Manaslu Circuit trekkers in the past used to extend the trek further to Tsum Valley on Annapurna Sanctuary after hiking the Manaslu circuit trek route for 18 days. Now, trekkers get a combined trip to Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek, an amalgamation of serene landscapes in Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. One with an unspoiled affluent Buddhist hub and another with the timeless natural aesthetes, these two blend into one in the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a peaceful trekking route due to fewer crowds, even during the peak trek season. Hence, trekkers can enjoy the magical glimpses of mountains, terrains, low land terrace farming, and lush vegetation at utmost serenity.
Further, the jewel of Annapurna, on the cultural richness and religious piousness, Tsum Valley is second to none. It's a sanctuary for preserved Buddhism, centuries-old monasteries, nunneries for monks, enchanting mantras, and spinning Buddhist praying wheels. The melody of Tibetan horns from the monasteries commences the day with a spiritual note.
The heavenly glimpses of Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Himal Chuli are worth the Larke La Pass climb. Further, the Annapurna range becomes conspicuous from Larke La.
The serene Buddhist monasteries in Tsum Valley include Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters and Lungdang Gompa at 3,400 meters. You'll reconnect the Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Deng Village after hiking to Tsum Valley. En route to Manaslu hosts villages like Lho and Nupri, a region inhabited by immigrants from Tibet. The prayer flags, carved stones, monasteries, and painted walls keep the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek entertaining.
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Meals and accommodation in Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
If you are in the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek region, you can face challenges due to complicated geography.
Tsum Valley trek is the jewel of the Manaslu region, and trekking to this place is very sacred.
You can find tea houses and lodges in enough numbers on the way. If you want to stay and learn about their culture, you can stay in their homestays. There are even decent food restaurants and hotels on the trek route.
People here are amicable and welcoming. They offer you an excellent place to stay and tasty local Tibetan food. You can expect typical Nepali food, i.e., Daal, Bhaat, and pickle, along with Tibetan food like noodle soup.
You have various options on the food menu, though. You can have international cuisine at a reasonable price in a good enough place. The price is higher than that in other places, but complicated geography and transportation take a toll on the price range.
Importance of Travel Insurance in Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
You must get travel insurance if you travel above 3000m in the Himalayas.
Talking about the Tsum valley and Manaslu Circuit trek at once, the elevation can go up to around 5100m. If you plan an itinerary to cover every part of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum valley trek, it would be best to have the fine print of the document.
That particular document can save your bank account to drain if anything terrible happens along the way.
Tsum valley is a remote and isolated valley. The trek may be moderate to strenuous.
The challenging trails can offer you adventure and at the same, danger which you should try to avoid. In the worst scenario when you can't avoid it, your travel insurance can cover up to US $100,000. It becomes sufficient to compensate for helicopter evacuations.
You can use it for medical emergencies, lost/stolen baggage, illness, helicopter evacuation, etc. Travel insurance can assure you that you have prepared well for expected and unexpected troubles in this trek.
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Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek and Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness has similar signs and symptoms to a bad hangover. You would feel nauseating, have headaches, be dehydrated, and feel very sick and tired. You would have short of breath like asthma patients and even faint.
You would get altitude sickness when you are above around 2500m. It may be more critical when it is nighttime than in the daytime.
Preparing your mind and body would help to acclimatize to prevent altitude sickness in the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley trek.
Acclimatization is very crucial as you climb higher. Along with it, you have to drink a lot of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol altogether. You shouldn't smoke even if you are a chain smoker. You have to look over what you eat as well. You should take light but high-calorie food.
Remember, altitude sickness can take your life if you don't treat yourself on time. Thus, report your trek guide at times if you feel discomfort while hiking.