What to pack for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal?
One of the most important things to consider before starting a high-altitude walk in the Manaslu Tsum Valley is your equipment.
During our initial meeting in Kathmandu, Mount Glory Treks provides necessary equipment as part of the package, such as sleeping bags and duffel bags.
The hikers also need to prepare other necessities. In addition to buying or renting them from Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal, you can bring them from your native country.
The following is a packing list for the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Hike:
Clothing
- Trekking T-Shirts
- Warm Fleece Jacket
- Down Jacket
- Waterproof/Windproof Jacket
- Trekking Pants
- Thermal Base Layers
- Trekking Socks
- Warm Hat/Beanie/Sun Hat/Cap
- Gloves
- Scarf
Footwear
- Trekking Boots
- Light Camp Shoes/Slippers
Gear
- Daypack (25-30L)
- Duffel Bag
- Trekking Poles
- Sunglasses (UV Protection)
- Headlamp
Toiletries & Health
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip Balm
- Wet Wipes, Tissues, Hand Sanitizer
- Quick Dry Towel
- Personal Toiletries
Medicines & First Aid
- Personal Medication
- Basic First Aid
- Oral Rehydration Salts
Extras
- Camera/GoPro
- Power Bank
- Travel Documents
- Universal Adapter
- Cash (Nepali Rupees)
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley
The Manaslu Circuit trek is best completed in the autumn, from September to November, just like any other Himalayan trek. It is the most well-liked and reliable season for the Manaslu trek, with clear skies, dry trails, and stunning Himalayan views of Manaslu, Himlung, and Ngadi Chuli.
In a similar vein, spring is a great time to go on this trek. In March and May, the route is lush with verdant valleys and blooming rhododendrons, making the trek picturesque. At lower elevations, the temperature is pleasant, and at higher elevations, snow may linger.
Trekking in the Manaslu region may be difficult during the winter months of December through February. Larkya La Pass may be extremely dangerous to cross during this time due to the extremely cold weather and heavy snow above 4,000 metres.
Trekkers who enjoy solitude and have sufficient experience may give it a shot, but it's best to familiarise yourself with the route and your travel companion.
The monsoon season, which runs from June to August, is not advised because of the high rainfall, landslides, and slick roads. There are numerous issues with the trek route during the rainy season.
Additionally, the lack of lodges makes the isolated Manaslu region challenging and dangerous. For this reason, there probably aren't any treks to the Manaslu region during the rainy season.
Accommodation during the 18 Day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
This itinerary for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes you to Nepal's remote and high Himalayan region. This package includes lodging in comfortable teahouses and lodges in the Manaslu region with basic amenities. The stay includes twin and triple-sharing rooms.
In addition to the package price, there are extra costs for basic amenities like hot water, wifi, charging, and hot showers. High-end amenities are hard to come by in the Manaslu region due to its remote location.
Food during the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek
While hiking on Manaslu Trails, we usually serve three meals a day. The package includes all of your meals while travelling. But it's important to remember that the distance and altitude of the place may have an impact on the quantity and accessibility of the food you desire.
But we'll make sure you have enough healthy food to get you through the challenging Manaslu region. You can eat Nepali and foreign food while trekking.
You can expect the following menu items during your Manaslu Tsum Valley Journey:
- Dal, Bhat, Tarkari
- MoMo
- Tibetan Bread
- Thukpa
- Soft Drinks and Juices
- Tea, Coffee
- Pasta, Noodles
- Pancakes
- Pizza, Burger
- Toast with butter and jam
It is highly recommended that you bring snacks such as protein bars, nuts, and dry fruits to help you refuel while travelling through the Himalayas. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements, such as being gluten-free or vegetarian, so that we can prepare the right meals.
How should you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek?
The difficult Manaslu Circuit trek, like any other trek in Nepal's Himalayan region, necessitates proper preparation for a trouble-free and successful journey. Don't worry; Mount Glory Treks has prepared a list of preparation tips for a successful trek to Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit with the help of their team of knowledgeable Sherpa guides.
- The first and most crucial preparation for a Himalayan journey is mental and physical health. It takes a great deal of mental and physical endurance to complete the difficult high-altitude trek.
- It is also very important to pack everything you will need because you may forget to bring some essentials.
- Selecting the appropriate travel companion is crucial because, in the absence of one, you may encounter unintended issues that will further complicate and complicate your journey.
- Because this trek reaches a height of over 5000 metres, you should also have the appropriate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and high-altitude rescue.
- Because there are so few ATMs in the Manaslu region, it is advised that you bring enough Nepali currency for your trip.
- It can be difficult to walk for five to six hours every day, so be prepared with drinks, water, and snacks to keep you refreshed.
- In order to avoid causing issues for other tourists and locals, make sure you respect local culture and adhere to eco-friendly practices.
- For your mountain adventure to be successful, pick the ideal time. It is advised that you speak with your travel companion prior to your arrival in Nepal.
- Your personal medications and first aid kit, which contains medications for headaches, diarrhoea, altitude sickness, blisters, stomach pain, and other common health issues, must be carried.
How difficult is the 18-day Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a high-altitude, moderate-to-challenging trek because of the sections like Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Additionally, this strenuous 18-day trek is best suited for fit hikers with prior trekking experience and is typically not advised for novice hikers.
Trekking typically lasts four to seven hours a day, though some days are longer and involve steep climbs and descents. The diverse terrain of this trek, which includes rocky trails, suspension bridges, glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and forest paths, presents another difficulty.
To reduce the risk of altitude sickness during this high-altitude trek, our Manaslu Tsum Valley itinerary includes two acclimatisation days in Nile and Sama Gaun.
Expect minimal facilities above 3,500 metres, which can be challenging for novice hikers, as the remote Manaslu region has limited support due to the simple tea houses.
The high-altitude pass may be slick in snow or ice, but the technical difficulty of the trek is moderate, meaning no climbing equipment is required. Be ready with strong endurance and mental toughness.
Permits for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking
You need to get four permits before you can begin your journey to the Manaslu Tsum Valley Region. The following are the prices and different permits required for this trek:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 100 for the first 7 Days and USD 15 for each additional day (Peak Season Sept - Nov) and USD 75 for the first 7 days and USD 10 for each additional day (Off Season Dec - Aug)
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 40 for the first 7 Days and USD 7 for each additional day (Peak Season Sept - Nov) and USD 30 for the first 7 Days and USD 7 for each additional day (Off Season Dec - Aug)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): USD 30
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30
Additionally, when trekking within the restricted area, you must have a minimum group of two people and at least a registered guide or porter. To obtain restricted area permits, you must book with a registered trekking company.
Note: Since all permits are covered by our affordable Manaslu Tsum Valley trek package, hikers don't need to worry about obtaining one.
How to prevent altitude sickness when hiking the Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley
Acute mountain sickness, also referred to as altitude sickness, can occur when people are not adequately adapted to a high altitude.
Altitude sickness symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness/light-headedness
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath while resting
The risk of altitude sickness is significantly increased when trekking at high altitudes, such as in the Manaslu region.
Our knowledgeable trekking guides and trip planners have provided the following tips to reduce the risk of altitude sickness for your reasonably priced Manaslu trek.
- Acclimatisation days are included in the 18-day schedule to help you refuel.
- It is recommended to sleep at lower elevations and hike to higher elevations.
- To stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine and consume three to four litres of water each day.
- Consume foods high in carbohydrates, like rice, noodles, and dal bhat, to fortify the body and immune system.
- Even if you feel strong at the beginning of your journey, you should always take your time and not rush.
- Talk to your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) to avoid the illness.
- Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness should not be disregarded; if they worsen, take a nap or head downstairs.
- Avoid exerting yourself, stay warm, and get enough sleep when it's cold outside.
- Follow your directions and ask for help if you run into any problems.
Electricity, WiFi & Water during the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley
The Manaslu Region, which is situated in the isolated Himalayan region of Gorkha, has limited access to water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, but these facilities are extra. Charging devices, which range in price from $1 to $3 depending on altitude, are available at most tea houses and lodges along the Manaslu Trail. It is recommended to bring a power bank because the solar-powered devices may not be able to fully charge on cloudy days.
Furthermore, wifi is available at some lodges and usually costs between $2 and $4 per hour. Although it is slow, it works best for sending messages or emails. Life depends on water, and teahouses usually charge between $1 and $5 per litre for filtered and bottled water. For environmental and safety reasons, hikers should pack reusable water bottles.
Airport Pickup and Drop-Off Service
With this 18-day Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trekking package, we will also pay for all of your transportation needs. You will be picked up from Tribhuwan airport on the first day following your arrival and driven to the hotel in Kathmandu that you have reserved.
Following that, we will transport you from your hotel to Maccha Khola, the Manaslu Region's entry point. On your way back, you will drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu.
We will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at Tribhuvan Airport prior to the three-hour flight back to your home country. The last airport pickup and drop-off service is this one.
Guide and Porter Service during the Challenging Trek to the Manaslu Region
The restricted Manaslu Region and the Tsum Valley require a guide, and you cannot travel without one. This 18-day trek package includes one knowledgeable guide for a group of eight people. To make your trip easier, we will provide an extra assistant guide if your group consists of more than eight people.
Because they are responsible for carrying your bulky bags and luggage, porters are essential to your mountain adventure. However, we have excluded Porter service in order to keep this 18-day journey to Manaslu Circuit reasonably priced.
Additionally, if you require the porter service, you can add it to the add-on section and hire a porter in the difficult Manaslu region for a small extra fee. To make your journey easier, we can arrange for a porter for two hikers who can transport up to 25 kg of luggage.
For your information, our packages cover the guides' travel insurance, food, lodging, and transportation.
A Typical Day on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The trek starts early with a hearty breakfast at a teahouse around 6:30 to 7:30 AM, and trekkers will be rewarded with a unique trek through breathtaking landscapes, passing lush forests, terraced fields, traditional villages, and occasional monasteries. Sometimes you will take lunch and move next destination, once you reach the overnight teahouse. Then, you can explore nearby places and have dinner from 6 to 7 PM, socialize with fellow trekkers, or have some downtime to prepare for the next day.
Tipping Culture in Nepal
Tipping your porters and guides for their assistance during your hike to Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit is strongly advised, though it is not necessary. Generally speaking, you should tip at least 10% of the total amount you spend while travelling. If you truly enjoyed the service, you can tip more than the minimum required for the trip.
How to Book the 18-Day Trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley
Are you looking forward to finishing your journey through the Manaslu Region via the sacred Tsum Valley and arriving at the Base Camp of the eighth-highest mountain? It's extremely simple to secure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mount Glory Treks is a government-registered and authorised travel company in Nepal. We offer simple, safe, and secure reservation and payment options for your convenience. You can reserve your spot on this trip by clicking the Book Now button on our website. You can also send us a direct message using email, WeChat, or WhatsApp.
To ensure that we can properly plan your trip, please email us your flight information, a copy of your passport, and your travel insurance after making your reservation. In addition, you must pay 20% of the total cost upfront for each trek or expedition you join with us.