Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Best Time

The dry period in the Manaslu region falls during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) providing the best time for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.

During these months, the days are free of clouds offering the clearest mountain panorama. However, during spring, the nights can be cold with even minus 10 degrees at altitudes above 3000 m. The day can be quite intense with pleasant and calm temperature appropriate or walking tours. The forests will turn crimson with the full bloomed rhododendrons.

The winter period (December to February) brings cold weather with minus degrees temperature with this snow blocking the way to the Pass. Summer (June to August) brings the monsoon and the rainy season.

Elevation and distance

Our 19-day extraordinary journey in Manaslu Tsum Valley trek covers two phases: one is trekking to the hidden gem of Tsum Valley located about 120 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. The second phase will take us around the eighth-highest peaks of Manaslu at 8163 m.

The highest elevation gain during the Tsum Valley trek will be at Mu Gompa where we will spend the night at the impressive altitude of 3710 m.

As our second stage of the trek begins, the highest elevation gain will be at the massive Larke Pass which stands proudly at 5213 m. The highest overnight stay during the Manaslu circuit trek will be at the settlement of Dharmasala when we will sleep comfortably at an altitude of 4480 m.

The Manaslu circuit trek lies 177 km away from the pulsating Kathmandu while 140 km distance separates it from its starting point village of Machhakhola.

The 19-day journey integrates 17 days of hiking journey through the quaint settlements, deep forests, and alpine terrain. Approximately, we will cover 13 to 15 km each day allowing us to properly acclimate to the increasing altitude day by day.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

Expect to walk for at least 5 to 7 hours a day during our 19-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Depending on the terrain and the overnight village, the walking duration however each day varies with some days requiring only 4 hours of walking while some days you may expect to walk for even 7 to 8 hours.

The easiest, most straightforward, and minimal walk will be on day 16 of our trek when we traverse from Samdo to Dharmasala walking only 4 hours. The toughest challenge will be on the next day as we set out to cross the prominent Larke Pass and descend to Bimtang walking up to 9 hours.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is categorized among the moderately challenging treks in Nepal. Therefore, we have deliberately planned a relatively gradual trek around Manaslu and Tsum Valley. However, we will be taken up to the highest elevation at Mu Gompa above 3500 m elevation, and then to Larke Pass above 5200 m altitude.

Thus, the altitude will be necessarily a factor during this trek even if the overall regular climb of the valley allows interesting acclimatization stages. During the Tsum Valley trek, a rest day will be spent at Mu Gompa for acclimatization to the altitude of 3700 m. During the Manaslu circuit trek, a rest day for acclimatization is planned at Samagaun.

We also have strategically planned minimum walking hours during the two days before the pass for the proper adaptation to the altitude of more than 4500 m.

Please keep in mind that the lower valley forms a dizzying gorge, requiring a serious difference in altitude. Days average 6 hours of hiking (8 hours, including breaks), with the passing day extending to 8 or 10 hours. The temperature is very variable, with a tropical climate around Machhakhola and possibly snow at Nupri.

Can a beginner trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

If you enjoy good physical and mental health and don’t suffer from any chronic medical condition, then absolutely, the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is open to anyone despite of lack of experience in high altitude trek.

Since the trip requires no special technical skill or climbing equipment (except for trekking poles for walking ease), it is perfectly suitable for newcomers who wish to begin their trekking journey in Nepal. The route is well marked, and well built by the locals and the authorities (please do not expect the asphalted motor road). You can walk side by side with the yak caravan when approaching the Larke Pass.

However, be ready to walk for at least 5 to 7 hours a day with a light backpack. The journey from the low plain to the mountains and alpine terrain will not be easy. But the right preparation and right guidance will help you complete this tour without much strain.

Preparation and training

To prepare adequately for this moderately challenging journey, we suggest you focus on aerobic exercises that will improve your physical fitness, endurance, muscle strength, and stamina. Particularly it is wise to begin the preparation at least 45 days ahead of your trek.

The aerobic exercises we recommend are swimming, running, cycling, weight lifting, stair climbing, jogging, hiking, and leg exercises. We also advise you to go on a low-altitude trek in the mountainous region of your country so you can familiarize yourself with the climatic conditions and the altitude impact.

Additionally, you can also practice some yoga postures and meditation which will help you keep calm in case of occurrence of any adverse or unforeseen conditions during the trek.

Alternate Route

If you are up for a challenge, then consider incorporating the Nar Phu Kangla Pass of Annapurna trek along with your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. The itinerary will be a month-long with a long walking duration through the rustic villages still virgin to Western tourism. However, this trip will give you an extraordinary opportunity to set foot at the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Locals often have said to catch the sighting of the mythical Yeti in this region.

For the program, you will follow the same route we have explained above till Mu Gompa. Then the trail will lead you through the quaint settlement of Gumba Lungdang from where you can explore the Ganesh Himal base camp.

From here, you will then walk to Ripchet, Nyak Phedi, Bihi Phedi, and Shyala, from where you will circumnavigate the Manaslu peak.

Alternatively, you can shorten your trip by just undertaking either the Tsum Valley trek or the Manaslu circuit trek alone.

Altitude Sickness

As already mentioned above, altitude is a key factor in our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. Alteration from a low altitude to a high altitude of more than 4500 m within a few days will pressurize your body to adapt to the thin air and less oxygen.

Those who have prepared well before the trip and those who have used the acclimatization days as instructed may not suffer from altitude sickness at all. However, its occurrence cannot be guaranteed as it is highly based on individual health.

Still, the maximum altitude will be less than 5500 m on this trip so some may have headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of sleep, and mild difficulty in breathing.

In such cases, taking Diamox can be crucial to alleviate the symptoms within a few hours. However, the key to the prevention of this sickness is adequate hydration of your body so please drink plenty of water and stay away from smoking and alcohol consumption.

Please inform our guide if your symptoms persist for two days. He will at once take you to a lower altitude where you will feel better.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

Our service begins after your accommodation in Kathmandu. As our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek begins, we offer you a ride in a private jeep from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and from Dharapani to Kathmandu.

During the trek, we will accommodate you in mountain lodges or tea houses where three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with a cup of tea or coffee will be provided. Every evening, we will offer you fresh seasonal fruit after dinner.

The tea hoses despite their remote locations still manage to provide a wide selection of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can indulge in the national Nepali dish of Dal, Vat, and Tarkari to fried rice, dumplings, and Thukpa, there is something for everyone. Additionally, you can also get pasta, pizza, noodles, eggs, porridge, muesli, chapati, Tibetan bread, and more.

Please note the accommodation and food during your stay in Kathmandu is excluded from our service.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

Manaslu region can boast the good mobile reception of NTC and NCELL mobile networks. They work perfectly well for flawless communication during your trip. You can purchase the SIM card of NTC and NCELL after you submit your identification document and photo. They offer 4G service for the high-speed internet.

As for WIFI, villages like Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Bhimthang, and Dharapani enjoy excellent WIFI connections. However, around the Tsum Valley and in the higher zone, the connection may be sporadic.

Likewise, you can charge your electric gadgets in the tea house which are well equipped with electrical outlets and power sockets. There is a constant supply of electricity throughout the region.

However, the WIFI and charging services may cost you a minimal fare from USD 3 to USD 4 per hour.

Permits

Since our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek includes two distinct trekking destinations, we need a Gorkha Tsum Valley Area permit to enter into the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), and Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP) for Manaslu circuit trek. Our guide will obtain these permits as your representative in Nepal.