Nepal is home to some of the world-famous trekking trails, but not all travellers want to trek on popular trails. Some want authentic Himalayan culture, fewer crowds, dramatic landscape, and spiritual depth in their journeys.
Interestingly, the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley trek stand out when it comes to spirituality, culture, authenticity, and off-the-beaten-path experience. Combining a circular multi-day trek around the Manaslu mountain with the sacred and remote Tsum valley.
However, unlike Everest and Annapurna, which are heavily commercialised, popularised, and crowded trails, this trek offers a completely different experience.
The 20-day trek is not just an adventure; it’s an opportunity to meditate in the Buddhist monasteries to soothe your racing thoughts.
This trek is an opportunity to explore Buddhism, Tibetan culture, traditions, and centuries-old monasteries.
This trek combines challenging high-altitude trails, a unique Himalayan landscape, and immersive cultural encounters.
The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area with rich wildlife, and the Tsum Valley is an untouched piece of land, earning its reputation as “Hidden Treasure Valley”.
This trek is a test of how you manage the challenges, focus, and determination without losing your mental peace.
It does involve multiple days of walking, lasting about 7 hours each day. But guess what? The rewards are so big that whether you are trekking with a group or solo, you completely lose yourself in the adventure and find an excuse for every hardship you face on the trail.
At 8163 meters (26781 ft) above sea level, Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is known as the “Mountain of the Spirit.” It lies in the Mansiri Himal mountain range, situated in the Gorkha District of Nepal.
First ascended by a Japanese climber, Toshio Imanishi on May 9, 1956 A.D, Manaslu still remains one of the favourite peaks among serious climbers due to its technically challenging routes and unpredictable weather.
Tsum Valley is one of the major hidden gems of Nepal, a remote and highly diverse culture-based valley located in northern Gorkha. Popularly known as the “Hidden Valley,” Tsum Valley opened its doors to trekkers only in 2008 and has maintained its ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions very well.
It lies close to the Tibetan border and reflects a deep Tibetan influence on its culture, its language, and its religion. Sacred Buddhist sites dot this valley, such as the ancient monasteries of Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, which date back centuries and are still active spiritual centres for the local people.
Its landscape has terraced fields, thick rhododendron forests, and panoramic mountain viewpoints. The massive peaks of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal make it more beautiful.
Traditional villages like Chhokangparo and Nile provide a glimpse into how people in the Tsum Valley still sustain their lives through farming and livestock herding. Chhokang Paro are two beautiful twin villages in Tsum Valley trail. Tsum Valley is associated with the Buddhist saint Milarepa, who is believed to have meditated in caves in the valley.
It is a 20-day Manaslu Tsum Valley trek into one of Nepal’s most remote and off the beaten trail. The journey covers the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit, both located deep in the Gorkha district near the Tibetan border.
Tsum Valley is all about deep Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and quiet stone villages hidden in a peaceful Himalayan valley. While the Manaslu Circuit is about dramatic mountain landscapes, rising from river valleys to high alpine terrain, crossing suspension bridges and the challenging Larke La Pass (also called Larke Bhanjyang).
This combined trek is about exploring new places, having unique experiences, and living the moments that change something within yourself.
Spotting rare wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan goats, Lophophorus or Himalayan Monal (National Bird of Nepal), and Langurs is common. You can also see mad honey beehives attached to cliffs or trees.
The views of iconic mountains of the Himalayan range, such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Larke Peak, Shringi, Ngadi Chuli, and Hiuchuli, are breathtaking.
Over the 20-day duration, trekkers visit and sleep in a Buddhist Gompas (Monasteries), summit Ganesh Himal Base Camp and Larke la pass, walk the trails full of wildlife and beautiful landscape.
Have experience of eating Nepali and Tibetan dishes like Dal Bhat (Nepali staple meal), Dhindo, Thukpa, Thenduk, and a few other dishes too. You will be offered a menu with Western, Tibetan, and Nepalese dishes. Items in the menu become limited as the altitude increases.
The trail is long, about 200-250 kilometres (124-155 miles), but the Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit trek never feels dull or tiring. Each step brings something new, like fresh views, quiet moments, and powerful experiences that keep the journey alive every day.
The following are the major highlights of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
The Government of Nepal has introduced updated laws, trekking rules have been changed slightly in 2026.
Solo trekking in Manaslu Tsum Valley was not allowed before 2026 because the Manaslu trekking trail falls under the Restricted Area. The fragile flora and fauna need protection, and also the trekkers’ safety matters, as the Manaslu trail often passes long, remote sections.
The risk of going astray, contracting altitude sickness, being attacked by wildlife, sustaining injuries, and other accidents is always there if you travel solo.
Considering these risk factors, the Nepalese government introduced a new law where a trekking agency and a guide to travel with are made mandatory.
Therefore, trekkers shall choose registered and reputable trekking agencies. They provide a reliable, experienced local guide, emergency support, and overall logistical support.
In the past, Soti Khola used to be the starting point. Now, with road construction, Machha Khola is the standard starting point of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Although the condition of the road depends heavily on the season and weather.
To make the journey smoother, the trail infrastructures of Manaslu Tsum have also improved with better and more comfortable accommodation, wider bridges, upgraded walking trails, and communication access for trekkers.
Wi-Fi and local SIM coverage have also improved. Though it can be patchy sometimes. Nevertheless, beyond Samdo village, the facilities are very basic but comfortable.
Due to global warming, the weather patterns have also changed in the mountains. Rainfall before the start of the monsoon season is common. The lower villages of trekking trails are warmer.
Don’t be surprised by the sudden snowfall, wind, and weather changes while you are in the mountains.
There are numerous benefits of booking with Himalayan Masters. Our office is located in the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. We belong to the very few trekking agencies that focus on both authentic local experiences and professionally managed trekking services across Nepal. Below are the reasons why you should book your Manaslu Tsum Valley trek with Himalayan Masters.
Once you confirm your booking, the departure for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek on a stipulated date is 100% guaranteed by Himalayan Masters. If you are travelling solo and no one joins by your departure date, a single supplement fee of USD 350 will apply.
To begin your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, first of all, start booking through our website, by email at [email protected], or by call, WhatsApp, to share your travel interest.
Once we receive your inquiry, we will provide a detailed itinerary, cost breakdown, and all necessary information about the trek.
It will help you prepare with clarity and confidence. After you confirm your plan, we finalise your trekking schedule and request a deposit to secure your booking of a minimum of 20% of the trek package.
When it comes to solo female trekking in the Manaslu region, it requires careful selection of teahouses, a guide, an itinerary, and safety measures.
The mountains are beautiful, but safety, comfort and small personal needs matter a lot during the trek.
Himalayan Masters understands this very well and helps female trekkers travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Solo female trekkers are arranged in clean, safe, private or comfortable rooms or in a safe sleeping space.
Female trekkers are guided by experienced local, respectful and knowledgeable guides who stay supportive throughout the trek.
We understand the small challenges women may face during the trek. Monthly cycle, hygiene needs, changing energy levels, body discomfort and limited facilities can sometimes feel stressful. Our team handles these situations with care, sensitivity, and understanding, ensuring that every female trekker feels comfortable, supported, and confident throughout the adventure.
We have numerous records of helping solo female trekkers every trekking season (Spring-Autumn) complete the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
Families with kids and senior citizens might not be able to push like fit, young and independent trekkers. We understand that families with kids and senior citizens find it hard to commit to longer-duration walking. They often need breaks, or children might need to be carried on their backs during steep sections.
We can adjust the itinerary based on the family’s comfort and energy level. Walking hours can be reduced, and extra rest days can be added in key villages so everyone can adjust properly to altitude and terrain.
Himalayan Masters takes care of all these needs by planning a slow, family-friendly route, arranging comfortable teahouses, and providing experienced guides who understand how to handle different age groups. They also help with luggage support and daily pacing, so no one feels pressured.
We have been providing excellent services to families with kids, senior citizens and senior couples.
Yes, with proper preparation and a well-organised itinerary, the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek can be suitable for seniors.
Every trekking season (spring and autumn), Himalayan masters host around 15-20 senior trekkers who complete this journey safely and enjoyably.
A private trek option is highly recommended, as it allows a flexible pace, more rest days, and a personalised approach based on fitness and comfort levels.
With the right support, it becomes a meaningful way to experience retirement, slow travel, cultural depth, and peaceful Himalayan landscapes.
At Himalayan Masters, we focus on safety, comfort, and care throughout the journey. Our experienced guides, careful acclimatisation plans, and well-managed logistics create a smooth trekking experience even in remote terrain.
This can be a 24-25-day trek. If you want to explore beyond the classic Manaslu Circuit and you have enough time for a longer adventure, this broader version of the journey offers a far deeper Himalayan experience.
Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan valley near the Tibetan border, known for its strong Buddhist culture and preserved traditions. It is home to ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.
The valley is isolated, peaceful, and culturally untouched. Local people follow traditional lifestyles, making it one of the most spiritually rich and culturally preserved trekking regions in Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit is a remote trekking route around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. It offers dramatic landscapes from low river valleys to high mountain passes like Larke La.
The trail is culturally rich with Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages. It is known for its raw wilderness, fewer crowds, and a strong combination of nature and tradition.
Serang Monastery is a hidden Buddhist centre located in a remote part of the Manaslu region. It holds deep spiritual importance for local communities practising Tibetan Buddhism. Trekkers usually combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Monastery, as it lies just 4 hours away from the main Manaslu Circuit trail.
The monastery is surrounded by forests and mountains, creating a peaceful retreat environment. Monks live, study, and meditate here in isolation, preserving ancient teachings, rituals, and a quiet Himalayan spiritual lifestyle.
Combining these three creates a deeply spiritually immersive and geographically vast Himalayan journey. If you are a true adventurer, this combined trip is surely worth it.
| Day | Route | Sleep Altitude | Distance | Time |
| 01 | Drive From Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 869 m | 160 km | 7-8 hrs |
| 02 | Trek From Machha Khola to Jagat | 1340 m | 20 km | 6-7 hrs |
| 03 | Trek From jagat to Lokpa | 2240 m | 10-12 km | 5-6 hrs |
| 04 | Trek From Lokpa to Chumling | 2386 m | 8 km | 4 hrs |
| 05 | Trek Chumling to Chhekampar | 3031 m | 9 km | 4-5 hrs |
| 06 | Trek From Chhekampar to Nile | 3361 m | 7 km | 3.5-4 hrs |
| 07 | Trek From Nile to Mu Gompa | 3700 m | 5 km | 5-6 hrs |
| 08 | Trek From Mu Gompa to Chhekampar Via Rachen Gompa | 3240 m | 3-4 km | 1.5 hrs |
| 09 | Trek From Chhekampar to Gompa Lungdang | 3200 m | 14-15 km | 7-8 hrs |
| 10 | Trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp & back to Gumba Lungdang | 3200 m | 3-4 km | 7-8 hours |
| 11 | Trek From Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa | 2240 m | 10-12 km | 5-6 hrs |
| 12 | Trek From Lokpa to Ghap | 2397 m | 12.5 km | 9-10 hrs |
| 13 | Trek From Ghap to Lho | 3180 m | 16.3 km | 7-8 hrs |
| 14 | Trek From Lho to Samagaon | 3520 m | 17.2 km | 4-5 hrs |
| 15 | Rest at Samagaon or Take Side Trips | 3520 m | – | – |
| 16 | Trek From Samagaon to Samdo | 3875 m | 9.1 km | 3-4 hrs |
| 17 | Trek From Samdo to Dharmasala | 4460 m | 6.1 km | 3-4 hrs |
| 18 | Trek From Dharamsala to Bhimthang via Larkye La Pass | 3590 m | 16 km | 7-8 hrs |
| 19 | Trek From Bimthang to Tilje | 2300 m | 20 km | 5-6 hrs |
| 20 | Drive From Tilje to Kathmandu | 1400 m | 200 km | 10 hrs |
Drive route: Kathmandu → Naubise → Malekhu → Dhading Besi → Jyamire → Gola Bhanjyang Aarughat → Soti Khola → Machha Khola
Starting Point: Kathmandu (1400 m/4600 ft)
Ending Point: Machha Khola (869 m/ 2651 ft)
Lunch: Jyamire
Kathmandu to Machha Khola distance: 160 km (100 miles)
Total Descent: 532 m/1742 ft
On this first day of the trek, we start with a long drive towards the west lasting for about 7 hours, depending on the road conditions.
We drive along the Trishuli River for about 4 hours until we reach the place called Furke Khola. This section of the road is narrow and busy, as it is Nepal’s Prithvi highway that connects two major cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara), and is slightly landslide-prone and under construction, which can cause traffic jams.
After crossing the Dhading Besi Bridge at Furke Khola, our driver heads towards our lunch point, which is Jyamire. It is about 40 min to 1-hour drive from Furke Khola.
The road is black-topped until Taribesi, and off-road starts from there. Your drive includes 75% blacktopped road and 25% off road journey. You get to see the stunning views of green hills, numerous Nepali Markets like Dhading Besi, and small rivers.
About Machha Khola
Machha Khola (fish river, translated in English) is a starting point for the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek. It’s a semi-commercialised village at 869 meters (2851 feet) near the river called Machha Khola (also called Machhi Khola).
The local residents belong to Magar, Gurung, and Magar communities, and most people are engaged in agriculture, teahouse services, trekking guides, and porters.
Facilities provided by teahouses in Machha Khola.
: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
: Tea House
: 8 hours drive
Note: Complementary service doesn’t add to or reduce the original price. It’s just an
additional service for Himalayan Masters’ customers.
All the costs and expenses not listed in “What is included in this Trek package?” will be counted as excluded.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is a moderate to challenging grade trek. Manaslu Circuit combined trek with Tsum valley requires careful planning, reliable gears, both physical and mental preparation, and a relaxed pace
The challenges that trekkers really face while on this amazing adventure require careful attention and preparation.
You will be walking some of the remotest trails of Nepal, which may be completely unfamiliar to you. Trails are not the same everywhere and are not smooth at all.
Lose rocks, slippery and narrow slopes, and some potholes covered by snow can be challenges. Very careful footing is crucial. Let your guide lead and follow his suggestions.
Another challenge is altitude, as you will be climbing to significant heights where your health is affected. You will be sleeping above 3,500 meters (11482.94 ft) in many places and summit high points like Ganesh Himal Base Camp at 4,800 meters (15748.03 ft) and Larke La Pass at 5106 meters (16751.97 ft).
More than 70% of your trek includes walking above 3000 meters, where the human body is most vulnerable to altitude sickness. This is the reason the itinerary is carefully designed to let trekkers acclimatise without rushing.
Acclimatisation is a slow adjustment to a higher altitude. Acclimatisation is one part, but also your self-consciousness and awareness play a big role in avoiding altitude sickness. For example, avoiding alcohol, smoking, pacing your walk, keeping yourself warm, and others.
Pacing yourself is very important in this trek, as it is a long-duration trek. Your normal day includes 6-7 hours of walking.
There are also days when you walk longer distances than on average days. Those days can really drain both physically and mentally, so pacing and keeping yourself relaxed help a lot.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek follows two connected Himalayan trails that offer different trekking experiences. In the beginning, the route follows the main Manaslu Circuit trail through the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Trekkers trek along rocky paths, stone staircases, suspension bridges, riverside trails, and small villages. Some sections are narrow and carved into cliffs, while others pass through forests, waterfalls, and terraced farms. During monsoons, parts of the trail can become muddy and slippery.
After walking for a few hours, we come across a bridge at a place called Nyak Phedi. From here, the trail separates from the Manaslu Circuit and enters the hidden Tsum Valley. The route becomes quieter, less crowded, and more culturally rich. Trekkers pass through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages such as Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa. The trails are narrower with stone staircases, pine and rhododendron forests, mani walls, prayer flags, and mule tracks.
As the trek gains altitude, the landscape changes into a dry alpine region with fewer trees and colder weather. The trail toward Mu Gompa becomes more remote, windy, and exposed, surrounded by high Himalayan mountains.
After returning from Tsum Valley, trekkers continue the Manaslu Circuit through Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo before crossing the challenging Larke La Pass.
If you choose to visit Manaslu Base Camp and the Tibetan border side trip near Rui La, the trails become more rugged, steep, and physically demanding as they include walking uphill for long durations at high altitude.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit trek involves days of walking at high altitude, so the weather plays a very crucial role in your trek.
As you ascend to higher elevations, the temperature drop is certain, and you will experience reduced oxygen levels, which makes your journey challenging
The peak season for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is during Autumn and Spring. These two offer similar weather conditions, but there is a very thin line between them.
Understanding the weather before the trek helps you prepare better. You can pack the right clothing, choose the best trekking season, and stay mentally ready for changing mountain conditions.
The weather in this region can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes, where sunny mornings may turn into cloudy or snowy afternoons.
The best seasons for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both seasons offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking temperatures.
Spring brings blooming rhododendron forests, green hills, and slightly warmer temperatures. Autumn, on the other hand, offers crystal-clear skies, dry trails, and excellent visibility after the monsoon rain washes away dust and haze.
Temperatures in lower regions range between 10°C and 25°C, while higher areas like Larkya La Pass and Ganesh Himal Base Camp can drop to -10°C or lower at night. Spring stays slightly warmer, whereas autumn brings colder mornings and evenings.
Spring is among the best times to visit the Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek. The weather is clear, and the days are warm with cool nights. The forests have taken on the colour of rhododendron flowers and thus look very beautiful. The trails are dry and easy to walk on, with little chance of rain. This is a good time for views of snow-capped mountains and greenery. Many trekkers prefer spring as it offers comfortable weather and beautiful natural scenery.
The summer season brings warm weather, but simultaneously, it is the time for the monsoon. Heavy rain during this time makes the trails slippery and muddy. There is a possibility of landslides in some areas, which will make the trek more troublesome. But yes, the valleys look green and fresh, and the rivers have full water. If you don’t mind the rain and want to take an easier trek, summer might still be an option.
Autumn is considered the peak season for Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking. The weather is clear, and the mountain vista looks magnificent to watch. The temperature is moderate, with warm days and relatively cool nights. After the monsoon, the trails are in good condition, which makes the trek easier.
It is cold in winter and at height, although the trek is less preferable. The skies are clear, showing breathtaking views of the mountains in their full snow form. The trails are quiet, with few trekkers visiting them. However, some high passes and routes may get blocked due to snow. Nights are freezing, and hence, proper gear besides warm clothes is mandatory.
There is a high risk of altitude sickness in Tsum Valley. The height that we will elevate to on the Tsum Valley Trek is 5106 meters, known as the Larke La Pass. So you must be extra careful when trekking in such high-altitude areas.
If the condition worsens, please get in touch with your guide without any hesitation. As the guide can help you out in many ways during the trek, please inform him. Garlic soup helps reduce altitude sickness, so make sure you drink it.
Also, diamox, a medicine used to reduce altitude sickness, is carried. Please drink enough water during the trek.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the Tsum Valley trek. Because you hike above 5000 meters in height, get travel insurance, and make sure that your travel insurance covers all emergencies and helicopter evacuation at the mountain, too. If you do not have travel insurance and get into problems like severe altitude sickness, injuries or other. The rescue and evacuation cost can be very expensive, which is financially very hard for one person to cover.
High-altitude trekking is harder than low-altitude trekking. It contains some long, uphill, steep up and down descents and some easy flat routes. Though the previous hiking experience is advantageous, technical skills are optional for this trek. If you can walk 5 to 6 hours every day at a reasonable pace in a straightforward way, this will be a simple Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek.
However, a good level of fitness and preparation for such long days is required, as some days we need to walk for longer hours. Regular exercising is recommended a few weeks prior to the trip to build up stamina. Remember, the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek will be.
Trekkers must be healthy and have a positive attitude when joining the Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek. A self-confident and determined individual will enjoy this wonderful trek.
It’s up early for an early morning start on the trek. For breakfast, have something to eat at a simple teahouse; one could have bread, eggs, or porridge. Then, it is time to pack up and start walking. This morning trail could go through forests, over rivers, or up to small villages.
Lunchtime is noon at the teahouse, and you rest, have a light snack of dal, types of rice and lentils and energise your energy for the afternoon. After lunchtime, you will walk another 3 to 4 hours. This trail could be relatively flat or steep, yet the view of mountain ridges and valleys keeps pulling you forward.
Later in the afternoon, you finally get to your stoppage for the night. You check into a teahouse and rest. Dinner in the evening and chatting with other trekkers are also common activities during this period. Some people explore nearby places, and some, with books, retire. You went to bed early, quite tired but happy, ready for another day of adventure.
The experience you feel in the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is one of the factors that separates it from other treks
The Manaslu region is not that commercialised, which is a good way to feel its authenticity, as it is still keeping its natural charm.
One of the strongest feelings comes after meeting local people. You meet friendly locals smiling and greeting you with “Namaste” or “Tashi Delek”. These small moments stay with you even after you leave.
Teahouse stays are another layer of the journey. They are basic but very welcoming. Wooden rooms, warm blankets, and shared dining space create a homely environment where trekkers from different countries gather, eat together, and share stories after long walking days.
Visiting ancient monasteries like Mu Gomba and Rachen Gomba ignites spiritual energy. The sound of prayer wheels, butter lamps, and monks chanting creates a peaceful atmosphere that slows your mind naturally. You begin to feel the depth of Buddhism, not just see it.
As you move deeper into Tsum Valley, the landscapes become more remote and untouched. Narrow trails, silent valleys, and hidden villages give a feeling of exploring a forgotten world.
Crossing the high mountain pass is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts. The air gets thin, the views become vast, and every step feels powerful. The emotions after reaching the Larke La pass cannot be explained.
The road journey in Nepal from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Tilje to Kathmandu adds an extra layer to the adventure. The road travel feels awesome as you travel by the Trishuli and Marsyangdi River, and eat at simple Nepali lodges.
There is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). You need this permit if you’re trekking from Jagat to Samagaun. The Department of Immigration issues it. This permit costs $100 per week from September to November during peak season, $15 for each additional day. For the other months, the charge is $75 per week and $15 extra per day.
Then, there is also the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit or MCAP and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit or ACAP. Both are available from the Nepal Tourism Board. MCAP costs $20 for most countries and $2 for SAARC nations, while ACAP is $30 for most countries and $2 for SAARC countries.
The next is the TIMS card or Trekkers Information Management System. It’s USD 10 for most nations and USD 20 for Free Individual Travelers. It’s not necessary, but getting one for a hassle-free trek is a good idea.
Lastly, the Tsum Valley trek requires a special permit. This permit can also be obtained from the Department of Immigration. For the months of September to November, this will have to be $40 per week, plus an additional $7 for each day. In other months, it will be $30 for a week and $7 for each additional day.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek costs $1900 per head. The cost of Tsum Valley will include the expenses of permits, accommodation, food, guides, and even the governmental tax. The offer provided by the Himalayan masters is quite a great value for money.
There are some extra costs that one should bear when on the trek. The extra cost of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek cost includes the expenditure on the extra meals and drinks you have on the trek. Also, if you want private transportation, then you need to pay extra for it.
Now, ATMs are very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara and are more frequently accessible in Thamel areas. Some ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, from Rs 10,000 to Rs 35,000; they often charge around USD 4 per transaction. Your bank may also charge a fee for using international ATMs. Though very few functional ATM machines are available in the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. According to recent information, there are functioning ATMS in Philim and Samagaon.
A porter will make your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek easier. A porter can normally carry up to 20-25 kg of luggage. It costs around $18 to $25 daily to hire a porter, depending on the season and their experience. This cost will also cover his food, accommodation, and insurance. The porters help carry your heavy bags so you can enjoy the trek without much strain.
Tipping is the most effective means of showing appreciation to your guide and porters. Guides usually get $6 to $10 per day. This depends on your experiences with them. Porters take around $4 to $6 per day.
It is good to give tips at the end of the trek. Many trekkers give tips in an envelope and thank them personally. Tipping is not obligatory, but it is considered appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for their support during the trek.
We acclimatise by having rest stops as we trek through the wilds of the Manaslu Circuit and the Tsum Valley trek. Acclimatization helps to reduce the possibility of altitude sickness, which can affect the human body when it cannot adapt to higher altitudes with lower oxygen levels.
One significant rest day is reserved at Samagaun at 3530 meters above sea level, allowing trekkers to acclimatise further and then take up the journey ahead.
All the side trips that you take, like beyond Mu Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Tibetan Border (Rui La Pass) and Pungyen Monastery. These Monasteries lie significantly at a higher elevation than your teahouse elevation, which helps you a lot to cross the Larke La Pass at 5106 meters (16751 meters).
Be very careful when you feel the symptoms of altitude sickness, like nausea, dizziness, headache and fatigue above 2700 meters (8858 meters). Altitude sickness is a big concern in the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, as most of the trip includes walking and sleeping at significant heights.
Do let your guide know if you are not feeling well. Our experienced trek leaders and guides are trained in first aid and equipped with a first aid kit that contains an oximeter along with altitude sickness medicines.
Guides know very well what measures to adopt according to the severity of altitude sickness.
Accommodation during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is basic but comfortable. Most trekkers stay in teahouses, small lodges run by local families. These teahouses offer simple rooms with twin beds, wooden walls, and thin mattresses.
While the facilities are modest, they provide essential services like clean bedding, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Electricity is available in most places but is solar-powered and limited, so charging devices often require an extra fee. The warmth of the hosts and the authentic experience of staying in local homes make up for the simplicity of the accommodations.
As you ascend higher into the valley, teahouses become more rustic. Some villages might only have homestays in remote areas, where you share living space with the host family. These stays are a unique way to experience the Tsum Valley’s culture and traditions. Meals are usually served in a communal dining area, and dal bhat (rice and lentils) is the most common dish.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek breakfast typically includes Tibetan bread or chapati, mostly toasted with jam or honey. Porridge is what many trekkers love; whether made from oats or millet, it forms a healthy and filling dish. Boiled eggs or omelettes are also common sources of added protein.
To keep warm during cold mornings, there are always available hot drinks, such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Lunch is freshly prepared and available at teahouses en route. Dal Bhat is one of the most popular options for lunch since rice with lentil soup and vegetables is healthy and gives energy.
Fried noodles or fried rice with vegetables and eggs are other common options. Many trekkers also enjoy hot soups, such as garlic or noodles, which help them stay hydrated and warm.
Dinner will be done at the teahouse, where you’ll be stopping for an overnight. Dal Bhat is the favourite dinner for trekkers because of its unlimited servings and balanced nutrition. Pasta, spaghetti, or fried potatoes are other options for different tastes.
Himalayan Masters will provide free water purification tablets. We will also provide you with advice on how to use the purification tablet.
You should drink enough water to prevent altitude sickness and take purification tablets so no contamination happens in your body. We also recommend that you have a bottle with a filtration system.
The other thing is that you will find enough water refilling areas where you can refill. So you do not need to worry about it.
Even though the Tsum Valley is regarded as the remotest region of Manaslu, it is less remote than we think.
You will have Wi-Fi, electricity, and mobile networks in most of the teahouses.
In the lower regions, like Machha Khola, Jagat, Lokpa, and Chumling, you get excellent service, including Wi-Fi and mobile network. Charging sockets in the room are also available until places like Nile and Samdo.
The network carriers like NTC and Ncell work in these regions. NTC’s network coverage is very smooth in most areas of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trail.
Though places like Dharamsala and Mu Gompa are very hard to access. As no Wi-Fi, electricity or network coverage is available. Your days in these places can be used to have meaning conversation with fellow trekkers, or just sit calmly and reflect on yourself.
Keep in mind that the higher up you go, the slower the mobile network and Wi-Fi gets.
You have two days in your Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary, which includes travelling in a vehicle. You take a drive to get to the trail head, Machha Khola and to get back from the trail ending point, Tilje. Considering Kathmandu as the starting point.
You have two options: local and private vehicle transportation. The direct local bus leaves at around 8 am and goes via Gorkha, lasting for 7-8 hours, which costs in the range of NPR (1400 to 1800, USD 9-11) depending on the fuel price hikes.
Another option is vehicle switching. You can first take a local bus from Kathmandu to Arughat, which costs around NPR 1000 (USD 6). From Arughat, you switch to another shared jeep or local vehicle to Machha Khola, costing approximately NPR 300-400 (USD 2–3)
Another option is a private vehicle. This transportation option offers more comfort, freedom, and a worry-free experience. Himalayan Masters provides private vehicle transportation service.
The one-way private vehicle cost from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is around USD 200. Similarly, private transportation from Tilje back to Kathmandu costs approximately USD 160.
The currency is the Nepalese Rupee, which works in Nepal. If you need to change money, it is best to have it in USD, AUD, GBP, Swiss Franc, Canadian Dollar, SGD, or Euro; these are the ones easily exchangeable in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Credit card and debit card payment facilities like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are available at major tourist places, hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in the main cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, and Pokhara. However, 3.5% surcharge on card payments is applied.
This is a really easy and fast process for booking the trek with Himalayan Masters. All you need to do is visit our website, then you can choose Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, then you can see a button saying book now; from there, you can choose the direct method of booking, in which you need to fill in the details that you are asked for.
Once your booking is completed, you will receive an email with confirmation for the trek with Himalayan Masters.
Himalayan Masters doesn’t refund the deposited amount; it is the deposit that never expires. But we do have a policy that you can use the amount anytime you want to come to Nepal for your trek. Even if you cannot trek with us, you can even send your loved one with us to Nepal.
