Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking
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Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking

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Recommended by 99% of travelers
Trip Facts
Duration25 Days
Trip GradeModerate - Strenuous
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5167 m
Group Size2-15
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking/Hiking
Best TimeMarch, April, May, Sep, Oct, & Nov
Overview

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights 

  • Scenic drive to Sotikhola from Kathmandu
  • Magnificent mountain views, waterfalls, and landscape
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing
  • Explore the ancient monasteries and Gompa in Narphu and Manaslu Valley
  • Larke- La passes (5160 M)
  • Spectacular mountain views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna range.
  • Beautiful typical local villages, traditional and hospitality

Benefits of this Tsu Valley Manaslu trek with ART

  • Free Airport transportation on arrival and departure days (We will pick you up and drop you off) 
  • Trekking equipment such as the Sleeping bag, Down jacket, and walking poles (rental is included if needed)
  • Duffle bag if required  (Optional) 
  • Souvenir: Trekking route map/browser and printed ART's hiking T-shirt
  • An Oximeter to measure your Oxygen and Pulse at a high altitude to find out your accurate health condition while you are trekking in the mountain.
  • WOKI TOKI - for communication during the trek 

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the most popular off-the-beaten- treks in Nepal. This trek is considered to be the finest tea house trek with limited trekkers and the area is known as a less-crowded trekkers destination in the Himalayas of Nepal.
If you’re a seasoned trekker, accustomed to roughing it, and seek isolation on the trail, the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is the choice for you. 

Though it’s a bit more challenging, longer, and has less luxurious accommodations than the more popular treks, the sights will exceed your expectations. 

On this high-altitude Tsum Valley Manaslu trek, the locals will treat you extremely well, welcoming you with some of the best hospitality on the planet. As they are ethnically Tibetan, locals practice Tibetan Buddhism, and their culture has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

What is the trail like?

A map of the trail shows that we circumnavigate Mount Manaslu (8163) and through Tsum Valley, also known as the Hidden Valley. Just opened to foreigners in 1995, the Manaslu region has few trekkers, giving it a peaceful vibe.

Even more interesting is that Tsum Valley was just opened in 2008.  Very few visitors to Nepal have even heard of this mysterious, magical place.

It is a mix of lush, green, flat land and dry grazing pasture, encompassed by massive, godly mountains. 

You find yourself staring up at the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal Ranges, all unique and amazing in their own way. 

In the initial days of the trek, we trek through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, comprised of dense forests, terraced fields, and pleasant villages. As we leave the main Manaslu Trail to Tsum Valley, we realize we are entering a truly hidden valley.

Throughout the journey, we pass alpine landscapes and glacial rivers and enjoy the kind hospitality of the village residents. We can also visit the ancient Buddhist Gombas of the region, including the Milarepa's Cave, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa, among others.

It is said that the Buddhist saint Milarepa used to meditate in the caves of these mountains.

This 25-day-long Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is a piece of cake for those who would love to experience miscellaneous landscapes and cultures over the portion of one trip.

However, the trekkers should have a good amount of Stamina as it is required to complete the trek successfully.

Every step of our trek into the valley is rewarded by striking views of snow-capped mountains and an epic experience that will remain for the long-lasting.

Best Time to Trek

The best time to do the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek is between the months of October and December, as they provide the clearest skies. 

The next best is from March to May.  It is possible to do the trek in other months, but ask us, and we’ll give you advice and information regarding those times.

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost for 2024 and 2025  

Cost of the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Treking with Alpine Ramble  Treks is quite reasonable as it includes food, accommodation, and transportation, as well as permit fees and other expenses. The total cost depends on your specific requirements. Any additional services not included in the standard program may incur extra charges, but we are very flexible and can accommodate any additional needs to make your Upper Mustang trek a more enjoyable and memorable experience for you!

NUMBER OF PEOPLE COST/ PRICE INQUIRY NOW
1-1 USD 1899 PER PERSON Inquiry /Book Now
2-5 USD 1599 PER PERSON Inquiry /Book Now
6-10 USD 1399 PER PERSON Inquiry /Book Now
11-20 SD 1399 PER PERSON  Inquiry /Book Now

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary provided below is suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. The time mentioned for this Upper Mustang trip itinerary is approximate; stating this only as a guideline. The actual duration could be more or less, depending on our hiking pace. Nonetheless, our guides will ensure a leisurely pace, allowing us to savor every moment of our hiking journey!

Itinerary

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking Day-by-day Plan Itinerary

We would like for you to go through the day to day detailed itinerary of the trekking to know some general information as a guideline for the trekking tour. However, this trekking tour itinerary can be fully customized as per the requests that suit you. Here, we at Alpine Ramble Treks ensure a high priority for your safety and a great trekking experience of a lifetime with our highly experienced guide.

Kathmandu to KathmanduExpand all
Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ Dinner
Max Altitude: 1350 m Meals: Breakfast + LunchAccommodation: HotelDuration: 6 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (760m) Meals: Breakfast +lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: HotelDuration: 5 hrs APPROX
Max Altitude: (2300m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (5213m)- Larke La Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6/7 hrs appprox
Max Altitude: (4480m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 4 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (3860m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 3-4 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (3500m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 3 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (3180m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 4-5 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (2630m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6 hrs approx
Max Altitude: (1860m) Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 HRS APPROX
Max Altitude: 2386 m/7827 ft Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5- 6 hrs approx
Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5 hrs approx
Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ Dinner
Max Altitude: 3700m/12136ft Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 3-4 hrs approx
Max Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 7 hrs approx
Max Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 hrs, approx
Max Altitude: 2360m/7740ft Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 hrs, approx
Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 hrs approx
Max Altitude: 1410m/3808ft Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6 hrs approx
Max Altitude: 1,000 m/3,280 Ft Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 hrs approx
Meals: Breakfast+ Lunch+ DinnerAccommodation: HotelDuration: 7 hrs approx
Trail Guide

Route Map & Elevation

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Cost Details

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost Details

Includes
  • International Airport- Hotel- Airport pick up and drop off by private car/Jeep/ Hiace.
  • Meals are on a full-board basis (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner/ the main course) during the trek in the mountain.
  • Alpine Ramble’s experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
  • All salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance for the guide.
  • All necessary papers, including Manaslu conservation area permit and TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) fee.
  • special Manaslu perits 
  • Trekking equipment, such as the Sleeping bag and down jacket on request (optional)
  • Trekking lodges (Tea House) throughout the trek 
  • Assistant guide for the group 8 or above
  • Kathmandu- Soti Khola- Kathmandu by bus/ jeep
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bars, crackers, cookies, etc.
  • Seasonal fresh fruit dessert every evening after dinner.
  • Appreciation of certificate after the successful trek.
  • Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional music and dance
  • Alpine Ramble’s complimentary free T-shirt/  route map and a duffel bag (if required)
  • Oximeter to measure your oxygen and Pulse level during the trek in the mountain, it’s very useful for all the trekkers to be aware of the high altitude sickness.
  • Compressive first aid box (Guide will carry it throughout the trek).
  • Emergency rescue operation assistance in arranged in case of complex health conditions (funded by your Travel Insurance)
  • All government, Local taxes/VAT and official Expenses
Excludes
  • Nepal entry visa fees (you can easily issue the visa on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu). $25 USD for 15 days Visa.
  • Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule (Foods and accommodations before or after the trek) 
  • Extra drinks as alcoholic & non-alcoholic such as Fanta, Coca-cola, sprite, water, beer, etc.
  • Additional costs are out of management control due to the landscape, weather conditions, illness, change of government policies, strikes, physical conditions, etc.
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, telephone, WIFI, hot shower, etc at tea houses on a trek.
  • Travel insurance has to cover emergency rescue evacuation from high-altitude 
  • Personal trekking equipment for this trek 
  • Tips for guide and staff (Tipping is expected)
  • Extra porter, if required, $380
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Include section of this trek.
Departures

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking Dates and Price

Private Trip

Check our available trip departure dates and costs for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. However, the set start dates listed are particularly quoted for the group joining opportunity if the listed are not suitable for you and want to customize this trip, please feel free to contact us for your customized departure date. Meanwhile, The Private trips are available on any date of your selection that suits you at any time of the year at your convenience. Get in touch for your private trip and date as you preferred.

Must-Know

Essential Information

Foods for Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek

Food on the Trek has a pretty wide selection of the food items on the tea houses/ trekking lodges menus which are originated and prepared by the local community, the most common meals of the region are as given below.

Common Breakfast options - Tibetan Breads (a fried bread in oil, it’s also named Gurung bread in the Annapurna area), Chapati with Cheese (dry bread- a local wheat bread), Oatmeal, French toast with jam, honey, and peanut butter, Corn Flakes, Hashed brown, fried, Scrambles and boiled eggs, pancakes, porridge with milk, Muesli, Vegetable items and any kind of hot drinks are available except espresso, Americano.

Common Lunch options – different variety of Thukpa (noodle soup), Dahl and Bhat (Nepalese local meal), Momos ( dumplings), Tibetan / chapati bread, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, a variety of soups, steaks, potato items, Sandwiches, Pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers and Pizza, yak steak and desserts items.

Common Dinner options- Momos (dumplings), different varieties of Thukpa (noodle soup), Dahl and Bhat (Nepalese local meal), Tibetan / chapati bread, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, a variety of soups, steaks, potato items, Sandwiches, Pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, Raman soups, burgers and Pizza, yak steak, desserts items, hot and cold drinks are available on the menus on tea house, the menu’s selected meals are fresh and healthy with hygienic specialists by the mountain for the mountain trekkers.

On the tea houses, the menu has plenty of non-veg items mentioned but officially any of the meats are not on our list of recommendations because the meat in the mountain such as high areas is not sanitary and healthy. However, we would like to persuade you to avoid taking meat, Alcoholic drinks, and smoking.

Deseret and Snacks options- Rice Pudding, Apple pie, fruit snicker/Mars bar, popcorn, cake, pastries, etc.

Hot Drink options – Varieties of hot drinks like black/milk coffees, black/mint/ginger/Green/ lemon honey teas, hot chocolates, hot mango juice, hot orange juice, hot pineapple juice, etc.)

Open this link for Trekking equipment lists for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Passport and Visa

If you are traveling to Nepal you need to have a visa to enter Nepal. However, the arrival visa is available at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu's where you can simply get an ``On Arrival Visa” and you must enter Nepal within six months from the visa issued date. Your total stay is counted starting from the day you enter Nepal.

You will be charged $40 USD as visa application fees for 30 days tourist visa to the forefingers except for Chinese and India. For those tourists who have Indian and Chinese passports then you do not need a visa (Free Visa)!

Extra personal expenses

During the trek, all your foods are included in the package (Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinner with hot drinks), the foods will be served as per the package program and besides that, any personal and Barbier bills would be extra.

Click here for the Travel Insurance for the Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek.

Responsible tourism

Our experienced field staff/team strongly believes that we all are equally responsible for acting in favor of the local culture and environment. We would like to follow the important role of following the rules.

  • please respect the local people and their laws, custom, and their beliefs
  • Please always ask your guides for permission before doing something in the local community.
  • please support the keep environment clean wherever you travel and dispose of rubbish
  • Please help the local community to encourage the positive sides of tourism as long as possible.
  • We at Alpine Ramble Treks are involved in the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) and organize eco-friendly trips that teach to make the sustainable, positive, and environmentally sensitive of both travelers and communities.
Trip FAQs

Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trekking FAQs

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.

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