Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek - 21 Days

Ace the Himalaya is widely regarded as one of the best trekking and travel companies in Nepal due to its expert local guides, high safety standards, well-designed trekking packages, and consistent service quality since 2006. With operations based in Kathmandu and across the world with our representatives, we deliver reliable, professionally managed trekking and travel experiences.

Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!

• Two passport-sized photos (2×2 inch) to give to our office staff
• A copy of your international flight ticket to give to our office staff
• A copy of travel insurance to give to our office staff

Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.

You can complete the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek without a guide if you already have sufficient trekking experience. However, hiring a guide can greatly enhance your overall experience. A guide helps you navigate the route confidently, provides local knowledge, and assists with alternative plans or arrangements if unexpected situations arise or conditions become challenging.

Our trekking leaders are highly trained professionals with extensive knowledge of the region, culture, and trail conditions. Many of our guests often mention that their guide played a key role in making their journey smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. Their support and expertise can make a significant difference in ensuring a successful and memorable trek.

Yes, our guides speak and understand English well. Many of them started their journey in the mountains as porters and, with years of trekking experience and training, became professional guides.

They can communicate effectively with trekkers, share interesting stories and local traditions, and help you interact with locals, as many teahouse hosts and shopkeepers in remote areas may not speak English.

The best time to trek is from February to June and from October to December. Our trekking season extends from mid-September to May. From early September, the monsoonal rains decrease. By the end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights.

Because Nepal stretches east to west, the temperature at the same altitude is generally similar across most trekking regions (once you’re around 2,500 m plus altitude).

In other words, Everest/Annapurna/Manaslu can feel quite alike at comparable elevations. That said, local valleys, wind, cloud cover, and rain-shadow effects can still change the daily feel so conditions can shift quickly.

Here are some weather basics but key insights to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.

Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day.

During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.

Spring – March / April / May / June 

Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Annapurna region. That is why, it can become somewhat crowded. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different species of flower are visible in the lower altitude.

During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of 0 degrees C (32 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 2500 meters.

July / August through Mid-September is Monsoon Season 

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes. However, there are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months. The excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds.

During this time, the average temperature is 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of 5 degrees C (41 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 2500 meters.

Autumn – End of September / October / November 

Similar to springtime, autumn in this region is also a crowded season. But it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views from just about every angle.

The average temperature during the fall is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 2500 meters altitude.

Winter- December/ January/ February 

Winter start from mid-December till mid-February in this region. People still like to trek in this month due to fewer crowds.

The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C (50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -10 degrees C (14 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 2500 meters altitude.

The temperature mentioned above is based on the outdoor temperature of the guesthouse temperature. No need to worry about the cold temperature as we provide the sleeping bag plus an additional blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough during the time of need.

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -15 °C (5 °F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.

Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms.  The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.

To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport. For detailed guidelines, please refer to our blog titled Guidelines for Online Tourist Visa Form in Nepal.

Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

Typically, USD 15 to 20 per person per day will be sufficient. This is to purchase water, tea/espresso, snacks, and hot showers in the mountains and for lunch or dinner in Kathmandu. Additionally, if you want to buy souvenirs or native Nepali goods, you can bring extra cash with you.

In Kathmandu, yes in must of the places you can use credit cards. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100).  Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.

Prior trekking experience is not required as long as you are physically healthy and motivated to complete the journey.

That said, the trail includes long walking days, steep ascents/descents, and high-altitude sections, so having good fitness and endurance will make the trek more enjoyable.

Throughout the trek, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will support you at every step from pacing and safety to acclimatization and daily planning.

Our treks have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. We have had families with kids as young as 5 years do the mountain trekking, and our oldest adventurers have been in their late 70s.

It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.

The Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate to moderately strenuous adventure, mainly because of the long trekking days and the high altitude. It’s a rewarding journey, but it does require good stamina and a positive mindset.

On most days, you’ll be walking for around 5 to 7 hours, with a few longer days of 6 to 8 hours depending on trail conditions and pace.

The trek becomes more demanding as you climb higher, especially around Dharmasala (4,460 m/14,632 ft) and during the Larkya La Pass crossing (5,160 m / 16,929 ft), where thinner air can make even gentle uphill sections feel tougher.

That said, the trail is well-established and the trekking pace is steady. With basic fitness, some walking preparation, and the habit of staying hydrated and taking regular breaks, this trek is very achievable.

Your itinerary is designed with acclimatization days, and your experienced guide will support you throughout helping you manage pace, altitude, and daily planning so you can complete the trek comfortably without feeling overwhelmed.

The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.

For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.

Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise starting an exercise regimen two months before the trek that includes at least an hour of walking at an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week.

Incorporating hiking into your workouts is ideal. It is advised to speak with a doctor before making travel arrangements if you have any health conditions that could affect your ability to complete the trek.

After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.

Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary.  Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling.

Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.

You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek here on the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.

Yes, we do provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rental costs of USD 35 each. Do let us know before initiating the trek and we shall provide items. You can view the photos of the gear at this link: Photos of the Gear.

We provide you with a free duffel bag of 70 to 80-liter capacity that our porters will carry. The maximum weight that porters can safely carry is 30kg, and each porter is assigned to two people.

However, each porter carries a maximum of 25 kg/55 lbs in total during the trek period. Your duffel bag, which should weigh no more than 12.5 kg/27.56 lbs per client, will be carried by the porter throughout the trek.

We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.

The hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara does provide the free storage services. So, you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions.  You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels with breakfast included. In Kathmandu, we typically use Hotel Thamel House, Hotel Jampa, or another similar standard property depending on availability.

During the trek, accommodation is in local teahouses/guesthouses. Because the route is more off-the-beaten-path, lodges can vary from place to place, some nights you’ll find very nice community-run guesthouses with warm dining rooms and great views, while in more remote stops, the lodging may be more basic, with simple twin-sharing rooms and shared bathroom facilities.

No matter the location, we choose the best available lodge or teahouse in each village, prioritising clean rooms, hygiene, and comfort, so you can rest well after each day’s walk.

The guesthouse in the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek does not facilitate with heater or an air conditioner. However, most teahouses provide a central heating stove in the dining area, which is usually lit in the evening to keep trekkers warm.

These stoves are commonly fueled by wood, yak dung, or kerosene, and it becomes the main place where trekkers gather after the day’s hike.

Toilet facilities in teahouses and guesthouses along the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek are basic but functional. In lower villages, some lodges have western-style or squat toilets with running water, while in higher and more remote areas, traditional communal toilets are located outside the main building.

A private room in the teahouses cannot be guaranteed during peak season. During the non-peak season, the teahouses may provide a private room without any additional cost. The accommodation during the trek will remain very basic with twin sharing rooms and occasionally dormitory rooms for our trekkers.

We can arrange for a private room while in Kathmandu for an additional cost of USD 35 per room.

In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip and arrive early in Kathmandu then you will need extra accommodations in Kathmandu.

The cost of the teahouses in the mountains is not equivalent to the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu.  In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.

Yes, it is recommended to bring your own toilet paper for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. You can buy it in some villages along the trail, but it may be limited and more expensive. It’s best to carry a few rolls with you, along with hand sanitizer and a small towel, to maintain good hygiene during the trek.

Yes, there are restrooms available along the Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking trail, mainly at teahouses, guesthouses, and small villages where trekkers usually stop for meals or rest.

However, there are no public toilets along the actual trail sections between villages, so trekkers typically use the restroom facilities at lodges or teahouses during breaks. In case of an emergency while on the trail, you can ask your guide to help find a private spot.

During the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, teahouses offer a variety of simple but nutritious meals suitable for trekkers. Breakfast usually includes items like Tibetan bread, chapati, pancakes, porridge, eggs, toast, and muesli served with tea or coffee.

Lunch is typically taken at a teahouse along the trail and may include dishes such as fried rice, noodles, pasta, soups, momos (dumplings), or the popular Nepali meal dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles).

Dinner is served at the guesthouse where you stay overnight and often features dal bhat, noodles, soups, potatoes, pasta, or simple vegetable curries. For beverages, you can enjoy options like black tea, milk tea, ginger tea, lemon tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and sometimes soft drinks or bottled water.

Most of the teahouses in the mountains offer vegetarian meals. So, being a vegetarian is not a problem. Vegetarian meals are preferable to avoid food poisoning and indigestion.

Indeed, the guesthouses follow international guidelines while setting up the food and serve you clean, protected, and warm meals.

Bottled water is readily available at the lodges and teahouses, which you can buy at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 at higher elevations per liter.

We use Katadyn filters to purify the natural water sources to make them safe to drink. This way, it is sustainable and pocket friendly as you need not buy bottled mineral water. You must carry a water bottle that can hold both hot and cold water and a hydration pack.

If the temperature drops too low for the Katadyn filter to function properly or if any technical issues occur, it is recommended to buy boiled water from the teahouse to ensure safe drinking water as an alternative.

Yes, teahouses do provide hot boiled water for an extra charge of USD 2 to 5 per liter. The cost varies and increases at higher altitudes.

In major places, we arrange guesthouse with proper running shower, which is not possible at higher altitude region so in these places, water in the bucket will be provided for the shower at the cost of USD 2 to USD 4 per bucket (Roughly one bucket is enough to shower for one person).

Yes, you can charge your equipment during the trek for an additional cost. The cost will vary but is around USD 1-5 per charge. Two pins (type C) and three pins (type D) adaptors are highly recommended. Bring these adaptors or purchase them while you are in Kathmandu.

We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).

Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.

We allocate one guide for groups of up to 8 participants. For groups of over 8 participants, we allot an associate guide. As per the size of the group, we may add more guides or divide them into sub-groups.

We provide one porter for every two clients. Two clients’ duffel bags will be carried by one porter. The weight limit is 30kg or 15kg for each client. For an additional cost, we can arrange for one porter to carry one participant’s duffel.

Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.

While no vaccinations are strictly mandatory for travel to Nepal, it is highly advisable to take precautionary measures to protect your health. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we recommend the following vaccinations: Routine Vaccines, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Cholera, etc.

It is also helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.

Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

The continuation of the trek depends upon your health condition. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you need to go down to a lower altitude. It takes several days to a week to recover. In group trekking, you need to discuss with your guide if you can re-connect with your group. However, you’ll be bound by time. If you are on a private trek and have extra time, the trek might be able to continue.

Altitude sickness is a possibility during the trek. Air at higher elevations has less oxygen available. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatization days and slow climbs are recommended at higher elevations. Along the trek, you’ll be assisted by our professional guides in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness.

Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.

An important piece of equipment is your trekking boots. Invest in a durable and comfortable pair, preferably with water-proof lining. Boots that provide ankle support on rough ground and have stiff soles are recommended.

Yes, we have access to a portable altitude chamber in case of an emergency. It is not essential to carry during the trek. Though, we can use arrange it upon request for an extra cost of USD 200.

Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

Tipping is both expected and appreciated, and it reflects your satisfaction and enjoyment of the trek. We recommend tipping based on the number of participants in your trekking group and the duration of the trek. As a general guideline, consider allocating at least 10% of your total trek cost for tipping. Detailed tipping recommendations for your guides and porters will be provided during our pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu.

Yes, communication is available during the trek but can be limited. Mobile networks may work in some villages, but the signal is often weak or unstable in remote areas. Some teahouses also offer Wi-Fi for an extra fee, but connections can be slow.

If you don’t have local SIM cards, our guides or representatives can help you get one after your arrival. We also utilize satellite telephones in case of emergencies.

Trekkers occasionally fail to complete the journey for medical or personal reasons. In this situation, be aware that we do not issue any refunds for products purchased or unused trek days. We must pay our administration staffs, guides, and porters, purchase trekking permits, and all other booked accommodations in advance, so our expenses remain the same.

If there are any, you will be allocated to a trekking group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other trekkers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationality, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be trekking with others unless you have booked a private trip.

You can extend your trekking trip for an additional cost. Potential arrangements will be made if we get a request from your guide. This is applicable for private or solo trips as the itinerary can be easily adjusted. The addition of extra days is bound by time when you are in a group. Therefore, discuss with your group and guide, what changes can possibly be made.

Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.

Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.

We use transportation options that keep the journey comfortable, safe, and locally authentic.

For airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing, and city tours, we arrange private tourist vehicles (car/Hiace/Coaster depending on group size) to ensure flexibility and convenience.

For the long-distance transfer between Kathmandu, we typically use a comfortable tourist bus for a smooth, efficient ride through Nepal’s countryside.

For this trek, the main transfers, Kathmandu to Machha Khola and the return drive back to Kathmandu (via Dharapani/Besisahar) are also done by private tourist vehicle/4WD, depending on group size and road conditions.

Since several sections of the route are unpaved, narrow, and bumpy, the drive can feel adventurous, but we always provide a reliable vehicle and an experienced driver to ensure