Tsum Valley Trek

Yes, the majority of travelers to Nepal will need a visa. You can acquire one upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. Alternatively, you have the option to apply for a visa beforehand at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Yes, Escape Himalaya offers airport pickup services for our clients. We recognize the significance of a seamless arrival and strive to guarantee a trouble-free beginning to your journey. When you reserve a trek or tour with us, you can coordinate with our team to schedule a representative to greet you at the airport upon your arrival.

Look for our staff member holding a signboard bearing your name or the company's name for easy recognition. Providing us with your flight details ahead of time, including your flight number and estimated arrival time, enables us to make suitable arrangements for your pickup.

Certainly! As a solo traveler, you're welcome to join one of the groups organized by Escape Himalaya. We frequently arrange group treks and tours that cater to individuals traveling alone. Joining a group not only allows you to meet other travelers but also offers the opportunity to share experiences and potentially lower costs.

When reaching out to Escape Himalaya, simply inform us that you're a solo traveler interested in joining a group. We'll then provide details about available group departures and assist you in selecting a trek or tour that aligns with your preferences and travel dates.

Generally, we use the best available 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star category hotels for travelers' accommodation in Kathmandu. Meanwhile, travelers can upgrade or prolong accommodation with us as required.

The costs to prolong or upgrade hotel accommodation in Kathmandu may vary based on preferred hotel rates.

Certainly! You have the option to upgrade your accommodation to a luxury hotel in Kathmandu. If you wish to elevate your stay from the standard 3-star hotel provided by Escape Himalaya, simply let us know, and we can arrange the upgrade for you. However, please bear in mind that availability and pricing for luxury hotels may fluctuate based on the hotel and the timing of your visit.

Nepal boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and a profound cultural legacy. Among the sought-after tourist spots are Kathmandu (the capital), Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), Bhaktapur, as well as the renowned trekking regions of Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, and Upper Mustang.

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Nepal. However, the process for obtaining a visa depends on your nationality. You can either obtain a visa from the diplomatic consulate office of Nepal in your respective country or apply for an “On Arrival” visa at the entry checkpoints of Nepal. Please click this link to get more information on ways to issue a tourist visa. Also please see the visa fee here below:

On-Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points of Nepal:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Indian nationals do not need to have a visa to enter Nepal however they need to bring an official document such as a Passport or Election card (issued by the Election Commission) that proves their identity.

Escape Himalaya offers both group and solo trek to Everest Base Camp. However, to choose to join which tour style completely depends upon the traveler itself.

If you are happy to meet people from other parts of the world and join in an experience of a lifetime with fellow travelers, then going for a group trek is also best.

However, if you prefer freedom and flexibility, trekking solo (private) will give you the independence to set your own pace and choose your itinerary. You will have the flexibility to make spontaneous decisions. You will not be bound by a group schedule and choose to lead your journey as you wish and even modify the plan if needed.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, one of our representative staff will be there to pick you up at the airport holding a display board of Escape Himalaya. This service is included in all their trekking packages to ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. The representative will escort you to your hotel, where you will be staying as per the package itinerary. This service is designed to provide you with a hassle-free experience right from the beginning of your trip​.

Yes, it is possible to travel solo in Nepal, and Escape Himalaya supports solo travelers with tailored services. They recommend hiring a guide for safety and better navigation, especially on complex trails. The company provides both male and female guides and ensures reputable accommodations for comfort and security. They also offer airport pickup and drop-off services for a smooth travel experience. Many solo travelers, including solo female trekkers, have reported positive experiences, highlighting the professionalism and support of Escape Himalaya throughout their journey.

For trekking in Nepal, you will need a 60-80 liter duffle bag made of durable, water-resistant material. Escape Himalaya provides a duffle bag for your gear, carried by porters. For your day pack, choose a 20-30 liter pack with adjustable straps, hydration compatibility, and multiple compartments. Ensure both bags are durable and comfortable for the trek​.

For trekking in Nepal, bring mid to high-cut waterproof boots with a breathable material like Gore-Tex. Ensure they have a snug fit, a lightweight design, and high-traction rubber soles like Vibram. Break them in before your trek to avoid blisters and discomfort.

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking path involves a variety of terrains, including some steep and uneven paths. There are sections with rocky and sloppy trails, especially as you ascend to higher altitudes and cross mountain passes. Proper trekking gear and good physical fitness are important for navigating these terrains. The trail conditions can vary depending on the season, so it's advisable to do some prior research or consult with someone who knows how to trek the trail.

Definitely! Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a moderate to challenging trek. It includes walking for multiple days consecutively for hours. However, we must say, it is not a tiresome journey. Trekking is a physical work but it is also a mentally rewarding task. And when your mental state is happy, tiredness is the last thing you will be thinking about.

Nevertheless, some sort of prior experience will help in making your journey smoother. Prior hiking or short trekking activities will prepare you for the impact that long hours of walking have on your body. It helps your body get accustomed to the nature of the activity you are indulging in.

For Manaslu Circuit Trekking one can indulge in simple exercise activities like jogging, walks, running, or going on hikes. These will enhance your cardiovascular endurance which is crucial for you while doing ascends and descends on a mountainous terrain. Similarly, these will also help you in building muscle strength which is very necessary for carrying backpacks. Likewise, it aids in building stamina, joint flexibility, and stability. Additionally, these activities allow you to familiarize yourself with trekking gear such as backpacks, water bottles, boots, and other equipment.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek so altitude sickness is a concern one should think about. The highest point on the trek, Larkya La Pass, reaches an elevation of over 5100 meters above sea level, and it is an outstanding altitude. Henceforth, trekkers must approach the journey gradually and cautiously.

One can take on the journey by following a well-planned itinerary, constantly hydrating themselves, having nutritious meals, and not rushing the trek. Most want to skip a few days or rush the itinerary by passing dedicated stop areas. One should not do something like that even if they are physically okay or can walk for some hours. The body always rejects decisions that are not working for them and it can result in being sick. A key to a successful trekking is taking the journey gently and steadily prioritizing your health and well-being.

If you or somebody is suffering from mountain sickness, immediately inform the guide. There are various ways to deal with the situation and they are professional in this regard. Besides consulting with the guide, one can descend to a lower altitude to acclimatize. However, if the condition is worse, it is crucial to evacuate from the location for professional medical attention. There are emergency helicopter rescue services available for such cases and our company will assist trekkers in arranging the service.

For trekking the Manaslu Circuit, the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are the finest times to go. Both seasons are perfect for trekking since they have pleasant weather, clear skies, and breathtaking vistas.

Spring season offers pleasant daytime temperatures and chilly evenings, the weather is often steady and gentle. The season also adds brilliant colors to the sceneries by bringing the walking trail to life with rhododendrons in blossom. The verdant, lush forests may be home to a variety of species. Furthermore, because of the snowmelt and generally calm weather during this season, high mountain crossings like Larkya La Pass are easier to access.

Autumn is another great season to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. There are expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains due to the clear and steady weather. The monsoon season is followed by the fall, which guarantees clear skies and better air quality. This offers great visibility for taking in the views of the mountains.

Winter (December to February) season also offers great vistas but it comes with the challenge of extremely cold weather and thick snow layers. This will require trekkers to bring extra special equipment which can be unfavorable for some. Nevertheless, the scenery at this time is truly magical as the mountains are all covered in snow and shining brightly.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August) on the other hand brings the struggle of rain, muddy and slippery paths, and the possibility of delays due to landslides and blocked roads. Yet, it showcases fresh green scenery enhancing the beauty of the Manaslu range.

Overall, picking the best time to do anything depends on the availability of a traveler. However, it is good to do prior research regarding what your selected time holds for your journey so that you will have a great traveling experience.

Yes, permits are necessary to do Manaslu Circuit Trekking. The trail is part of restricted areas and is only open for group trekking. Solo trekking in Manaslu Circuit without professional assistance is not possible. Since it is a group trekking trail, one has to do the trek via a trekking agency in Nepal. They will manage the restricted area permits for you.

There are some places in Nepal which does not allow solo travelers and such places are called restricted areas. It is so because most of these places lie in rural areas where the earliest cultures are still relevant and signs of modernization are still lacking. Henceforth, travelers are unable to travel to these places without the company of a guide or some form of assistance. Solo traveling is not allowed and a restricted area trekking permit is necessary for everyone who wishes to explore these areas. Restricted areas include places like Nar Phu Valley, Tsum Valley, Upper Mustang, and a few more. For more info, please click here.

Our company shall assist you in getting the permit so travelers may not worry about obtaining the permits.

To get a Restricted Area Permit, you need to submit, your scanned passport size photo, trekking schedule, and a passport number.

During the Manaslu Circuit lodging options range from basic teahouses to comparatively more comfortable lodges in select villages. Teahouses offer essential amenities, but trekkers should not anticipate luxurious accommodations. Hot water is available in some bathrooms while in some, it might not be. Similarly, please be informed that lodging arrangements include shared facilities.

Yes, you will be able to access the internet and telephone network on the trail. However, since you will be trekking along the rugged landscape, please expect to have inconveniences with network connections.

Trekkers can charge their electric appliances at the teahouses they are staying. Nevertheless, it is wise to bring a power bank, and extra batteries as sometimes it can get quite challenging to find a spot for charging and can cost you extra as well.

Bottled mineral water is available on the trail, yet we do not suggest buying it as it will leave you with trash. Thus, we recommend bringing your own water bottle and water filtering kit. You will find numerous water sources along the trail or you can simply buy hot water from the teahouses you pass by.

Trekkers will find a bunch of varieties of options for meals. Most teahouses will serve trekkers with a menu where you can find dishes like porridge, fried rice, varieties of noodles, dumplings, soups, and a Nepali staple dish Daal Bhat. Although the food menu may be limited, cooks at the teahouse will try their best to serve the delicious and warm meals of your preference.

Most of the teahouses and restaurants in the Manaslu trekking route serve vegan foods. The guide will take the food order as per your preferences.  You can pre-inform about your choices.