Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - 20 days

Why to trek Manaslu Tsum Valley?

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers something more in addition to great scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and thrilling adventure. Here are the reasons you need to do it:

• Scenic Views: Panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and other peaks and serene landscapes of forests, meadows, and the Tsum Valley.

• Cultural Experience: Submerge into Tibetan culture, and ancient monasteries, and engage with the inhabitants who still preserve traditional Buddhist traditions.

• Peace and Seclusion: The trail is less traveled, so it offers a no-noise peace, away-from-the-crowd adventure.

• Authentic Adventure: Large parts of this valley are untamed, providing you with genuine trekking on a distant land.

• Fauna and Flora: Be part of the fantastic ecosystem that nestles some of the rare types of wildlife-like snow leopards and red pandas.

• Spiritual Journey: Visit one of the religious monasteries and spiritual attractions to make this more culturally spiritual.

• Challenging and Rewarding: Larkya La Pass-5,160m: This high-altitude pass promises challenging, yet rewarding, trekking.

Difficulty Level of Manasalu Tsum Valley Trek

From an overall point, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is taken as an average to challenging trek for combined reasons:

1. Altitude: The trek goes over altitudes of more than 5,000 meters, such as Larkya La Pass (5,160m), and one should make proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

2. Length: It takes approximately 16-20 days for the whole trek. It needs good physical fitness and stamina because there are long trekking days (5-8 hours each day).

3. Terrain: The track has steep ascents, rocky trails, and rugged terrain at higher altitudes, especially the area around Larkya La Pass. Its descents are also usually long and exhausting.

4. Weather: Weather conditions are unpredictable, and temperatures can seriously drop at high altitudes, adding to the challenge of the trek, especially during winter.

Best Season to Trek

Autumn: This is the best time of year for trekking in Manaslu and Tsum Valley. Generally, the weather is clear, and stable conditions prevail, which is perfect for mountain visibility. It is a bit cold in the morning and evening, but generally, the conditions during the daytime treks are great.

Spring-March to May: This is another perfect time to trek, with warmer temperatures than in autumn and fewer trekkers. It is springtime, with the added attraction of rhododendron blooms that give a beauty boost to the landscapes.

Winter (December to February): This is the quietest time and when the region is most tranquil, but the temperature at altitude drops considerably and many places can be snowbound. Only suitable for experienced trekkers.

Summer/monsoon: From June to August, heavy rainfall might prevent one from going trekking because the paths become slippery, which also increases the chances of landslides, particularly in lower areas. Riskier time is better avoided for trekking.

Food, Accommodations, and Water during Trek

Food:

Variety: The trek offers basic nutritious food such as dal bhat, which is lentil soup with rice, momo or dumplings, thukpa or noodle soup, Tibetan bread, and vegetable curries. You will get some of the Western options like pasta, eggs, and pancakes in the lower regions.

Availability: While options diminish as one goes up, traditional Nepali and Tibetan food is easily available. The menu shrinks higher up, but it is designed to keep trekkers energized.

Snacks: Snacks available in the tea houses include biscuits, chocolates, and nuts, but one should always carry extra snacks related to energy, especially for long trekking days.

Accommodations:

Tea Houses: This is the basic idea of trekking here - tea houses or small lodges providing small, simple rooms, shared. Few places will be able to offer a private room - if required one may book at some extra cost.

Basic Facilities: Lower-altitude tea houses might have electricity, but higher-up ones use solar or nothing at all. Most have common toilets, but they can be basic-squat-type facilities, and hot water may be scarce on the higher parts of the trek.

Larkya La Phedi/Dharmasala: The guesthouses here are basic stone shelters that cater to rest and acclimatization. Facilities are minimal, so this will be a very basic, rustic experience.

Water:

Purification: Always purify your water before drinking. While there might be streams along the way or sources of water, not many of these are clean. Bring available water filters or purification tablets to make sure your water is safe to drink.

Boiled Water: Some tea houses will have boiled water available for trekkers. Still, it is always worth treating it with purification tablets or filters as a precaution. 

Bottled Water: Bottled water is available in villages at lower altitudes. Higher altitude availability, however, diminishes and is costlier.

Packing Essentials for Trek

While gearing up for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, it's necessary to pack power equipment and supplies for comfortable and safer trekking. Below is a full packing list for your readiness:

Clothing

• Trekking Boots

• Trekking Socks

• Base Layer

• Rain Jacket

• Trekking Pants

• Warm Hat

• Sun Hats

• Warm Gloves

• Scarf

Gear

• Trekking Poles

• Sleeping Bag- if needed

• Trekking Poles

• Water Bottle

• Water Purification

Personal Items

• First Aid Kits

• Sunscreen

• Lip Balm

• Insect Repellent

• Toiletries

• Towel

• Moisturizing Cream

• Cash

• Snacks

• Power Bank

Travel Insurance and Permits for Manaslu Trek

Travel insurance is highly recommended for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. It should cover the following:

Emergency Medical Evacuation: In case of any illness, injury, or altitude sickness, a sudden emergency evacuation might be required either by helicopter or on foot. This could get very costly without insurance.

Trekking Coverage: Make sure your policy covers trekking at high altitudes such as 5,160 meters, like the Larkya La Pass.

Trip Cancellation: In the event of sudden acts that may cause interruption or cancellation of a trip. 

Lost/Stolen Gear: This sometimes covers other items such as lost/stolen personal property and/or gear while trekking. 

Altitude Sickness: Check that it also covers emergency treatments related to altitude sickness, along with possible evacuation processes.

Make sure it is clear that insurance includes the precise locations and nature of the activities of trekkers-in this instance, trekking remote sections around Manaslu, especially.

Permits for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek:

There are numerous permits required for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. The permits need to be prearranged through any registered trekking agency in Nepal.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):

This permit is required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, which was established to conserve different natural beauties and biodiversity within the area.

Cost: Approximate cost: NPR 2,000 per head (subject to change).

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit:

Tsum Valley is a restricted area, hence the need for a special permit to be allowed to trek into this region. This permit is issued from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

Cost: Approx. NPR 1,000 per person per day.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):

The Tsum Valley Trek does not directly pass through the Annapurna area; it shares some routes with the Annapurna Circuit and crosses into the Annapurna Conservation Area, the ACAP.

Cost: Approx. NPR 3,000 per head.

TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Card:

The TIMS card is necessary to trek in Nepal because it shows trekking is safer and more controlled.

Cost: Approx. NPR 1,000 for a solo trekker and NPR 500 for group trekkers.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies in Trek

Symptoms:

Mild: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue

Severe: Shortness of breath, confusion, swelling, loss of coordination

Prevention:

Ascend gradually and include rest days for acclimatization.

Keep yourself hydrated; avoid alcohol/smoking.

Consider Diamox (after consulting a doctor).

Remedies:

Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.

Rest and take acetazolamide-Diamox if needed.

Drink warm fluids and oxygen if available for relief.

Cultural Consideration During Trek

• Respect all religious sites: Always walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels and ask for permission before taking any pictures inside monasteries or of monks.

• Dress Modestly: Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, especially while visiting villages and religious sites.

• Respect Homes: Remove shoes before entering and greet with respect. Offer small gifts if invited inside.

• Be Environmentally Minded: Do not litter or disturb wildlife. Pack out all trash.

• Pleased Greetings: In the Tsum Valley use "Tashi Delek, and elsewhere "Namaste". A prayer position-hands together is a nice greeting.

• Alcohol and Smoking: Public drinking and smoking should be avoided, especially around religious sites and the private homes of residents.

• Giving Gifts: Only small, practical items such as candies or pens are welcome. Money should not be given directly even to kids or other individuals.

• Language: Please learn basic Tibetan or Nepali phrases to be shared with locals.