Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek-19 Days

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a unique 19-day adventure that combines two of Nepal’s most restricted and enchanting regions. This trek offers an immersive journey into ancient Buddhist culture and stunning Himalayan landscapes, highlighting the spiritual richness of the “Valley of Happiness” — the remote Tsum Valley.

Nestled in a gentle horseshoe-shaped valley, the Tsum Valley is framed by majestic peaks such as Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, with the Shar Khola and Buri Gandaki rivers enhancing its pristine beauty. The valley is home to sacred monasteries like Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and Rachen Gompa, which preserve the deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist traditions against a breathtaking Himalayan backdrop.

Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush lowlands, deep gorges, and suspension bridges. The route gradually ascends into remote Buddhist villages including Jagat, Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokangparo, and Nile, each offering rich cultural experiences with local monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens. A notable spiritual highlight is a detour to Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, a revered meditation site in the valley.

After exploring Tsum Valley, the trek proceeds to Deng, Namrung, and Sama Gaon, where the towering presence of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) dominates the skyline. A well-deserved rest day in Sama Gaon allows trekkers to visit the legendary Pungyen Gompa or embark on a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp. The journey then continues to Dharamsala, the gateway for the challenging Larkya La Pass crossing.

The trek’s climax is the crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna II, and vast snow-covered Himalayan ridges. The descent to Bhimtang introduces trekkers to the Annapurna Conservation Area with its verdant forests, alpine meadows, and diverse cultural settlements. The final leg from Gho to Tal concludes with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, wrapping up an extraordinary expedition that rejuvenates both body and spirit.

Important Notes

• Arrival and Permit: Everest Destiny Trek kindly requests all clients to arrive in Kathmandu at least one weekday before starting the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. This allows time to obtain the special Manaslu permit, which requires your original passport with a valid Nepali visa. During this period, you will also receive a detailed trip briefing and have your trekking gear checked to ensure you’re fully prepared.

• Transportation: The trek includes public bus transport from Kathmandu, but private jeep rentals are available at an additional cost for those seeking extra comfort.

Online Trip Briefing

To help you prepare, an online briefing is provided after booking. This session covers essential information about the trek, including the equipment checklist, detailed itinerary, and what to expect on the trail. Once you submit your booking and required documents, we will email you the available dates and times for the online briefing.

You will require different gear and clothing depending on the seasons. However, here is a checklist we’ve put together to assist you in packing. Please bring only the necessary items. You can store your extra belongings free of charge at the Everest Destiny Trek office. We provide one porter for every two trekkers, who can carry up to 18 kg of baggage total. This means each trekker’s luggage allowance is 9 kg. So, team up with another trekker and pack both of your gear into one duffle bag (with a capacity above 60 liters).

Head:

• Sun hat with wide brim
  
• Warm beanie for cold weather
  
• Neck gaiter or buff for sun protection and warmth
  
• Lightweight headlamp with adjustable light settings
  
• High SPF sunscreen
  
• Lip balm containing SPF
  
• UV-protected sunglasses
  
• Facial cleansing wipes

Upper Body:

• Quick-dry t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  
• Thermal base layers for cold conditions
  
• Fleece jacket and insulated down jacket
  
• Lightweight puffy jacket for extra insulation
  
• Waterproof and windproof outer jacket (such as Gore-Tex)
  
• Rain jacket
  
• Breathable, lightweight long-sleeve shirt
  
• Four pairs of polypropylene underwear

Hands:

• Warm insulated gloves or mittens
  
• Waterproof gloves for wet weather

Lower Body:

• Quick-drying pants or trousers (convertible or full length)
  
• Insulated pants for colder temperatures
  
• Lightweight cotton trousers
  
• Thermal leggings or long underwear for warmth
  
• Two pairs of thermal trekking pants

Feet:

• Four pairs of thick wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks
  
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and good grip (broken in)
  
• Sandals for camp use or crossing streams
  
• Gaiters to protect against mud, water, and debris
  
• Crampons or spikes

Toiletries:

• Eco-friendly bar soap
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Medium-sized towel for drying
  
• Sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer
  
• Toilet paper in a sealed Ziplock bag
  
• Feminine hygiene products
  
• Travel-sized shampoo
  
• Nail clipper
  
• Small mirror

Backpacks:

• Large duffle bag (60+ liters) for porters (one bag shared between two trekkers)
  
• Personal daypack or backpack (20-30 liters)

Accessories:

• Collapsible and lightweight trekking poles
  
• Water bottle or hydration bladder with at least 2 liters capacity (preferably insulated)
  
• Water purification method (tablets, filter, or UV purifier)
  
• Sleeping bag rated for -10 to -15 degrees Celsius

Extra Items:

• Camera or smartphone with extra batteries and memory cards
  
• Spare batteries or power bank for charging electronics
  
• Two-pin plug adapter
  
• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptics, painkillers, Diamox)
  
• Necessary personal medications (inhalers, allergy medicine, etc.)
  
• Passport-sized photos
  
• Copies of your passport
  
• Notebook and pen
  
• Binoculars
  
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool with scissors and can opener

Complimentary Airport Transfer
We provide a free pick-up and drop-off service from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). When you land at TIA, a Everest Destiny Trek staff member will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name. They will warmly welcome you and transport you to your hotel in a private vehicle. At the end of your trek, our representative will also escort you from your hotel back to the Kathmandu airport.

Trek Orientation
Before you arrive in Nepal, we hold an online trek briefing to share essential details about the journey. During this session, we also verify your packing list to confirm you have all required gear, clothing, and equipment.

Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek Departure
Please plan to arrive in Kathmandu at least two days prior to the trek start. It is important to have an extra weekday before the trek departure for administrative purposes. We require one day to process your special permit for the Manaslu trek, which needs your passport and Nepal visa. If you missed the online briefing, this extra time also allows us to conduct an in-person orientation. On the third day, you will travel by vehicle from Kathmandu to Sotikhola, which marks the beginning of the trek.

Included Local Transportation
The package covers local transport from Kathmandu via Arughat to Soti Khola (the trek starting point) and from Tal to Besisahar, returning to Kathmandu by local bus. If you prefer, private jeep rentals are available at an additional cost.

Accommodation During The Tsum Valley Trek Tour

The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek package includes 18 nights of lodge-to-lodge accommodations at top-quality lodges available along the trekking route. You will need to arrange a three-night hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek, which is not included in the package price. Kathmandu offers a variety of hotels to suit every budget and preference.

Hot showers and Wi-Fi services are accessible in the trekking areas for an additional charge.

Meals on Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Since the Tsum Valley Trek takes place at high altitudes near the world’s 8th tallest mountain, your body will require sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential nutrients. While the food provided in the trekking regions is nutritious, the menu options are somewhat limited.

The trek package covers 19 breakfasts, 19 lunches, and 18 dinners on a full-board basis (including one main dish per meal).

Some commonly served meals include:

• Nineteen breakfasts: Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with jam, butter, cheese, honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, local Tsampa porridge, eggs, pancakes, muesli, breads, fruits, vegetables, and a variety of hot beverages (different teas, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.)
  
• Nineteen lunches: Dhal, Bhat (rice), Tarkari (vegetables), Tibetan bread, assorted soups, Sherpa stew, steaks, sandwiches, momo (dumplings), macaroni dishes, Tenduk spaghetti noodles, thukpa (noodle soup), pasta, vegetable curry, potatoes, salads, pizzas (tomato, mushroom, mixed), snacks like papad and prawn crackers, desserts such as rice pudding and apple pie.
  
• Eighteen dinners: Similar to lunches with dhal, bhat, tarkari, Tibetan bread, soups, Sherpa stew, steaks, sandwiches, momos, macaroni, noodles, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, potatoes, salads, pizzas, snacks, Korean ramen, desserts, and occasionally hard drinks.
  

You will be served fresh, hygienic, delicious, and nourishing meals. The menu blends traditional, Asian, and Western dishes, but options narrow as altitude increases. We strongly advise consuming liquids such as green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup at higher elevations along with fresh vegetables.

Though non-vegetarian dishes are often available, we advise caution as meat hygiene might be questionable. We also recommend avoiding dairy, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks, and hot chocolate since health experts suggest these should be limited at high altitudes.

All personal expenses, including alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks outside the standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and seasonal fruits) at lodges or cafes are not covered in the package.

Luggage Allowance for Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek
The luggage limit per trekker is 9 kg. For every two trekkers, one porter is assigned to carry their combined luggage, with a maximum of 18 kg. It is advisable to carry a small daypack for your valuables during the trek. Please pack only essential items. You can store extra luggage for free at your hotel or the Everest Destiny Trek office.

 The prime trekking seasons for this region are from March to May and September to November.

• Spring (March to May): This period offers exceptional weather conditions for trekking. The temperatures begin to rise from mid-March, and with mostly clear skies, the majestic Mt. Manaslu and nearby glaciers provide breathtaking views. Along the trails, vibrant rhododendron forests burst into bloom. Lower altitude areas (from Sotikhola to Ghap) enjoy daytime highs up to 24°C, while higher elevations (Lho to Bhimtang) reach up to 18°C. Night temperatures in the highlands can drop to around -4°C. Snow from winter typically melts by late March, allowing safe crossing of Larkya La Pass.
  
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the most popular trekking season, favored for stable weather and clear skies after the monsoon ends in August. This season coincides with major Nepali festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhat, adding cultural richness to your experience. Daytime temperatures can reach 25°C in lower regions and about 15°C in higher areas, with nighttime lows dropping to around -6°C. Starting December, snowfall begins in higher elevations, making the trek and the Larkya La Pass crossing very difficult, and some lodges may close.
  

Note: Mountain weather is highly unpredictable and can change suddenly, so always be prepared for varying conditions.

 Each day on this trek offers a special experience — taking in breathtaking views, capturing memorable photos, and visiting traditional local villages. Our knowledgeable, warm, and skilled Sherpa guides will share stories and historical insights about the regions you explore. Porters will handle your main luggage, but you’ll need to carry a small daypack for valuables and important documents.

The day begins with a warm cup of tea or coffee early in the morning. After breakfast, the group usually starts trekking between 7 AM and 8 AM, depending on the planned distance and trail difficulty. Around midday, after trekking for three to four hours, lunch will be served on the trail before continuing after about an hour of rest. Afternoon hikes tend to be shorter, lasting around two to three hours.

Upon arrival at the lodge, tea house, or campsite where you’ll stay overnight, you can enjoy snacks and replenish your energy. There’s time to explore the surroundings before nightfall. Dinner is typically served between 6 PM and 7 PM. After dinner, you can join in relaxed conversations, sharing the day’s experiences with fellow trekkers. The expedition leader or guide will provide a briefing on the next day’s itinerary. Many travelers enjoy playing board games like Monopoly or cards, watching mountaineering documentaries, learning basic Nepali phrases from the crew, or reading before heading to bed for a restful night.

Electricity and Water
Electricity for charging cameras and mobile devices is available in most lodges throughout the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek, but usually at an extra charge.

You can purchase bottled mineral water at lodges and shops along the route, or fill your water bottle with boiled water provided by tea houses and lodges. We highly recommend using water purification tablets for safety.

Avoid drinking water directly from rivers, taps, or wells in trekking areas, as it may not be safe for consumption.

Communication During Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek
Internet access is offered at some lodges for an additional fee. However, once you reach higher elevations, communication will mainly rely on mobile phone signals.

Our team stays in daily contact with all trek groups through the trek leader to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. You can easily purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu, but keep in mind that mobile reception can be weak or unavailable at higher altitudes.

Wi-Fi is generally accessible in lodges and tea houses but comes with extra charges.

Farewell Dinner
At the end of your trek, we will host a special farewell dinner in Kathmandu. This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate your achievement, share memorable moments with your trekking group, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Following the dinner, you will receive your trek completion certificate as a token of your accomplishment.

Departure
Our team will arrange your transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a hassle-free journey home. Please provide us with your hotel name, room number, and departure time in advance. We look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for future trekking adventures.

All international visitors, except Indian nationals, require a valid visa to enter Nepal. Tourist visas are obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at designated land border entry points.

Requirements for visa application include a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photo, and the visa fee (currently US$50 for 30 days, payable in major currencies). Children under 10 years receive a free visa. Nationals of China and SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) enjoy visa-free entry.

Some countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan) may not be eligible for on-arrival visas. If you hold citizenship from these countries, please contact your nearest Nepalese embassy for guidance.

Visa regulations are subject to change; please consult the official immigration website at https://www.immigration.gov.np/ for the latest updates.

We advise allotting a few extra days beyond your trek duration to accommodate possible delays and avoid missing your international flight.

 This trek is rated challenging and carries inherent risks such as altitude sickness, landslides, and other unforeseen hazards. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers.

Your insurance must cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and helicopter rescue up to altitudes of 6000 meters. Before purchasing insurance, verify directly with providers that such high-altitude rescue coverage is included, as not all policies offer this.

You must submit a copy of your insurance certificate to Everest Destiny Trek prior to starting the trek. In emergencies, your insurance will facilitate prompt rescue and medical care.

Currency and Money Exchange
The local currency is Nepali Rupees (NPR). The approximate exchange rate is 1 USD = 130 NPR.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed money changers in Kathmandu and Thamel. These places openly display current exchange rates. Indian Rupee notes of denominations 100 and 2000 are accepted as legal tender in Nepal.

While traveler’s cheques are secure, we recommend cash exchange for convenience and to avoid extra charges. ATMs are widely available, particularly in Kathmandu and Thamel, and typically operate 24/7. Using foreign cards for ATM withdrawals may incur a processing fee and daily withdrawal limits.

Ensure your foreign currency notes are clean and new, as damaged or old notes may be rejected.

Personal Expenses During the Trek
Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu are not included and are your responsibility. Kathmandu offers lodging options for all budgets.

During the trek, personal expenses may include snacks, hot and cold beverages, tips for guides and porters, souvenirs, and any additional insurance purchases or visa fees. We recommend bringing sufficient cash in major currencies to exchange locally.

Trip Difficulty, Fitness, and Health
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek is physically demanding, involving long days of hiking at various altitudes. Lower elevation trekking days (below 3500m) last between 5 to 7 hours, while higher altitude days typically last 3 to 4 hours.

The route involves steep ascents, descents, and uneven trails. Prior hiking experience is beneficial but not mandatory. You should be able to comfortably walk 5 to 6 hours daily carrying a light backpack.

Longer trekking days require good physical fitness. Regular exercise leading up to the trek will improve endurance and enhance your experience. A positive mindset and determination are essential.

Participants with pre-existing heart, lung, or blood conditions should consult us before booking.

Safety Measures
Everest Destiny Trek prioritizes your safety throughout the journey. Our guides are trained in first aid and carry necessary emergency equipment.

If altitude sickness symptoms arise, your trek leader will assess whether to continue or descend immediately. Helicopter rescue is arranged in emergencies and covered by your insurance.

The group treks together to maintain safety and support.

Acclimatization Plan
A rest day at Samagaun (3530m) allows your body to adjust to high altitudes, reducing the risk of acute mountain sickness.

Starting from Sotikhola (730m), the gradual ascent helps acclimate your body as you explore the remote Tsum Valley before proceeding into the Manaslu Circuit.

Your guide will monitor oxygen saturation using an oximeter and advise precautions such as drinking plenty of water (minimum 4 liters daily) and pacing yourself.

 Experienced Sherpa guides, certified by the Nepal government, accompany you throughout the trek. Each porter carries no more than 18 kg, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers (or one porter per person on request).

Our crew, native to the Himalayas, are highly acclimatized to altitude. They receive fair wages, insurance, proper clothing, medical care, and comfortable lodging.

Our team members hold certifications including:

• Wilderness First Aid
  
• Government Trekking Guide License
  
• Conservation and biodiversity knowledge
  
• Fluency in English and other languages
  
• Rock climbing skills
  

We prioritize the well-being and happiness of our staff to ensure they provide excellent service.

Water
During the Manaslu trek, you can purchase bottled mineral water at local lodges and shops along the route. Alternatively, you may fill your water bottle with boiled water at an additional cost. To reduce plastic waste and protect the environment, we strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle. If needed, we provide water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water. For health reasons, avoid drinking directly from rivers, taps, or wells during the trek.

Communication
For reliable communication throughout your Manaslu trek, we suggest purchasing a local SIM card in Kathmandu before you begin. This allows you to stay connected with family and friends or share updates of your adventure. However, mobile network coverage can be limited or weak at higher elevations along the trekking trail. To ensure your safety and peace of mind, our trek leader stays in regular contact with our clients at least once daily. In addition, our team is always ready to offer emergency assistance if required.

Visa
All foreign nationals except Indian citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. Most visitors can conveniently obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at border immigration checkpoints. To apply for a visa on arrival, you must have a passport valid for at least six months, one passport-sized photo, and the visa fee which depends on your planned stay duration. Currently, the fee for a 30-day visa is approximately USD 50. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website at www.immigration.gov.np.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Manaslu trek. Your insurance policy must cover medical emergencies and evacuation costs, including helicopter rescue at high altitudes up to 5,500 meters. This ensures your safety during any unforeseen incidents.

Currency Exchange
Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are the official currency in Nepal, with the exchange rate roughly 1 USD = 133 NPR. We recommend exchanging your money at authorized exchange centers in Kathmandu’s Thamel area, where you’ll find better rates and reliable service. While ATMs are available in Kathmandu, they may charge withdrawal fees and have limits. It’s best to bring fresh, crisp notes, as worn or damaged currency is often rejected by banks and exchange offices in Nepal.

Extra Expenses
Although most trekking costs are covered in your package, you should budget extra money for additional personal expenses such as hot beverages (tea, coffee), cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, extra meal items, device charging fees, Wi-Fi access, souvenirs, and tipping guides or porters. Also, plan for your expenses during your stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.

Booking and Payment Details
Everest Destiny Trek is a registered and bonded tour operator with over ten years of experience. We are members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

Booking requires a 10% deposit, payable via bank transfer, Western Union, or online payment. After booking, please email passport copies, photos, insurance details, and flight information.

Final payment can be made upon arrival in Nepal by cash, bank transfer, or credit card.

Last-Minute Bookings
For last-minute reservations, full payment must be completed at least two days before departure. Obtaining the necessary Manaslu and Tsum Valley permits requires at least one business day.

While we strive to operate treks at any time, last-minute bookings may be affected by unforeseen factors like weather or accommodation availability.

Private Trek Groups
A minimum of two trekkers is required due to permit regulations. For groups of 12 or more, an additional assistant guide is provided. We do not add unrelated trekkers to your group. Larger groups may receive discounted rates.

Responsible Tourism Commitment
We work closely with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to promote eco-friendly trekking. Our trips are designed to minimize environmental impact while benefiting local communities and offering authentic experiences to travelers.