Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley

Tour itinerary: Kathmandu

Manaslu circuit trek with the hidden valley of Tsum is a long yet beautiful trek. It is a thrilling and adventurous journey that begins by following the banks of Budhi Gandaki and takes us through the trail of Mount Manaslu. “Mountain Of Soul” also known as mount Manaslu lies at the height of 8163m. Mount Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain peak in the world and is an adventurous spot that lies in the mid-western part of Nepal, in between the Ganesh Himal and Annapurna Himalayan ranges. Mount Manaslu lies between Nepal and Tibet. Japanese mountaineer Tosio Lmanishi along with Nepalese Gyalzen Norbu was the first person to climb Mount Manaslu. The trekking route of Manaslu base camp was publicly opened in 1992, and the Tsum valley much later, since then people have been great discovering this place. The base camp of Manaslu lies at 4800m, giving us a scenic view and insights into the rudimental rural civilization that typically represents the Tibetan lifestyle. Tsum valley itself has a people, culture, and lifestyle that are very closely related to that of Tibet. On the trekking part of Tsum valley, the routes are over the height of 3000m including the high pass, Larkya La at 5160m. Crossing the Larkya La is very challenging since it’s a frozen pass and often requires ropes and ice axes. This trek provides the best view of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Larke peak, and Annapurna. This trek allows us to experience the Tibetan lifestyle very closely, along with many Buddhist and monks, and also to explore one of the hidden valleys. 

Temperature and weather-

The average temperature in the spring season (March-May) can range from 6-22⁰C while it may fall to -6⁰C sometimes. The average temperature in summer/monsoon (June-August) is 25⁰C during the daytime while it may fall to 10⁰C at night. Autumn (September-November) has the best moderate temperature, around 21⁰C at low altitudes and 7⁰C at high altitudes. In December the temperature can range from 8-12⁰C and can be the lowest at -8⁰C. January has a temperature of 6-8⁰C while it may greatly fall at -6 to -10⁰Summer (June, July, and August) offers the clearest and most pristine views of mountains and landscapes. Summer also known as the Monsoon season in Nepal has rainy and muddy days. You must be careful about the trails since they can be slippery due to rain. The winter season is the coldest and may affect your journey somehow with heavy snowfall blocking your way. Most of the teahouses in Manaslu Base camp are closed during the winter season due to extreme cold. Spring and autumn seasons are the best for trekking. They have favorable temperatures, warm days, and a clear atmosphere. These seasons offer a great view of mountains and green vegetation with crystal blue sky. 

 Food and accommodation-

you might not get fancy lodges but there are teahouses available throughout the route. Teahouses have very basic facilities. You might have to share your room with other trekkers. Toilets and bathrooms have to be shared as well. The teahouses have facilities for Wi-fi, electricity, and hot shower except in Dharmsala. During the peak season, the teahouses are usually packed, especially in Dharmsala. You need to book earlier or might have to camp. Foods in the teahouses are very healthy and hygienic. They use the fresh crops grown by themselves. Home-cooked meals like Dal, Bhat, vegetables, noodles, fried rice, eggs, pasta, etc are available in the teahouses. Also, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available. 

Transportation-

The gateway for this trek is Sotikhola and unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Kathmandu and Sotikhola. You can take a bus up to Aarughat which might take around 8 hours. From Aarughat you can get a bus to Sotikhola. Sometimes the road from Aarughat to Sotikhola is muddy and slippery due to heavy rainfall. In such cases, you need to walk from Aarughat. Or else, you can always get a bus, mini-bus, or a jeep from Aarughat to Sotikhola. You can also hire a private vehicle to Sotikhola so you don’t have to take transit to Aarughat.    

Guides and porters-

Since both the Manaslu and Tsum valley falls under the restricted area, a professional guide is required to obtain a permit from the government. They have enough knowledge about the directions, villages, and local people. They usually charge 30-35$ per day. Porters are very much needed on this trek. Manaslu with Tsum valley is a long and tiring trek, carrying the heavy stuff and walking around is quite not possible. Porters usually charge 25-30$ per day. 

Permits and fees- 

Manaslu Conservation Area 

SAARC countries- 1500 NRS (15$), excluding VAT 

NON-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (30$), excluding VAT

Manaslu restricted area trek Permit-70$ for 1st week and an additional 10$ per extra day.

Annapurna Conservation Area

SAARC countries- 1500 NRS (15$), excluding VAT 

NON-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (30$), excluding VAT.

TIMS-1000 NRS (10$) 

Tsum valley restricted area permit- 35$ for 1st week and an additional 10$ per extra day 

 Note- you can take these permits from the Nepal tourism board. If you want to take the permit from the entry point itself you will have to pay the additional charge

Difficulties and safety 

 Manaslu with Tsum valley is a sort of remote area, trekking to this place can be slightly challenging. This is a moderately difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. But you can build your muscle strength, and make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging. The trek to the Manaslu circuit with Tsum valley is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 25 days. This reason solely is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, and maybe snowy on the off-seasons. The maximum height in this trek is Larkya La (5160m) with other high passes on the way. There is a high risk of mountain sickness. You need proper acclimatization and an itinerary for this trek. 

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

Other requirements

Travel insurance- trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits,

the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

Visas/passports- if you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.      

Route and duration 

Day 1- Kathmandu to Soti Khola (7-8 hours).

Day 2- Soti Khola to Machhekhola,( 5 hours walk).

Day 3:Machhakhola to Jagat (7 hours walk)

Day 4:Jagat to Lokpa (6-7 hours walk)

Day 5:Lokpa to Chumling (5 hours walk)

Day 6:Chumling to Chhokangparo (4-5 hours walk)

Day 7:Chhokangparo to Mu Gumpa ( 6 hours walk)

Day 8:Mu Gumpa to Chhokangparo (5 hours walk)

Day 9:Chhokangparo to Gumpa Lungdang (7 hours walk)

Day 10: Gumpa Lungdang to Ganesh Himal Base Camp 4900m then back to Gumpa Lungdang (8-9 hours walk)

Day 11: Gumpa Lungdang to Ripchet (4 hours walk)

Day 12:Ripchet to Deng (6 hours walk)

Day 13:Deng to Namrung (7 hours walk)

Day 14:Namrung to Sama (7 hours walk).

Day 15:Sama to Samdo (3 hours walk)

Day 16:Samdo to Dharmasala (5 hours)

Day 17:Dharmasala to Larke La, then descend to Bhimthang (8 hours walk)

Day 18:Bhimthang to Dharapani (8 hours walk)

Day 19:Drive back to Kathmandu/Pokhara (9/10 hours drive)