Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – 18 Days | マナスルツム渓谷トレッキング18日間

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is an 18-day teahouse journey that brings trekkers close to Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak in the world, through the mystical Tsum Valley. This area, rich in history and culture, offers a unique experience.

Tsum Valley, a sacred destination for pilgrims, adds to the trek’s appeal with its preserved Tibetan Buddhist traditions and lifestyle. The area remains untouched by modern developments, allowing trekkers to experience the deep-rooted customs of Tibetan Buddhism, including daily rituals and practices. The trek is set in a stunning landscape filled with Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, spinning prayer wheels, and the echoing sound of Tibetan horns, making it one of Nepal’s most diverse cultural treasures. The region’s beauty is enhanced by its patchwork meadows, terraced fields, and the towering Ganesh Himal, providing an idyllic and serene environment.

The journey starts from Kathmandu, with a drive to Machha Khola, where the trek officially begins. You’ll pass through the Budhi Gandaki River valley, moving through terraced fields and small villages. As you trek to Tatopani, you’ll enjoy the forested paths and eventually relax in a hot spring spa. Continuing on the trail to Philim, you’ll be treated to views of Sringi Himal. After crossing Chumling, the trail leads to Chhokang Paro in the Upper Tsum Valley, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, and Himal Chuli. Your next stop is the sacred Piren Phu (pigeon cave), where you’ll see Buddhist art, inscriptions, and carved stones, before reaching Nile/Chhule for exploration.

Next, you’ll visit Mu Gompa, located at an altitude of 3700 meters, before moving on to Rachen Gompa, a nunnery. The trek continues through pine and rhododendron forests, reaching Gumba Lungdang, and then you’ll head to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. From there, you’ll journey to Lokpa, which has limited facilities, then onward through Gurung and Thakali villages, passing through Ghap to Lho. You’ll take a rest day in Samagaon, then ascend towards Samdo, Dharmasala, and finally, Bhimtang, where you’ll cross the Larkya La pass at 5,160 meters. The trek ends with a descent to Dharapani, from where you’ll take a public bus back to Kathmandu, concluding the trek.

Nepal Ryokou offers a meticulously designed 18-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary, including arrival and departure days in Nepal. With local expertise and a commitment to personalized service, we aim to provide an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Nepal. If you have questions about the trek’s cost or itinerary, feel free to get in touch.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek Distance, Duration, and Altitude

Benefits of Booking Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

1. Free Excess Luggage Stored at Nepal Ryokou Store During the Trek.
2. Map of Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary.
3. Nepal Ryokou Trek T-Shirt.
4. Nepal Ryokou Trek Duffle Bag.
5. Medical Kits – Which May Be Necessary in Certain Cases.
6. International Airport Pickup and Drop.

Preparation for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal

Mountain trekking demands significant endurance and strength, both of which can be developed through consistent physical training. To get ready for an adventure like the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, it’s highly recommended to engage in regular workouts, hiking, running, or gym sessions. Activities like walking, running, swimming, or cycling four to five times a week will help train your body to manage breathing efficiently. Additionally, practicing hikes for 5 to 7 hours on local trails or small hills with minimal rest is a great way to prepare.

Physical Fitness:

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is considered physically challenging, requiring participants to be in solid shape to enjoy the journey. With daily hikes over rugged and steep terrain at high elevations, it’s important to begin training several months ahead of your trip. This should involve cardiovascular workouts such as running, biking, or swimming, alongside strength exercises focused on your legs and core muscles.

Gear:

Essential equipment includes a reliable backpack, durable and comfortable hiking boots, suitable clothing for changing conditions, and various accessories like a sleeping bag, camping gear, stove, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and gloves. You can bring your own gear or rent what you need in Kathmandu.

Logistics:

Trekking in the Manaslu Tsum region requires a special permit and the services of a licensed guide. It’s important to plan early, as permits are limited and can be challenging to secure. Booking your guide and porter in advance is also advised.

Furthermore, we suggest purchasing insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage, as the trek passes through remote regions where medical services may be scarce. Be mindful of your acclimatization schedule to help prevent altitude-related illnesses.

In conclusion, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a truly rewarding adventure, offering stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences. With thorough preparation and informed planning, you can ensure a safe and memorable journey.

Add-ons & Options

Embark on an exceptional journey with Nepal Ryokou Treks, where our deep experience in the Manaslu Region ensures a truly unforgettable adventure. We proudly present a range of premium add-on options to elevate your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, promising a seamless and enriched experience.

Porter Services – USD 340: Let our skilled porter handle your load, giving you the freedom to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of the Manaslu Tsum Valley. One porter can carry up to 20–25 kg and can be shared between two trekkers.

Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Machhakhola – USD 200: Start your trek in comfort with a private jeep transfer to the trailhead at Machhakhola. Each vehicle can comfortably seat up to 5 people.

Private Jeep from Tilche to Kathmandu or Pokhara – USD 300: Conclude your trek hassle-free with a private jeep ride back to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Each jeep accommodates up to 5 passengers, offering a smooth and relaxing return journey.

Departure Dates

• Private Trip Every Day – Your Journey, Your Way

Private travel with our company offers the freedom to choose your own departure date at any time throughout the year. We operate private trips daily, allowing you to customize your schedule. Simply use the booking box in the top right corner to select your ideal start date, and our team will handle all the arrangements on your behalf.

• Guaranteed Departures – No Cancellations

Once your reservation is made, your trip is guaranteed—there will be no cancellations based on group size. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a small group, you will receive the same high-quality service at a consistent rate. Even if the number of participants is fewer than the standard 4 to 6 people, the itinerary and all promised inclusions remain fully intact.

• Flexible Cancellation Policy

We also offer flexible policies if your travel plans change. If you cancel at least 30 days before departure, we’ll refund your deposit. If your cancellation is made within 30 days of the departure date, your deposit will be safely held and can be used for rescheduling. You are free to shift your trip to any other date that suits you—regardless of the month or year.

Useful Info

Best Season or Time for Manaslu Tsum Valley Adventure

March to May and September to November are the finest months for a Manaslu Tsum Valley trip.

• March to May (Spring Season)

Trekking in Manaslu and Tsum Valley is ideal during this season. The views of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding glaciers are truly stunning. As temperatures begin to rise in mid-March, the snow-covered peaks look their best against clear skies. Along the trails, you’ll encounter rhododendron flowers blooming in vibrant colors. By the end of March, the winter snow has melted, and the Larkya La Pass becomes accessible.

• September to November (Autumn Season)

The Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek is also best enjoyed in the autumn. This is a popular time for tourists due to the pleasant weather. By the end of August, the monsoon season has passed. From mid-September onwards, the weather remains stable, with clear skies providing breathtaking mountain views.

Food or Meal on the Voyage to Manaslu Tsum Valley

During your trek, you’ll enjoy traditional Nepali meals such as rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, pulses, spinach, and more. One of the most common and beloved dishes is Dal Bhat, a staple among locals. While teahouses along the route offer a variety of food choices, menu options become more limited as you ascend above 4000 meters.

For breakfast, you can expect choices like oatmeal, cornflakes, French toast served with jam, butter, or cheese, honey Tibetan bread or chapati, local tsampa porridge, eggs, pancakes, muesli, fresh bread, fruits, vegetables, and a selection of hot beverages.

Lunch typically features items such as dal, bhat, vegetable curry (tarkari), Tibetan bread, various soups, Sherpa stew, sandwiches, momos, steaks, macaroni, tenduk, spaghetti, noodles, thukpa, pasta, potatoes, salad, pizza, snacks, and desserts.

Dinner offerings are quite similar to lunch, including dal bhat, tarkari, Tibetan bread, an assortment of soups, Sherpa stew, steaks, sandwiches, momos (dumplings), macaroni, tenduk, spaghetti, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, potato-based dishes, salad, vegetable pizza, snacks, and even Korean ramen.

Difficulty Level of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek

Throughout most days of the trek, you’ll be hiking for around 6 to 7 hours, which can definitely test your endurance. Many trekkers begin to feel the strain and gradually drop out around the halfway mark. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek reaches high altitudes, making altitude sickness a common concern—so it’s important to stay alert and aware of your health. Trekkers have also reported sightings of snow leopards in several areas, adding to the sense of remoteness and adventure. However, venturing out alone at night is not advised due to safety risks.

The remote nature of the region adds to the trek’s challenges. Trail conditions are rough, and you shouldn’t expect luxury in terms of accommodations or food. The Larkya La Pass is particularly tough to cross, and several other parts of the route are equally demanding. You’ll need to be both mentally and physically prepared. Temperatures at higher elevations can drop significantly, and the weather can change quickly, so it’s crucial to be well-equipped for cold and unpredictable conditions.

Travel Insurance for Tsum Valley Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is classified as a challenging trek, with potential risks such as high-altitude sickness, landslides, and other unforeseen events. Because of these hazards, having travel insurance is essential for this journey. All participants are required to provide Nepal Ryokou Trek with a copy of their full travel insurance policy before the trek begins.

Your insurance must include coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation, including helicopter rescue, up to an altitude of 6000 meters. While we do not offer insurance plans ourselves, we can recommend reputable insurance providers based on feedback from previous clients. After booking your trip, you’ll be asked to submit detailed insurance information. In the event of an emergency, this allows us to act swiftly, using your insurance policy to facilitate rescue operations and cover any medical costs.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Nepal Ryokou’s Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek itinerary includes a rest day in Samdo to ensure proper acclimatization and reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness. The trek begins in Machha Khola and gradually ascends through lower elevations, allowing ample time to explore the remote Tsum Valley and helping your body adapt to the increasing altitude by the time you reach Samdo.

Ignoring symptoms of altitude sickness can have serious consequences. Fortunately, Nepal Ryokou Trek’s guides are highly experienced in the Himalayas and trained in first aid. They use oximeters to monitor oxygen levels, which helps in the early detection of altitude-related issues. Your safety is their top priority, and your guide will provide advice on how to stay healthy at high altitudes—such as walking at a steady pace and drinking up to 4 liters of water each day. In case of severe symptoms, the most effective response is to descend immediately. Please note that your trek leader has full authority to either proceed with or halt the ascent depending on the overall health and condition of the group.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Guide and Safety

We firmly believe in the importance of protecting our environment from the negative impacts of tourism, and we actively strive to uphold this principle. Nepal Ryokou Trek partners with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to design eco-conscious trekking itineraries that cater to the interests of travelers while respecting the needs of the local communities in the trekking regions.

At Nepal Ryokou Trek, the safety, satisfaction, and well-being of our clients are our top priorities. Your security is of utmost importance to us. We are always equipped to handle any situation with appropriate gear, clothing, and a complete set of first-aid essentials. Our team of guides and trek leaders are thoroughly trained in first aid procedures. If a trekker shows signs of altitude sickness, the trek leader is fully authorized to make a decision about whether to proceed or descend, based on the specific situation. In emergencies, we are prepared to arrange helicopter evacuation from high-altitude areas. Moreover, we hike as a group to ensure the safety of every participant.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Booking Procedure

Nepal Ryokou Treks is a government-authorized trekking and tour operator with over a decade of experience in Nepal. We are proud members of both the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), which ensures you can confidently book your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek with us.

To confirm your booking, a deposit of 10% of the total trip cost is required. After reserving your trek, please send us copies of your essential documents—such as your passport, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, and details of your arrival and departure flights—within one week.

You can pay the deposit through our website using bank transfer, Western Union, or an online payment method. Once in Nepal, you can pay the remaining balance using cash, bank transfer, or credit card. For your ease, we’ll send you a detailed email with payment instructions, including the payment options and the total amount due.