Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley is genuinely a Happy land with a green plateau with fields of barley and millet, grazing yaks, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, houses made of stone, wood, and clay, and the smell of a campfire – all framed by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

No doubt, the valley is certainly hidden where the mountains act as a protective wall against its powerful neighbors, China and India. It is also a vast refuge for animals. It is home to 100 species of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and more than 30 species of mammals—all protected species.

Hidden to the northwest of the capital of Nepal, the Tsum Valley awaits, just 120 km away. The adventure begins at Machhakhola, which is 177 km from Kathmandu, accessible via a 140 km road. From Machhakhola, the trek to Tsum Valley spans 71.6 km.

The trekking adventure reaches to its highest height at Mu Gompa at 3710 m while the highest village for our overnight stay is Nile at 3365 m.

To answer this question, let’s get back to the time between 1975 to 2008 when the Tsum Valley was off-limits to foreigners. It was because of the political issues linked with the Khampa movement supporting for the Tibetan Autonomy.

Even, after it opened its gates to tourists, the Tsum Valley trek still requires two permits: a special permit for the valley itself and the Manaslu Conservation Area permit.

This necessitates for the trekker to be a part of an organized tour group with a licensed local guide. These regulations are in place to protect the area’s authenticity.

As it is, the Tsum Valley is under threat of ongoing road development particularly from Arughat in the southwest and the Tibetan border in the northeast.

If tourism is let to expand like in Annapurna and Everest, it could result in overpopulation, environmental harm, pollution, and threaten the survival of endangered species.

The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is a unique fusion of cultural richness, phenomenal sightseeing experience, and breathtakingly attractive landscape. Therefore, the most opportune time for this trek is during the dry period offered before and after the monsoon in Nepal.

The spring periods of March, April, and May arrive before monsoon/summer (June, July, August) which bring warm sunny, and long days with scant rainfall. Sometimes, clouds may gather late in the afternoon bringing in the occasional thunderstorm but that adds the coolness of the all-day-long heat.

Even in higher altitudes, the day heat will be delightfully temperate, with a promise of stable weather till the beginning of June. While the visibility may not be as sharp in the Fall period, but the Tsum Valley still illuminates with the splendid mix of colors and the vivid wildlife songs.

The autumn months, occurring from September to November, on the other hand, follow the monsoon season. It provides exceptional clarity that highlights the impressive silhouette of the mountains.

However, the nights still continue to remain cold with -10 degrees in the upper valley and the days also continue to be shorter and shorter.

Although the monsoon thunderstorms may have very little effect on the Tsum Valley itself, the lower regions where our trek begins will be affected.

Likewise, the winter period from December to February brings colder air, and the possibility of snowfall cannot be dismissed. The basic settings of the lodges may not offer sufficient protection against the cold conditions you will encounter.

You can look forward to days of medium difficulty in our Tsum Valley trek when the maximum altitude you will be at is at Mu Gompa rising to 3710 m. You will always follow comfortable paths, never too steep, often paved with stones and slabs that facilitate the walk.

However, the route remains of medium difficulty both for the continuity of the effort and for the path it follows. In fact, especially in the central part, it goes up a narrow valley along ledges that cut into the walls exposed to the river. However, they are paths where even mules walk easily to carry supplies as well as our loads.

In the lower valley also, there is a giddying gorge which brings significant change in elevation. In terms of the hiking stage of each day, you can expect to spend up to 6 to 7 hours (8 hours including stops).

You will also experience a significant change in climate pattern with tropical in Machhakhola and alpine in Mu Gompa. In addition, altitude will also impact you even if we have integrated gradual, slow, and steady ascent.

Moreover, the remote lodgings with cold rooms and minimum facilities may present additional challenges. However, finding even a roof over your head and four walls protecting you from the wind and cold of the night is truly like heaven in such a remote region.

The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is open to all, also including those who may be new to high-altitude trekking. If you have maintained good physical health, possess a positive outlook, and have an active daily routine, you are encouraged to join us. For individuals with chronic health issues, we advise you to seek medical counsel before undertaking this expedition.

The walking track thanks to the tireless effort of the government officials and local inhabitants is well signposted and there is no chance of getting lost. However, they are not paved asphalted as in cities but made for walking and for the caravans of mules and yaks.

Also, this journey is quite reachable with no particular technical complexities or equipment. However, you must have the ability to walk for hours across the alpine terrain with the variations in altitude.

Any trekking journey that ascends above 2,500 m accompanies the potential for altitude sickness. The Tsum Valley trek is also no exception, as each day’s journey involves changes in altitude, climate, and terrain.

However, since the trek does not reach altitudes above 4,000 m, the risk of severe altitude sickness is limited, mainly resulting in minor symptoms that generally disappear without any medical intervention.

Trekkers may experience mild headaches, vomiting, dizziness, mood changes, and reduced appetite, but these symptoms typically disappear within two to three days as acclimatization occurs.

To ensure we adapt well to the new atmosphere, we will take a rest day at Mu Gompa. We will dedicate the right amount of time to walking at an absolutely calm pace. To improve the process of acclimatization, you can use Diamox before your trip.

We will organize your accommodation and meal arrangements during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. In Kathmandu, you will stay in a twin-sharing room at a tourist-standard three-star hotel. In the trekking trip, you will stay in shared rooms in the mountain lodges.

Your stay in Kathmandu includes a bed and breakfast plan, while in the trekking part, a full board meal plan that includes lunches, dinners, and breakfasts is planned.

During the Tsum Valley trek, all transfers will be in a private vehicle, facilitating transportation between Kathmandu and Machhakhola, as well as the return journey from Machhakhola to Kathmandu.

For communication in the Tsum Valley, we suggest you use the Namaste (NTC) SIM card, as it provides better coverage compared to the private network of NCELL.

However, please do not expect a consistent network in higher regions. You can also utilize 4G services for the internet whenever your phone has a signal. Wi-Fi is available in some lodges, but not all, and lodge owners may charge between $3 to $4 per hour for Wi-Fi access.

Normally it is possible to recharge batteries (camera, cell phone, power banks etc.) through solar panel power.

The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek although moderate, still it demands significant mental and physical effort from your side. Essential qualities for this journey are flexibility, adaptability to remote environments, teamwork, tolerance, and a cooperative attitude.

So, to get ready mentally, you can watch videos about Tsum Valley to set your expectations and also practice meditation. On the physical side, you can engage with a gym and a qualified trainer who can develop a suitable routine for your travel.

You can also create your own personal fitness routine that includes walking, stair climbing, running, biking, and swimming.

In the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, an important rule to follow is to contact a government-registered travel agency, such as ours, to book your trek and participate in a group tour.

Solo trekking is prohibited, and you must be accompanied by a registered local tour guide at all times. Additionally, you must have two permits which must be shown at various checkpoints along the route.

The first is the MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit) available from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu for $30 per person.

The second is the Restricted Area Permit granted for seven days by the Immigration Office of Nepal through a licensed tour and travel agency. The cost for this permit is higher in autumn, $40, with an additional charge of $7 per day after the initial seven days.

During spring, summer, and winter, the fee is $30, with a daily charge of $5 after the seven-day period.