Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Absolutely right! For the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Restricted Area trekking you need two people. I will be trying to find the other trekkers during this time. If this is not possible then, we can organize trekking permits only for solo travelers and also for ghost permits.   
We have organized many solo trips every year. So, it is possible to organize the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek solo with Government government-authorized Trekking Guide.  
 

The best time for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is autumn (September to November) and Spring ( March to May). As this is high-altitude trekking over the Larkya La pass (5,160m), it is an adventurous journey in the Himalayas. So, we need to be well prepared with good equipment and updated weather forecasts. I will keep in touch with our Guide every day about trail conditions and about Weather forecasts. If I back to my experience since 2000, we have successfully organized this trek in winter also. So, let’s hope positive, everything will go in the right form. “The Law of Attraction”.   

Well, for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, public buses are available from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, three buses leave in the morning from 6:00 am to 8:00  and one bus leaves from 5 to 6 pm as a night Bus service. The road is mostly black-topped to the Arughat bazaar. Still, some parts of the road immediately left from Kathmandu Valley are under construction, so it is bumpy and dusty in the current situation. The bus takes 9 to 10 hours from Kathmandu to Machhakhola to replace the Jeep/Bus from the Arughat Bazaar.

As this is a long drive, I highly recommend you take a private Jeep for safety and much more comfort with Air conditioning. The private vehicle will be almost one hour shorter. The private jeep costs about USD 230 to 250 for one way.

As Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is designed for mountains lover who would like to visit the foot of the world's eighth-highest mountain Mount Manaslu (8,163m), and its surrounding pristine nature. This is high altitude trip crossing through the Larkya La Pass 5160 meters. I am sure you are physically fit for the Manaslu trip, and for the high altitude sickness also you do not have to worry about this trip, due to begin from a Low elevation at Arughat (535m) and goes gradually to the Tsum Valley side at Mu Gumba (3700) highest elevation. Then drop to Pewa below (1766m) and again gradually head up to Larkya Pass at an elevation of 5160m. And you have an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun also. So, your body will be already well acclimatizing before getting into the past, as a result, you can cross-pass without any problem.

Compare to the other passes like Everest and Annapurna, the Larkya Pass is much easier. The trail from Dharamshala goes gently until to the top, you are not feeling going to pass. But other passes like Thorangla (5416m) at Annapurna, Chola Pass (5420), and Kongma La in Everest Region are more difficult.

However, you need to be physically fitness and mentally well prepared to walk 4 to 5 hours most of the day and someday 8 to 9 hours at the high elevation. According to our guest history, we have successfully organized this trip without any disturbance. I wish you will also put another record in our client’s history. 

You need to do some physical exercise a few months prior then your trip.  You may, hiking every weekend for 1 to 2 hours or do cardiologist exercise or do yoga and meditation every day or do Zumba dance exercise or participate in the health club, etc. This trek can do by first-time trekkers also if you are an Intermediate hiker, this is best for you. Keep your strength continue.

We have designed our Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek itinerary 22 days long. However, the itinerary will be depending upon the travel agency, and the number of days might vary. Our itinerary is professionally designed, making sure you get enough time to enjoy the journey and acclimatize along the way.

Yes, the Guide and porter will go with you from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and at the trekking ending point to Kathmandu as part of your trek group.
 

This is the most important question. Normally, drinking water and boiled water are not included in this cost, all of the places you can buy drinking water entire trail (can buy or filter) but self-purification methods will be best regarding environmental issues. So, please bring with you a purification machine or some other drugs for water treatment. And normally you need a minimum of 3 litter’s water each day, so considering this, bring a water bottle of about 4 liters for each of you.

You are right, except for the dessert and snacks three times the meals (breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are included every day. You can choose the food from menu cards, whatever you like to have. While having one item meal is not sufficient for you, then you can order second food as well. But Nepalese culture said “Do not Waste Food”, this food might be a source of surviving the other hunger.

I wish everything will go accordingly to schedule without any interruption. If in case, anybody can’t continue due to sick or injured, at the time one of your assistants will staying with her/him to take care and the rest of the group and will be heading for the destination. According to the condition of sick people, our Guide consults with you and makes a decision, either stay at the same place or descend to a lower place or need rescue.

We have two Guides and three helpers for this trip and the bag will carry by Yaks/Dzomo or Zhom. As you have a specific time (normally need to follow a schedule, due to us already booked the hotel entire trip and get the destination.

Yes, if you are already two people, it is available according to your time and date. We are happy to organize your trip according to your arrival date. 
 

I am glad to hear from you. First, I would like to explain to you about terms of Trekking permits on Restricted Areas; the itinerary is flexible for normal trekking routes, except for restricted area trip dates, if you wish to change the trip itinerary, you can talk with your guide and possibly to change according to your requirements. During the Manaslu trip, the restricted area starts from Jagat (please see the itinerary), this is the entry point for both restricted areas (Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit). So, the first section trek Tsum Valley permits a count from Jagat to back to Lokpa for 8 days. Then count for Manaslu restricted Area on the second section Lokpa to beyond.

Apart from exceptional cases, it doesn't allow you to overstay then your permit's valid date. So, it is mandatory to fix the minimum trip days to spend in both restricted Areas (Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit) before submitting the permit. It is not possible to add permits on additional days on the spot.

As this is our profession, we are always concerned about your ultimate satisfaction, which you exchange the trip with your valuable money and precious time. We update every trekking trail condition by locals before starting your trip. In case, if suddenly any obstacles (Such; as a political crisis, natural calamity or health concern, etc.) occur while on the trip even if we don’t wish it. In this case, your trip might be shorter than the scheduled. We hope you are understood about this phenomenon. The amount that you paid us is not refundable, due to us having paid to government vat, tax, and others proposed. But we are happy to provide you alternative trip according to your remaining time and cost worth.

Well, in our services we will provide you with Duffle bags, Down jackets, and Sleeping bags during the trip (need to return back after the trip) but not trekking poles. Most of the things (trekking gars) you can buy or hire in Kathmandu at a reasonable price. For pairs of trekking poles, the cost starts at 8 USD to above depending on the quality. I am glad to assist you to find those. Hiking poles will be best for the descending trail.

There are regular public buses every day from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar that leaves early in the morning (5:50 to 8:30 AM. Obviously, public bus is more crowded and take a long time. As you are asking for a private Jeep (Scorpio/ Land cruiser 6 to eight sitters), this is the best option for a much more comfortable journey for the whole day. To hire private vehicles cost will be about 200 to 250 USD for a single way.

There are several side trips on Manaslu Trek, it depends on how many days of trek you are looking for… it depends on a combination with Tsum Valley or only Manaslu Circuit. If you do not have more time then we suggest doing the only Manaslu Circuit trek with some side trip. Visit Tibet Border Ruila Pass (4,998m) from Samdo, Phungen Gumba from Sama Gaun or Shyala, to explore Kalo Tal from Prok Village and visit Himalchuli Base Camp (4020m) from Sho Village are the most popular side trip for Manaslu. For more detail about the Manaslu Circuit Side trek.

Normally, organizing all trekking permits, especially Tsum Valley and Manaslu Restricted area permits takes almost one day. So, if you have time, put two days before starting the trek. If you wish to start trekking in 9th-October, then we will organize trekking permits on 8th-Oct and you need to arrive 7th-October or early morning or before noon 8th of October. 
 

Except for restricted area trip dates, if you wish to change the trip itinerary, you can talk with your guide. The itinerary is flexible. But in fact, the restricted area starts from Jagat (please see the itinerary), this is the entry point for Manaslu restricted area. Apart from exceptional cases, you can’t overstay the day of the permit. So, you must fix the day’s trip to spend in both restricted Areas before making a permit. It is not possible to add permits on additional days on the spot.

Regarding the bag for the porter; he will be happy to carry one bigger bag rather than two small bags. If you already have a rucksack, please bring your rucksack rather than the duffle bag. A rucksack (50 to 70 liters) is better to carry for the porter. But if you don’t have a rucksack, no problem bringing whatever you have got. We at Nepal Mother House also provide the duffle bag entire trip if you needed. For the day bag; you need each of you a day bag (15 to 30 liters) to keep your valuable things and water.

 For 4 to 5 days at begging, it will be hot during the day, it will be about 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. And at the highest point in Larkya Pass (5,160 m) will be 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during daytime and night and early morning will be 0 to -10 degrees Celsius outside. But it will depend on the following day's weather conditions too. Normally, during this time weather is perfect. But the high Himalayan weather condition is unpredictable. It might be rain or snow at any time. Let’s, do things well then everything goes perfectly. If you have a -6°C sleeping bag, it is good enough, if you feel not enough every tea house provides a blanket as well.

Regarding the sleeping pads; the entire Manaslu trip is well known as a tea house, and Homestay is the basic trek, they provide the bed with quite good matters, normally you do not need to bring to it which might be because of more weight, but if you have the blowing mattress then it is good sense to bring with you. But normally we are not suggesting bringing them for Manaslu Trek.

Well, you can decide to take a porter for your comfortable trip and hire a private Jeep to Machhaklhola and Dharapani to Kathmandu one month before your trip departure date.
 

We offer high-quality, 15°C - 20°C rated sleeping bags for basic hire, which is already included in the package cost. If you would like to rent a sleeping bag, it will cost NPR 70 to NPR 150, depending on the various categories. These are professionally cleaned and sanitized after each use.
 

Yes, Rui La Pass (5,160m) can be added to your itinerary! This extension typically requires 1 extra day due to the challenging side trip from Samdo. We are glad to organize the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, including Rui La Pass. 

We offer porter services at 20–25 per day, which includes the porter’s salary, insurance, meals, transport, and accommodation. A durable duffel bag (50–80 L) will be provided for the porter to carry your gear. You’ll need to pack your personal items into this bag (weight limit: 20–25kg, including porter 4.5 kg gear). 

Yes! We provide secure, complimentary luggage storage at our Kathmandu office for items you don’t need on the trek. Your belongings will be safely stored in locked facilities until your return. Also, the hotel where you will stay provides a luggage storage service. You can store either as per your comfort.

Yes, compared to previous years, it is very easy to get an arrival visa at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) in Kathmandu. It also depends on how many tourists are in the queue. Although normally, in 10 to 45 minutes, you can get a visa,. Likewise, collecting the baggage takes some time, so you will be meeting us at the arrival terminal within 1 to 2 hours after you land.

For a porter, the best type of bag is typically a durable duffel bag or rucksack as it’s easier for them to carry using their traditional methods. As long as you make sure the total weight of both bags taken altogether does not exceed 20-25 kg to avoid overloading the porter, your two 60-70L bags should work well.

Often carrying bags strip on their head, porters balance the weight on their back by use of a strap. For two bags, he will tie them together and carry them. Or if it is possible to adjust both of your gears in one bag would also be another option. To make it easier for them, try to pack the bag seventy and use compression sacks to reduce bulk. Also, make sure the bags are waterproof or have rain covers, as they will likely be exposed to the elements.

You could make the remaining payment once you arrive in Kathmandu. At our office, we use payments in cash (USD, pounds sterling, etc., or NPR) as well as credit cards/debit cards. If you choose a card, keep in mind that it may come with a 4% service charge on it. 
If possible, I would like to suggest you pay in cash in USD. (Notes: The $100 bill should be dated/Series 2009 or the most recent version; bills earlier than 2000 are not accepted for exchange in Nepal.) Once you arrive, we recommend using notes instead of cards or other forms of cash.
However, if it is too complex for you, you may pay by card (+4%). You can additionally pay in the currency of your choice (bills ranging from $100 to $200).
 

Regarding trekking authorizations: once you arrive in Kathmandu, a member of our team will help obtain the appropriate permits. You will not have to take care of this on your own. Just provide us with a copy of your passport,two passport-sized pictures, and your Nepal visa, and we will take care of the rest. 

You may explore some of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hence, the trekking permit office will remain closed on Saturdays and public holidays.