Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek

What does the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek look like?

You will start the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will spend a day preparing. The next day, take a fantastic scenic ride to Machha Khola. It is the starting point of the trek. From here, you will begin walking through lush forests and villages. 

Cross suspension bridges on the way and enjoy wonderful waterfalls and terraced field scenery. Once you reach Lokpa, you will leave the Manaslu Circuit route and trek to Tsum Valley. The trail will be isolated and include many steep ascends. The mental and physical pressure will be high. 

However, the tranquility of the Tsum Valley and its beautiful landscapes will keep you pushing forward. Explore the valley and possibly hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Visit ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Racchen Gompa. Get to see the lifestyle and culture of Tsumbas, the indigenous habitat of Tsum Valley. 

After you cross the trail, descend to Bhimtang. You will then descend for 1-2 days to reach Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek ends, and drive back to Kathmandu. Now, all that is left is partying and celebration in Kathmandu. 

Highlight

• Reach the base camp of the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu
• Explore the hidden corners of the Manaslu region, including the Tsum Valley
• A challenging trekking program in the Himalayas for trekkers who want to push their limits
• An adventurous trek with the offbeat route, steep sections, dense forests, glaciers, and moraines
• Spend nights in beautiful isolated villages and meet with communities like Nubri and Tsumbas
• Cross suspension bridges on the way and witness pretty waterfalls
• Navigate landslide debris and come across stunning alpine lakes
• Witness breathtaking mountain views and diverse landscapes 
• Explore many ancient monasteries and hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp
• Cross the strenuous Larkya La pass

Why join the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek in Nepal?

The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek is unlike any other trekking route in Nepal. In 1992, the Manaslu Circuit was opened for trekkers, and Tsum Valley was opened in 2008. The Nepal government has kept this area closed to foreigners for a very long time. It has kept the region untouched and unspoiled. 

Today, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley fall under a restricted area in Nepal. So, solo travelers are not allowed to enter the region on their own. Special rules must be followed by the trekkers and require expensive permits. All these keep a crowd of trekkers away from the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley route. 

Participants get to enjoy solitude. Mountains like Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), Shringi Himal (7,155 m/23,474 ft), Simnang Himal (6,251 m/20,508 ft), Kang Guru (6,981 m/22,903 ft), Naike Peak (6,211 m/20,377 ft), and many others dominate the skyline. 

The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek is a pure bliss in the Himalayas. It is a voyage full of adventure and experience. If you are well-fitted for this trek, it will change your life for sure. Join us on our Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek 2024/2-25 departures and get to see some of the tallest mountains in the world up close. 

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek preparation

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek requires a great deal of physical and mental strength and endurance. First thing, we recommend this trek to trekkers who have previous high-altitude experience. It allows you to handle the challenges well. 

If you have not trekked before but have good fitness, you may join the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. However, proper knowledge and understanding of the Himalayan trail is very important for a satisfying experience. 

To prepare for this trek, you have to train your mind and body. Improve your core strength and stamina. Build your endurance and get ahead with your packing. You can buy or rent all trekking clothes and gear in Kathmandu. Our team will help you with that. 

Buy trekking boots early if you are planning to get one new pair and break into them. Go on regular walks and hikes. During the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek, you have to walk 6 hours a day at least. Better build the habit before the trip starts. 

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek cost

The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek cost may vary because of factors like itinerary, services, time of the year, and group size. We, Nepal Treskscape, are offering the best Manaslu Tsum Valley trek cost in the market. Our price is very competitive and offers high-quality service. 

Choose us as your Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking partner in Nepal

We make exploring offbeat regions like Manaslu very accessible, especially for female travelers, with our trained and professional fleet of female guides. We also have male guides in our team. You can trek freely with our team. They will arrange all the logistics and permits required for the trek. 

Likewise, it is also easy to customize the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek itinerary with us. Just let us know your requirements, and our team will help you plan a custom trip for you. Whatever your needs are shared with us & we will make it come true. We are one of the very trusted and old trekking companies in Nepal. 

Useful Information

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek permits

For the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek, you will need three permits. All the permit fees are covered in our package cost. Our team will help you obtain the permits. For the restricted area permit, you may have to be present at the Nepal Tourism Board to obtain it. 

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person

Special Restricted Area permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

• September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
• December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek route difficulty

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek difficulty is strenuous. It is one of the most demanding treks in the Himalayas and is only recommended to individuals who have trekked before. You will travel to a very remote section of the Himalayas on this trek. The terrain is rugged and steep.

From the start to the end of the journey, you will traverse different climatic zones and terrain. Every day requires approximately 15 kilometers of walking. Trekking through lush forests, you will ascend to glaciers and moraines. The altitude increases every day as well, adding environmental pressure on you. 

Likewise, the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek route lacks the facilities for trekkers. You get tea houses to spend nights, but amenities like charging, WiFi, hot showers, etc, are limited and cost additional money. Similarly, the food menu is somewhat lacking than other famous trekking regions. 

The above factors demand endurance and adapting ability from the trekkers. Larkya La pass is the apex of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek. Crossing this 5,000m above mountain pass is very challenging and tricky. In short, trekkers have to be physically and mentally strong to complete this adventurous trek in Nepal. 

Altitude sickness and how to handle it?

You will start the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trekking from Machha Khola (850 m/2,789 ft). From here, the trail ascends to Larkya La pass (5,106 m/16,752 ft). It is the highest altitude you will touch on this trek. Likewise, in Tsum Valley, you will touch two high points, Mu Gompa (3,700 m/12,139 ft) and Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m/13,779 ft). Finally, throughout the trek, you will be above 2,500 meters for many days. 

Altitude sickness risk increases above 2,500 meters usually. It is because the air begins to thin out from here onwards as you go up and the oxygen level lowers. This is the cause of altitude sickness. Trekkers need to rest and acclimatize as they trek. Rushing will only increase the altitude sickness risk. You have to take your time, enjoy the trip, and gradually get used to the environment. 

Our Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek itinerary has multiple rest days, which will give you ample time to acclimatize. You may get tired as you gain elevation. Your body will respond differently to the change in altitude. Listen to your body and provide it proper rest. Keep yourself hydrated and have lots of food to maintain your energy. 

Travel Insurance

Things can go beyond our control during the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trekking. For instance, we cannot 100% predict weather in the Himalayas. It can change at times and may require us to hold the trek or return. Likewise, you may get sick or injured, there can be natural calamities, etc. 

These events are beyond our control, so we ask our guests to get well-covered travel insurance for the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek. It allows you to quickly receive resources. Helicopter evacuation and medical bills must be included in your travel insurance coverage. Make sure it is workable in the Himalayas. 

Best time to explore Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley 

Late September to November and March to early May are the best time of the year to explore Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. These are the prime months to witness the incredible beauty of the Himalayan mountains and valleys. The trails are bloomed with rhododendrons and many other vegetation. Trekkers get to enjoy a delightful environment, clear sky, and moderate climate. 

From December to January, the harsh cold conditions and snowfall make trekking more difficult. In places like Larkya Phedi, the tea houses may close as the locals move to lower elevations to spend the winter. Likewise, the risk of avalanches in the area also rises. Between June to August, the Manaslu region sees heavy rainfall, which raises the risks of landslides and makes the trails slippery and full of leeches. 

Accommodation and meals during the trek

The accommodations on the Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley trek route are tea houses. Tea houses offer simple rooms and food service to the trekkers in the Manaslu region. Twin shared rooms are common. If you need a single room, you may have to pay extra. Squat toilets are common. Water is usually cold. You can pay a few bucks to get hot water for a shower. 

We highly recommend you pack deodorant and wet tissues for the trek because taking a shower daily is not a viable option. Once you are above 2,500 meters, the climate remains cold in the morning and night, so you may not feel like taking a shower every day. The dining area is common, where trekkers have food and mingle with locals and other travelers. 

Clean drinking water is available in tea houses along the trail. You do not have to buy plastic water bottles. Use a reusable water bottle. For meals, you get dishes like thukpa, Tibetan bread, dal bhat, dhido, thenduk, chapati, stew, curries, fried rice, soups, porridge, toast, eggs, mashed potatoes, pancakes, French fries, etc.