Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Yes, you do require a VISA to enter Nepal. You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport or apply beforehand online. You will require a valid passport for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Nepal. Indian citizens do not require visas, and Chinese citizens require visas but can get them for free. For more information regarding your country, you can visit the immigration website of Nepal.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit (if your trek extends into the Annapurna region)

No, solo trekking or going independently on the trails of the Manaslu Circuit is not allowed. It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide through a registered trekking company for this trek. The rule was implemented by the government for the safety of trekkers and the conservation of the protected area.

The difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be described as the range of moderately challenging to difficult. While the difficulty of this trek is a subjective matter, you are required to attain a good level of physical and mental fitness to comfortably complete this journey. Training exercises and mental preparation are extremely crucial, while prior trekking experience isn’t a requirement, but it certainly will be beneficial.

Having well-functioning gear and equipment is the most important thing during any outdoor activity, especially when trekking to the mountains. Making a well-coordinated packing list for the trek will save you the hassle of guessing if you have everything you need or, worse, forgetting an essential item during the trek. You will require items like sturdy hiking boots, warm layers (fleece, down jacket), waterproof and windproof outerwear, trekking poles, a comfortable backpack, a sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures), a headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle or hydration pack, and basic first-aid supplies.

Yes, travel insurance is required to do any trek in Nepal. The insurance should cover the medical and accidental emergencies along with emergency mountain rescue at at least 6000 meters altitude.

The starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is either Soti Khola or Machha Khola, based on your itinerary. And you can get there by two options: a public bus or a private jeep from Kathmandu. Alpine Ramble makes transportation arrangements for your journey.

The accommodation throughout the Manaslu Circuit trekking trail comes in the form of a local teahouse. The facilities are basic, with rooms with twin-sharing beds and a common bathroom. The higher you ascend, the more basic the accommodation facilities get.

The meals served during the Manaslu Circuit Trek range from local Nepalese dishes to some limited ranges of Western options. The local food are usually dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, momo (dumplings), Tibetan bread, etc., while the western food consists of options like Pizza, Pasta, Spaghetti, pancakes, etc.

Yes, normal tap drinking water is readily available on the trek. However, bottled mineral water or hot water costs an extra charge, while the regular tap water is free. So, it is better to carry a portable water filter or water purifying tablets for safe drinking water.

The highest elevation or point to be reached on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the reputable Larkya La Pass, which sits at an elevation of approximately 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level.

While you surely can carry prescribed medications to avoid altitude sickness, the best way to manage it would be ascending gradually and doing acclimatization. Trek high, sleep low is a classic way to effectively reduce the chances of getting altitude sickness. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will spend an extra day at the same place as a part of the acclimatization process. And make sure to eat a proper balanced diet and hydrate during the trek.

For the most part, yes, there will be electricity to charge your devices. However, you must pay a certain sum of money to charge your devices. Also, be aware the electricity can be unreliable, especially at higher elevations. So, it is recommended you carry a power bank during your trek.

Yes, there is internet or phone connectivity on the trek but it is very limited and unreliable. The lower region of the trek is able to provide some wifi access or you can buy an internet data pack on your local sim card but as you ascend to higher elevations, both the wifi and phone connection will be limited.

The currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupees (NPR). The amount of money you should bring is something subjective and mostly depends on your own spending habits. After you have paid for the trekking package, it will cover your road transportation, three meals a day, and accommodation. So, any amount you spend will be on your personal splurging. Thus, you can calculate the amount you want to spend per day and make the budget. 

All the locations only accept Nepalese currency, so make sure to exchange money before the trek. You can withdraw money from an ATM anywhere in Kathmandu Valley but are not available once you’re on the trekking trail.

Tipping the guides and porters who have worked day and night to accommodate you and made your trek successful is a customary act and is expected. It is recommended to tip at the very end of the trek and to tip them at least 20 percent of the trek package cost. Apart from tips, acknowledging their work via small gestures like thank yous and a handshake also goes a long way.

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit is generally considered to be safe, but one does need to be aware of potential risks such as altitude sickness, rough trails, the physical demand of trekking for at least a minimum of 6 hours a day, and unpredictable weather. The best way to remain safe during the trek is to have a licensed trekking guide with you and trust the guide’s judgment. 

While meat is something you can definitely get during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it primarily might be yak meat. However, it is not recommended you indulge in them for various reasons. One of them being hygiene issues, which in turn can cause you to get sick. So it is better not to take any chances and instead eat primarily vegetarian diets, which are thoroughly cooked and delicious. It is not only safe but also delicious, which gives you all the energy required for hours of hiking every day.

The porter can carry anywhere from 25 to 30 kilograms of weight. There are regulations and ethical guidelines that should be adhered to, which is why efficient packing must be done. Porters are the backbone of trekking and mountaineering, so being respectful to them as a company and as a client is implied and expected.

Showers are available in the lower regions of the trekking trail and hot showers cost extra money. But just like any other facilities, the higher you ascend, the fewer chances there are of getting them. The teahouses at higher altitudes do not offer showers; however, they can offer you a bucket of hot water for a shower. So, you should consider showering only if you have to during the trek. It is normal to go without showering for a few days during the trek.

The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These two seasons provide the best views with clear skies, pleasant weather, and moderate temperatures. 

The monsoon season (June-August) gets heavy rainfall, which makes traveling a bit of a risk due to landslides in many parts of Nepal. The winter season (December-February) can be a good time to trek due to clear weather and stunning views, but you must be prepared for the extreme cold and snow. Both monsoon and winter are trekkable but only with good preparation and the chances of delays and cancellations are always high.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not allowed without a guide, so you will automatically be assigned one by the company you choose. With Alpine Ramble, you are guaranteed to be assisted by the most experienced licensed guide in the industry.

Yes, you can absolutely add extra days as a part of the acclimatization process. In fact, it is highly recommended to do so because adding an extra day reduces your chances of getting altitude sickness and helps you complete your trek instead of cancellation or, even worse, emergency evacuation. If you wish to add an extra day, you should consult with your guide, who will take the required measures to assist you. There might be an additional cost associated with extra days.