Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek

At Luxury Holidays Nepal, we provide an unparalleled trekking experience, combining adventure with comfort. Our treks include well-organized itineraries, professional guides, and premium services. We offer everything from luxury accommodations and transportation to high-quality equipment. Safety, guest satisfaction, and sustainable practices are at the heart of our operations. Our expert team ensures personalized service, making every trek a memorable and rewarding journey.

When booking your international flights to Nepal, we recommend arriving at least one or two days before your trek begins. Domestic flights to trekking regions like Lukla (for Everest) or Jomsom (for Mustang) are subject to weather conditions and can occasionally be delayed or canceled. Planning for extra days before and after your trek provides flexibility in case of any unforeseen delays. This will also allow you to explore more of Kathmandu or rest before your adventure.

While experienced trekkers may feel confident navigating Nepal's trails independently, hiring a guide is highly recommended. A guide ensures your safety, helps with navigating the sometimes tricky trails, provides local insights, and handles permits and logistics. In case of emergencies, a guide can coordinate necessary rescue operations or medical help. Additionally, having a guide enriches your cultural experience, as they provide context and knowledge about the area.

Yes, all our guides at Luxury Holidays Nepal are fluent in English and have excellent communication skills. They are highly trained, licensed professionals with deep knowledge of the trekking routes, local culture, and traditions. Many guides also speak other languages, depending on the group’s needs, and are adept at ensuring guests' comfort and safety.

The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn offers clear skies, excellent mountain views, and moderate temperatures, while spring brings beautiful blooms, especially rhododendrons, making the trails picturesque.

Yes, most travelers will need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa through a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country. Make sure to carry passport-sized photos and US dollars to pay the visa fee.

For standard treks, accommodation is in tea houses (basic lodges) along the trekking route. They offer simple rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. For those opting for luxury treks, we offer stays at luxury lodges, such as Mountain Lodges of Nepal, with upgraded rooms, private bathrooms, and enhanced comfort.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking (above 4,000m) and helicopter evacuation in case of an emergency. We highly recommend double-checking your policy to ensure it meets all necessary requirements for your trek.

During the trek, you can expect hearty meals, often a mix of traditional Nepali dishes (like dal bhat), pasta, noodles, soups, and bread. The menus in tea houses are basic but nutritious, helping you stay energized. Luxury trekking packages offer more diverse meal options, including international dishes and fresh ingredients.

Our guides are trained in managing altitude sickness and will monitor your health during the trek. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, we will take the necessary steps, such as slowing down, descending to a lower altitude, or, in severe cases, arranging for a helicopter evacuation (if covered by your insurance). Acclimatization days are built into our itineraries to reduce the risk.

We provide a detailed packing list before your trip, which includes essentials like proper trekking boots, warm layers, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For some treks, we offer equipment like duffel bags, sleeping bags, and trekking poles.

Yes, most tea houses offer charging facilities for a small fee. However, it is advisable to carry a portable power bank as electricity may not always be reliable, especially at higher altitudes.

Yes, most international travelers can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, as well as at several official land entry points in Nepal. This is the easiest and most common visa option for travelers visiting Nepal for tours, trekking, holidays, and cultural trips.

The visa-on-arrival process is simple and usually completed after landing in Kathmandu.

Step 1: Fill out the visa application form
After arrival, you can complete the visa form at the self-service kiosks inside the arrival hall. To save time, you may also complete the online tourist visa form before traveling through Nepal’s official immigration portal.

Step 2: Pay the visa fee
After completing the form, pay the visa fee at the designated visa fee counter. The current tourist visa fees are:

Visa Duration    Fees
15 Days    USD 30
30 Days    USD 50
90 Days    USD 125

Different payment methods may be available at the airport, but it is always recommended to carry some cash in US dollars to avoid delays in case card machines or payment systems are not working properly.

Step 3: Proceed to immigration
After payment, proceed to the immigration desk with your passport, visa form, and payment receipt. The immigration officer will check your documents and issue the visa.

Documents required for visa on arrival:

Passport  -   Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
Visa application form   - Completed online or at the airport kiosk
Visa fee  -  Paid according to 15, 30, or 90 days
Photo  -  Usually captured digitally, but carrying one passport-size photo is recommended
Travel details -   Hotel name/address and return or onward flight details may be asked

Online Application: Apply online up to 15 days before arrival to speed up the process. Visit Nepal Immigration.

Visa at Embassies: You can also apply at Nepalese embassies abroad.

Extensions: Extend your visa at immigration offices in Nepal. Fees start at USD 45 for 15 days.

Exemptions: Indian citizens don’t need a visa; SAARC nationals get a 30-day free visa on their first visit within a year.

Important note:
Citizens of some countries are required to obtain a visa before arriving in Nepal from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate. Travelers holding refugee travel documents may also need to arrange a visa in advance. We recommend checking the latest rules with Nepal’s Department of Immigration or the nearest Nepalese Embassy before travel.

Our team will guide you with the latest arrival instructions before your trip. Once you complete immigration and baggage collection, our airport representative will be waiting outside the arrival terminal to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Luxury Holidays Nepal will be waiting for you outside the arrival terminal to welcome you.

Our airport representative or driver will normally be holding a signboard with your name and/or Luxury Holidays Nepal’s name, so you can easily identify them after completing immigration, collecting your luggage, and exiting the arrival hall.

After meeting you, our team will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. The transfer is arranged according to your flight arrival time, so even if your flight is delayed, our team will monitor the schedule and adjust the pickup accordingly whenever possible.

Before your arrival, we will also share the necessary contact details, such as the name and phone number of the airport representative or our operations team, so you can contact us easily in case you need any assistance at the airport.

For most of our Nepal tour packages, airport pickup and hotel transfer are included, making your arrival smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the visa process, immigration clearance, and baggage claim usually take around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours in total.

However, the exact time can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of international flights arriving at the same time, the length of the visa-on-arrival queue, immigration processing, and baggage handling time.

If you have already completed the online visa application form before arrival and are carrying the correct visa fee in US dollars, the process may be faster. During busy arrival periods, public holidays, or peak travel seasons, it may take longer than usual.

After you complete immigration and collect your luggage, please proceed to the exit terminal, where a representative from Luxury Holidays Nepal will be waiting for you with a signboard showing your name and/or our company name.

To make your arrival smoother, we recommend keeping your passport, visa fee, arrival details, hotel address, and travel documents easily accessible during the arrival process.

Yes, you can buy a local SIM card at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after completing immigration and collecting your luggage.

SIM card counters are usually available in the arrival area, where you can purchase a prepaid SIM from major telecom providers such as Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). A local SIM card is very useful for mobile data, local calls, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and staying connected with your guide, driver, and hotel during your Nepal trip.

To buy a SIM card, you will normally need to provide:

Passport   - Required for registration
Passport-size photo -   May be required, though some counters can take a digital photo
Visa details  -  Your Nepal visa or arrival stamp may be checked
Local contact/address  -  Hotel name or address may be requested

Most travelers choose a prepaid SIM with a data package, which can be topped up later at shops, mobile stores, supermarkets, or through online payment apps where available.

Please note that airport SIM counters may be busy during peak arrival times, and package options or prices can change. For a smoother arrival, you may also choose to buy a SIM later in Kathmandu, especially in areas like Thamel, where many mobile shops offer SIM cards and data packages.

Our airport representative or guide can assist you if you need help purchasing a SIM card after arrival.

You can exchange foreign currency at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after your arrival. Authorized money exchange counters are available inside the arrival area, making it convenient to exchange a small amount of money before leaving the airport.

However, airport exchange rates may not always be the best compared to exchange counters in the city. We recommend exchanging only a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses, such as snacks, tips, or personal purchases, and exchanging more later at authorized money exchange counters or banks in major tourist areas.

Popular places to exchange money include:

Kathmandu Airport   - Convenient for immediate cash needs after arrival
Thamel, Kathmandu  -  Many authorized money exchange counters with competitive rates
Lakeside, Pokhara   - Easy to exchange money in the main tourist area
Banks  -  Available in major cities, usually during banking hours
Hotels  -  Some hotels may exchange money, but rates may be lower

Major currencies such as US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars, and other widely used currencies are usually accepted at exchange counters. For the best experience, carry clean and undamaged notes, as torn, old, or heavily marked bills may not be accepted.

ATMs are also available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other major cities. However, withdrawal limits and bank charges may apply. For trekking regions or remote areas, we recommend carrying enough Nepali Rupees in cash before leaving the city.

Our guide or airport representative can assist you with general guidance on where to exchange money safely after arrival.

The best and most convenient way to get from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel is by using the pre-arranged airport transfer provided by Luxury Holidays Nepal.

Upon arrival, our airport representative or driver will meet you outside the arrival terminal with a signboard showing your name and/or Luxury Holidays Nepal. After meeting you, they will assist with your luggage and transfer you directly to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

This is the easiest option because you do not need to worry about finding a taxi, negotiating fares, explaining the hotel location, or arranging transport after a long flight.

The drive from Kathmandu airport to hotels in central areas such as Thamel, Lazimpat, Boudha, or Durbar Marg usually takes around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and your hotel location.

For most of our Nepal tour packages, airport pickup and hotel transfer are included. Before your arrival, we will also share the necessary contact details so you can reach our team easily in case of flight delays, baggage delays, or any difficulty finding the representative.

It's advised to engage in a few months of cardiovascular and endurance training, like hiking, jogging, or cycling, to build stamina. Strength training for legs and core will also help with the rugged terrain.

Key items include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing in layers, a waterproof jacket, thermal undergarments, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen), and a water purification system.

Yes, most trekking routes require a permit. Popular permits include the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card and, depending on the region, national park permits like the Sagarmatha or Annapurna Conservation Area permits.

The best trekking seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making for excellent trekking conditions.

While not mandatory on all routes, hiring a guide can enhance your experience, provide safety, and help with navigation. A porter is beneficial if you prefer not to carry heavy loads, allowing you to enjoy the trek more comfortably.

Gradual acclimatization is key; avoid rushing through higher altitudes. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and consider acclimatization days. It's also helpful to consult your doctor about medications like Diamox for altitude sickness prevention.

Most routes have teahouses with basic accommodation and a variety of meals, including rice, noodles, soups, and some Western dishes. In more remote areas, options may be limited, so it’s advisable to carry snacks and any dietary essentials.

For flights to trekking regions like Lukla or Pokhara, the luggage allowance is typically 10-15 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for hand luggage. Extra weight incurs additional charges, so pack accordingly.

Most trekking routes offer teahouses, which are basic lodges with small, shared rooms and simple bedding. In popular trekking areas, some teahouses provide attached bathrooms and hot showers for an additional fee.

Private rooms are generally available in teahouses along popular routes, though they may be limited. In remote or higher-altitude areas, shared rooms are more common due to limited availability.

Teahouse menus typically offer a range of dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, pasta, soups, momos, and Western-style breakfasts with eggs, toast, or porridge. Options become more limited at higher elevations.

Yes, vegetarian options like dal bhat, vegetable curries, and soups are widely available. However, vegan options may be limited, especially at higher altitudes. It's helpful to carry some snacks or essentials if you have strict dietary needs.

Meal costs vary by altitude, with prices increasing as you go higher. On average, budget $20-$30 per day for meals on popular routes like Everest and Annapurna. This cost can be lower on shorter or less remote routes.

Boiled water is often available for a fee, or you can buy bottled water in lower regions. For a sustainable option, carry a water purification system like a SteriPen or purification tablets to treat tap or stream water along the way.

Heating is usually only available in the dining areas of teahouses, where wood or yak dung stoves are used. Rooms are typically unheated, so bring a good sleeping bag and warm layers for colder nights.

While many teahouses try to cater to common dietary restrictions, specific needs (like gluten-free or lactose-free) can be challenging to meet, especially at higher altitudes. It’s recommended to carry some backup snacks that meet your dietary needs.

Common health risks include altitude sickness, dehydration, digestive issues, and physical injuries from slips or falls. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and staying hydrated can help reduce these risks.

Gradual acclimatization is essential. Take regular rest days, avoid rapid ascents, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Medications like Diamox can also help, but consult with a doctor before use.

Tap and stream water is not safe to drink untreated. Boiled water is available in teahouses, or you can bring a water purification method, like tablets or a SteriPen, to treat water along the way.

If you experience serious symptoms of altitude sickness or injury, inform your guide immediately. Helicopter rescues are available for emergencies on popular trekking routes, but you will need travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking.

Vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Consult with a travel health specialist before your trip for specific recommendations based on your medical history.

Yes, a personal first-aid kit is essential. Include basics like bandages, blister treatments, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, altitude sickness medication, and any personal medications.

Travel insurance is highly recommended, and it should cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue. Check that your policy includes medical evacuation, as this is crucial in emergencies.

Carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes, as water may be limited at higher altitudes. Most teahouses offer basic washing facilities, and showers may be available for a fee at some points along the trail.

Essentials include a sturdy backpack, layered clothing, a warm sleeping bag, down jacket, waterproof jacket, thermal wear, trekking poles, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), first-aid kit, toiletries, water purification method, and snacks. A headlamp, power bank, and camera are also recommended.

Quality trekking boots with ankle support are essential for stability and comfort on rough trails. Choose waterproof boots that you’ve broken into before the trek to prevent blisters and discomfort.

Porters typically carry up to 15-20 kg for two people. Travelers are encouraged to pack light and keep personal bags under 10 kg per person if sharing a porter.

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Nepal. General guidelines are $5-10 per day for guides and $3-5 per day for porters, though it’s ultimately at your discretion. Tips are typically given at the end of the trek.

Budget around $20-30 per day for meals, water, and snacks. For additional expenses like tips, internet access, showers, and souvenirs, bring some extra cash. It’s best to carry smaller Nepali rupee denominations, as ATMs are limited along the trails.

Wi-Fi is available in many teahouses for a fee, though it can be slow and unreliable at higher altitudes. Local SIM cards with data can be used in areas with cell coverage, and satellite phones are available in emergencies.

Yes, there is an additional charge for solo travelers, as we provide a single room and a dedicated porter for the duration of the trip to ensure personalized support and comfort.

Sometimes, trekkers complete the trek ahead of schedule or need to end it early due to health or personal reasons. In these situations, please note that we are unable to offer refunds for unused days. Our costs remain the same, as we are committed to compensating our guides and porters for the time and effort they have dedicated to your trek.

Cancellation policies generally require a deposit that is non-refundable within a certain period before departure. Some offer partial refunds if canceled early. Always check the specific terms, including rescheduling options, non-refundable fees, and policies on weather-related delays.