| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $999 |
| 2 - 5 | $855 |
| 6 - 8 | $820 |
| 9 - 14 | $796 |
| 15 - 20 | $770 |
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek. The journey takes around 8 to 9 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, terraced fields, and remote villages along the Prithvi Highway and the narrow roads leading to the trekking region. The drive is filled with breathtaking views of rivers, hills, and distant mountain peaks. Upon arrival at Machha Khola, you’ll settle in a basic local lodge for an overnight stay, ready to start your trek the following day.
Today, your trek begins as we leave Machha Khola and follow the Budi Gandaki River. The trail meanders through forested areas, crossing suspension bridges and small villages. Along the way, we’ll pass through several settlements before arriving at Jagat, a small village located in a scenic location. Jagat is a charming entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where we’ll stay in a budget-friendly lodge, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
From Jagat, we continue our journey towards Lokpa, passing through the beautiful Philim village. The trail climbs gradually, passing through rhododendron forests and offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. After a few hours of trekking, we arrive at Lokpa, a small, peaceful village. The area is culturally rich and relatively untouched, making it a great place to rest for the night in a basic lodge. The remote setting ensures a quiet, peaceful night.
The trek today takes us deeper into the Tsum Valley, a stunning area known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture and pristine natural beauty. From Lokpa, the trail ascends gradually, and we’ll pass through small villages and fields. The valley becomes narrower, offering views of towering snow-capped peaks as we make our way to Chhokang Paro, a traditional Tibetan-style settlement. We’ll stay in a basic lodge here, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.
After breakfast, we trek towards Mu Gompa, passing through Rachen Gompa on the way. This monastery is an important spiritual center for the people of Tsum Valley. The trail ascends steadily, offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Mu Gompa, located at the far end of the Tsum Valley, is a beautiful and serene location. We’ll overnight in simple, budget-friendly lodgings near the monastery, where you can enjoy the calm and the majestic views of the Himalayas.
We retrace our steps back from Mu Gompa to Chhokang Paro. On the way, we stop at Gumba Lungdang, a peaceful monastery nestled in a beautiful location. The trek involves some steep descents and offers views of the Tsum Valley below. Once we reach Chhokang Paro, we’ll rest in our basic lodge, soaking in the views of the surrounding peaks and enjoying the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the valley.
Today, we descend back to Lokpa, passing through forests and small villages along the way. The trail is mostly downhill, but still offers excellent views of the river and mountains. As we pass familiar villages, we reflect on our time spent in the remote Tsum Valley. Lokpa provides a serene setting to relax and unwind after several days of trekking, and we’ll stay in a simple lodge for the night.
The trail continues as we descend from Lokpa towards Pewa or Deng, depending on available lodges. The journey is pleasant and mostly downhill, offering views of the river and surrounding hills. Along the way, we pass through villages, cross suspension bridges, and enjoy the lush vegetation. Once we reach Pewa or Deng, we will rest and enjoy a quiet evening in a basic local lodge.
Today’s trek is moderate, with a gradual ascent through small villages and forests. We pass through the village of Bihi, and as we climb higher, we begin to see more impressive views of the Manaslu range. Namrung is a small village with Tibetan influence, and we’ll overnight in a basic guesthouse, where you can relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
The trail today takes us to Shyala, a small settlement with magnificent views of the Manaslu range. The trek is moderately challenging as we climb further up into the Manaslu Conservation Area. As we approach Shyala, we get closer views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The village of Shyala offers a peaceful environment, and we’ll stay in a simple lodge to enjoy a good night’s rest.
Today, we continue our ascent to Sama Gaon, passing by the historical Pung Gyen Gompa. The monastery is an important cultural site in the region. The route continues through a stunning landscape with views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Sama Gaon is a large village with more lodges, and we’ll spend the night here in basic accommodation. The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, making this a perfect place to relax and reflect on our journey.
Today, we venture to the base camp of Manaslu, a thrilling highlight of our trek. The route ascends through rocky terrain and past glaciers, with views of the magnificent Manaslu and other peaks. After reaching the base camp, we take time to absorb the beauty and majesty of the surroundings before descending back to Sama Gaon for the night. It’s a long day, but the views and sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile.
After a day of high-altitude trekking, we begin to descend to Samdo, a Tibetan village near the border. The trail from Sama Gaon to Samdo is relatively short but offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Samdo is a quiet village, and we’ll stay in basic accommodations, taking time to relax and acclimatize before continuing our trek.
We continue our trek towards Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, located at the base of the Larkya La Pass. The trail ascends steadily, offering panoramic views of the high Himalayas. Dharamsala is the final stop before we tackle the challenging Larkya La Pass, and we’ll spend the night here in simple lodgings, preparing for the next day’s journey.
The trail descends today as we head towards Tiliche. We pass through alpine meadows and rugged terrain as we lose altitude and head towards lower elevations. The trek provides more views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Upon arrival in Tiliche, we’ll rest in a basic lodge, soaking in the peaceful surroundings after several days of high-altitude trekking.
Today, we finish the bulk of our trekking as we descend further to Chamche, a small village located at the lower part of the valley. The trek is relatively easy, with the trail following the Budi Gandaki River as it meanders through lush forests and fields. Once we arrive in Chamche, we’ll rest and enjoy our last night in the mountain villages, reflecting on the unforgettable journey.
From Chamche, we drive back to Kathmandu. The 7-hour drive takes us along the same scenic route, and you can enjoy the last views of the mountains as we leave the trekking region behind. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your memorable adventure through the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek is an affordable trekking option in one of Nepal’s most stunning and culturally rich regions. This trek takes you through the remote Manaslu and Tsum Valley areas, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas, encounters with Tibetan-influenced villages, and the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the region. As a budget trek, it focuses on minimizing costs by staying in basic teahouses and following a more economical itinerary, while still providing an authentic Himalayan trekking experience.
The key difference between the Budget Trek and the Luxury Trek is the level of comfort and services provided. On the Budget Trek, you will stay in simple teahouses that provide basic amenities like a shared bathroom and a bed with blankets, but not the higher-end accommodations or private rooms found on a luxury trek. The meals will be more basic, with limited choices compared to the gourmet-style meals offered in luxury lodges. While the Luxury Trek focuses on comfort and premium experiences, the Budget Trek focuses on delivering the core trekking experience with minimal costs, making it suitable for travelers on a tighter budget.
The difficulty level of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek is moderate to challenging. The trek reaches altitudes over 3,700 meters (12,000 feet), so trekkers need to be prepared for high-altitude conditions. Though the trek is not technically difficult, the altitude and long walking days can be taxing, especially in remote areas with steep terrain. Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness, so it’s important to follow the recommended pace and take rest days when needed. With a moderate level of fitness and adequate preparation, trekkers can manage the challenge of the trek.
For the Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek, you will need several permits. These include:
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):This permit is needed for areas that are also part of the Annapurna region.
Tsum Valley Special Permit:The Tsum Valley is a restricted area, so a special permit is required to trek there.
These permits can be obtained through a registered trekking agency, which can also help you with the application process. Note that you are required to have a guide with you for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions, as solo trekking is not permitted.
On the Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek, you will stay in basic teahouses and lodges, which provide a simple but comfortable place to rest after each trekking day. These accommodations typically consist of shared rooms with basic bedding, and some teahouses offer mattresses and blankets, but you may need to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth. Bathrooms are usually shared and may not always have hot water. The teahouses offer limited services and are more functional than luxurious, with electricity often available only for a limited time in the evening. The accommodation experience is very simple but provides a chance to experience local hospitality.
The food along the Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek will mostly consist of basic, traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, soup, and Tibetan bread. In the higher altitudes, the food menu might be more limited, and prices can increase slightly as you move further along the trek. Breakfast typically includes items like porridge, toast, eggs, or pancakes, while dinner may include rice, vegetables, and lentils, or pasta and fried rice. Meals are hearty and nutritious, designed to provide energy for the trek. However, food choices will be less varied compared to the Luxury Trek, and it may not cater to specific international tastes.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek typically takes about 15 to 18 days. This includes trekking days, rest days for acclimatization, and travel time to and from the starting and ending points. The trek usually begins in Soti Khola or Arughat and ends in Besi Sahar, with the trek route covering a variety of landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine terrain, all while passing through traditional villages. Some itineraries may be slightly shorter or longer depending on the pace of the group and the acclimatization plan.
While the trek is not technically difficult, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Budget Trek can be physically demanding due to the altitude and long trekking days. Some sections of the trail involve steep ascents and descents, and the trail is often rough or rocky. Trekkers will need a moderate level of fitness and stamina to handle the demands of the trek, but it is achievable for most people who are used to physical activity, such as hiking or regular cardio workouts. Proper preparation and conditioning will make the trek more enjoyable and manageable.
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions are generally safe for trekking, but like all high-altitude treks, they require proper preparation and caution. Safety measures include acclimatizing properly to avoid altitude sickness, staying hydrated, and following the advice of your guide. In case of emergencies, there are basic medical facilities in some of the larger villages, but it’s important to be aware that the region is remote, and evacuation could take time if necessary. Trekkers are advised to stay with their guide and group, avoid risky behavior, and communicate any health concerns promptly.
Yes, a licensed guide and porter are required for the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions. Solo trekking is not permitted in these areas due to safety and logistical reasons. A guide will help navigate the route, provide information on the local culture and environment, and ensure that you are trekking safely. A porter will carry your gear, which makes the trek easier, especially over the long days of walking. The cost for a guide and porter is generally included in the overall trek price, but it’s worth confirming with your trekking agency.
The best time to trek in the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions is during the two main trekking seasons in Nepal:
Autumn (September to November): This is considered the best time for trekking, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain views.
Spring (March to May):Spring is another great time, with warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons along the trail.
It’s not recommended to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), as heavy rains can make the trails slippery and dangerous, and some areas may be inaccessible. Winter (December to February) can also be harsh, with cold temperatures and the possibility of snow blocking higher-altitude trails.
