Best Time for Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek
Spring and Autumn are ideal for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley region. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are known for their stable and dry weather conditions.
Spring (March to May)
During this Spring season, there is dry weather, and the temperatures are mild. This allows you to trek through the rugged terrain with ease. These seasons include clear blue skies and a magnificent vista of the surrounding mountains. Moreover, the spring season has blooming Rhododendron forests and lush vegetation. This allows you the opportunity to capture the beautiful region with your cameras.
Spring season allows you to go on extended side trips in the region. No weather-related challenges like heavy rain, avalanches, landslides, etc. Besides that, there are high visibility and long days. Hence, you can trek freely without worrying about getting dark in the region. Therefore, Spring is the ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek.
Autumn (September - November)
Similarly, Autumn also brings a pleasant atmosphere to the region, which includes the leaves changing color and falling. The visibility is much better, providing clear views of the Himalayas without any obstruction. Autumn is also known for many festivals that can get experienced and celebrated with the region's locals. These festivities add a unique cultural experience to the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek.
The peak trekking seasons can get crowded along the trails. However, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley treks are less crowded, even during peak seasons, as it is an off-the-beaten trek. This ensures a peaceful trekking experience, and the accommodations are readily available.
Off-season treks
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek during the off-season can be a unique and challenging experience. However, certain things must be remembered before you trek in the off-season. There is unpredictable weather and a higher chance of rain and snow.
The trails can get slippery, leech-infested, and challenging to navigate. Some tea houses may get closed, so you should camp along the route. However, the courses can get less crowded, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region.
If you trek in the off-season, you must have appropriate clothing and equipment to handle the cold conditions. Hiring a professional guide for a safe and comfortable trekking experience is also essential.
See also: Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek is a relatively challenging trek compared to other mainstream treks. Since traveling through a tremendous altitude of above 5000m, you will be prone to altitude sickness.
This acute mountain sickness can cause various problems among trekkers. Trackers generally acclimatize at multiple points during the trek to tackle this problem. Regular hydration and resting well after each trekking day are essential.
Another aspect is to avoid alcohol and caffeine beverages as they can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness. Diamox tablets are popular among trekkers as a preventive measure for altitude sickness and its symptoms, including nausea, headache, loss of appetite, etc.
Another difficulty factor is passing through the rugged terrains on this trek. The track passes through the uphill and downhill foothills of some of the most challenging landscapes. Hence, you will require an incredible level of stamina on the part of the trekker, along with physical fitness.
Trekkers taking this incredible remote region trek must travel long to reach their destination. They will travel for 6-7 hours daily, making it quite challenging for the trekkers.
Accommodation is another aspect you must consider before taking this trek. The trails pass through remote terrains where you will find teahouses and lodges. Therefore, you must stay in teahouses that provide basic facilities, meals, and conditions.
See also: How long is Manaslu Trek?
Tea-House/Lodge Accommodation
The accommodations along the trails of the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek are in the teahouses and lodges. They will provide you with a cozy and warm place to stay. The facilities of a room where you can find beds, clean sheets, pillows, blankets, and others.
The toilet facilities are generally located outside; you must bring the toiletries. Other facilities like electronic charging, wifi, and others are at an added cost. The locals' hospitality and welcome will make you feel at home during their trek. You will get the basic facilities and a good night's sleep at these accommodations.
Meals
The food facilities during this trek are in the tea houses, where you can find various dishes. The meals generally consist of Nepalese dishes, including the Dal Bhaat, a staple diet of the local Nepali people. You can also have meals like Momo, Chowmein, Pasta, Noodles, etc.
Dal Bhaat is quite fulfilling and nutritious and gives you enough for the long trekking journey. You can also carry many snacks like protein bars, chocolate bars, granola bars, etc. Tea, coffee, garlic soup, and other hot beverages are ordinary in the high-altitude region.
People and Culture
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley region is rich in culture and heritage. It is the home of diverse ethnic groups. The Gurung people primarily inhabit the Manaslu region along with the Tibetans. They are the indigenous group with a significant presence in the British Gurkha and Indian Army as they are considered brave.
They also have a strong sense of community and are incredibly hospitable. The Gurung people who came from Tibet follow Tibetan Buddhism and animistic rituals.
The Tibetan ethnic community, most of whom emigrated from across the border, concentrated in the higher regions. Tibetan Buddhism heavily influences their distinct culture and traditions. Trekkers can find colorful prayer flags, main walls, and prayer wheels spread along the trail.
However, the two ethnicities of Nubri and Tsum are also in the region. The Nubri ethnic groups came to Nubri Valley 400 years ago, including around 2000 people. Similarly, the Tsum people of about 4000 are in the Tsum Valley. The Nubri community follows Tibetan Buddhism, and the Tsum community is an animastic and BonPo religion.
The local languages spoken in the region, including the Nubri and Tsum languages, are undocumented. Tsum Shagya Festival is the major festival of the Tsum Valley region. Similarly, the Lhosar, Tamu Losar (Gurung). Sonam Lhosar (Tamang) and Gyalpo Lhosar (Sherpa) are also celebrated in the area.
The people in these regions are spiritually and religiously connected to the environment. Their daily lives get intertwined with the natural world, and they naturally base their lifestyle on sustainability and conservation. The Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions have a rich and diverse cultural landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ideal time for Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek?
The suitable time to trek is from September to November in the Autumn and from March to May in the Spring. During these months, the weather is clear and stable, with excellent views of the snow-clad mountains.
How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek?
The trek is highly challenging and strenuous in terms of difficulty. Some difficulty factors include the high altitude, steep uphills route, and rugged terrain. Hence, physical fitness and mental preparation are essential for long-duration treks.
How long is the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek Trek?
The trek is 21 days long, including trekking, acclimatization, and travel.
Are professional guides required for the trek?
Hiring a professional guide for the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek gets recommended. The trek can get quite strenuous and challenging, and the guide's local knowledge will be constructive. There are other facts like navigation, safety, cultural exploration, etc.
What are the gear and types of equipment that are essential for the trek?
Trekkers will require warm clothing (warm layers, a waterproof jacket, trousers, shirts, gloves, etc.). Besides that, you will also need good hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, etc. Trekkers will need to carry a first-aid kit and toiletries as well.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek cost?
The Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek cost varies depending on the length, the route, and the facilities. The cost includes guides, porters, food, transportation, and accommodation.
What are the necessary permits required for the trek?
You must obtain a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and a Restricted Area Permit. The permits are available in Nepal Tourism Board's Office in Kathmandu.
What is the maximum altitude during the trek?
The trek's highest point is the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m).
Is prior trekking experience required on this trek?
It is highly recommended that trekkers have some prior trekking experience before the trek. The trek includes high-altitude trekking in challenging terrain; hence some knowledge is always helpful.
Is solo trekking possible for them to trek?
No, the trek passes through a restricted area. Hence, you must trek with at least two people and a registered guide.
What is the accommodation during the trek?
There are basic teahouses and lodges with twin bedrooms and shared bathrooms. However, there are some other facilities that you can get, like hot showers, electronic charging, wifi, etc., at an additional cost.
Are there any health-related challenges in the trek?
Altitude sickness is a potential risk due to the high altitude. Hence, acclimatization, rest, and hydration are essential for the trek.
Are the water facilities safe during the trek?
You can drink boiled or water purified water to avoid water-borne illnesses. You can bring a water filter and get the water from local resources like the teahouses.
What kind of food is available during the trek?
Most teahouses offer Dal Bhat, including other cuisines like noodles, soups, pasta, etc. You can carry your snacks, like chocolate bars, protein bars, etc., for the trek.
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