All About Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Himalayan Sanctuary presents an article that aims to offer a comprehensive guide on ‘All About Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek,’ to provide you with valuable insights into the journey. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a relatively new but stunning trek that reveals the untouched beauty of rural Himalayan life. It’s a hidden gem, opened to visitors just a decade ago.

Traverse peacefully through the less-crowded trail and immerse yourself in rich Tibetan culture. Visit ancient monasteries, experience unspoiled traditions, and vibrant Tsum Valley. The rugged terrain and raw beauty of the region along with the friendly locals add to the adventure, all while enjoying panoramic mountain views.

Features of Manaslu 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 Manaslu 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 Manaslu 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 Manaslu 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 Manaslu 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.

Manaslu 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, nausea, and breathing issues. Inform your guides if you experience any symptoms during the trek.

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)

Optional: Adjustable trekking poles, Favorite snacks, Paperback books, cards, Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)

 Proposed Itinerary

Days: Activities

1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Transfer to Hotel

2: Explore Kathmandu Valley (4-6hr)

3: Drive to Machha Khola (890m)

4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)

5: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2240/7349Ft)

6: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2386m/7828Ft)

7: Chumling to Chaikampar (3031m/9944Ft)

8: Chaikampar to Mu Gompa (3700m/ 12139Ft)

9: Mu Gompa to Chaikampar (3130m/9944Ft)

10: Chaikampar to Gompa Lungdang (3400m/11155Ft)

11: Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4900m/16076Ft) then back to Gompa Lungdang

12: Gompa Lungdang to Ripchet (2470m/8104Ft)

13: Ripchet to Deng (1860m/6102Ft)

14: Deng to Namrung (2630m/8629Ft)

15: Namrung to Samgaun (3520m/11549Ft)

16:  Acclimatization Day Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4980m/16339Ft) or Pungen Gompa (4000m/13123Ft)

17:  Samagaun to Samdo (3860m/12664Ft)

18: Explore the Tibet Border Rui La (4998m/16398Ft)

19: Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m/14633Ft)

20: Dharmasala to Larkey La (5106m/16752Ft) Then Descend to Bhimtang

21: Bhimtang to Dharapani (1960m/6430Ft)

22: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1400m/4600Ft) 224Km

23: Departure Day