Tsum Valley Trek - 13 Days

Trip Overview

The Tsum Valley Trek is not just a simple trek but a journey that retains the memories of walking through nature, enjoying Himalayan landscapes, and a spiritual heritage. Located in the northern Gorkha district, 13 Days Tsum Valley Trek involves adventure through lush forests and age-old traditional settlements with lush terraced fields featured together within the backdrop of the majestic peaks of Himalaya.

Trekking in the Tsum Valley also gives breathtaking views of nature and the most unique cultural experience for tourists. The place is popularly known for its scenery, waterfalls, blooming wildflowers, and towering mountains such as Manaslu, Shringi Himal, and more. As you trek along the Budi Gandaki River en route to Tsum Valley, you come past several Buddhist monasteries, giving insights into the rich traditions of the region.

Tsum Valley is a must-visit destination for those who are looking forward to enjoying the Himalayan beauty and local culture and traditions. You can also combine Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek in this region.

Preparation for Tsum Valley Trek

Required Permits for 13 Days Tsum Valley Trek

When trekking into Manaslu Region, you’ll need to get various Permits. We have listed here below the permits required:

Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley

The government of Nepal defines Tsum Valley as a restricted area to maintain border security. As a result, trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the region.

The RAP permits the trekker to visit specific areas such as the lower Gorkha and Tsum Valley, which include Sirdibas, Lokpa, Chumling, Chekampar, Nile, Chule, and some parts of Chumnubri Rural Municipality (wards 3, 6, and 7). Then, all must have the permit shown at the Jagat entry point before heading into the region.

The RAP is available from a government-registered and licensed trekking agency, which will apply on behalf of trekkers. The cost of applying for the permit varies depending on the season of travel and duration of trekking within the restricted area.

From September to November (Autumn), the fee is $40 for the first week and $7 for each additional day. The other period from December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer)  would cost about $30 for the first week and $7 for each extra day (as per the July 2022 rates set by Nepal’s Department of Immigration).

Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit

Another permit required for the 13 Days Tsum Valley Trek is the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit. The authorities use the fees charged for the permit to protect and sustainably develop this conservation area, focusing on preserving its biodiversity and natural beauty.

The cost of the permit varies depending on the nationality. The fee for the nationals of SAARC countries is NPR 1,000 (around $10), and for the rest of the nationals, NPR 3,000 (almost $30).

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit

The Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is a must for trekkers about to go on the Tsum Valley Trek. The entry fee of this permit varies based on the season: USD 40 per person from September to November for the first eight days and USD 7 per person for each additional day.

For the rest of the year, the fee will be reduced to USD 30 for the first seven days and USD 5 for each additional day from December to August, while this permits access to Tsum Valley itself, which boasts untouched, pristine nature and its unique cultural traditions.

Guides and Porters

Trekking in Tsum Valley becomes easier with the presence of a certified guide. In fact, guides are mandatory while taking on this trek since this trek features ruggedness and remoteness around the Manaslu region. Most trails within such restricted zones will be unmarked and hard to navigate unless you have someone well-trained and familiar with that terrain.

Guides are the key helpers for your easy navigation during the trek. Besides navigation and cultural sharing, they are also trained in handling emergencies like altitude sickness or sudden weather changes, ensuring safety all through the trek. Last but not least, a visitor is legally mandated to hire a registered guide within this restricted area.

Porters also play a huge role in making the 13 Days Tsum Valley Trek enjoyable. They help you carry the bulky and heavy loads of gear and equipment, while you will enjoy the surroundings. The journey becomes more comfortable to travel with such contributions, thus allowing full appreciation for the beauty and the tranquility of the Tsum Valley.

Best Time To Go For 13 Days Tsum Valley Trek

Spring Season

Spring, undoubtedly, is one of the very best times for the Tsum Valley Trek. Weather remains mild, with clear skies and excellent daytime temperatures for trekking. The surroundings are lively by flowering rhododendrons that create spectacular splashes of color in this region. Trekkers will be able to see snow-covered points this season, thick, lush forests, as well as some of the localities indicative of and strongly influenced by traditional Tibetan culture. Devoted to nature, spring allows visitors to witness the absolute wake-up of nature in this beautiful Himalayan region; however, trails get a bit busy in this season.

Autumn Season

Autumn is also an excellent time for trekking in the Tsum Valley. The views from the many post-monsoon skies give beautiful visibility; hence, the scenery becomes lively than other seasons. The forests also turn from green to bright gold and amber, thus offering wonderful contrasts to the peaks. This season also coincides with numerous local festivals; thus, trekkers will get some unique culture along their adventure. Cool, comfortable trekking weather, especially at high elevations, but just like spring, it is a peak season when early booking is advisable to get accommodation and permits.

You can go through our Short Manaslu Circuit Trek of 8 Days and Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek packages and plan for your next treks in Nepal with Mountain Treks Nepal.

Communication and Internet during the Tsum Valley Trek

There are very limited telecommunication facilities in the remote region of the Tsum Valley Trek, making it quite hard to stay in touch. Most of the places have partial cellular coverage, which is pretty unreliable, especially when going up the elevations. For the Internet, several tea houses have Wi-Fi, but the speed can be quite slow and usually requires an additional charge. Trekkers should use satellite phones or prepaid SIM cards with NTC or Ncell for necessary connections.

Currency Exchange and ATM

Trails around the Tsum Valley Trek have no facilities such as banks and ATMs, so it is essential to carry adequate cash. The only place where ATMs are accessible is Kathmandu or Pokhara. Exchange your currency in major cities before starting the trek. It makes sense to keep small changes as they are more practical in many tea houses and local shops. Big notes are rarely accepted or exchanged in these places.

Electricity and Drinking Water during the Tsum Valley Trek

The common source of electricity in the Tsum Valley is solar or hydropower in the teahouses. Still, it may not be available at all times, especially during cloudy weather or peak trekking seasons. Charging electronic devices usually incurs an extra charge. People obtain drinking water either from tea houses or natural streams. It can be purified for safe use with purification tablets or filters. Some trekkers prefer boiled water from tea houses, which usually will cost them. We advise you to carry a hot water bag or thermos to keep hot water handy. Temperatures in high altitudes can be freezing, especially during nighttime.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is most necessary for the trek to Tsum Valley because it offers unique challenges as high altitude travel. This trek pushes you up above 4,000 meters, where the effects of altitude sickness can become still more serious and may require immediate medical attention-or even helicopter evacuation. The Himalayan weather is highly unpredictable and can sometimes close the trail unexpectedly. This may also lead to flight cancellations or delays, affecting travel plans.

Comprehensive travel insurance protects trekkers from other unexpected happenings, such as loss of personal belongings and trip cancellations. It’s a must-have safety net for all trekkers within that rough and isolated terrain. You can buy travel insurance from companies like Travelex, WorldTrips, Allianz, MetLife etc.

Conclusion

The Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s hidden cultural gems, offering spectacular scenery. It provides a unique opportunity for soul-searching and immersing yourself in another culture, all in one trip. The sight of the magnificent Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and other high altitude peaks will greet you each time you head up the valley. En route, one is touched with the history of the Tsumba people and the Buddhist culture through their ancient monasteries and the ever peaceful path that is Buddhism.

13 Days Tsum Valley Trek is not only an adventure but also provides an insight into cultures that are thousands of years old and have never been exposed to today’s society. The landscapes untouched by modern civilization are truly magnificent. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, the Tsum Valley is sure to leave you lost for words.