Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking – 14 days

Tsum Valley is Restricted

Although Tsum Valley has been welcoming tourists since 2008, the area is still restricted and strictly monitored by the Nepalese government, controlling the flow of tourists.

Thus, to explore the Tsum Valley, we need a special permit, which is granted to only government-sanctioned travel agencies like Prime Holidays Travel and Tours.

This restriction is in place to allow the ancient culture of the Tsumbas to thrive with minimal outside influence. The forest in the valley is also a protected natural home for the endangered wildlife, like the Himalayan Thar and Snow Leopard.

Also, the Tsum Valley shares its border with Tibet, which is why the Tsum Valley has been classified as a Restricted Area in Nepal.

Best Season

If you want an utterly mesmerizing experience of our Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking, then the spring and autumn seasons stand out as excellent timing for the trip.

From mid-September to November, the autumn begins to amplify the beauty of Tsum Valley, enveloping the region in warm golden hues. The sky also opens up with the excellent visibility of the high mountains.

From March to May, spring begins to blanket the Tsum Valley in the pink palette of rhododendrons, while summer, from June to August, also enchants the region.

However, the lower villages of Manaslu, such as Machha Khola and Jagat, face heavy monsoon rain, making the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking a bit challenging.

Winter spans between December and February and cloaks the Tsum Valley in white snow and almost freezing temperatures.

Difficulty Grade

The Tsum Valley trek is a perfectly accessible, moderately strenuous journey rated as a Class B adventure with the manageable elevation gain that doesn’t go higher than 3749 m at Mu Gompa.

The most challenging part will be the altitude and the demanding terrain that can make you out of breath sometimes. The climate of the mountain, resembling Tibetan weather, also adds a significant strain, while the absence of luxury and comfort can be another difficulty.

As for the trail of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking, you will not find any steep ascents or descents, but there will certainly be some moderate climbing and bridge crossings necessitating good stamina and endurance.

Is 14 Days Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek accessible for Beginners?

Even if you are not a hiking enthusiast and have not done any major treks in your life, you can still manage the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking without too much trouble.

The foremost requirement is your outstanding health, along with a slight compromise on comfort level. It is also essential to have good endurance and stamina to walk for 5 to 7 hours each day along the frequently changing terrain of the Tsum Valley.

However, for people with cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, we suggest you get medical guidance before being a part of our 14 days Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.

Training and Preparation

The Tsum Valley trek is a medium mountain hiking adventure that requires you to possess stamina for walking 5 to 7 hours daily. So to get ready, you can prepare your body with aerobic exercises such as walking, squats, pull-ups, running, push-ups, cycling, planks, and swimming at least 3 to 4 times a week.

You should also make up your mind for the absence of luxury but for the presence of authenticity of unspoiled mountain villages, Himalayan lakes, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and a few fellow hikers.

Altitude Sickness/AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and Acclimatization Plan

Altitude sickness is not generally prevalent, but it may occur during our Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking. The endurance and adjustment level of people differ; thus, not all but some may feel the impact of the altitude and Tibetan-like climate of the Tsum Valley.

Some of us may experience loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep disruptions, dizziness, and minor respiratory challenges, which will generally subside within a few hours to a day with sufficient rest, quality sleep, and a gradual increase in altitude.

With a rest day at Kathmandu and then in the Nile, followed by a gradual pace, the AMS can be avoided to a maximum level. Stay well-hydrated, get enough sleep and rest, and hike at your comfortable pace, which will prevent AMS.

Our guide will be present to help you with your acclimatization and may descend with you if the symptoms persist. You can decide to take Diamox (antialtitude diuretic medicine) from Machha Khola onwards.

Extension of the Tsum Valley Trek

There are numerous extension possibilities for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking, including the option to add the Nar Phu and Kangla Pass trek. Choosing these options, you can ultimately reach the remarkable base camp of the Ganesh Peak.

You can also merge the Manaslu circuit trek with the Tsum Valley trek, reaching the base camp of the Manaslu Peak. After completing the Manaslu circuit, you may also choose to trek along the Annapurna circuit trail.

Accommodation, Meals, and Transportation

As per our arrangements for your 14 days Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you will get a twin room at a reputable and clean three-star hotel in Kathmandu, which includes an in-room private bath and shower, along with free WiFi and a charging outlet.

On the trek, mountain teahouses of the local homes will offer you warm nights after each trek. You will get two to three single beds with a communal toilet inside or outside the lodge.

As for the meals, in Kathmandu, we offer you breakfast, while you can choose your own lunch and dinner. On the trail of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking, you will get three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in addition to tea or coffee and seasonal fruits after dinner.

Please keep in mind that meat dishes are not allowed in Tsum Valley due to ancient Buddhist customs.

As for your transport, we offer you our own vehicle for your airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu, while public transport will be used for the journey between Kathmandu and Machha Khola.

Mandatory Permits for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking

Please be informed that the Tsum Valley, as a restricted region, needs a special Restricted Area permit (RAP), which is granted by the Immigration office to the authorized travel agencies only.

Therefore, you need to buy an organized Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking package with a compulsory presence of a local licensed guide.

The fee for the RAP of the Tsum Valley varies based on the trekking season you choose:

• Autumn Trek: US$40 per hiker per week (a daily additional charge of US$7 per hiker will be applicable after a week)
• Summer, Spring, and Winter Trek: US$30 per hiker per week (a daily additional charge of US$5 per hiker will be applicable after a week)

We will also require a trekking permit inside the Manaslu Conservation Area that costs US$30 per hiker.

It is our responsibility for the expenses and the permit application process.

Travel Insurance

Please note that travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to a minimum of 3800 m altitude is mandatory for our Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking; otherwise, we won’t be able to get the RAP permit for our Tsum Valley trek.

This insurance will protect you financially against any injuries, accidents, medical emergencies, AMS, and rescue in case of any weather-related issues.

Also, you should include coverage for flight delays, trip postponements, extended stays, and lost or stolen luggage. This way, you can protect yourself from unexpected travel costs before and during the trip.