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Private Vehicle
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Max 12
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3520
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Star Hotel, Tea House (Family Rooms)
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Moderate to High
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
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Live Personal Trekking Guide
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Trekking
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English
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Includes (BLD)
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (50% discount for children under 10), Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
The Manaslu Family Trek is a 12-day family-friendly version of the Manaslu Circuit, designed specifically for families with children aged 10 and up. The route follows the lower Manaslu valley to Samagaun (3,520m) – high enough for spectacular mountain views but skipping the demanding Larkya La pass crossing. The trek has a deliberately slower pace, shorter walking days (4-5 hours max), and engaging cultural activities along the way. Children meet Tibetan-Buddhist families, visit ancient monasteries, learn to make momos with local cooks, take photos with yaks, and earn a junior trekker certificate at the end. The maximum altitude of 3,520m is well within safe limits for children with proper acclimatization. Our guides are experienced with family groups and trained in pediatric first aid.
Highlights
- Family-friendly pace with shorter walking days (4-5 hours max).
- Cultural activities: monastery visits, momo-making, yak photo ops.
- Junior Trekker certificate awarded at the end of the trek.
- Reach Samagaun (3,520m) with views of Manaslu without the demanding pass crossing.
- Suitable for families with children 10+.
Manaslu Family Trek – 12 Days Itinerary
Arrival and transfer to family-friendly hotel. Welcome dinner with kid-friendly options.
8-hour scenic jeep ride with frequent stops for snacks and photos.
Short 4-hour trek with stops for swimming in the Budi Gandaki.
Continue through forest. Cultural stop at a Tibetan-Buddhist shrine.
Climb through forest with expanding mountain views.
First views of Manaslu. Afternoon visit to a local school.
Continue to Lho. Visit Ribung Gompa and meet resident monks.
Reach Samagaun with spectacular views of Manaslu. Momo-making class with local cook.
Acclimatization hike to a viewpoint of Manaslu Base Camp.
Begin the descent. Junior Trekker certificate ceremony.
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
What is Included in the Manaslu Family Trek
- All airport pickups and drops in private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel (3 nights, B&B) with welcome and farewell dinners
- Domestic flights where applicable to itinerary
- All ground transport in private vehicle
- All necessary permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Restricted Area where applicable)
- Three meals daily (BLD) during the trek with tea/coffee
- Tea house or camping accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for groups of 6+
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg luggage allowance) with full insurance
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (refundable deposit)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Satellite phone for emergency communications
- All government and local taxes
- Family rooms with attached bathrooms where available
- Kid-friendly meals and snacks throughout
- Junior Trekker certificate at trek completion
- Monastery visit with donation
- Momo-making class with a Sherpa cook
What is Not Included in the Manaslu Family Trek
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days)
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost)
- Costs from unforeseen events (weather, flight delays, route changes)
Things to Carry for Manaslu Family Trek
Headwear
- Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
- Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
- Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow
Upper Body Layering
- 2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
- 1x mid-layer fleece jacket
- 1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
- 1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
- 1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)
Lower Body
- 2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
- 1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
- 1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
- 2x merino wool underwear
- 1x swimwear (for hot springs)
Hands
- 1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
- 1x insulated waterproof gloves
Footwear
- 1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
- 1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
- 4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
- 2x pairs liner socks
- Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud
Sleeping Gear
- 1x 3-season sleeping bag rated to -15C (we provide rental for USD 30)
- 1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)
Trekking Equipment
- 1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
- 1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
- 1x 20-30L day pack
- 1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
- 1x dry bag for electronics
- 1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)
First Aid & Health
- Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
- Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Imodium for stomach issues
- Rehydration sachets (ORS)
- Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
- Antiseptic wipes and bandages
- Lip balm with SPF 30+
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
- Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
Electronics
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
- Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
- Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
- Headphones
- eReader or book
Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
- Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 3520m)
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards and USD cash
- Emergency contacts
What We Provide (Rental)
- 4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
- Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
- Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
- Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
- Water purification tablets
- Satellite phone on remote treks
Related Packing Guides
Read our detailed packing guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Packing List, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Gear Insurance Checklist, Manaslu Circuit Trek Gear Cash Documents Checklist, Tsum Valley Trek Packing List Spring Autumn.
Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.
Know Before You Book – Manaslu Family Trek Information
Trip Name: Manaslu Family Trek – 12 Days
Duration: 12 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 3520m
Group Size: Max 12
Difficulty & Fitness
This trek is rated Medium. Medium treks involve 5-7 hours of walking daily with significant elevation gain. Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience. The maximum altitude is 3520m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.
Read our difficulty guides: Manaslu Tsum Operator Experience Check, Reviews Real Experience Tsum Valley Manaslu Guides.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Read our seasonal guides: Best Season Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Manaslu Circuit Spring Vs Autumn Season.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House (Family Rooms). Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.
Food and water guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Tea House Camping, Manaslu Circuit Trek Tea Houses.
Transportation
Transport: Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.
Flight and transport guides: Jomsom Muktinath Trek Transport Backup Flights Roads, Shey Phoksundo Trek Days With Transport Buffer.
Required Permits
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (50% discount for children under 10), Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.
Permit guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Permits And Guide Arrangements, Manaslu Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permits.
Altitude Safety
Maximum altitude is 3520m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Altitude safety guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Altitude Sickness Risk, Manaslu Tsum Valley Emergency Support Before Deposit.
Training & Preparation
Read our training guides: Prepare Custom Manaslu Tsum Valley Group Itinerary, Manaslu Tsum Valley Tea House Conditions.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 3520m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.
Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.
Culture guides: Manaslu Vs Tsum Valley Culture Villages, Manaslu Vs Annapurna Circuit Village Culture.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Not Included
International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
This trek is rated Medium and requires good fitness, 5-7 hours of walking daily at moderate altitude. The maximum altitude is 3520m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.
Read more: Prepare Custom Manaslu Tsum Valley Group Itinerary.
Required permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (50% discount for children under 10), Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 3520m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.
Related permit guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Permits And Guide Arrangements.
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.
Read our altitude safety guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Altitude Sickness Risk, Manaslu Tsum Valley Emergency Support Before Deposit.
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House (Family Rooms). Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.
Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.
Packing guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Packing List.





















