Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek

Why choose Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek?

1. Mixed Terrain: You walk on a good trail one day, and the other day you ascend and descend over valleys of productive agriculture, dense hills, rugged mountains, and glacial surfaces.

2. Local Encounter: Since you reside in a local teahouse, you can mix with the locals. You can approach the Gurung people and learn about their lifestyle and culture.

3. Mountain Landscape: On your journey to the remote high-altitude region of Nepal, you will be graced with mountain landscapes of the majestic Himalayas like Manaslu Himal, the eighth highest peak in the world, and Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and other peaks.

4. Crossing Larkya La Pass: Larkya La Pass is the most challenging part of this trek. The pass is very difficult to climb, but it's good to climb due to the view from the summit. You will feel proud when you reach the summit.

5. Wildlife Encounters: As you trek through Manaslu Conservation Area, you might encounter various wild animals like Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, and various bird species. 

6. Tsum Valley’s Unique Culture: Tsum Valley is known for its distinct Tibetan-influenced culture, with ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, traditional villages, and unique customs.

7. Off the Beaten Track: Since they are less frequented than the trekking routes of EBC and ABC, the trek is a serene and authentic trekking experience. Trekkers have a good opportunity to see the scenery.

8. Reasonable: As a less popular destination in Nepal, it is more affordable compared to other trekking locations such as EBC and ABC.

Permits for Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek

You’ll need two permits to trek in Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek. 

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

This permit is required for the Manaslu region, including the Tsum Valley area. The costs vary based on the season and duration of your trek. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit is needed to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. It’ll cost NPR 3,000 per person.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

A Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. It will cost around NPR 3,000. 

All these permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

Food and Accommodation

Trekking in a high-altitude region requires a good amount of nutritious food and a good bed for sleeping. Good sleep and good food give you enough energy to walk in rugged terrain. 

During the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek, you will be lodging at a local teahouse or lodge. The rooms are basic, but you will have a bed, blankets, and a pillow. Twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms will be available. There are no hot water services like in the city area. If you need it, you have to pay extra money. The dining hall is the highlight of the teahouse; it's a wide-open and big room where all trekkers sit together to eat their meals. As you ascend higher, you’ll get more basic facilities. 

Food options are basic, but you’ll get all the nutrition from them. A variety of options is not available, but you’ll get an authentic taste of Nepali food. You’ll be eating dal bhat for lunch and dinner. Dal bhat consists of rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and spicy aachar. All the foods are locally grown. Breakfast includes Tibetan bread, hot tea, eggs, or any other food available at the teahouse.

In a city area like Kathmandu, you’ll get a variety of food options, like momo, thukpa, noodles, fried rice, pasta, and other varieties of food.

Best Season to Trek

To trek in the Himalayas of Nepal, spring and autumn are the perfect seasons for this.

Spring is the best time to trek in Nepal. The season offers a rhododendron and wildflower colorful trek. The climate is pleasant and sunny, offering great scenery of the Himalayas and other nearby mountains. 

The autumn season is the peak season for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. The weather is stable, offering crystal-clear views of the Himalayas, and you’ll be treated to the magnificent views of the Himalayas. The temperature is moderate, and the trail is dry and ideal for hiking in Nepal. 

Avoid attempting to trek during the monsoon and winter seasons in Tsum Valley with Manaslu. Weather is not fully clear in this period. Monsoon produces excessive rainfall, and the trail turns muddy and slippery. Landslides can block the trail, and there are possibilities of that. The weather is freezing in winter and high-altitude passes are dangerous because of excessive snowfall. 

Trekking Difficulty

The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek is somewhat tough to strenuous. It requires good physical stamina and high mental ability. Good acclimatization is required. You need to walk for 6-7 hours daily in rugged terrain, which demands good trekking skills and stamina.  

Preparation Tips

• Should be physically fit, do regular cardio, strength training, and trekking with a heavy pack.
• Acclimatization days in the itinerary are essential. Ascend slowly to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
• Prepare yourself for challenging situations and maintain a positive attitude. 
• Pack basic clothes, personal belongings, and equipment in your rucksack at all times.
• Carry all required permits, documents, and other documents with you.
• Show respect for the local tradition and culture while trekking to Tsum Valley.

Is solo trekking allowed in Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek?

Solo trekking in Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek is not allowed. The region is closed, and hence, you need to bring a special restricted area permit.

Book your trek through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Trekkers need to have a licensed guide, and you need to be in a group. 

Packing Essentials

Packing right is crucial while trekking in the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek. Here is the list of items that you’ll need on the trek. 

• Sleeping Bag
• Duffel Bag
• Daypack
• Windproof and waterproof Jacket and pants
• Warm Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Thermal Tops
• Woolen Jacket
• Fleece Jacket
• Sun and Warm Hats
• Warm Trousers
• Comfortable Trekking Pants
• Thermal Underwear
• Trekking Boots
• Light Shoes/Sandals
• Socks
• Toiletries
• First-aid Kit
• Water Bottle
• Water Purification Tablets
• Permits and other required documents
• Trekking Poles
• Snacks
• Camera
• Power bank