, and cold beverages (not included in the trekking meals) are extra.
  • Hot Showers: In trekking lodges, hot showers may have an extra charge.

• Laundry, Phone Calls, and Internet

  • Laundry services, phone calls, and internet charges (if available) at hotels or during the trek are not included.

• Personal Trekking Equipment

  • Personal equipment such as sleeping bags, jackets, etc., are not provided but can be rented in Kathmandu.

• Emergency Evacuation Costs

  • Any costs related to emergency evacuation (like helicopter rescue) are not included in the package. You would need to arrange this separately or cover it through travel insurance.

• Costs Due to Changes in the Itinerary

  • Any extra costs arising due to changes in the itinerary caused by factors such as landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbances, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances will not be covered by the package.

• Tips

  • Tips for the guide, porters, and driver are not included. Tipping is customary in Nepal and generally expected for good service.

Features of  Tsum Valley Trek

• Relatively new but Less crowded trail
• Untouched beauty of rural Himalayan life
• Rich culture, ancient monasteries, unspoiled tradition, and vibrant Tsum Valley
• Scenic Sunrises: Each day begins with breathtaking sunrise views.
• Authentic Experience of living in local lodges, homestays, and teahouses
• Stunning panoramic views of snowcapped peaks including Manaslu, Ganesh, Siringi, and Boudha ranges

Accommodation during the Tsum Valley Trek

The basic and cozy teahouses and lodges are accommodation types on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek . The simple facilities like beds, blankets, and pillows are there inside the room. Charging ports are mostly in the dining area. The attached bathroom is only in the lower regions and as you go higher washrooms are outside the teahouse. Pay an extra cost for services like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot showers, boiled drinking water, and charging electronic devices.

Meals during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Full board 3-course meal breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The region is remote hence the meal varieties are limited. The most popular served meal is Nepali Dal-Bhat along with fresh green vegetables and pickles. Besides Dal-Bhat, other foods such as soup, noodles, eggs, hot tea, etc. are served. The meals are healthy and hygienic as well.

Drinking Water during the  Tsum Valley Trek

Getting drinking water in the Manaslu region is easy. You can either pay a bit extra at the teahouses to fill your water bottle or buy bottled water. It’s a good idea to carry a water bottle and water purification solutions for safety.

Internet and Phone Networks during the Tsum Valley Trek

In the lower areas of Manaslu, the internet and phone signals are stable. But as you go higher, it gets difficult to find a network. For using Wi-Fi, pay extra at the teahouses or get a local SIM card with data. In case of emergencies, there’s a satellite phone available.

Best Season for the Tsum Valley Trek

The best times for the Manaslu region trek are spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) when the weather is clear and pleasant. But avoid rainy and winter treks unless you’re experienced. During rainy and winter seasons, the trails are slippery, muddy, or snowy, with limited accommodations. The weather and temperature are also not favorable so, plan wisely if you wish to trek in the off-season.

Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty

The remoteness and rugged trail make the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek quite challenging. There are lots of ascends and descends, elevation gains, and changing weather are other challenging factors. Also, the facilities are basic and limited. However, with good planning and preparation, it’s achievable. We suggest doing exercises, day hikes, and getting medical check-ups before going. Trust our guidance for a safe trek.

Altitude Sickness and Preventions during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Altitude sickness is normal in the mountains of Nepal. Thus, taking rest days for acclimatization during your trek is vital. Use these days wisely by going on short hikes and exploring nearby areas. This helps to prevent altitude sickness and adjust to the high-altitude environment. Altitude sickness can be managed by recognizing its symptoms and following preventive advice.

Symptoms of altitude sickness are

• Headache
• Lethargy
• A drop in performance
• Loose of motion
• Insomnia
• Appetite loss
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Preventive measures for Altitude Sickness are:

• Stretch and warm up before trekking.
• Stay hydrated with regular water intake.
• Ascend gradually and rest well.
• Avoid salt, alcohol, and smoking.
• Urinate frequently.
• Descend if feeling unwell.
• Consult guides for medicine

Fitness Level during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Trekking to Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is tough, so being fit is important. Trekkers are required to walk 6 – 7 hours a day on rough off-beaten trail paths. The elevation gain is another challenging part. Hence, trekkers should have good fitness levels. Prepare for the trek by exercising regularly for a few months and building stamina before the trek. Also, see a doctor to make sure you’re healthy enough for the trek.

Travel Insurance during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Get travel insurance before your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek as it is vital. It helps with medical costs and emergencies like lost luggage or flight issues. Make sure it covers altitudes over 4,000 meters for complete protection and a worry-free journey.

Guides and Porters during the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Our experienced guides prioritize safety and come prepared with essential gear and first-aid supplies. Skilled porters handle the luggage, ensuring a secure and memorable journey. Trust our team for a well-planned itinerary that emphasizes acclimatization, ensuring a successful Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Permits

The required permits for Manaslu Tsum Valley Treks are as follows:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

USD 100/week per person + USD 15/person per day (beyond a week) [Sep-Nov]
USD 75/week per person + USD 10/person per day (beyond a week) [Dec-Aug]

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

USD 30/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

USD 30/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC)

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

USD 40/week per person + USD 7/person per day (beyond a week) [Sep-Nov]
USD 30/week per person + USD 7/person per day (beyond a week) [Dec-Aug]

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)

NPR 2000/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC)

Packing List for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes: Sun hat, Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears, Sunglasses with UV protection, Headlamp, Neck warmer

Hand: Liner gloves, Heavier shell gloves

Core Body: T-shirts (2), Lightweight expedition thermal tops, Fleece jacket or pullover, Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric), Synthetic sports bras (for women)

Lower Body – Legs: Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms, Nylon hiking shorts, Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants, Water/windproof trousers, Casual pants

Feet: Liner socks, Heavyweight socks, Waterproof hiking/trekking boots, Light shoes/sneakers, Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)

Other Essential:

• Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
• Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of yours)
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottle/bladder
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)

Medicines and First Aid Kit:

• Excedrin (for altitude-related headaches)
• Ibuprofen (for general aches and pains)
• Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules (for upset stomach or diarrhea)
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness
• Anti-infection ointments
• Band-aids
• Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
• Sunscreen (SPF 40)

The Above personal items give you a general idea that of need to bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep in mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas

1. Can I trek the Manaslu Trek independently ?
No, you can’t trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley  Trek independently or alone. According to the Nepal Government, a minimum of two trekkers are compulsorily required to make a Manaslu  trek permit. You can’t trek alone due to safety and restricted region.

2. Why Manaslu  Trek is restricted ?
You are not alone to ask the question about why Manaslu  Trek is restricted. One major reason behind this restricted region is that Nepal Government especially Nepal Tourism Board and other concerned governing bodies where jointly aim to preserve this place for making it attractive to trekkers from all around the world. Another reason is to ensure security for trekkers while passing open border points – Larkya La Pass, Rui La Pass, and Tsum Valley which shares the border with Tibet. Hence, Manaslu Treks is termed a restricted region in Nepal.

3. How difficult is Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek ?
To answer this question, you should know your physical fitness level. You should also be able to walk 6 – 7 hours a day. There is one special day when you have to walk before sunrise to avoid a storm at Larkya La. Because the guide has a strict deadline to pass the Larkya La before noon which should be operated according to the itinerary. Similarly, at some point like Larkya La Pass (5160m), there is a step down which makes it a little harder to pass due to the icy path. In that case, you can use crampons on boots to pass the icy path to reach Bimthang. Larkya La Pass is the highest point as well as the longest day in Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you complete this day, then another path is quite easy to trek down around the Annapurna Region. If you have a willing power or dedication to complete the Manaslu trek. Then, it’s not that much difficult. In between the trekking, the guide will suggest you take a different level of walking pace depending on your destination. This will make your trekking a lot more physically friendly.

4. If I am alone. Can I join with other trekkers for a permit ?
Yes, you can join with other trekkers for a special trekking permit. For that, you must be flexible in terms of duration. In peak season, you will easily find another trekker for a permit. Whereas in low season, it’s quite difficult or time-consuming to find other trekkers who are heading to Manaslu for that particular month.

5. How is transportation from Kathmandu to Soti Khola’s start point ?
From Kathmandu to Solti Khola’s start point, you will be traveling to the hillside via Prithvi Highway until Malekhu. After that, you will follow the narrow off-road till to Soti Khola. It’s quite a long off-road journey of about 7 – 8 hours. You have two options to get Soti Khola’s start point. Take a morning local bus from New Buspark, Kathmandu. Expect some crowd, local gossip, too many stops, and an opportunity to make new local friends as well as an adventure while traveling from the local bus.

6. Do we need Travel Insurance ?
Yes, you need travel insurance to overcome unforeseen circumstances such as; Bad weather (Snow, Storm, Landslides, and other natural disasters), Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), food poisoning, and physical accidents.

7. What sort of trekking clothing and equipment do we need for Manaslu Trek ?
We have listed the trekking clothing and equipment you need for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. 

8. What kind of food and accommodations can be found in Manaslu Trek ?
Around Manaslu Trek, there are new as well as old teahouses that were built after the earthquake. So, don’t expect to get luxurious accommodations. You will get a room with a comfortable bed and shared a bathroom with a hot shower facility (private expenses). Nowadays, you can also get connected to wifi from teahouses (private expenses). Don’t forget to take caution before drinking water. You can refill the safe drinking water (private expenses) from every teahouse situated around Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

9. Which is the best season for Manaslu Circuit Trek ?
The best seasons for Manaslu  Trek are March, April, May, and the last week in September to mid-December. Peak season is in October. The low season is the monsoon (June to September) due to rain and hazed weather. In December to late February to early March, there is a probable chance of winter snow and the lodge will be closed mainly in Laryka Phedi, Bhimthang.

10. What happens If I or my friends or get sick while trekking Manaslu Circuit ?

If you get sick while trekking, you can ask the guide for normal precautions. If that doesn’t help, try to go to a lower altitude for treating altitude sickness. And, If the situation gets worse such as; some sort of physical accident then our guide will help you to evacuate from trekking via a rescue flight.

11. What will be lodging and food like in Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek ?
With the increase in popularity of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, many new teahouses and lodges have been opened on the trail. So, accommodation is available in tea houses if you follow the standard trail. Although, if you like, we can arrange for accommodation in camps. Lodging and food cost in Manaslu and Tsum Valley is never constant. The rate differs from one tea house to the other and the price is also different according to season. Also, you will find the price of food to be higher with an increase in altitude. It is because mules and yaks are the only means of transport available in these high-altitude areas. The staple food- Dal Bhat is the cheapest in lower altitude areas while potatoes and tsampa (a local food) are cheapest in high altitude areas. It is because rice is not locally grown in these high-altitude areas.

12. Is there an internet facility in Manaslu Trek ?
You will get a better experience of internet browsing at Arughat Bazaar while you can also get internet facility at Samagaon. You can also find satellite wifi in Samdo. However, cell phones from Ncell GSM Network and Nepal Telecom will work only as far as Arkhet which is near Soti Khola. 

13. Do I need insurance for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek ?
Yes, you need insurance for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Your insurance should cover medical evacuation in case you need an emergency rescue. You should read their terms and conditions carefully and know about the highest elevation limit for coverage by insurance. 

14. Is Manaslu trekking difficult ?
Manaslu received a significant number of tourists only since 2010. Previously, there was no proper trail and camping was the only possible form of accommodation. However, there have been lots of changes since then. These days, tea house trekking is possible in Manaslu. If you have a high level of stamina and will to explore the rich cultural aspects of the highland, Manaslu, Trek is not an impossible activity for you. The difficulty of any trek can be calculated based on the average walking hour per day, maximum altitude that you will reach, the terrain that you will pass through, and the remoteness of the area.

15. Can I go to Manaslu  Trek with the Kids ?
You can go to Manaslu  Trek with kids if your kids are fond of traveling, rejoice in an outdoor experience, and has previous trekking experience. 

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