Tsum Valley Trek

Essential Info

Reason for Tsum Valley as a Restricted area in Nepal

Tsum Valley has a long history to tell until it opened its borders for tourism from 2008. There was a large political turmoil going on in the region, especially from the year 1975. The turmoil was related to the Khampa movement which advocated for the autonomy of Tibet.

However, peace returned to the region which let it open its doors to tourists and embrace tourism. Still, it is recognized as a restricted area by the Nepal Government and this necessitates the trekker to be a participant in a group tour organized by the authenticated local travel agency with the company of a local trekking guide.

This way, the region has not seen the flow of tourists like the other destinations of Nepal. Thus, the region and the people have been able to preserve and protect their original ancient culture with no impact of the outside customs.

However, road construction is ongoing from Tibet to the northeast and from Arughat to the southwest. It will soon threaten the Tsum Valley as well and tourism will expand like in Ghorepani, Everest, or Kanchenjunga.

Tourism development may boost the country’s economy but it will jeopardize the region’s wildlife, customs, environment, and even the innocence of the people.

So to keep these intact as much as possible, as long as possible, the Tsum Valley is and must be restricted.

Best Season and Time Frame for Tsum Valley Trek

If you want to have a full meeting with the true beauty of nature that surrounds and exists in the Tsum Valley, then consider taking this journey in the autumn or spring season in Nepal.

After all, these two seasons transform the landscape entirely adding their own unique allure. The autumn (Late September- November) transforms the green forest into a yellowish-orange hue while the mountains start to get covered with snow making everything stunningly striking.

However, the days slowly start to get shorter and the day heat also starts to drop to a milder temperature of 20 to 21 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, spring (March-May) arrives after a long cold spell and brings with it the amazing colors of red, pink, green, and many more. It is the season when the forest blooms bringing joy to trekkers and to locals. Truly, this season is a true contrast to the white of winter, bringing back warmth and color to the region.

Likewise, the summer/monsoon season (June-August) can be enthralling in Tsum as it largely remains untouched by the heavy thunderstorms. However, the starting locations of the Tsum Valley Trek have to face the large monsoon rains.

Additionally, the winter (Late December- February) blankets the entire Tsum Valley in snow. Almost everything will be frozen and the walking track may disappear under the snow-laden terrain.

Therefore, it is best to avoid planning this trek in the summer and winter seasons.

Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek difficult?

Our Tsum Valley trek itinerary presents a journey of moderate challenge that will take you to the highest altitude of 3700 m of Mu Gompa. The challenge is not presented by the walking trail as most of the pathway is comfortable and devoid of very steep inclines or slopes.

Most of the tracks that you will encounter are paved with stone slabs so the hiking journey will be pretty much comfortable. The difficulty lies in the terrain of the region and the effort that you have to put into overcoming such terrain.

For instance, in the lower Tsum Valley, there will be beautiful river gorges that feature notable changes in elevation. While in the middle section of the Valley, you will meet the path that has been carved into the cliffs rising above the high waters.

However, these routes are the common routes for the locals used to traverse their cattle and mules. This might encourage you to cross the track and with careful footing, the walk is surely manageable.

The other challenge that the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek presents is the duration of trekking hours you have to allocate for each day. The potential walking for up to 7 hours including the breaks in between can be problematic for some, especially for those who are not used to such long hiking.

Additionally, we never know what climate will we face in the middle of the day. The morning can be brilliantly sunny while the afternoon can be pretty gusty and cold.

The sudden transition in altitude and terrain can also be one of the difficulties. One day, you will be walking through the tropical warmth at Machha Khola and the other day you will find yourself in the alpine atmosphere of Mu Gompa.

And, as mentioned earlier, being relatively virgin land for tourism, the Tsum Valley only features basic accommodation which can bring its own set of challenges.

However, you have to keep in mind that Tsum Valley is not about luxury and comfort but about indulgence in the real nature that seems to be disappearing day by day in other parts of the world.

Who should undertake our Tsum Valley trekking journey?

Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking journey embraces all- whether you are an experienced high-altitude traveler or a new one setting to undertake your first ascent.

The only vital requirement for this trek is your sound mental and physical condition along with a willingness to sacrifice some comforts to fully immerse in the purest nature.

Those who are already active and athletic will find this journey manageable and can also cope with the long walking hours. Because of the effort of the local authorities and the people, the trails may be not as urban-like but definitely walkable and enjoyable.

They are also clearly marked so even if you get separated from the group, you will find your way easily. Additionally, the absence of technical complexities also makes this journey reachable to all.

However, you must be prepared for the variation in elevation and changes in the terrain through the forest, highland empire to the alpine world.

We want to add that the trek may not be suitable for those who already have ongoing issues related to heart, liver, kidney, or lungs or have asthma or diabetes. If so, please have some consultation with your physician before deciding to engage in our Tsum Valley trek.

Risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in Tsum Valley Trekking

The beautiful and diverse scenery of the Tsum Valley is an attraction for many but the changing environment and the oxygen-less air of this high valley along with the low temperature can often result in altitude sickness or the AMS- the Acute Mountain Sickness.

If the trekker can adapt to these conditions faster, they can have no condition of altitude sickness but if they take a long time to get used to such a new environment, the possibility of this sickness is greater.

They may start to experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, similar to a hangover. Such symptoms generally appear about 8-24 hours after being at high elevation, especially after spending the first night at higher zone. These symptoms are not severe and go away on their own in 1-2 days if taking the ascent gradually.

Therefore, we have thoughtfully arranged each day’s travel with a change in altitude slowly. Our daily elevation change will not exceed 500 m, except for day seven, when we will ascend 700 m from Chumling to Chekampar.

And, on day ten, we will descend sharply losing almost 2200 m as we travel from Chumling to Philim. Additionally, we have also included an acclimatization day in Kathmandu before we commence our extraordinary journey.

In order not to suffer from this condition, it is essential on your part to stay alert, identify your symptoms, and inform our guide as soon as possible.

Just know if you get sick at altitude, assume it’s altitude sickness until proven otherwise. If you have altitude sickness, do not continue and if you feel very sick, are getting worse, cannot walk in a straight line, or feel short of breath while resting, get off immediately.

You can also consider administering Diamox to prevent altitude sickness and ensure you drink plenty of fluids (water, soup, tea, juice, etc) to fight dehydration- one of the factors stimulating altitude sickness.

Essential Preparation for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

No doubt the Tsum Valley trek itinerary will inspire and recharge you. But what if you immediately get sick? Such an occurrence can disrupt your extraordinary journey. Therefore, we suggest all our participating trekkers to adequately prepare themselves so they can only focus on immersing themselves in the beauty of this exquisite location.

First, you should begin with a general health assessment including your eye and oral checkups as well. After being assured of your physical well-being, you should now focus on getting stronger and fit for the journey.

You should start getting enough rest, and quality sleep and try not to go past 11 pm. You should then start engaging in squat exercises probably 300 to 500 times a day to build up your leg and hip muscles so you can walk uphill with ease.

It is not necessary to go to the gym, you can simply do it in the comfortable setting of your home. You may be tired today but you will be comfortable the day you climb the hill.

Swimming is another activity that can prepare you for the multi-day trek. Try to do the breaststroke that will allow the lungs to expand so you can breathe deeply. This way your lungs will have the capacity to absorb more oxygen preventing altitude sickness during the trek.

You should also run every day starting with 400 m and then gradually increasing until you become capable of running 5 km a day. Try to add the inclines, add hill running or running up and down your home or apartment or office stairs.

It will increase the strength and endurance of the heart, blood vessels, and lungs and the strength of the entire muscular system.

And, to prepare your mind for the Tsum Valley trek, you can gather a wealth of information online so study about its climate, pathways, trails, and amenities.

This thorough preparation will give you a clear understanding of what lies ahead so you can prevent yourself from getting disappointed in the journey as the inflated expectation can always be the risk of spoiling the essence of the adventure.

Additionally, to maintain calm amidst any potential conflicts or misunderstandings, you can start meditating or practicing some yoga postures.

When you are preparing for the journey, do not forget to bring the portable first aid kit with some medicines for emergencies, such as painkillers and antihistamines. You should also bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and alcohol.

If you have a chronic disease, bring along your regular medication and medical equipment, such as inhalers or insulin.

Tsum Valley Trek Extension

If you are pursuing for a more extraordinary and adventurous experience, then you can think about integrating the Tsum Valley trek with the unique Nar Phu Kangla Pass trek that lies within the Annapurna region.

This journey offers you the lesser-known distinct trail that will take you to the striking base camp of Ganesh Himal. If your fortune smiles up on you, you never know you may even catch the sight of the elusive mystical Yeti as well.

But for this program, you will have to add 17 more days to our 13 days Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. And, you also have to be prepared for extended walking duration through the more rustic villages where camping may be necessary.

You will walk up to Mu Gompa and then divert your route towards Gumba Lungdang which will lead you to Ganesh Peak Base Camp. Then, you will navigate through the hidden hamlets of Ripchet, Nyak Phedi, Bihi Phedi, and Shyala, encircling the majestic Manaslu peak before concluding your trek.

If this is not to your liking, then you can also think about incorporating the Manaslu circuit trek with the Tsum Valley trek itinerary. After you return to Chumling, you will set on to explore the enchanting settlements of the Manaslu region such as Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, Sama Village, and Samdo.

Then, you will move on to cross the fearsome Larkya La Pass extending to an altitude of 5160 m. Your journey will then lead you back to Jagat via Bimthang and Dharapani.

Sleeping and Dining Arrangements in Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

We have thoughtfully organized every aspect of your Tsum Valley trek package where we have managed all your overnight accommodations and dining arrangements as you journey to the Tsum Valley.

In Kathmandu, a double occupancy room in a three-star hotel complete with the comforts of a private bathroom, hot shower, and WiFi await you. While during the trekking part, you will rest your nights in a cozy mountain tea house where you will get a room with two beds and blankets.

The facilities may be very simple yet enough for a warm refuge for a night after a long day of exploration. Please note that if you seek hot water for a bath, an additional fee may apply.

As for dining, a pleasantly nourishing in-house breakfast will be served to you each morning in Kathmandu. With the availability of varied culinary delights in the capital, we encourage you to explore the delicacies on your own so we have not included the lunch and dinner service in Kathmandu.

However, during the trek, the dining options will be very limited so we have arranged for three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) which will be served at the tea houses en route. The most common flavors will be momos, dal bhat, pizza, noodles, pasta, and thukpa.

Transportation Service

Our Manaslu Tsum Valley trek package also includes private transportation for collecting you from TIA on your arrival day and dropping you at TIA on your departure day from Nepal.

And for the Kathmandu tour on the second day of your arrival, we will facilitate you with the private car, van, bus, or jeep for the special tour of the city.

When the trip begins, you will be taken to Machha Khola by a local bus, and on your return from Machha Khola to Kathmandu, the same bus will take you back to the capital.

Note

Please also see our transportation upgrade options.

Travel Insurance

Hiking is a challenging tourist activity that comes with its own privileges and risks. If it refreshes the mind and the soul then it can also bring in the risk that you may have never expected you will face one day. Therefore, whenever, you are engaging in any hiking activity, you must be properly and adequately insured.

The same applies to our Tsum Valley trek as well for which travel insurance is not just a need but an obligatory component for obtaining the required permits.

When choosing the travel insurance for the Tsum Valley trek, you should buy one for more than the actual travel days, ie, for about a month so you can protect against any unexpected events.

Also make sure, that your insurance provider approves the claim for the incident that occurred in Nepal during trekking or climbing.

You should also pay keen attention to the details of the coverage which should include the medical costs in Nepal, airline delays, repatriation, transport costs, lost or delayed luggage, trip and flight cancellation, robbery, theft, assault, and rescue by air ambulance.

You should also never forget to request for documentation that will work as evidence to make your claim.

Rules and Permits Needed for Tsum Valley Trek

Since Tsum Valley is indicated as a Restricted Area in Nepal, it is essential for you to follow a significant rule: participation in this trek must be arranged through a licensed travel agency in Nepal, and you must be accompanied by a registered local tour guide during the entire trekking period.

Additionally, obtaining valid permits for entry into Tsum Valley is also of utmost importance. The obligatory permits for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek are the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP).

An individual price of US$ 30 must be paid to the Nepal Tourism Board located in Kathmandu for buying the MCAP. As for the RAP, an individual fee of US$ 40 will have to be paid to the Nepal Immigration Office during autumn which will remain valid for a week. After crossing the valid period, an added fee of US$ 7 per day will have to be paid.

During the other times of winter, spring, and summer, an individual price of US$ 30 will have to be paid with an additional US$ 5 for extra days after crossing the valid seven-day period.