When is the best time for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
As most treks in Nepal, there is always that perfect season to go for a trek, and as per our experience, we find that the best time for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is either the spring season (March to May) or the fall season (September to December). These times the weather will be warm, the views will be clear and most importantly the high altitude mountain pass called the Larkya La 5106m will be accessible. These two seasons each have their own unique charms, and your experience will depend on which season you choose for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. During the spring season, the whole valley is in bloom and the locals are busy with sowing seeds and setting up their fields for the year. Furthermore, with the weather warmer it’s quite enjoyable trekking through forest and higher up rocky trails. The fall season on the other hand shows you a golden valley filled with barley and wheat fields glittering in the sun, absolutely picturesque. The local farmers harvest their bounties and prepare local delicacies to celebrate a successful harvest. With the weather a bit cooler the trek itself is pleasant and just seeing those blue skies and snowcapped mountain tops refs you up day after day. While the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek can be done the whole year round except during the winter we do recommend for the best experience either spring or fall to trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
What difficulty rating of the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek?
The official difficulty rating of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is rated as strenuous. This is due to the high mountain pass crossing of Larkya La at a height of 5106m, and the total length of the trip. Although no technical climbing skills are required, it is necessary to be fit and in shape to fully enjoy this amazing trek in Nepal. AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is a risk during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, but can easily be overcome by trekking slowly, sufficient hydrating, and of course, avoiding alcoholic drinks. For those who like to trek during the snowfall, the trails higher up can become more difficult to pass, bring good watertight and warm protective gear to avoid frostbite and sunglasses to avoid snow blindness. With Alpine Eco Trek’s expert guiding team we are sure to guide you safely through the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
How about safe drinking water during the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Hiking?
At the lower elevation safe drinking water can be bought during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, but the further we go it will not be possible to buy bottled water. We like to trek green and clean, so we do advise all our trekkers to refrain from buying many bottles as they just end up destroying or harming our environment. At the higher altitudes boiled water can be prepared for small fees and by bringing water purification tablets you are safe to hydrate. Bring a good water canteen, and make sure to consult with your trekking guide about the next day so you can calculate how much drinking water to bring day by day.
Can I recharge Batteries of Electronic items during the Manaslu Tsum Valley expedition?
With Nepal developing year after year, it is now also possible to recharge your batteries of electronic items during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. Teahouses and lodges make use of either hydroelectricity or solar power sources to recharge items such as batteries, cameras, phones, tablets, etc. A small fee per hour will be charged so it’s best to bring some adapters to make the charging process easier and faster. Plugs will be limited and use a round or flat top socket with 3 pins with 220-240 volt. To be sure you can always advise at your Alpine Eco Trek travel office to see if your chargers will fit the sockets and if not you can always buy adapters in Kathmandu.
Any extra advice for the around Manaslu Tsum Valley trek?
During the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek you get to encounter different villages and small communities, most live in their own unique way. Our extra advice for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is about the many wandering children you are sure to meet. As many trekkers feel the need to hand out balloons, chocolates, pens, or even money to these children out of compassion we do ask to refrain from that as it encourages them to beg as soon as they see trekkers. If you would like to make any type of donation such as school materials or even family support it is better to go through the proper channels and NGOs. Theft is rare in these small villages but can occur so always keep your valuables safe, always lock your room, and don’t leave any clothes hanging during the night. Be sure to bring a good attitude and this Manaslu Tsum Valley trek might be the trek of a lifetime.
How about garbage disposal?
Not all areas have dustbins available and littering becomes a bad habit that slowly destroys the environment, to prevent this Alpine Eco Trek has some rules for garbage disposal. We request all our trekkers to bring with them an eco-friendly garbage bag to stack any type of garbage until we can reach a village that has the proper garbage disposal means. Always use dustbins and never throw anything in the fire as it will damage our precious ozone layer.
How much money should you spend per day?
With not knowing your exact spending habits during a holiday, we can give you an estimate of how much money you should spend per day approx. Please as a reference check also the included section of Alpine Eco Trek’s Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. In Kathmandu per meal, you can spend an average of 9 to 12 dollars per meal, and during the trek, 10 to 15 dollars is ok for some snacks or extras during the trek. Note that during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek ATM facilities are not available so bring the necessary cash to be sure.
Do I need travel Insurance for this trek?
It is absolutely necessary to have travel insurance for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. Always be sure that your insurance policy covers at least emergency evacuation, lost items, liabilities, injuries, and medical treatment. With a proper insurance package, you are safe to undergo this adventurous trek in Nepal and Alpine Eco Trek can provide quick action to offer you based on that policy and insurance the best medical response in case of emergency.
How about washing and Toilet facilities during the trek?
All guest houses or tea houses offer hot water for washing and water for toilet facilities during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. This luxury decreases over time as we head to more remote villages and while some come with a shower, others come by the bucket. Hot water is made by firewood or solar charge, as so it is limited during the peak seasons and requested to use sparingly. At every lodge a washing facility is available you are required to bring your own bathroom products such as soap, toothpaste, etc. Toilets are mostly commodes or Asian squat style with poor flushing so don’t flush toilet paper but use the dustbin available in the commode.
How about the teahouses?
With Alpine Eco Trek’s carefully planned itinerary all villages will have tea houses during the trek. These are charming buildings built by the locals to comfort trekkers during this incredible trip to Nepal. All have simple and comfortable rooms with two narrow beds and a shared or private bathroom available. At these rest stops during the trek food and beverages are available for all. A great way also to discover the unique cultures and lifestyles of the local villagers.
How about the Altitude Sickness during the Manaslu with Tsum Valley expedition?
Prevention for Altitude sickness or also known as AMS Acute Mountain Sickness is best done by keeping an eye on the symptoms and making sure to inform your guide on time so that rest stops can be organized or in high-risk cases a descent. Usually happening above 3300m or 10,000ft where oxygen is less the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek can trigger this affliction if you are not careful. Alpine Eco Trek a master in the field for over two decades has specially trained trekking guides who know how to prevent altitude sickness so be sure to inform them if the following symptoms start to show;
Frequent headaches/dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Tiredness or unusual fatigue
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
How about safety?
Your safety during the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek is of main priority to Alpine Eco Trek. As so all of our trekking guides are trained in extensive first aid and will make the right decisions on time to prevent or aid with any type of emergency. In case of suggestion to descent, the final choice is always yours if you would like to continue or not, with your insurance policy in check, a rescue helicopter can always pick you up from a higher elevation or during an emergency. Prevention is better than cure that’s why Alpine Eco Trek has guidelines towards safety during a trek in Nepal, such as always staying with your group and don’t wander off alone.
Do you have information on permit costs?
Trying to further develop the region there is a Manaslu Tsum Valley trek permit cost. These will help protect the fragile ecosystem, and culture, and help maintain the amazing trails of this trek in Nepal. Depending on in which season you travel the costs can change these permits but usually be included in your trip package. A daily or weekly permit, your TIMS card (Trekking information System Card), an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit), and the MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit) are required for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. Here are the details:
September to November – USD 120 per person/week and USD 10 per day/person for each additional day
December to August – USD 90 per person/ week and USD 7 per day/ person for each additional day
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit) USD 30 or NPR3000
MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit) USD 30 or NPR 3000
Tims Card (Trekking information System Card) USD 20 or NPR 2000
How to obtain a Manaslu Trek Permit?
In order to obtain a valid Manaslu trek permit, you need to hire a government-licensed trekking agency that can through the proper channels apply for your necessary permits during the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. These are and should also be included in your per-person trip rates, always recheck your included sections before booking. Some of the criteria to meet in order to obtain a Manaslu trek permit(s) are:
Hire at least one government-licensed guide from the local trekking agency
Be at least with two people in one group (not including the guide or porter)
Process the permits through a government-authorized trekking agency such as Alpine Eco Trek
What is the cost of a Permit for Children?
The cost for the Manalsu Tsum Valley trek permit for children depends on the age. Below ten years the cost is free and from or above the cost will be the same as per adult. While booking with Alpine Eco Trek you are required to mention any type of children and age during your booking as this can affect your total trip cost. This way we can also make the necessary preparations so that you can travel without worry.
In order to make your trip more comfortable and memorable we also suggest you bring:
A guidebook
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Map
A good sleeping bag
A warm down jacket
Sunglasses (UV protected) and hat (wide-brimmed)
A head torch (as electricity is not available in high mountains)
Hand sanitizer
Medial kit (must include – medicine for cut, injury, diarrhea, altitude sickness, and headache)
Good camera with backup battery and memory card
Favorite snacks as it is not available in the mountains
What makes the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley hiking tour special?
Entering hidden valleys filled with ancient cultures and traditions, crossing high-altitude mountain passes, and facing the spirit of the mountain Manaslu is what makes the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek special. Alpine Eco Trek takes great pride in excellent service with highly trained trekking guides. As so they are sure to inform you about everything and given that level of insight so you become one with the Himalayas. Believing in sustainable tourism we try to promote as much local as we can, this gives you a better insight into the traditions and culture of the local people.