Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Free Airport Pick Up & Drop off on Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Recreation Holidays offers a free airport pick-up and drop off from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel. A representative from our company will be waiting for you outside the arrival point, holding a pamphlet with your name. He/She will escort you to the designated hotel and make sure your check-in is done properly. Likewise, he/she will pick you up on the departure day from the hotel to the Airport.

Starting point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

As mentioned earlier, please arrive at least two days before your trek starts. Our team needs at least one day to obtain the special permit for the Manaslu trek and to process this permit, we need your original passport with a Nepal visa. 

Your starting point is Soti Khola where we reach by local bus from Arughat or renting a private jeep at an extra cost.

Accommodation During The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek 

Accommodation in Kathmandu is as per your choice and budget available as there is a wide range of hotels but in the mountains, it is quite different and difficult to some extent to find the desirable rooms. 

The gorgeous Manaslu region has stunning geographical structures. The rugged mountains sometimes halt the development of this region but despite all hindrances, the local people have built tea houses, guest houses, or lodges with basic amenities available.

Wi-Fi and hot showers are mostly available in accommodations while in Kathmandu but it costs an extra fee in the mountains. 

Meals on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Your body requires a lot of energy while on trek as you will be walking daily for at least 6 to 7 hours. You will require protein, carbs, and other nutrients in a well-balanced amount. Although you may have few options while in the mountains, you will still be able to eat enough wholesome meals in the trek areas.

Throughout the trek, we serve 18 dinners, 19 lunches, and 19 breakfasts. Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner/main course) are served at the tea houses for which you must inform the tea house staff at least 1 hour ahead of your dinner time. 

Tea houses provide fresh, hygienic, delicious, and nutritious meals throughout the trek. The menu includes a mix of traditional, Asian, and Western dishes, although it becomes more limited as we ascend. We highly recommend drinking fluids like green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup (essential) at higher altitudes, alongside fresh vegetable options.

Note: While non-vegetarian food is available in the trek region, we suggest following a vegetarian diet. To avoid food-related issues or altitude sickness, we also advise refraining from dairy products, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.

All personal expenses, excluding standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), are the guests' responsibility.

What is the luggage allowance for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

The allowed luggage carried by one porter is maximum 24 kgs. One trekker is assigned to 2 trekkers. We advise you to bring the essential items to the trek. A small backpack with you to carry your valuables. If you are over your luggage, you can leave those at our office of Recreation Holidays for free until you return from the trek.

An Ordinary Day on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

You have to determine yourself for a daily walk of 6 to 7 hours in the rugged mountains. Every day is a reward in the mountains to explore the traditional villages, the mesmerizing sceneries of the snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and stunning landscapes. The entire trek is an exciting adventure offering you the ultimate experience in the exotic nature of Manaslu Tsum Valley. During the trekking period, you can enjoy the lifestyle of the local Sherpa/Gurung community. 

The day starts with a delicious breakfast with a cup of hot tea or coffee. After breakfast, you will start walking depending upon the day of trekking and the destination and it starts usually around 7 am to 8 am. You will stop by for lunch after 3 to 4 hours of walking. After having lunch, you will rest for about 30 minutes and start walking till you reach your destination. 

Once you arrive at the tea house, guest house, or lodge, you will be taken to your room for rest and freshen up. If you reach your destination before dark, you can roam around nearby places and explore. Dinner is usually served from 6 pm to 7 pm in the common dining hall. After having dinner, you can spend some time talking to fellow trekkers or discussing the next day's plan. But the guests prefer reading books or heading off early to bed for a relaxing, well-deserved sleep for the following day's adventure.

Electricity and Water on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

There are very limited facilities in the higher altitudes. Similar to the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. It is advisable to carry a rechargeable mobile battery or power bank. You can charge your electronic equipment in every tea house paying an extra cost. 

Always carry water purification tablets en route. Buying mineral or bottled water will be expensive during the entire trek or you can fill your water bottle with boiled water which you can buy in tea houses. Avoid drinking water from rivers, wells, or taps in the trekking region. 

Communication During the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

During the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you can use the internet service available at the lodges paying an extra service charge which is better than buying data packages because in the mountains, the mobile network is poor due to the high altitudes. But despite the difficult communication, our team communicates with the team leader once a day to get the updates of the trek mainly focusing on the safety and comfort of the trek members.

When in Kathmandu, you can buy a local SIM card and use the internet.

Tipping

Nepali culture follows the tipping. Tipping is the discretion of the traveler and it encourages the staff to provide quality services to the guests. We suggest that you offer to tip collectively at the end of the trip. 

Ending point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

The nineteenth day is the end of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. You will be leaving Tal in a local bus or a jeep heading towards Besisahar and then to Kathmandu. A farewell dinner is organized for you by the team of Recreation Holidays. 

Feedback of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Your completion of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is our achievement too. We will give you a printed certificate after completing the trek. The certificate is provided upon request of the guest. We look forward to your recommendation and suggestions to improve our services. 

Trip Extension or Add-on

There are always extra if you want to extend your trip. If you want to add a couple of days, you can go for Chitwan Jungle Safari, Paragliding, Rafting, Canoeing, or Everest Mountain flights. If not, we will escort you to the airport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle on the day of departure.

Best Time for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Nepal has four special seasons but the best time for this Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is Spring and Autumn which falls from March to May and September to November.

March to May – Spring

The ideal season for trekking in Manaslu region, Spring is always welcoming with the amazing weather and the rhododendron flowers blossoming in vibrant colors. During this season, you will be blessed with the awesome views of Mt. Manaslu in its amazing appearance. Temperatures start stabilizing with a favorable climate from mid-March with crystal clear skies. The routes to Larkya La High Pass also get cleared by the end of March as the winter snow starts melting away. The temperature goes up to 24°C in the lower lands (from Soti Khola to Ghap) while up to 18°C in the upper mountains (from Lho to Bhimtang). The nighttime temperature usually drops to -4°C in the highlands.

September to November – Autumn

The time of Autumn is perfect for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek and is considered to be a peak season for tourists because of the favorable weather conditions. From mid-September, the weather is comfy and maintains flawless conditions where the stunning mountain views can be enjoyed timelessly. This is also the time of Nepalese festivals, so you can taste the aroma of different festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Chatth. 

During this season, the temperature in the lowlands may rise to 25°C and 15°C in the high mountains. Likewise, in the nighttime, the temperature falls to 4°C.

Info regarding Passport and Nepal Visa

All foreigners except Indian nationals must possess a valid visa to visit Nepal. The entry- fee can be paid upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu or at entry-exit points along the border of Nepal.

Please make sure, your passport has a validity of a minimum of six months and bring one passport-size photo. The current Nepal visa cost is USD 50 per person for 30 days. This fee can be paid in cash (in major currencies). Children under the age of ten years are provided a free Nepal Visa.

Nepal Visa is free for the Citizens of China and the SAARC countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Countries that require a Nepal visa before arrival are: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan. Citizens from these countries should contact the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country or neighboring country for Nepal Visa.

Visa regulations and policies keep on changing without prior notice. So, please visit this website https://www.immigration.gov.np/ for recent updated visa information.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?

Manaslu and Tsum Valley are categorized as challenging grades as this trekking is in higher elevations with possible risks of altitude sickness, landslides, and other calamities. You might need evacuation or medical attention when at higher altitudes. 

Travel Insurance is always advisable to add to your travel plans before you start your trek. Also, please check if your travel insurance covers the emergency evacuation and heli-rescue in addition to your medical costs. Always provide a copy of your comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy certificate to us, Recreation Holidays to maintain the documentation. These documents will be submitted for quick and effective rescue mission arrangements.

Assure that the policies, you have checked all the options that cover the highest.

Extra Personal Expenses During the Trek

Our esteemed clients are responsible for arranging their own meals and accommodations while in Kathmandu, depending upon the package chosen. Some packages have meals and accommodations included. The Kathmandu city offers a variety of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Additionally, trekkers should carry personal funds for expenses such as purchasing a travel insurance policy, processing visas, buying snacks, and hot or cold beverages (like tea or coffee), tipping trekking crew members, and purchasing souvenirs.

We recommend bringing cash in major international currencies and exchanging it for Nepali Rupees upon arrival in Kathmandu for convenience.

Do you need to carry Local Currency?

Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency of Nepal. (1 USD ~ 135 NPR).

You can exchange your foreign currencies at the Tribhuvan International Airport or the local banks. There are several legitimate money exchangers in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and different parts of Nepal. They display the rates daily. INR notes of 100 can be used legally in Nepal. 

Despite the traveler's cheque, we suggest you carry cash to avoid lengthy bank processes or high commission rates for exchange. 

You can also withdraw cash (in Nepalese rupees) from ATMS in Kathmandu and Thamel with some charges. The maximum withdrawal amount using a foreign card is 35,000 Rupees from ATMs with a processing fee of 500 rupees. 

If you opt for banks and financial institutions to exchange, they will take a service fee of four percent or more. Also, bring the new, clean, not torn, and crisp notes to avoid rejection from the banks.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level for Trek

Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking is considered a challenging trek. This is an off-beaten trek which is why you should start a brief preparation of daily walk for about 5 to 6 hours in the uneven roads of the high levels. You do not require technical experience but past trekking or hiking experience will be the cherry on top. Physical fitness and endurance matter so you can start exercising regularly for a few weeks before the trip. This helps enhance stamina and make you fit enough to do this Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. 

Always consult a doctor before starting your trek if you have any health conditions. Please do inform our team if you have any pre-existing medical conditions like heart, lung, or any blood disease. 

Despite all, the only thing that matters is the healthier you are, the more fun you do in the trek.

Safety in the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Your safety is our priority. Our team is always ready to ensure your safety and comfort. Our team leaders and trekking guides are experienced and have received first-aid training. They always carry all the necessary gear and equipment. 

If any adverse situations come up, they are well prepared to face the challenges and arrange emergency evacuations accordingly.

Acclimatization on Manaslu Trek

Acclimatization is crucial for this Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek and any other treks. This is the part where you let your body heal and freshen up to adjust accordingly to the changes in the weather and elevations. Acclimatization for 1 day allows you to cope with the environment at higher elevations and prevent altitude sickness.

The symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, disorientation, etc. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, it is always advisable to stop at the same place or descend to the lower elevation to prevent further deterioration in health. 

Your trek leader or guide always will remind you about the precautions for altitude sickness. The best method to prevent this sickness is HYDRATION. A trekker should drink a minimum of 4 liters of water per day. 

Please inform your team leader or guide as soon as you start getting these symptoms so that he can manage your evacuation immediately and it helps your group to plan further trek.

Gear and Equipment list for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Here is a list of the necessary equipment and clothing for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. We recommend bringing only the essentials—items that you cannot do without. Any non-essential belongings can be stored at our office free of charge.

• Lightweight hat to protect from the sun
• Beanies for warmth in winter
• Neck gaiter or muffler
• Adjustable, lightweight headlamp
• Lip balm with SPF for UV protection
• Sunglasses
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen lotion with High SPF
• Moisture-wicking short and long-sleeved T-shirts
• Waterproof and windproof jackets
• Thermal base layer (for cold temperatures)
• Down jacket and fleece jackets (for cold temperatures)
• Four to five pairs of undergarments
• Raincoat
• Woolen gloves or mittens (for cold temperatures)
• Insulated, Lightweight pants
• Thermal leggings
• Two to three pairs of trekking pants/trousers
• Four to five pairs of Woolen, moisture-wicking socks
• Waterproof, ankle-supporting hiking or trekking boots
• Crampons/spike
• Toiletries including soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, toilet papers, feminine hygiene products, shampoo
• Quick drying towels

 Accessories

• Collapsible, lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
• Insulated Water bottle
• Water purification tablets or pills
• Sleeping bag
• Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
• Extra batteries or rechargeable power bank
• Two-pin charging plug
• First aid box

Duffle bag and Down Jacket

If needed, we can provide a duffle bag (used, non-waterproof), a down jacket (used), and a sleeping bag (used) for your trek at a certain fee. These items are to be returned once the trek is completed. 

Recreation Holidays Team

During the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek, our experienced guides and Sherpas are dedicated to ensuring your journey is both comfortable and memorable. Each guide holds a government-issued trekking certificate and possesses years of expertise in trekking and hiking.

To lighten your load, porters are available to carry your luggage. We assign one porter for every two trekkers, and each porter carries a maximum of 18 kg, allowing 9 kg per person. If needed, we can also provide a personal porter for each individual.

Our crew members are locals from the high Himalayas, renowned for their exceptional physical endurance at high altitudes. We value our team immensely, offering them competitive pay and covering their insurance, clothing, meals, and lodging. In case of any emergency health conditions, prompt medical attention or evacuation is arranged.

We believe that happy staff contribute to an exceptional trekking experience for our clients. Therefore, we ensure their well-being and provide them with training and certifications, including:

• First Aid Certification
• Government-issued Trekking Guide Certification
• Expertise in English and some major languages
• Rock climbing experience

Booking and Payment Process

Recreation Holidays is an authorized and bonded trekking and tour operator certified by the Nepal government. With over a decade of experience, we are proud members of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). This ensures you can confidently plan and book your trips with us.

To secure your booking, we require a 30% deposit of the total trip cost. Payments can be made conveniently through bank transfer, Western Union, or directly online via our website. Once your booking is confirmed, we kindly ask you to send essential documents such as a passport copy, passport-sized photographs, travel insurance details, and your arrival and departure flight information within a week.

The remaining trip balance can be settled upon your arrival in Nepal, either in cash, through a bank transfer, or by credit card. For your convenience, we will also provide detailed payment instructions via email, including all available payment methods.

Last minute booking

While we recommend booking your trek in advance, Recreation Holidays offers a special provision for last-minute bookings. If you need to make a last-minute reservation, full payment for the trip must be completed at least two days before the departure date. Please note that we require one working day to process the necessary permits for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek.

We strive to accommodate treks at any time; however, for last-minute bookings, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or unavailability of accommodations.

For more details or assistance, feel free to contact us at +977-985100106 (Hari) or email us.

Private Treks

To meet permit requirements, this trip requires a minimum of two trekkers. Recreation Holidays is equipped to manage groups of any size and provides an assistant guide for teams consisting of 12 or more members. If you have your group, the larger your team, the greater the discounts you can enjoy. Rest assured, we do not add any external members to your group.

Responsible Travel 

At Recreation Holidays, we are committed to safeguarding the environment and minimizing the negative impacts of tourism. We actively collaborate with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to promote eco-friendly travel experiences that align with the needs and expectations of both travelers and the local communities in the trekking regions. Our efforts focus on preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the areas we explore.

Reminders about Trip Departure Dates

The Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu, but we are happy to accommodate your specific preferences and schedule. If the listed departure dates do not suit you, please let us know, and we can adjust the trek to align with your convenience.

The itinerary provided is a general guideline and may occasionally require changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather or landslides. While significant alterations to the original plan are unlikely, we cannot be held responsible for delays or their potential consequences.

For Solo Travelers

Please contact us via Call/WhatsApp/Viber/Skype at +9779851001069 or email us here to organize your solo trek.