Wonderful Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trekking in Nepal for 2018

Author: Landmark Discoverytreks

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is the perfect amalgamation of cultural and natural exploration in remote corner of Nepal. It is an amazing adventure in North Mid-West Himalaya of Nepal with great high valleys and exceptional views of snowy peaks.

Tsum valley takes you to the hidden valley of Tsum which according Tibetan dialects means "vivid", which is home to Tibetan descendant knowns as Tsumbas. The valley is located east of Manaslu bordering to the Tibet.

Explore Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking 24 Days Itinerary HERE.

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The valley was officially opened for trekking only since 2008 so it remains highly preserved area in terms of culture and tradition where people still speaks ancient dialects. Trekkers will walk 6-8 hours a day staying at different cultural villages. You will spend overnight at lodges and traditional "home stays" on this trek.

Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) described Tsum as the hidden valley of happiness in 8th century. It is believed that legend Milarepa meditated in the caves of Piren Phu. This place is known as the hidden sacred valley in Nepal.

Many trekkers love to combine Tsum valley trek with Manaslu circuit trail. The starting point is at Arughat Bazaar and concluding is at Besishar, the starting point of Annapurna circuit trek. The trail to Tsum valley starts low and gradually climb up to the valley through lush countryside villages and forest of rhododendron, pine and oak. As, you enter the Tsum valley, you will be surrounded by majestic Himalayas, beautiful landscapes and amazing scenery.

Tsum valley is far less trekked in comparison to Everest region and Annapurna region trekking in Nepal.

Some Highlights of Nepal Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

  • Overnight at local house in the village of Bhi located about 20 minutes off the main trail. It is prosperous and cultural village of the region.

  • Stay overnight at Ranchen Gompa and explore the complex. Also help locals learn English

  • Staying at Mu Gompa as a guest and climbing up to the viewpoint.

  • Cross Larkye La Pass enjoying the great views of glaciers, boulders, lakes and mighty peaks.

  • Explore the deep valleys, quaint forest and amazing countryside that has not been explored before

  • Explore amazing lake fed with the glacier spilling from Mt. Manaslu

  • The initial part of the trek goes through the Buri Gandaki, a long stream with many suspension bridges connecting the intersections

  • Tsum valley trek starts from subtropical climatic zine and gradually rises high up to the Larkya La Pass (5,100m)

Best Season for Manaslu Trekking:

The best season for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is (March-May) during spring and (October-November) during autumn. Each season is unique in its very own way but Larkya La pass is impassable during winter. It is very arduous t trek Manaslu Base Camp and Tibetan Border amid of winter. The teahouses in Dharmasala stay shut during the month of January and February. The snowy hymn and chilling cold might distract the trek.

Explore Tsum Valley Trekking 17 Days Itinerary HERE.

Rhododendron flower starts to blossom and by the month of May, you will encounter many wild flowers species including rhododendron in your entire trail route.

(October-November) is apparently the best time to trek in Tsum valley – ten out of ten! The climate during these months are good (neither too hot nor frosty) and so are the views. Likewise, it is perfect season to cross Larkya La Pass.

What are the required permits for Trekking?

Government of Nepal has imposed restriction to certain trekking areas in Nepal especially those which share open border or have connection with Tibet.

Manaslu the eighth highest peak in the world, also shares the border with Tibet. If you are planning to trek Manaslu Region, then you must obtain special trekking permits to enter the region.

How much does it cost for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking Permit?

Manaslu Tsum valley trekking permit cost is different according to the season and there are three different kinds of permit required to enter the region.

September-November – USD 70 per person per week and USD 10 per person per day for more than 7 days

December-August – USD per person per week and USD 7 per person per day for more than 7 days

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit) – USD 20 or convertible Nepalese currency

MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit) – USD 20 or convertible Nepalese currency

Do I need to purchase TIMS for Manaslu Tsum valley trek?

TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) is not mandatory for Manaslu Trek. TIMS is not required for restricted area trekking in Nepal.

If you want to add you Manaslu trip with Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp trek, TIMS is compulsory. After your Manaslu Tsum trek, if you wish to continue you trek to Annapurna circuit and end up at Pokhara – you must purchase TIMS.

Where can I get Manaslu trekking permit?

Department of Nepal Immigration issues restricted area trekking permit in Nepal. It is located at Kalikasthan, Dillibazaar-Kathmandu. For you information, ACAP, MCAP and Everest Base Camp permit are not issued at department of immigration, it is issued at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Explore Manaslu Circuit Trekking 18 Days Itinerary HERE.What are the necessities of restricted area trekking?

Here are the important requirement needed for restricted area trekking in Nepal:

  • You must be at least two in a group and travel via authorized trekking agency of Nepal

  • You must hire at least one authorized person either a professional guide or porter

  • Restricted area trekking permits must be processed by local trekking agency of Nepal

What documents are required to obtain Manaslu Trekking permit?

If you are able to meet above requirements, you should provide following, you must provide following documents to your local agency to apply for the trekking permits

  • Original passport with Nepal entry visa

  • 3 passport sized photos

  • Travel insurance that must cover emergency evacuation up to 6,000m

  • Money

How is it difficult doing Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

This Manaslu Tsum valley trek is rated as "moderate" trek in Nepal. As, the trail goes through the rugged Himalaya terrain of remote, travelers must be physically fit and mentally strong to accomplish the trek successfully. Altitude threat might be another serious problem during the trek. It is wise to trek in a slow pace and acclimatize your body properly before making another altitude gain.

Here are some difficulties of Tsum valley trek:

  • Breathing problem and high blood pressure might create difficulties for Asthma patient

  • Frequent coming steep ups and downs will be difficult for non-seasoned trekkers

  • Altitude sickness

  • Trekkers have to walk for 7-8 hours a day in remote terrain

  • Accommodation is another challenging part of the trek. You will be accommodating in local home stay instead of Lodge/Hotel

  • If you are independent trekkers, this trek is not for you

  • Crossing Larkya La Pass is not possible in winter, so you must wait for good season

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