Tsum Valley Trek 18 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle, Public Jeep/ Van and Bus
  • Activity Cultural City Tour, Trekking/hiking
  • Best Season March- May and Sept- Dec
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 16 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 3700m/12,139ft

Highlights

  • A day in Kathmandu visiting Cultural Heritage Sites
  • Trek through beautiful natural settings including terrains, hills, and forests
  •  Amazing view of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli from Chhokangparo
  • Explore the Chumling gompa
  • The mesmerizing view of Shringi Himal from Chumling
  • Visit the largest monastery of Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa
  • Dephyudonma Gompa, the oldest gompa in the Tsum Valley
  • Explore Milarepa Cave also known as Piren Phu(Pigeons Cave)
  • Bath in Tatopani, a hot spring on the way to Khola Besi

Tsum Valley Trek Overview

Tsum Valley area is considered to be a holy Himalayan pilgrimage valley geographically perched in the northern Gorkha district of Nepal. 'Tsum' is a derivation from the Tibetan word 'Tsombo', which means ‘vivid’. Stories of yore say that Tsum Valley was a distinct geographical area called 'Tsum Tso Chucksums', which means ‘thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. Whatever the history of this ancient valley, we enjoy & experience the wonderful festivals of Lhosar, Dhachyhang, Saka Dawa & Fanning among a host of other ancient festivities celebrated hereabouts. The Tsum people have their way of family life, which may be quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

We begin this venture with a scenic overland trip to Macha Khola, a riverbank local hub & a business junction of sorts, where we start our actual trek up its gorge, as we plod over numerous hillocks through hospitable villages where the local folks even invite us over for some ‘Chay’ {butter tea} or even a hot local meal. At a little town called Philim, we turn east, over a ridge of pine and rhododendron forest, to find our way into the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. The broader upper valley lies in a north-south direction which we will happily explore for six superb days.

The Tsum Valley trail brings us to Nupri “the western mountains” through bamboo forests to Around the Manaslu Circuit trail offering views of Himal Chuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli (7873m), and Manaslu at (8156m) that become the roots for the glaciers that flow from their flanks. In the village of Samagaon, we visit the quiet Kargu Choling Monastery and Pungyen Gompa which are wonderful to visit on the way. A high trail from this point leads us to the Manaslu Base Camp. We also come across Mu Gompa & Rachen Gompa which is a nunnery, if you feel so you can go in & interact with these young nuns; you will get some pleasant surprises. Views from this point into Tibet are simply out of this world!! Along the Tsum Valley, we also visit the village of Chekampar with its slated roof stone houses that rest against a cliff; the local folks grow barley, maize, buckwheat & potatoes hereabouts.

The holy valley conserves the steps of the great Buddhist Yogi Chyuchin Milarepa and the story about Guru Padmasambhava's circumambulation is sometimes told late into the night. The local folks hereabouts are known to never slaughter animals, even if it’s for appeasing the gods. And the gods seem to appreciate this act as the fauna are found full & plenty in this region. This quiet but otherwise stunning Valley is surrounded by the Buddha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and Sringi Himal to the Nort seemingly protecting this peaceful valley from the penetrable powers of evil, and finally, get back to Kathmandu via Arughat Bazaar. 

Itinerary

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A representative from the Adventure Club Trek will receive you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After going through your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be driven to your respective hotel on Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle. After you take a rest for some time at the hotel suite, you will be called for an orientation session with your trekking guide over a welcome dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,264ft

After breakfast, our city guide will take you to the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath stupa, the famous Buddhist monkey temple is located on the hill from where you can get a picture of Kathmandu valley from a bird’s view. Pashupatinath temple, one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, is located in the eastern part of the city. Likewise, Buddhanath is the largest spherical stupas in Asia. You will also visit the Kathmandu Durbar Squire, a centuries-old royal palace, now turned into national museums, temples, and other buildings, with the finest architecture, fine cuts, and wood carvings. In the afternoon, we get our equipment checked by our Trekking leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast.
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,264ft

We set off early today for Sotikhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain scenery. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m) but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola.Overnight in Soti Khola.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude700m/2,296ft

Today, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along with rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude870m/2,952ft

The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2340m/7676ft

After completing the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. Philim valley is well known for its Japanese-made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. Overnight at Chisopani.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,040m/6,692ft

After Ekle Bhatti cross the gorge and half an hour walk on the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of the Himalchuli mountains at 7893m  and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, descend half an hour towards Lungwa Khola, and climb jick jack difficult trail further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa and the stone streets of the village.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,386m/7,828ft

The trek starts with crossing the suspension bridge today. We walk on the other side and enjoy the views of Ganesh Himal walk towards Rainjam towards Serpu Khola. We cross one more bridge and head towards a village named Gho. We walk further 2 hours to finally walk to the upper Tsum valley and reach Chokhangparo. Overnight in Chokhangparo.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,031m/9,944ft

While climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too. We make a small visit and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well-managed villages Lar (micro hydropower), Phurba, and Pangdun. Leaving the old historic Stupa of Buddha in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at the Nile. If you consider we can make your visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located at the top of the area. Overnight in the Nile.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,361m/11,026ft

We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa. Overnight in Mu Gompa.  

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3700m/12,139ft

Today we spend the day resting and exploring the Mu Gompa, the other Tibetan landscapes, and the most remote area of this Tsum valley. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. After completing the exploration at Mu Gompa, we can also consider walking to the base of the Pika Himal (4,865 m). Overnight in Mu Gompa.  

 

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3700m/12,139ft

Trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally, we arrive at Burgi village. The Burgi village is a small beautiful village. Climb up to the Milarepa's Cave Milarepa Cave (piren Phu) is known for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal, and Churke Himal.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,245m/10644ft

Today we walk back the trail to Chhule and Phurbe. On the east bank of Shiar Khola, we arrive at Burgi village. This village is small and beautiful. We climb up the Milarepa cave famous for the mesmerizing view of the Kipu Himal, Churke Himal, and Poshyop glacier.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,386/7,827ft

The trail continues to Lokpa. After lunch south on a flat trail, we move ahead. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Finally arrive at Philim after 6-7 hours long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillip village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,570m/5,103ft

We walk down towards Sirdibas then to Jagat and further descend to Yaruphant. The Tibetan arid climate can be seen gradually changing over to the subtropical green vegetation. We continue descending down towards Dovan and finally reach Tatopani. There is a hot water spring at Tatopani if preferred one can take a dip into it to relax the tired muscles. We further walk down and finally reach Khorlabesi.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude970m/3182ft

The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude700m/2,296ft

Climb up to the ridge of Kyorpani. Descend down to the cascading waterfall. Trekking further arrive at Arkhet. Cross the Arkhet Khola. We are now leaving the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Sante Bazaar; pass through the forests to Maltar. Finally, passing by the hydroelectric plant following the stone streets, we arrive at the Arughat Bazar. Back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces, and villages on both sides of the road. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,350m/4,429ft

The Adventure Club Trek ensures that you enjoy the trip and have a pleasant experience. We hope whenever you visit Nepal, you would allow us the opportunity to serve you for any other trek, tour, or outdoor sports. We will be pleased to serve you. The Adventure Club Trek will arrange for your transportation to the international airport on a private vehicle for your final flight departure. Our representatives will see you at the airport.

Note: If you still have a few days after the trekking schedule, you might be interested to experience other adventurous activities like jungle safari, Rafting, Bungee jumping, and paragliding. You may contact the Adventure Club Trek for the arrangement.

  • MealsBreakfast

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Trip Map

Tsum Valley Trek 18 Days map

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle. 
  • Standard twin sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the Itinerary 
  • Best available twin sharing Teahouse or  lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu including temples’ / monuments’ entrance fees and private vehicle
  • Welcome and farewell dinner.
  • Surface transfer from Kathmandu – Arughat by private bus /jeep and Arughat to Soti Khola by local jeep and return back to Kathmandu
  • Government licensed, English speaking guide trained in wilderness first aid
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Assistant trekking guides walk with the group to support as necessary
  • Staff costs include their, Food, salary, accommodation, transportation, and medicine.
  • Insurance covers all staff, including porters as per state law.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
  • All necessary paper works (Annapurna and Manaslu conservation fees, special trekking permit for Tsum valley)
  • Complimentary Adventure Club Trek T-shirt, Trekking map
  • Duffel bag for trekking 
  •  Exclusive Medical Kit Bag (carried by your trek leader)
  • Travel and rescue arrangement.
  • All Government and Local taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa (15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD, and 90 Days – 125 USD)
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the request)
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
  • Personal travel insurance and medical bills
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)

Useful Info

Food on the Tsum Valley Trek

All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — will be provided during the trek, and breakfast will only be provided in Kathmandu. We host welcome and farewell dinners for our guests. During the trek, we have breakfast and dinner at tea-houses or lodges where we spend nights while there will be lunch at tea-houses on the way. You have the option to choose from Nepali, continental, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines. As we take care of our guests, we ensure that you are getting healthy food. We prioritize locally produced organic food and also provide you with seasonable fruits.

Note: If you are a vegetarian, let us know in advance so that we could make proper arrangements of food as per your wish during the trek

Drinking Water on the Tsum Valley Trekking

Adventure Club provides all the meals on the trek but doesn't provide water. The best option is to treat the local water either with chlorine/iodine tablets or use a steripen. The tea houses will give you good quality free water and, you can also get along the trail but, you will need to treat it. If you are using the tablets make sure they dissolve completely (about 30 mins). On most treks, you can buy mineral water along the trail. A liter of mineral water at lower elevation tea houses costs around USD 1 but at higher elevations can cost up to $4 so the cost can add up.

Accommodations on the Tsum Valley Treks

You will be accommodated in a three-star standard hotel in Kathmandu and tea houses/guesthouses during the trek. Note that the Manaslu region is a newly developed trekking destination therefore the facilities in the teahouses will be pretty basic. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement is available and will cost an additional.

Electricity, WIFI, and  Battery  Recharge on the Tsum Valley Trails

Electricity is available in all teahouses where you will be spending the night. You can recharge your phones, laptop, or other electronic gadgets from solar panels or community hydroelectricity by paying a nominal charge. We strongly recommend you bring extra batteries or rechargeable power banks for backup. Regarding Wi-Fi, there are no free hotspots along the trekking trail and the cellphone coverage is very poor, so we do not encourage carrying your laptop. Some teahouses do offer paid Wi-Fi services on an hourly basis but don’t expect high-speed connectivity on the remote trails.

Getting there and away

In the morning we drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu. The highway meanders together with the Trishuli River as we pass by the countryside Dhading Besi Bazaar and further cross Arughat to reach Machha Khola. The trek starts from Gorkha, home of the legendary Gorkha soldiers, and follows the meandering Budhigandaki river or the Darundi river before reaching Larkya La Pass (5,106 m.) and crossing over into the Manang district of Annapurna Conservation Area.

Acclimatization, and High-altitude sickness

The acclimatization planned during the trip helps trekkers adapt to the environment with less oxygen. Our body needs time to adjust to the higher altitudes. Rushing to the higher elevation without acclimatization may result in acute mountain sickness (AMS) which could be fatal. The trekkers may suffer from AMS above 2,400m/7,875ft as the amount of oxygen becomes less and less with the increase in elevation.

We can categorize AMS into three categories with its symptoms. The trekker suffering from normal AMS feels giddy, gets headaches, Nausea, and is out of breath, and is suggested not to worry as it disappears after the body gets used to less amount of oxygen. Likewise, trekkers suffering from mild AMS show symptoms of dizziness, muscular pain, insomnia, headache, vomit, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Mild AMS can be treated with anti-headache medicines.

A person suffering from serious AMS shows heightened symptoms including shortness of breath even while taking rest. The trekker with serious symptoms can barely walk and fluids may build up in the lungs. The trekker having serious AMS has to be taken to the lower altitude immediately.

Advanced cases of AMS

If AMS is not treated in time, it can be life-threatening and lead to edema, a condition in which fluid is accumulated in the tissues of the body. Following are the two serious altitude sicknesses caused at high altitudes.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

In HACE, the brain gets swollen which can lead to coma and even death. Its symptoms are paralysis on one side of the body, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, bowel dysfunction, loss of coordination, and confusion. Descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible to prevent the worsening of the condition.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Fluid is accumulated in the lungs which also increases the capillary pressure. Its symptoms include severe shortness of breath at rest, dry cough that later leads to producing pink frothy sputum, and fatigue.

Important Note: Severe cases of AMS are pretty rare. All our guides at the Adventure Club Trek, are aware of the symptoms of AMS and can handle it with care.

We prioritize acclimatization, talk about the use of Diamox beforehand and counsel all our trekkers on the risk and preventive factors before and during the trip. Your safety is our main concern.

Equipment And Packing List

We recommend that you bring the items to the list below. If your trek is longer or shorter than that, appropriate adjustments can be made, reflect the specific requirements, season, and length of the trip. The items marked with an asterisk (*) will be provided by Adventure Club Trek at no additional cost. You are welcome to use your such articles if you already have them and prefer your own. Many of the trekking items can be bought cheaply in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu; quality will vary, with the items imported from China often being of higher quality. There are also several high-end shops in Kathmandu which carry well-known brands. Since your pack will be carried by our porters, please remember the weight limitation is 15kg (33 lbs since there is nothing there but some prayer flags. Also, please note that you did not send me any list of gear.

* The Adventure Club Trek will lend each trekker a set of down Jackets, sleeping bags,s and duffle bags.

* Our main guide, trained in wilderness first aid, will carry a comprehensive medical kit.

Important Documents and Items

  • Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets.
  • Dollars, pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepali visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, and snacks, and for purchasing your drinks and gifts.
  • Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc

 HEAD

  • Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
  • Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Prescription sunglasses (if required)

UPPER BODY

  • Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket *
  • Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

LOWER BODY

  •  Non-cotton underwear briefs
  • 1 pair of Hiking shorts
  • 1 pair of hiking trousers
  • 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
  • 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
  • 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

FEET

  • 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
  • 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
  • 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
  • 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
  • Cotton socks (optional)
  • Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

HANDS

  • 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
  • 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
  • 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

TOILETRIES

  • 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
  • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Female hygiene products
  • Small mirror
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue /toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial handwash

SLEEPING

  • 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
  • Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Rucksack and Travel Bags
  • 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
  • 1 large duffel bag *
  • A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
  • Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
  • 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

MEDICAL

  • Small, personal first-aid kit. (Simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylpolyamine
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.
  • Water purification tablets or the water filter
  •  Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
  • Extras/Luxuries
  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guide book
  • Journal and pen
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)

Visa And Entry Procedures

Everyone needs a visa to enter Nepal except Indian nationals. Citizens of the SAARC nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan do not require visas for a period of 30 days. Fortunately, getting a Nepal visa is an easy process. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the international airport and official overland entry points. However, travelers from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia are not issued visa on arrival. After you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will find electronic kiosks that will assist your visa processing. Taking the completed form and paying the visa fee, you need to stay in the long immigration queue for your visa on arrival.

Visitors can now apply for online visa within15 days of their arrival date in Nepal. For this, you will need your Nepal hotel address and a digital passport-sized photo that needs to be uploaded to the online application. After submitting the form online, you need to print out the confirmation page which has to be furnished at the immigration section in Kathmandu airport along with your passport and the required visa fee. You can apply for your online Nepal visa here.

Tourists can also apply for a Nepali visa at the local Nepali Embassy or Consulate located in their respective countries. Or, they can even mail their visa application to the visa office near their location, but well ahead of time to allow sufficient processing time. Nepal visa information for all categories of travelers and their correspondence cost can be very handy, so for more information and contact details of the Nepali Embassies and Consulate around the world, you may CLICK HERE.

Whichever way you enter Nepal, you will be given a 15/30/90 day visa as per your requirement. The general Nepal tourist visa fee on arrival for multiple entries is:

15 days – US$30, 30 days – US$50, and 90days – US$125

Tourist visas can be extended for a maximum of 150 days in a year and these extensions are granted only at the department of immigration offices at Pokhara and Kathmandu. For more information on Nepal visa, visit our visa information page.

Our Trekking Guides/Leaders 

Here at Adventure Club, our staff is like family. We only use locals to support their communities and we train our staff rigorously to be the best they can be – for you! 

  •  Full first aid training
  • Guide Training (trekking)
  • English and other common languages (as requested) 
  • Village and land Conservation 
  • Mountaineering (for specialty expedition or climbing treks)

All our guides are carefully trained for leadership as good leadership is vital for your trek to be enjoyable, safe, and successful. Most of our guides grew up in Sherpa country or other mountainous parts of Nepal. Their pride in their region shows itself in the way they lead treks and interface with you. 

Porters Care

Courtesy and respect are fundamental for an enjoyable and worthwhile experience on any team. Our porters are an essential, integral part of each trekking team, and as such, they are well-treated and well-paid. After your trek, we believe you will find that they have fully earned your gratitude and respect. We do expect all trekkers to keep the weight of their baggage under 22kgs/40lbs. Adventure Club Trek maintains a full commitment to the rights of our porters, providing them with appropriate clothing, gear, and lodging. In case of serious accident or sickness, they receive the same care as anyone else employed on the trekking team, even including evacuation by helicopter at our expense if appropriate. We fully support the IPPG (International Porter Protection Group), which strives to maintain and improve our porter's working conditions.

Experience Requirement

The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is roughly 177km/110mi. and on a 17 to 18-day trek itinerary, you will be walking for 11 to 13 days, which means walking an average distance of 15 to 20km (9 to 12mi.) each day. The first few days on the trail become difficult due to the harrowing steep Budi Gandaki Gorge and lots of uphill and downhill walks. Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,106m (16,752ft.) is the most challenging part of this trek with a long day-hike on trails filled with snow and ice. With great variations in terms of altitude, one major difficulty you could face during the trek is altitude sickness and your ability to adjust to the high altitudes. You do not require any special hanging or rope-climbing and mountaineering skills unless you attempt to do it during the winters. However, you need to be in great shape and physically fit even if you are a beginner. We recommend strength and endurance training, as well as cardiovascular fitness training to maintain your fitness level at least 3 months prior to starting the trek.

Travel Insurance

To be adequately protected in terms of insurance, you will need specialist travel insurance for participation in hazardous activities. A travel insurance policy that covers helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking and climbing. If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter from a remote area only if you have definite proof you can pay for it. Adventure Club Trek has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. They pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism or you may have a difficult time settling a claim.

Best season to do this trek

The Manaslu trek is best done in pre-monsoon season i.e., from March to May, and post-monsoon season i.e., from late September to December. In general, any time during October, November, April, and May are considered the best months. Other recommended months for this trek are September, December, and March. We do not recommend doing this trek during the rest of the months. Due to heavy snowfall in January and February, it becomes very risky to cross the Larkya La Pass. Likewise, heavy rainfall causing floods and landslides can be experienced during June, July, and August, so it is better to avoid these months.

Group size and Team Composition

We always try to form a small group of like-minded people to give them a wonderful and perceptive travel experience. It provides opportunities to interact and share with each other in a fun-filled environment when out in the wilderness. Generally, our travel group comprises a maximum of 14 members. We need at least two participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, the number of group members do not apply. We always strive to form a team ensuring that the members are comfortable with one another.

Need to know about Manaslu Trekking Permit 

Where to obtain the necessary permits?

Authority does not issue an individual trekking permit for Manaslu. The Adventure Club Trek will carry out the procedures and have your permit issued for you.

Do I need a TIMS Card for Manaslu?

No, you don’t need a TIMS Card. However, if you continue towards the Annapurna Circuit from Dharapani then you will need a TIMS, but the same ACAP Permit can be used for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Why do I need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit for the Manaslu Trek?

A part of the regular Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Dharapani to Beshisahar comes under (ACAP). Although you will trek only two days in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you still need to obtain a permit.

How much does the permit for Manaslu cost?

Permits for both Manaslu and the Annapurna Conservation Area cost USD 33 per person for each area unless you are a member of SAARC country. However, for the restricted area permit (Manaslu RAP), the price varies depending on the number of days you spend between Jagat and Samagaun.

How many photographs do I need?

You need two printed passport-sized photographs and a scanned photograph. Printed photographs will be used for ACAP and MCAP, whereas the scanned photograph will be uploaded on the online application form for the Manaslu RAP.

How long does it take to obtain the permit?

It may take an hour to obtain the permit. Sometimes the online system goes down and everything needs to be done manually, which might take a little more than an hour.

Can permits be obtained in advance before we arrive in Nepal?

The permits cannot be obtained in advance, as the Department of Immigration needs to verify the details with the original passport and required visa details. However, in certain circumstances, it can be issued in advance. For that, Adventure Club Trek will require a scanned copy of your passport’s main page, an e-copy of flight tickets to Nepal, and a visa number if you have already obtained one in your home country.

Do I need a separate permit for the Tsum Valley?

Yes, a separate permit is required for the Tsum Valley. This will cost USD 40 per person per week and an additional USD 7 per person per day from September to November and USD 30 per person per week and an additional USD 7 per person per day from December to August.

Can a permit be issued on a Saturday and any other public holiday?

No, the Department of Immigration remains closed on public holidays. Thus, we need to issue the permit in advance if there is a long public holiday coming up.

Tipping 

Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal as most services include a service charge. However, if you want to express your gratitude, you are free to offer a tip to drivers, and hotel staff among others. People usually welcome such generosity. When it comes to tipping your porters or trekking leaders, use your discretion as per the quality of the services. Tip money does not form a part of our employees’ wages. However, you can use tipping as a way of showing appreciation for excellent service at the end of the trip.

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