Introduction: Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking
Manaslu Tsum Valley elevation is 2,000m to 3,500m in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The Tsum Valley region is near the Tibetan border. It is Nepal's most scheduled valley, or "Hidden Valley of Happiness" which translates to Beyul Kyimolung in the Tibetan language. The valley provides spectacular views of high mountains, including Ganesh Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Shiringi Himal, Himalchuli, and Manaslu.
Similarly, this enchanting destination is renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage. All along the Tsum Valley route, visitors can see monasteries, chortens, and mani walls, which gives insights into the Buddhist heritage. Tsum Valley is a remote destination with pristine beauty while trekking in the Manaslu region. The outstanding view of the mountain peaks, biodiversity, lush green forests, and many rivers and caves make it one of the best trekking destinations.
While embarking on this trek, we get first-hand experience of the Buddhist culture that has prevailed in the Manaslu region since ancient times. Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa are the prestigious Buddhist monasteries of the region.
Mu Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries in the region, where only male monks reside. The place is close to the Tibetan border, with the possibility of observing the Himalayan Ranger.
Similarly, Rachen Gompa is the only female nun monastery. The place is home to more than 200 nuns, where they primarily teach younger nuns or children about the culture and tradition.
How does the Tsum Valley trek Begin and end?
The Tsum Valley trekking starts from the bustling city of Kathmandu after visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The UNESCO sites include Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and many more. After seeing these cultural and religious sites, we move towards Maccha Khola through a scenic drive. The drive takes visitors along the river bank roads, passing through traditional villages, waterfalls, and hilly landscapes.
Upon arriving in Machha Khola, visitors can pass through the famous Nauli Jharana waterfall. Trekkers can walk along the Budi Gandaki River in this section of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Map. Then, visitors will pass Maccha Khola and head onwards to Jagat. In this section, visitors will pass through two significant villages of the Manaslu region: Dobhan and Tatopani.
Dovan is a small village that lies between green hills. Trekkers can see Siringi and Buddha Himal from here. The Gurung community mainly inhibits Dovan. Similarly, in Tatopani, trekkers make a significant stop to rejuvenate. Tatopani (hot spring) is a natural hot spring widely used before or after embarking in the Manaslu Conservation area or Manaslu region.
After stopping in Tatopani, the trek moves towards Lokpa while walking along the Budi Gandaki River. Lokpa is the first village of Tsum Valley, which lies inside the pine forest. Only a few teahouses are here, solely for business purposes, with views of Siringi and Buddha Himal.
Moving past Lokpa, we will reach Chumling while crossing suspension bridges and walking into the lush forests. Walking past Chokkangparo marks the beginning of the narrow path. After hiking toward Chumling, the next destination is Chokkangparo. Chokkangparo is the biggest village in Tsum Valley, inhabited by lama people, and lama culture prevails here. Despite this, the town provides excellent views of Buddha Himal and Siringi Himal.
After Chokkangparo, we headed northwards to reach Milarepa Prien Phu Cave. The Milarepa is the most sacred cave in the region, as Buddhist monk Milarepa meditated in this cave. After this short diversion in the Tsum Valley route, we reach another culturally rich site called Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is the only male monk monastery close to Tibet. Trekkers who spend the night here get served with a local dish made by monks.
After Mu Gompa, return to Rachen Gompa. Rachen Gompa is a monastery for only nuns. The place has more than 200 nuns who teach younger kids according to the culture. This gumba is the biggest gumba in the Tsum valley. After Rachen Gompa, the next destination is Chumling, followed by Machha Khola and Kathmandu. Arriving in Kathmandu marks the end of the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking.
Special Permits required for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek comes under the Manaslu conservation area. Thus, various permits are required from the Nepalese government to facilitate tourism in such restricted zones. The following is the list of documents and licenses required for the Tsum Valley trek:
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Manaslu Conversation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Tsum Valley Special Permit
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Note: The Manaslu Tsum Valley permit cost is included in the package, so visitors who wish to embark on the trek do not need to pay an additional amount for the permits.
What is the best season/time for Tsum Valley Manaslu Trekking?
Trekkers can do Tsum Valley trekking all year round. Nepal faces four seasons: summer, winter, spring, and autumn. Among these seasons, spring and autumn are the most preferred for trekking. This season gives the best experience in the Tsum Valley trekking.
- Spring: Spring lasts from March to May. The weather is moderate, with clear skies and mild temperatures. The weather is mild and pleasant, with sparkling, vibrant colors. The days are longer, which provides more extended walks. The clear skies offer magnificent views of snow-capped mountains and surrounding landscapes.
- Autumn: Another popular season for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is autumn. Autumn season in Nepal lasts from September to November. The weather remains dry and transparent, making it an excellent time for trekking. The trees change the shades from green to red, orange, or yellow. These vibrant colors enlightens the Manaslu area with colors. Not only this, but the autumn also contains various festivals and ceremonies. The celebrations can be Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, and Indra Jatra. Trekkers who wish to embark on the Manaslu Tsum Valley region can get insights into the region's religion and culture, which can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While Spring and Autumn are the most preferred trekking seasons in the Manaslu Conservation Area, it is possible to trek in winter and summer.
- Winter: Winter lasts from late November to February, which can be a most challenging time for Manaslu trekking. Winter season is recommended for those who wish to have an adrenaline-packed trekking. The trekking trail is covered with thick snow where temperature reaches below -10 degrees Celsius. The water sources are almost frozen and become more difficult at higher altitudes.
- Summer: Summer lasts from May to August. This season is known for heavy rainfall, which causes the trails to become slippery and challenging. Monsoon can lead to difficulty walking as the heavy rainfall in high altitude doesn't have clear visibility. Similarly, walking in the rain for 2-3 hours can cause serious health problems. Even though it is possible to walk in the shower, the cloudy sky will ruin the visibility of the majestic mountains.
Even though the trekking is only recommended for hardcore trekkers, it needs high-level preparation. Anybody wishing to get on with this challenge can be made possible with Holiday Tours Nepal but must be informed beforehand.
Temperature and Weather around Manaslu Tsum Valley
- Spring: The temperature ranges from 2-8 degrees Celsius in March. The temperature in the higher altitude will be lower, while the night temperature can be as low as -6 degrees Celsius. Similarly, small rains and drizzles may be possible, but the rain problems are very low. The day temperature in April ranges from 6-12 degrees Celsius to 12-31 degrees Celsius in May. The night of Tsum Valley is pretty warm, which provides comfortable sleep. The highest number of trekkers for Manaslu Base Camp can be seen during Mid-May.
- Autumn: The average temperature in September for Tsum Valley ranges from 5-7 degrees Celsius. Warm trousers and windproof trousers are highly recommended. Similarly, the best time to trek to the Manaslu region is October. The temperature ranges from 12-15 degrees Celsius, and the night temperature is -2 degrees Celsius. Finally, in November, the temperature ranges from 12-13 degrees Celsius in the lower part, and the average night temperature range from -3 to -6 degrees Celsius.
- Summer: The temperature during June is 25 degrees Celsius, while the night temperature is 5-10 degrees. Similarly, the temperature in July is around 20 degrees Celsius and can be up to 10 degrees in upper Manaslu. During August, the average temperature is 12-18 degrees Celsius and can be as low as 5-8 degrees Celsius.
- Winter: The temperature of Manaslu in December is 8-12 degrees Celsius, while at high altitudes, the temperature can range between -8 degrees Celsius. In January, the day temperature can range from 6-8 degrees Celsius, and the night temperature can range from -6 to -10 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the temperature in February is 6-8 degrees Celsius, and the night temperature can be below freezing point.
Altitude sickness of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking
The highest point in this Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking itinerary is Mu Gumpa, whose altitude is 3,700m/12,139 ft. This is considered a high-altitude region due to the decrease in oxygen level. Therefore, trekkers who are inexperienced in high-altitude trekking are prone to altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a significant problem in high-altitude trekking. AMS is due to ascending to high altitudes without properly acclimating to decreased oxygen levels. There are several other reasons for altitude sickness, which are listed below:
Causes of Altitude Sickness
- Immediate gain of altitude without giving the body a proper time to adapt.
- Failure in properly acclimatize in the reduced oxygen levels.
- AMS can differ from person to person, regardless of age, sex, genetics, or individuality.
- Lack of water intake or dehydration increases the respiratory rate with the risk of altitude sickness.
- Beginners with low physical fitness who tend to embark on high-altitude trekking are more susceptible to acute mountain sickness.
- An individual who has previously experienced AMS is more likely to develop it again.
Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness
The following are the common Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Sleeping Trouble
These are the severe symptoms of Altitude Sickness
- Breathlessness
- Irritation
- Heart Palpation
- Blue ting in Skin and Nail
- Coughing
- Inability to walk in a straight line
Complications of AMS
There are two severe, life-threatening complications of AMS, they are:
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): This is the condition where fluids accumulate in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): This is another severe form of AMS characterized by the brain's swelling.
Prevention of Altitude Sickness
- Get immediate help from a medical person or guide as you feel uneasy in the high-altitude region.
- Avoid smoking and drinking in high-altitude regions.
- Pack all the necessary first aid kits and medication to avoid complications.
- Only climb with experienced guides.
- Increase the fluid intake ratio to reduce the chances of dehydration. Drink up to 6 liters of water per day.
- Avoid using sleeping tablets or any other unprescribed medicines.
- Study about altitude sickness, its complications, and significant symptoms.
Food in Tsum Valley Manaslu trek
The Tsum Valley Manaslu trek can drain the energy of trekkers, so to reenergize the body requires good nutritious food. Energy bars and packed fruits can be bought along; however, the main courses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner must be proper. Trekkers must also understand the food options well to know what to eat during the 15-day Tsum Valley trekking.
Holiday Tours Nepal has classified the food options based on eating time in the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
- Breakfast: Chapati(bread) with a mix of vegetables and pulses, Toast with jam, cheese, honey or butter, Museli bread, cornflakes, Oatmeals, Local Tsampa porridge, beans, eggs, pancakes, Fruits, potatoes, sherpa stew.
- Lunch: Dal Bhat and Tarkari (Lentil soup, Rice, and Vegetables), Vegetables, Soups, Thenduk (Spaghetti Noodles), Tibetan bread, Potatoes, Thukpa, Curries, Pasta, Macaroni, Mo: Mo, Sandwiches, sherpa stew, steaks.
- Dinner: The dinner options can include; Dal Bhat Tarkari, Soups, Potatoes, Tibetan bread, pizza, Mo: Mo, Chowmein, Macaroni, Thenduk, Thukpa, Vegetable curry, Pasta and Macaroni.
There are several other options from which you can choose. Besides all the food, be sure to drink plenty of liquids. Non-alcoholic beverages like milk, juice, tea (Milk, black, ginger, lemon, green, or any other variety), and coffee can be found. At the same time, alcoholic drinks like beer, whiskey, rum, gin, brandy, and wine can be savored.
However, Holiday Planner Nepal advises our fellow travelers not to drink any alcoholic drink on the way to Tsum Valley as alcohol causes dehydration and can cause complications.
Accommodation in Manaslu Tsum Valley
Apart from good food, the accommodation facilities make the Manaslu trek comfortable. The team from Holiday Tours Nepal will choose the best lodge for the night in the Manaslu region. We will select lodges depending on the amenities, cleanliness, and your total Manaslu Tsum Valley cost. Here is a brief overview of the types of accommodation facilities that can be seen on the Manaslu Tsum Valley map:
- Teahouses: Teahouses are the primary place to accommodate and spend the time. They provide simple facilities of beds and blankets. The bathrooms of this type are shared. However, they are the best option for a Budget trek to Tsum Valley.
- Lodges: These are more expensive accommodation options than teahouses. Comparatively, they have better facilities for beds and blankets. They provide cozy rooms with heating systems. Trekkers will have attached bathrooms. However, lodges are mostly packed during peak season, so pre-booking such places must be done during the high tourist season.
- Guest house: This is another option for Tsum Valley. This enables trekkers to stay with the locals and savor home-cooked meals. This allows communication with the locals and understanding their way of life in the Himalayan region.
- Camping: This is another thrilling experience in the Tsum Valley trekking of Manaslu region. Camping at a higher altitude is an exciting experience that can rejuvenate any individual who tends to be closer to nature. However, it is essential to know that high-altitude camping requires more logistic preparations, so it must be handled on prior notice.
Note: Hot showers are available during the trek. However, they need to pay extra. Bucket hot showers are the common shower option. Geezer hot and solar hot showers are uncommon and can be found only in luxury stays.
Is Travel insurance required for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking?
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking. It is optional, however, as the Tsum Valley Route is challenging due to physical factors and various other factors. So, travel insurance can ease the experience in any unforeseen circumstances. Some of the advantages of having Travel insurance are as follows:
Travel insurance helps to cover any accidental injuries which can occur during the trek.
It can cover emergency evacuation costs or any medical emergencies. However, an individual must purchase this particular policy to claim it. Read all the details, as the procedure may vary according to the altitude.
- It can help compensate for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.
- It helps compensate for delayed, canceled, or emergency transportation trips.
- Suppose valuable documents like a passport, visa, or other travel documents are lost. In that case, insurance can help make up for it.
- If an individual is liable for any damage of property or legal expenses during the trip can be covered by insurance.
- Helps indirectly assist you with financial protection, giving you peace of mind.
Note: Holiday Planner Nepal does not provide travel insurance. To get travel insurance, you must buy them individually from an insurance company. Similarly, buy the policy that covers all the points mentioned above and read them carefully, as they are different for different altitude trekking.
Internet and Electricity around Manaslu Tsum Valley
Communication, Internet, and Electricity are the standard amenities in daily life. However, the situation is different in Manaslu. Trekkers can get SIM cards from Holiday Tours Nepal that will be free of cost. This will enable communication and the Internet throughout their stay in Nepal.
However, it is essential to know that communication might get interrupted as trekkers move to the higher remote areas.
Likewise, Wi-Fi and electricity (Charging) facilities are found in the teahouses or lodges. However, it can only be used in the hotel lobby. Trekkers also need to pay extra for charging or using Wi-Fi in the accommodation, which can increase the cost of the trek.
Therefore, Holiday Planner Nepal recommends bringing spare solar batteries or power banks to charge all the necessary electronics. This will help to cut the cost and provide uninterrupted service.
Water and purification tablets
Trekkers need to drink a minimum of six liters of water every day. Be sure to carry water bottles of that capacity (plastic is not recommended) and fill them with boiled or filtered water. Visitors can find water taps all along the route; however, intake of such water directly can be dangerous. Similarly, the cost of hot water is also high in these areas.
Therefore, Holiday Tours Nepal recommends buying water purification tablets before drinking water. These pills can be purchased at a cheap price and contain 50 pieces, and one pill can be used for 1 liter of water.
