Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Guide – An Ultimate Info

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Guide – An Ultimate Info

• December 26, 2022
• Ram Kumar Adhikari

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is an adventurous journey to the world’s eighth tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163m) which also takes you to the hidden valley of Tsum. The glittering Mansiri Himalayas, cultural authenticities, and immense natural beauty will leave you in awe. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a recently opened trek that has attracted many trekkers from all around the world. Compared to the crowded and popular destinations such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the Manaslu Tsum valley trek is less crowded and nature is undisturbed. With its pristine untouched, raw natural beauty, tall majestic peaks, off-beaten trails, cascading waterfalls, and sacred heritage, this trek is a spectacular and rewarding trek for the trekkers. 

Tranquil Trails

Manaslu Tsum valley trek is a peaceful and refreshing trek that leads you to the alluring Tsum valley near the Nepal-Tibet border. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you come across villages like Machha Khola, Philim, Jagat, and Lokpa, before arriving at the hidden valley of Tsum. However, the biggest achievement of this trek is climbing up to the Larkya La Pass (5160m) – the highest point in this trek. Whilst exploring all these remarkable destinations, you can relish the pristine natural wonders along the isolated trails. From authentic cultural heritages to serene natural hallmarks, the tranquil trails on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek have it all.

prosperous Cultural Experience

The Manaslu region and the Tsum valley are immensely rich in cultural assets. The people there are highly influenced by the Tibetan culture and their way of life. These valleys make you feel like you are in Tibet. Enjoying the cultural vibrancy of the Tsum valley, you can visit some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, stupas and sacred caves in the region. The people here celebrate many Buddhist festivals like Losar, Saka Dawa, and Dhajhyang, etc. The Tsum people have their way of life which might be surprising to foreigners. The people here have been able to preserve their unique culture and tradition without any influence from the outer world.

Moderately Strenuous Trekking Trail

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking Trail is an exploratory trek, far off the beaten trail and far from the crowds of trekkers. It is a very demanding and challenging trek as the trails are mostly steep, rocky paths clinging to cliff faces. With an average of walking 7 hours a day, this trek requires a high level of fitness to fully enjoy the trip. You will be walking at an elevation of 3000m and above. The trail also crosses the Larkya La Pass (5160m) which is the highest point on the trek and offers a great challenge. All in all, the trails on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offer moderate and strenuous challenges. As such, trekkers need to have good physical fitness and mental fortitude on this trip.

Safe and Secure

The trails on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek are relatively arduous and pose different challenges as well. However, these trails are decorated with remarkable gifts that are also equally safe and secure to all travelers. With the help of the government and the local people, the routes and tea houses are in excellent condition with an array of great services. The region is safe and secure as the local government also provides various safety measures to travelers. Manaslu Tsum valley trek is a high-altitude trek and a challenging one at that. Thus, you should come prepared and always travel in groups for a safer and quality experience.

High Altitude Sickness

Trekking to Mt. Manaslu has many challenges and one of the major factors to make it more challenging is the altitude. High altitude sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness is one of the major risks a trekker can face while trekking in this region. This illness occurs when one’s body does not receive enough oxygen due to the low air pressure at high elevations. The higher you go the thinner the oxygen gets. The risk of getting acute mountain sickness starts from an altitude of 2400m. Some of the most common symptoms are headache and nausea. Hence, you should always carry a few Diamox tablets while on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. Likewise, the trekkers should descend to a lower altitude and if he/she is spotted with the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Accommodation During Manaslu Trek

With many teahouses in the region, you won’t have to worry about accommodation. All of the tea houses offer basic facilities for rooms and food. The tea houses will provide you with a blanket but you need to carry a sleeping bag for extra warmth. Besides, they also provide Wi-Fi and communication services. You can also take hot showers in the guest house and tearooms. You might have to pay an extra fee to use such services in remote and high-altitude locations on the trekking route. The cost of accommodation varies according to the season and elevation of your trek. Likewise, the cost of your room can increase during the peak trekking season (autumn and spring) and at higher altitudes.

Authentic Food

You do not have to worry about food while trekking through the Manaslu Tsum Valley. In recent years, the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley offer an abundant number of teahouses along the trekking trails where they offer you Tibetan cuisine and Nepali cuisine. The tea houses are of a basic standard and unlike camping, you won’t have a professional cook. But the food won’t disappoint you. Moreover, the authentic taste of the local food cuisines and traditional practices of preparing food are also quite intriguing to travelers.

Guide and Porters

Since Manaslu region treks are newly opened, trekkers must hire guides and porters for the best trekking experience. As there are many routes unknown to the trekkers, you need to hire a guide who is experienced and can lead you along the trek. While doing so, you can opt for local guides and porters to fully relish the authenticity of the Manaslu region and Tsum Valley. These local guides and porters are greatly acquainted with the trekking trails and offer you comfort, company, and expertise on the trek.

Drinking-Water

While you can buy bottled drinking water, it is wise to carry a portable water purifier and your stock while on the trek. Since the water sources along the trekking trails do not offer safe drinking water, you must prepare for all situations. Likewise, the water source might not be available for a great distance so, you need to carry extra bottles as well. The water purifiers and other purifying tablets ensure that you consume pure water while on the trek. This allows you to enjoy the trek without fearing the quality of the water.

Permits

The Manaslu Tsum valley trek route is a remote and restricted area. It remains protected under the Manaslu Conservation Plan and hence you will need a special permit to traverse through this area. The best time to explore this region is during the autumn season from September to November. During these months, the cost of the permit is USD 100 per person every week. Beyond one week, the cost per person a day is USD 15. The permit fee is cheaper from December to August where it is USD 75 per person weekly. Likewise, during these months, the cost per person a day is USD 10 after one week.

Similarly, the restricted area permit for the Tsum Valley costs USD 40 per person from September to November and USD 30 from December to August. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit will cost around USD 20 each. All in all, the permits you will need are restricted area permits for Tsum Valley, the Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit.

Transportation

The major transportation system you will be using to reach the start of the trekking point is bus and jeep. You will have to use road transportation before you can start trekking to Manaslu Tsum valley. There are two ways from which you can start the trek, they are Barpak and Soti Khola. According to your budget and interest, you can either go by local bus, A/C bus, jeep, vans, cars, or mini-coaches. Due to the off-beaten geography in this region, local buses are not easily accessible on time.

Trip Price

Contact us for Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek. We provide the guide, permit, meals, porters, accommodation, transportation, and insurance for the crew, and trekking equipment, farewell dinner in Kathmandu, a guided tour of the capital, and travel and additional trekking gear on the price of the trek we offer. A minimum of two trekkers are required and must be accompanied by a guide while doing the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Conclusion

Being one of the best off-beat treks, the Manaslu Tsum valley trek is for those thrill and adventure seekers who love to experience challenging landscapes. It is an excellent opportunity for the trekkers to experience the Tsumba and Tibetan way of life. If you wish to delve into the untouched natural beauty of Nepal, then the Manaslu Tsum valley trek should be on your list.