1

Hi Nat

We have found that seven days inside the Tsum Valley is never enough, so it looks pretty rushed to me even though you could manage it. See recent (Nov 2017) notes from there http://fedup.com.au/images/stories/nepal/ManasluTsumValleyTrek.pdf

Camping is slower and less contact with locals.

cheers

Taghairm

2

Thanks for getting back to me. I have been reading your write-up with great interest. It is a excellent resource.

I thought it was too rushed. The last thing I want to do is have something delay the trip (which will happen) and cause more issues. It would be unfortunate to not get to enjoy the trek.

I have enough time in Nepal prior to meeting my friend that I think i can do all of the tsum valley and the manaslu circuit. I was hoping to bring them into a very neat place. I guess we will go elsewhere together.

I still have some questions about the trek:

I am still wondering if there is a reliable jeep into Soti Khola?

If I have a guide and porter for myself, do I need another person to trek with? Are there still # of person limit within the restricted area?

I am a little confused about 'solo' trekking and if it is a bad idea or 'illegal' now? Last time I was in Nepal was 1996, things were different.

Namaste,

Nat

3

Hi

Yes, two trekkers plus a licensed guide are required to get the restricted area permit.

There is a limit on the number of trekkers, I don't know the number, but I don't think it has been reached even though Manaslu is getting more popular (in part due to road building on the AC). Ihave not seen any reports of people denied a permit for that reason.

Solo trekking is not banned. TAAN have proposed this and the governemnt have put the decision on hold.

scoodly

4

From Philim upwards , you probably need at least 4.5 days to explore the upper Tsum Valley and come back to Philim. And that's fast.

5

Well, unfortunately it will be too rushed. No matter how I change the days...the last the I desire it to run up and down the trail and not enjoy the culture and scenery.

It seems this is more realistic:

Ktm to Arughat ( 1day)
Arughat to Phillim (3 to 4 days)
Phillim up Tsum exploring (4 to 5 days)
Phillim to Arughat (3 days)
Arughat to Ktm (1 day)

It seems to go up the valley and back and not complete the circuit--and not feel like running--one needs around 12 to 14 days.

Thanks for the knowledge...
Nat

6

We did Arughat to Philim in 2 days (we were strong hikers).

7

I was looking at google earth and the valley seems more of an open flood plain... and perhaps the trail is not that steep from Arughat to Phillim. It seems there are ups and downs...but no 1200m days untill after Phillim?

I am hoping to find a partner and do this prior to meeting my friend. I have 30 day prior to her arriving KTM>

Upon reflection...perhaps going up Arughat>>Phillim>>Chulmling>>LungDang Gompa>>explore>>Phillim>>Arughat.

I know that there should be more time up in Tsum, but, we will do what we can.

Thanks!!

8

I spent 8 days in the Tsum valley in the fall of 2011. If I was going to do it again, I'd spend 9 - spend two nights at Mu Gompa rather than one. Your night in Phillim counts as day 1.

9

The upper Tsum valley is indeed flat.
The first hours of the trek are not that easy, lots of up and down.