Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek via Serang Monastery – 22 Days

Best Time

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) can be used to enjoy the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek via Serang Monastery. The seasons are normally characterized by calm weather, low temperatures, and good trail conditions, which make the journey enjoyable. The period of spring has mild weather and clear mountain views, whereas the autumn period is characterized by dry trails and also by excellent visibility following the monsoon season. Experienced trekkers can do it in winter, although cold temperatures and snow around the Larke Pass can complicate the trek.

Summer monsoon is associated with a lot of rainfalls, muddy roads and poor sight lines in most areas. And spring and fall are the seasons of choice, should you desire comfortable trekking conditions and a smoother experience. Mega Trek will assist you in selecting the most appropriate time to go on a trail, depending on the conditions on the trail and the weather forecast.

Distance and Elevation

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek itinerary consists of walking a distance of about 215 to 225 kilometers, depending on the specific trail taken. The trip starts in Kathmandu at (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) and then drives to Machhakhola(930 m / 3,050 ft), where the trek begins. The path slowly ascends the Tsum Valley, passing by Serang Monastery, and then it merges with the Manaslu Circuit.

The peak of the trek is the Larke Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft), then to Dharapani. The progressive increase in altitude will allow trekkers to spend some days adapting to high altitudes. The itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization to ensure that the route is safer and more comfortable than cutting across the higher parts.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek via Serang Monastery is rated as a moderately difficult to challenging trek due to the extended time, hours of walking per day and high mountain pass. It is a good physical condition necessary to cross Larke Pass (5,106 m / 16, 752 ft) and to pace it. Much of the trek involves time above (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), and you can experience altitude sickness if you climb too fast.

Gradual increase in altitude and acclimatization days are included in this itinerary to help minimize that risk. Consuming sufficient water, pacing, taking normal meals and reporting to your guide in case of the development of symptoms are also significant towards a safe trekking experience. The nature of most trekkers who undertake the journey is a success with adequate preparation.

Minimum and Maximum Walk per Day

The 22 Days Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek has a balanced program where walking hours with an increase in height into the mountains begin to rise. The minimum walking day is approximately 4-5 hours between Lokpa and Chumling. The crossing of Dharmasala to the Larke Pass, and thence to Bhimtang, on an average of 8 to 9 hours, is the longest day. The average number of trekking days is 5-7 hours of easy walking with frequent stops to rest and have a meal.

The itinerary is created to give sufficient time to become accustomed to the environment and, at the same time, to have a gradual movement towards the ultimate destination. It is better to have a steady speed than to walk fast,  at elevated levels.

Accommodation, Food and Drink

In the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek through the Serang Monastery, the accommodation will be offered in local teahouses and one night in the Serang Monastery, in accordance with the itinerary. The rooms are usually plain yet good enough to accommodate trekkers at the end of a day on the trail. The meals are normally accompanied by many local and international food that gives sufficient energy to do trekking on a daily basis.

During the trek, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day. Most overnight stops serve tea, coffee, bottled water and boiled drinking water but at higher elevations, the cost goes up. It is helpful to bring a reusable water bottle, water purification pills or a filter to decrease the amount of plastic waste and be assured of safe drinking water during the trip.

Alternative Routes

Several trekking routes link to the Manaslu region; however, this itinerary is unique because it covers the Tsum Valley and Serang Monastery, then proceeds to pass via Larke Pass. Other trekkers do not finish the circuits, merely doing the Manaslu Circuit and some do not finish the Tsum Valley, merely doing the Manaslu Circuit. Alternatively, a second night at Samdo may be done before going to Dharamsala, where further acclimatization may be done before going across the pass.

This itinerary takes a route that will unite both areas into one trip, providing a more complete and extended trekking experience. Mega Trek is also able to tailor the schedule in case you wish to include acclimatization days or modify the schedule based on your pace of trekking and time of travel.

Can a beginner join this trip?

Though beginners are also capable of completing the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek itinerary, the trek is more desirable to individuals who are physically active and ready to prepare prior to landing in Nepal. It is more challenging than shorter trekking routes because of the long trekking days, varied altitudes, and the Larke Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft) that is crossed.

Some prior experience in trekking is desirable, but not a must when you are in good shape and take the guidance of your guide during the trek. The trek can become much more enjoyable by training with normal walking, hiking, and climbing stairs and light strength exercises before the trip. Mega Trek advises that you take time in preparation so that you can have a safe and comfortable trek.

Preparation and Fitness

Proper planning can help make the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek via Serang Monastery more pleasant and comfortable. It is advisable to start training at least six to eight weeks prior to your trip. To train your endurance to last longer trekking days, regular walking, hiking, climbing stairs, cycling or light jogging will help to increase your stamina. The muscles in your legs and in the core will also be strengthened and thus you will be able to conquer the uphill and downhill tracks much more easily.

Training with a light backpack will also prepare one to be ready in case of trekking. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet, keep hydrated and get plenty of sleep before you set out. In case there are any medical conditions that you have, consult your physician before joining the trek. Coming in good physical condition helps you to have a more comfortable ride.

Gadgets, Charging and Internet

Most of the teahouses will have charging facilities during the 22-day Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek, though it may demand an extra charge at higher altitudes. Electricity is normally provided, although power cut-offs may occur in isolated places. It is also essential to have a power bank to ensure that you have power to charge your phone or camera on those days when you can hike longer.

Some villages have Internet access via WiFi or mobile access, but the signal is slower and less effective as you head deeper into the mountains. A good concept to use is downloading offline maps and essential details of the trip before embarking on the trek. It is also useful to carry extra camera batteries because the cold will decrease the performance of batteries.

Permit

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek via Serang Monastery has several permits due to the nature of the route, which traverses sensitive trekking zones. The trekkers require Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Such permits have to be made before the trek through a registered trekking agency.

Independent trekking is not allowed in the restricted areas; therefore, a licensed guide is necessary as well. Mega Trek takes care of the entire permit procedure before your departure, so you do not have to worry about paperwork or governmental regulations, but just concentrate on your adventure.

Transportation

This trek is a road and trek transportation. It begins with a trip by car to Kathmandu to Machhakhola, where the actual trekking begins. You will do the journey in Dharapani and then take the local private jeep to Besisahar before proceeding with the journey by the local private bus to Kathmandu. The weather or traffic may introduce changes in road conditions and consequently, travel time may fluctuate with the season.

The drives are long, but they allow reaching the starting point of the trail and the end of the hike. Mega Trek also makes all necessary ground transportation arrangements based on the itinerary that will assist in making the travel experience hassle-free throughout the arrival and departure stages.

Travel Insurance

Pre-travel insurance is highly encouraged before this trek. High altitude trekking up to at least (5,106 m / 16,752 ft), emergency medical care, helicopter evacuation, cancellation of the trip and personal belongings should be covered in your policy. Though most trekkers do the tour without any issues, the weather, sickness or other unforeseen events may arise in remote mountainous locations.

Proper insurance will ensure one has a sense of security and will incur huge emergency bills should they require any assistance. You should have a copy of your insurance information with you on the trek, and ensure that your policy has not expired at the end of your trip. Before buying your insurance plan, carefully read the conditions of the cover.

What to Expect from This Trip

The Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek via Serang Monastery is a combination of the remote trekking trails with the traditional Manaslu Circuit into one adventure. You may look forward to lengthy days of trekking, slow increasing altitude, quaint mountain villages and a satisfying crossing of Larke Pass at (5,106 m / 16,752 ft).

Visits to Serang Monastery and an excursion to Manaslu Base Camp are also included in the itinerary before visiting the pass. A new landscape can be found every day as the trail passes through valleys, forests and high mountain terrain. The route is challenging, yet well planned, with suitable acclimatization. This trip can be a great experience for trekkers who are willing to do more extended tours and explore fewer roads.