Trek overview

The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek is an awe-inspiring journey through Nepal’s Manaslu region and the secret Tsum Valley. The journey offers a marvelous mountain view of Mount Manaslu which is the world’s 8th highest peak. Along the way, a deep cultural experience of Tibet influenced villages and monasteries which are rare to find anywhere else.

The most overwhelming part of the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit trek is to trek in between majestic mountains. That include Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m ), Annapurna II (7,937 m ), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m ), Himlung Himal (7,126 m ), and other peaks above 6,000 meters.

It is definitely an exploration to the extreme that takes multiple weeks. Some of the days you would be walking for many hours and crossing Larke Pass, 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). And you would be ascending very high places where the atmosphere is thin. It is a physical challenge, but the astonishing views at every turn make it ​‍​‌‍​‍‌possible.

Along the journey, you’ll stay at a guesthouse, where only basic accommodation facilities are available. Also meet other fellow trekkers from all over the world and friendly locals who share culture and stories.

For the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley trek, you should have a special permit. Because it is located in a protected area. You will need a guide and porter with you to make your trek comfortable and successful. The best time to trek is in spring or autumn when the weather is nice and clear.

 Why Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek?

Manaslu ​circuit along with the Tsum Valley trek is an excellent choice for people who desire an adventure in the Himalayas. It has a lot less traffic as compared to Everest or Annapurna so one can have a peaceful trek leaving aside the breathtaking views of the mountains. You trek around the massive Manaslu which is the 8th highest mountain in the world. Yet, also comes across a very high mountain pass, Larke La pass.

Tsum Valley is a very secret and spiritual place which is very rich in the culture of Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit ancient monasteries, see prayer walls, and meet gentle local people who live in the same way as their ancestors. The valley was closed to outsiders till 2008 so it still has the feeling of being untouched and pure.

This trek would  be wonderful for those who love to be in nature. It follows the trails of the Manaslu Conservation Area which is the habitat for animals like Himalayan blue sheep and maybe even snow leopards.

The path leads one through forest, along the river, and also through remote villages. It is a great combination of nature, culture, and adventure. In case you are a lover of quiet places, big mountains, and real local Tibetan culture then this trek would be just right for you.

Why is Solo Trekking not allowed in the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit trek?

Solo trekking is restricted  in the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit areas due to its remoteness and difficult trail.  If you trek alone, you face a great risk of an accident, you can suffer from altitude sickness and you can get lost without anyone’s help.

Besides, these areas are situated near the Tibetan border and the Nepalese government has marked them as restricted zones. This measure is taken to regulate tourism and preserve the environment and local culture.

The special permits for these treks are only available through registered trekking agencies. You will need a licensed guide that will be already managed by us after your booking. Thus, it is a win-win situation for locals as well, who will get more job opportunities as guides and porters.

Why trek with us?

Explore the majestic Himalayas on a trek with us. Being a Nepal-based travel agency with professional guides, we offer you the deepest insights into the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit. Besides having a great knowledge about area and safety measures, our guides are very warm and passionate who will enrich your journey.

We take good care of your safety and comfort and handle all the logistics with essential trekking  permits. Our trek is a personalized and fulfilling experience for you which is far from just a goal of reaching the destination. Experience the magic of Nepal with people who genuinely know and love these ​‍​‌‍​‍‌mountains.

We prioritize your safety and comfort, handling all logistics seamlessly, from permits to comfortable accommodations and nutritious meals. We tailor our treks according to your needs, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience that goes beyond just reaching the destination. Discover the magic of Nepal with us, who truly know and love these mountains.

Permits and Regulations for the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek

For trekking in Manaslu​‍​‌‍​‍‌ and Tsum Valley, you will need several permits. This is because the region is restricted and also a conservation area. You cannot get the permits by yourself; they have to be got for you through an authorized trekking agency. In addition, a solo trek is not allowed. The permits that you should need:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): It is a required permit for the Manaslu Circuit. The rate changes according to the season and the days of your trek.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): For entry in this area, you must have a Manaslu Conservation Area permit.
• Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: This is a permit for the Tsum Valley only. The rate, similarly, changes according to the days and the season.
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit: A local permit is required. If you would trek through the Chum Nubri Rural Municipality that is part of Tsum Valley Trek.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):You would need an ACAP permit, especially at the end of the trek. Where you will have to pass through the parts of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Our company will handle all the paperwork for your permits. The document required from your side is a copy of your passport, some passport-size photos. Do not forget that your passport should be valid for at least six ​‍​‌‍​‍‌months.

Best Trekking Seasons for the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best time to do Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek is during the warm seasons of spring and autumn.

• Spring (March – May): During March – May there will be moderate temperatures, clear skies and the breathtaking view of hillsides covered with blooming rhododendrons. The views of the mountains are also mesmerizing.
• Autumn (September – November): This season is characterised as very good weather conditions, clear skies with mild temperatures. Due to these reasons this period is considered as the peak trekking season in Nepal.

It is likely possible to go on a trek in the winter (December to February). But one has to be prepared for cold temperatures, and that some tea houses will also be closed. At the monsoon time (June to August) it is raining heavily causing trails to be very slippery and hence the more chances of landslides. Also, the mountain view is covered with thick clouds.

Altitude Sickness Prevention and Precautions

When you are going on a trek at high altitudes and passing through the mountain passes, you have the danger of altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is very important to prevent from its consequences, and therefore the measures below have to be taken:

• Gradual Ascent: Our program is planned with the gradual rise of the altitude and enough days for acclimatization.
• For Hydration: You must drink 3-4 liters of water daily.
• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: These can cause the altitude effects to become worse.
• Ascend Slowly: Make your walk comfortable and do not walk fast.
• If you have any symptoms of AMS, tell your guide immediately.

Guide and Porter for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Guide

• A licensed guide is mandatory for the restricted area.
• For the Cost of guide: They charge about USD 25–35 per day (includes food, accommodation, and insurance).
• Help with Finding the Way.
• Permit Handling.
• Safety Management and Giving Cultural Information.

Porter

• For your concern, a porter carries only 15–20 kg of your travel gear.
• For the Cost of porter: They charge USD 15–25 per day (includes food, accommodation, and insurance).
• By the help of a porter you will be less overloaded and able to experience the trek fully.
• Get a porter from a trekking agency like ours to be sure that he is experienced and has ​‍​‌‍​‍‌insurance.