Tsum Valley Trek

Useful Information

Accommodation (Teahouse or Homestay) in the Tsum Valley Trek

During the trip. The accommodation is the most essential Tea house or Homestay trek. We compare to the Guest houses in the Annapurna and Everest areas. It is more critical there. You will get the basic private or shared room with a bed, mattress, bed cover, and pillows. If you have your sleeping bag, it will be helpful for you.

The facilities are pretty basic at the Teahouse or Homestay. Some places have no electricity, but they have solar power in the kitchen and dining halls. You can charge your cell phone and camera battery. They charge the extra cost.

Food during the Tsum Valley Trek

This 12-day trek takes you from low to high elevations, so you need plenty of nutritious meals. We will provide you with enough nutritious foods, but you will make your choices. We will provide 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners during the trek. Dishes from Chinese, European, Nepali, and Indian cuisines are available. Some of the most famous items in the trek regions are:

Breakfast

Breakfast in the Tsum Valley typically occurs early in the morning, as travelers begin their trek at this time. The breakfasts will be provided at the lodges where you stayed overnight. Normally, breakfast time is 6 to 8 am. Some breakfast items below:

- Tibetan Bread with Jam/Honey

- Porridge

- Chapatti with fried eggs

- French Toast with cheese

- Apple and Banana pancake

- Muesli with Milk

- Noodle Soup

Lunch

During the daytime, you can take a light lunch break, because after the lunch break, you should walk around for 2 to 3 hours a day. Therefore, at lunchtime, you can taste a quick item such as

- Noodle soup

- Dal Bhat

- Friend Rice

- Chowmein

- Thukpa

Dinner

Your body demands nutrition and healthy food items after a 6 to 7 hours of walking a day in the Tsum Valley adventure. Therefore, at night you can have dinner around 7 to 8 pm.

- Dal Bhat

- Pizza

- Spaghetti

- Mo: Mo

- Noodle Soup

- Fried Rice

- Thukpa items

What are the safe drinking water facilities in the Tsum Valley Trek?

Along the trekking route, the teahouses provide you with mineral water. However, the cost will increase in the high-altitude area because mineral water must be brought from the city. Insist on a bottle of water; you can use the boiled water. Moreover, they will charge some additional costs.

During the journey, you will get several natural waters from streams and Taps that may look like clear and drinkable water, but you must be careful. So, avoid drinking water directly from natural sources.

If you feel the mineral water and boiled water are too costly, then you have an alternative option to drink water from streams and Taps. You should use the refile by purification table or a filtering pump. After that, you can drink safe water.

What does the Tsum Valley Trek offer?

Along the Tsum Valley trek route, you can explore the truly local culture of the isolated Nepalese Himalayas in the more hidden Manaslu region, which is split by the border with Tibet. This region is a unique Buddhist tradition that gives the valley an advantage over the other remote valleys of Nepal.

This specific trek takes you through the high-altitude Himalayas of Nepal, featuring dense forests of pine and rhododendrons, and past the residences of welcoming Gurung and Tibetan communities. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to witness the ancient Buddhist culture and its practices in centuries-old monasteries.

Is the Tsum Valley Trek a restricted trekking route? Why is it a restricted Zone in Nepal?

Alongside the Tsum Valley, which is being settled in the delicate ecosystem of the Nepalese Himalayas in the Gorkha district, the sacred valley is home to the province's unique local cultural and religious heritage, which has a strong connection with Tibet.

The communities of local peoples are active experts of Tibetan Buddhism, as revealed in their art style, way of living, and diverse architecture showcased in monasteries and articles.

Additionally, the valley lies in a very profound border area between Nepal and Tibet. Therefore, Tsum Valley is restricted to protect the delicate Himalayan environment, traditional culture, and local customs through control by the Nepal government.

12 Days Tsum Valley Trip Cost

The Tsum Valley trek cost for 12 days is 890U$D per head. Moreover, we offer a seasonal price, (September, October, November) and (March, April, and May) are the best seasons to discover this trek. The weather is beautiful, neither cold nor not hot during this period. This program is to get the cultural values.

Therefore, getting new energy and fresh perspectives on your life journey. However, this trekking is one of the most magical treks in the Manaslu region. If you are looking to travel in the off-season, we have a special discount on the price.

We are offering a group discounted price on the Tsum Valley trek, which is given below

• 970 USD – 1 Pax
• 870 USD – 2-5 pax
• 850 USD – 6 – above

Why the Tsum Valley Trek is best?

It is the best new homestay route in the Manaslu region. Where you can explore the hidden valley and typical culture of the Chum and Tibetan peoples. You get the best chance to get connected to nature.

It is rich in natural beauty and diversity. One can enjoy the magical scenery of the Himalayas, gigantic plants, and wildlife. The vegetables are green, and peaceful environments are enough to add memories to your life journey.

Culture and religion along the Tsum Valley 

Most of the valley people are Buddhists with an extended Buddhist history. People believe the Buddhist saint Milarepa meditated in these areas' caves. Tsum Valley is also well-known as Tsum Tso Chuksum, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory.

We can discover these antique remains of the Tsum Kingdom now. It is an isolated part of Nepal and not easily reachable. They have their own unique culture and lifestyle, not impressed by Western impact.

Spectacular Mountains views during the Tsum Valley Homestay trek

During the Tsum Valley trek route, the spectacular Himalayas views of Siringi Himal, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal ranges, etc. The days will be sunny and bright. There will be no clouds. So, it makes it easy for you to get magnificent views of mountains with nature.

The Chum Valley trek journey is comfortable and exciting at the same time. The plants are rare surrounding the hidden nature. The entryway has wonderful scenic and Himalayas vistas. It makes your trek thrilling and memorable.

Waterfalls along the trails

Along the trekking trails, you can see the many waterfalls. You can enjoy and take a picture of waterfalls. In the summer (rainy season), you can chill and relax in these beautiful waterfalls.

How difficult is the Tsum Valley Trek?

The Tsum Valley Trek is considered moderately to difficult. Trekkers need to walk 6 to 7 hours a day, uphill and downhill at some points. Although a few parts of the trek witness an unexpected altitude increase, posing a risk of altitude sickness.

To complete this trip, you do not need to have previous trekking experience. However, it is most important to maintain a physically fitness level and mentally prepare for the sudden Himalayan conditions that may induce serious injuries when not well planned.

Before coming to Nepal, we highly suggest you do some exercise, like day hiking, morning Walk, running, and cycling, to strengthen your muscles and increase the endurance level necessary for the Tsum Valley.

You will reach the maximum altitude at Mu Gompa at an elevation of 3800 meters above sea level, walking on the rugged terrain in the hidden valley gem and less crowded after crossing several suspension bridges that challenge you as much as possible.

How to prepare for the Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal?

You need to be well-prepared for the Tsum Valley trek, including endurance and strength, both of which can be developed through regular exercise. To prepare yourself for this adventure, we highly recommend exercising frequently in your country before coming to Nepal. Activities such as day hiking, running, Gym Workouts, swimming, and cycling, done five to six times a week, will help your body adapt to its optimal state. To prepare for Tsum Valley, you can hike for 4 to 5 hours in your country or a hillside area. Also, prepare for this trek; there are some things you should consider, including your physical fitness level, equipment, and logistics.

Physical fitness Level: The Tsum Valley Trek is difficult, and it's required to be in good physical fitness level to get the experience. The trek involves several 5 to 7-hour treks each day, frequently on ascending and descending, rocky terrain, and high altitudes. To prepare for this journey, you should start training at least 2 to 3 months in advance. It includes cardio exercise such as cycling, hiking, and running.

Trekking Gear: You will need a good quality, comfortable trekking boots, clothing, sleeping bag, down jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and gloves. You can ensure you have enough trekking gear. Like a Sleeping bag and a down jacket, you can rent one in Kathmandu.

Logistics: The Tsum Valley trek needs a special trekking permit and a government-licensed guide. To ensure your trek plan goes well, plan as permits for the trek are limited and can be hard to obtain. Also, you must book a guide. If you want porters, then you can book in advance as well.

Travel Insurance: We highly encourage getting travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, as the trek takes in rural valley areas and emergency medical care might be difficult to access. So, keep in mind the acclimatization schedule to avoid altitude sickness and other illnesses. Overall, the Tsum Valley is a breathtaking trek that offers the best adventure and memories. Therefore, you should prepare well-being as a major point to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tsum Valley Trek transportation services between Kathmandu - Machhikhola - Kathmandu

For transportation services, you can choose a local Bus or ride a private jeep to reach the starting point of your trek, which is Soti Khola or Machhi Khola, and drive back to Kathmandu after the end.

Transportation services cost

- Local Bus: 15 USD per person one way
- Private jeep 300 USD one way.

Responsible Travel

Our expert guides and porter team believe that we are all equally responsible for local cultural environments. We highly encourage following the essential roles and regulations.

- Respect the local culture and customs
- You can support keeping the environment clean, wherever you trek, and dispose of rubbish.
- Help the local community to encourage the positive sides of tourism.
- Ask your guides for permission before doing anything in the local community.

Communication in Tsum Valley

The Tsum Valley is a rural valley and a less-trekked zone in Nepal where resources of communication have reached as part of an enormous spread, yet are very limited. Only a few lodges or home stays have Wi-Fi services for an extra price.

Connecting with friends or family Group during the trek can take time and effort because the trekking route also doesn't possess stable signals. Therefore, Himalayan Local Guide Pvt. Ltd. recommends you buy a 4G NTC SIM card with Data packages to use internet services, where the Phone signal is received, while trekking in Tsum Valley.

Extra personal expenses on trek

During the trek, all main course meals are included in the package trip (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). The meals will be served in the package program, and any personal and bar bills will be extra.

Do I need to hire a guide for the Tsum Valley Trek?

Yes, you need to take a government-licensed holder guide for the Tsum Valley trek. It is mandatory. The Tsum Valley in the Manaslu Conservation Area project is known as a restricted area and requires a special permit to enter. Please note that solo travel is banned on these routes. A porter is optional if you need a porter. We arrange it, and the porter will carry your luggage, a maximum of 20kg. 

Tsum Valley Trek Guide and Porter Cost

A trekking guide's Cost is 35 USD per day, and porter cost is generally 25 to 30 USD per day. This includes his food, accommodation, salary, and travel insurance, etc. However, a tip for the guide and porter team. It is not included in the trip cost; you can tip when you finish your trek in Kathmandu.

Porters

Your luggage, porter will carry one porter for two clients. The maximum luggage weight per trekkers is 10 to 12 kg, as we never overload our porters. You can take only the necessary things in your backpack. It included a sleeping bag. You may leave others.

Last-Minute Booking

The last-minute booking can be made by any who is interested in trekking within 48 Hours before the start of your trek. However, the payment must be made 100% if you are booking this at the last minute, and booking can be done online, or you can send us an email or WhatsApp.

TREKKING EQUIPMENT LIST FOR TSUM VALLEY TREK

Body Clothing

• Sleeping Bag
• Down Jacket
• Three pairs of trekking t-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Thermal Shirt for Colder place
• Fleece Jacket
• Warm wool Sweaters
• Waterproof and windproof Jacket
• Cotton Trekking pants with folding
• Waterproof and windproof pants

Head and Face

• Sun Hat
• Wool or fleece hat
• Headlight
• Sunglass
• Sunscreen 50
• Face wipes and towel

List of Footwear

• Trekking Boats
• ¾ Paris Preferably Cotton Socks
• Crampon
• One pair of extra sports shoes

Necessary Gears

• Gaiters just in case snow
• Gloves and Thick Gloves
• Big rucksack above the 40 L
• Waterproof Bag Cover
• Rain Coat
• Trekking Pole (if you needed)
• Laundry Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush
• Toilet papers
• Water pearls
• Bottle for drinking water
• Pen and Note Book
• Copy and Tourist Guide Book
• Camera
• Battery charger
• Memory card
• Cell Phone and Charger
• Money Wallet
• Altimeters and Playing card

First aid Kid

• Diamox
• Cotton bandages
• Paracetamol
• Painkillers
• Loperamide to control diarrhea (just in case).
• Water purified tablets
• Lozenges
• Elastic bandages
• Thermometer
• Moleskin and sling.