Who Can Trek to Manaslu and Tsum Valley: Eligibility and Permit Requirements
The Tsum Valley Trek is a restricted area, requiring trekkers to obtain special permits. These include the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, which can only be arranged through a government-approved trekking agency. Independent trekking is not allowed, and the agency handles the permit application process with the Nepal Tourism Board.
Only those who have appropriate trekking experience and physical fitness can take on the Tsum Valley Trek, as the trail is rugged and involves significant elevation gains. The trek also crosses high-altitude passes, such as the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, making it physically demanding. Because of this, trekkers should have prior high-altitude trekking experience or be in good health, with the ability to acclimatize properly.
By traveling with Himalayan Massif Trek, trekkers can enjoy a hassle-free experience - we handle the entire permit process and arrange all necessary permits and documents for a smooth journey.
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley
The best time to trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions, providing trekkers with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and optimal trekking conditions.
The spring season, from late March to early June, brings pleasant temperatures, vibrant rhododendron blooms, and clear views of the Himalayan peaks. The autumn season, from late September to November, offers crisp air, excellent visibility, and a calm atmosphere, making it the most popular time for trekking.
During the monsoon season (June to early September), the trails can be muddy and slippery, with a higher chance of rainfall, which makes it less ideal for trekking.
Similarly, the winter months (December to February) are quite cold, with heavy snow in higher altitudes, particularly around Larkya La Pass, making the trek more challenging.
Best Time to Trek - Season and Temperature Table:
|
Season
|
Months
|
Average Temperature (Low - High)
|
Weather Conditions
|
|
Spring
|
Late March to June
|
5°C - 15°C (Low) /
15°C - 25°C (High)
|
Clear skies, moderate temperatures, blooming rhododendrons
|
|
Autumn
|
Late September to November
|
-5°C - 10°C (Low) /
10°C - 20°C (High)
|
Crisp air, clear views, calm trekking conditions
|
|
Monsoon
|
June to September
|
15°C - 25°C (Low) /
20°C - 30°C (High)
|
Rainy, wet trails, slippery paths, and foggy views
|
|
Winter
|
December to February
|
-10°C - 5°C (Low) /
0°C - 10°C (High)
|
Cold, snowy conditions at higher altitudes, challenging conditions
|
Trekking Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
The trek to Manaslu and Tsum Valley is challenging and requires good physical condition. It involves long days of walking, steep ascents, and high-altitude conditions, particularly when crossing sections like the Larkya La Pass.
The trek itself is considered moderately difficult, but the combination of high-altitude trekking and rugged terrain can be physically demanding. With the highest point at Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), trekkers may experience fatigue, breathlessness, and other altitude-related symptoms. The trail involves steep ascents and rocky sections that require both physical strength and mental toughness.
To prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek, trekkers should focus on improving their cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and stamina, as well as ensuring they are ready for high-altitude trekking.
Suggested Pre-Trek Exercises
Cardiovascular Training:
Hiking with a Backpack: Hiking with a weighted backpack on varied terrain simulates the trek's conditions and helps build endurance.
Running or Jogging: A few days a week, aim for 30-45 minutes of running or jogging, focusing on improving stamina.
Cycling or Swimming: Both activities are excellent for building aerobic fitness and endurance.
Leg Strength:
Stair Climbing: Building strength in your legs is essential for the uphill and downhill sections of the trek.
Squats and Lunges: These exercises will strengthen your quads, hamstrings, and glutes to help you handle steep sections.
Step-ups: Using a bench or step, this exercise mimics the upward movement needed for trekking.
Altitude Preparation (Lung Exercises):
Breath Control Exercises: Deep breathing techniques help improve lung capacity and oxygen utilization at high altitudes. Practice breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds.
Interval Training: To simulate low-oxygen conditions, try interval training, where you push your heart rate up quickly and then recover, similar to the exertion you may experience in high-altitude environments.
By focusing on these areas in the 2-3 months leading up to the trek, trekkers can increase their physical readiness and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Accommodation Options on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek
During the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, trekkers will primarily stay in teahouses or local guesthouses along the route, providing a comfortable and authentic experience of Nepali hospitality.
As the trek takes you through remote regions, the accommodations may be less modern than in more popular trekking routes, but they still offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The rooms typically consist of simple wooden beds with a communal dining area where trekkers can savor meals such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), sel roti (a traditional rice donut), including yak cheese, butter, and milk, which are often incorporated into the meals.
In higher-altitude areas, rooms may be small and more basic, but the beautiful landscapes and serene surroundings make up for it. However, trekkers must keep one thing in mind, during peak trekking seasons, which typically occur from March to May and September to November, the teahouses can become quite busy. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially for larger groups or if you are trekking during the busiest months.
In less busy seasons, such as winter or the monsoon months, it may be easier to find available teahouses without booking in advance. However, the weather conditions can be challenging during these times, and the number of trekkers may be significantly lower.
Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to carry a sleeping bag, especially for higher-altitude treks where the temperature can drop significantly during the night.
Health and Safety Tips
Health and safety are crucial on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, especially as trekkers ascend to high altitudes. The risk of altitude sickness is significant, and it's important to be aware of its symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and difficulty sleeping.
To prevent altitude sickness, trekkers should ascend gradually, allowing their bodies to acclimatize. Rest days are essential for this process, particularly before reaching higher altitudes like Larkya La Pass. Staying well-hydrated, eating nutrient-rich meals, and avoiding alcohol and smoking are key to coping with altitude.
In case of altitude sickness, trekkers should descend to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical help if necessary. It's also advisable to consult a doctor before the trek, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Doctors may recommend taking Diamox (Acetazolamide) to help prevent altitude sickness.
