Tsum Valley Trek - 14 days

Best time for Tsum Valley Trekking

To venture on this trek to Tsum Valley, Spring and Autumn are considered the peak seasons as these span the year and offer the best climatic conditions with mild temperatures ranging from 5 to 12 degrees, making the hike to undertake in a pleasant experience, with no doubt. Besides, there is less chance of precipitation (high snowfall and rainfall), which simply denotes that the trails are safe and easy without icy blockage at higher elevations and offers the undisturbed, amazing views of mountains and landscapes throughout the trailhead. 

Other than that, one can do the Tsum Valley Trek in winter and monsoon, but most have prior experience and carry special gear to navigate such snowy, cold, and icy terrains, such as crampons and sleeping bags. Also, take note that if you are thinking about opting for winter, then you must plan accordingly, tracking the weather conditions as a way to Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa - the highest elevation of the trek to Tsum Valley becomes inaccessible as the route and even tea houses get closed. Nonetheless, for a better experience and to enjoy the panorama of the Himalayan range, the ideal seasons are Spring and Autumn.

What to expect in Spring (March to May)?

Spring stands out to be one of the best seasons for the Tsum Valley Trek as during this time of year, the blooming flowers, including the red rhododendrons, orchids, and pines, thrive, captively rewarding hikers with an impeccable forested section. Apart from that, in mid-March, or you can say the beginning of March, you can enjoy the chill weather without the sunny headache temperature, as the spring begins after the end of winter here in Nepal, hence providing a mild humidity, which is perfect for taking a long hike along the clear views of mountains without any gloominess.

What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?

Autumn tends to be another ideal time for this trek to Tsum valley, as the weather blends perfectly with the temperature and climatic conditions, making it a challenging trail 10x times easier than it is. Besides, the thriving wild flowers in the shade of red and white that flourished in spring turn into crusty dry leaves and flowers, turning the route into an autumn vibe full of mood, with the unobstructed view of Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal at each step. While we might perceive this as the end! The cultural immersion during this span of the year hits different as the main festive Dashain and Tihar fall in between October and November- an impeccable way to celebrate with locals in the Himalayas.

No matter what season you choose, Destination Himalaya Treks looks forward to guiding you throughout with great safety without missing out on any corner of the Manaslu region, every day, every month, and every year. 

Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty

The Tsum Valley Trek is considered a moderate trek in Nepal, which demands 5-6 hours of hiking through diverse terrain with several ascents and descents covering 8-15 km distance per day, depending on the trailhead, so basic physical fitness is required. 

However, as mentioned, this trek passes by several rocky, steep, slippery sections, so if you are a newbie, then you must be prepared accordingly to tackle some challenges that are expected in mountain areas. Besides, Tsum valley is situated in such an isolated section with limited areas, which beginners might find difficult to adjust to, as settling for 2 weeks straight in a remote area is not anyone's forte.

To make this trek to Tsum Valley pass by smoothly, make sure that you are engaged in some sort of physical strengthening activities, such as cardiovascular activities, or just do cardio either at the gym by running on a treadmill, swimming or just skipping, or you can stroll around nearby hitting 10,000 steps per day (track in apple watch or phone), that way the hassle of long duration hike become easier.

To gear yourself mentally, have a yoga session, meditation class, or just a therapy session to calm and free the mind, and also, build a positive mindset before the journey, so enthusiasm boosts your energy level, and doesn't let you go in a panic mode, if such uncertain situations arise on the route. Nevertheless, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, with proper preparation, this trek can surely be completed with ease, with no hassle.

Risk of altitude sickness and Preventive Guidelines

There is no doubt that some unpredictable situations are always circulating at higher altitudes, especially when we are heading to Tsum valley, which takes us through remote and mountainous areas, hence, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is there if you do not follow some preventive guidelines beforehand. The highest elevation is 4200 meters- Ganesh Himal Base Camp, which is not too high as compared to any other restricted area trek; however, if you are not prepared well, then you might feel the symptoms of AMS.

If you are worried whether you could get one, then do not panic as our Tsum Valley Trek itinerary is carefully tailored by professional expert teams with a gradual ascent from 300 to 500 meters per day, allowing our bodies to slowly adapt to the rising elevation. What we do is, we never let you rush by going beyond the limits, as safety is the 1st priority at any adventurous journey. Thus, the risk of AMS is low, but to make the trip go in ease, make sure that you follow some preventive guidelines, as there is a famous phrase, "it is always better to follow the preventive tips and act accordingly rather than cure and regret:

1. Make sure to carry an oximeter, and keep track of pulse rate in between at every stopping point. If it seems unusual, then inform the guide immediately.
2. If you feel any unease to your body or any difference such as severe headache, skin turning pale and red, loss of control (frequent dizziness), blood vomiting, nausea, or insomnia (loss of sleep or apettite), then, please take a descent back or opt for medical emergency (rare case, but just in case). 
3. After crossing 2500 meters, try to avoid high caffeine (smoking) or alcoholic beverages that make your heart beat faster and also make you breathe heavily, which leads to serious altitude sickness (highly suggested).
4. Hydrate your body with 3-4 litres of water per day. If that sounds too much, then nourish the body with garlic soups or any sort of soups that warm the body and also add hydration, avoiding mouth dryness at the same time.
5. Follow 1 basic rule to ascend high with a slow pace, which means do not rush through things, thinking about meeting the pace of fellow hikers you see en route. Remember that everyone's level of endurance is different. If you just panic, it could ruin your expedition. Hence, walk along the trekking guide and don't overdo it, unmatch the itinerary.

Accommodations during the Tsum Valley Trek

Throughout the Tsum Valley 14-day Trek, you will be accommodated at the best tea houses/lodges available at the stopping point. Even though the lodging facilities are simple as it is located within a restricted confined area, they are cozy, well-maintained, and hygienic. Along the trail, expect to get attached washrooms in the lower section; however, moving to the upper trails, there are only shared washrooms available. Also, note that electric sockets aren't available in the room, which means you have to go dining area for wifi and charging gadgets.

Every room comprises comfortable beds, a mattress, pillows, and blankets. Apart from that, other services such as hot showers, hot water, and laundry facilities are available, but you must pay USD 3-4 to the tea house, as personal expenses are not included in our Tsum Valley Trek package. Also, we can offer 1 special benefit to you, as our 14-day package doesn't include the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu, if you want one, then we'll provide you 1-2 days (before and after the trip) staycation in our standard hotel.

Foods and Drinking Water Facilities along the trail

During this trek to Tsum Valley, you will get a wide variety of food options in every teahouse along the trekking trail you stop by, including a standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As this trek does take you to such high elevations with a long duration hike, you must fuel your body with the best nutritious foods possible. Keeping that in mind, order something nutritious and promising enough to fulfill with carbs, proteins, vitamins, and most importantly, that is fulfilling at the same time. From Western, Local, Asian, Continental, to Indian and Nepali foods, this trailhead caters to the taste and preference of everyone.

You simply do not have to worry about veg, non veg or vegan options, just mention it beforehand, and it will be made accordingly, considering what kind of food options you prefer. The meals are no doubt A-rated and freshly cooked, with fresh vegetables.

We highly recommend, you choose the vegetarian options as they are fresh and hydrating, and healthy foods such as garlic soups, mushroom soups, chicken soup, green tea, and ginger soups (if you aren't allergic) that boost your stamina, nourishing your body at the same time. You can even have the non-veg options, if they are fresh, please remember, most of them are a few days old, so for hygiene and health purposes, it is suggested to avoid them in higher altitudes.

For the drinking facilities, from cold drinks such as Coca Cola, Fanta, Diet Coke, to any kind of soups, juice, or even alcoholic beverages are available at every tea house. For drinking water, you can get boiled water to drink to keep yourself warm, and along the trail, you can buy bottled water, or refill the bottle from water taps, river streams, using the water purification tablet.

A Typical Day on the Tsum Valley Trek: What everyday looks like on the trekking trail

Every day is something unique, a different perspective to grab in, as that's how every trek shall be for sure. Our experienced trekking guide will assist you throughout the journey, prioritizing safety on the first hand, and then ensuring that you get to explore every corner of the Manaslu region with a meaningful excursion, with great descriptive explanations of every mountain, forest, local, monastery, and tibetan culture as everything signifies a complete distinct insights.

The porter will ensure that you are hiking freely without feeling tired and experiencing leg trembling situations, hence, the sherpa porter makes you complete the hike with ease. With the great assistance of guides and porters, every day on the trailhead feels like a hike with a great companion and saviour - a moment to feel grateful and create memories!

Every day, breakfast is served before 7:00 AM with a warm cup of tea or coffee, with the mountains touched by the golden sunrise. The hike starts at 8:00, depending on the route and the coverage of distance and terrain difficulty. En route, as said every day, as we will meander through someday by dense forest, Buddhist culture territory dotted with mani walls, chortens and prayer flags, many days you will be accompanied by the Budhi gandaki river, whereas, at high altitudes, the highly towering mountains right in the front befriend you in each stride.

In between 2-3 hours, the lunch is served at a tea house on the way, or we'll have a packed lunch in some trailhead, as there are no tea houses available in the middle of the route. On such days, we will carry the lunch in the morning, and have en route enjoying the view. By 3:00 to 4:00 PM, we will reach the next destination for settling overnight. After attaining the teahouse, we can explore the area, along with the trekking guide and learn about the place more in depth, but make sure to come back to tea teahouse before it gets dark.

Dinner is usually served from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the cozy, thriving dining area, where we will have a little short briefing session about the upcoming days, and how the trailhead goes by. If you have any questions or are confused, you can ask him freely. Enjoy the evening time, with other fellow hikers mingling with them or just interacting with locals, hearing amusing jokes and fascinating myths of the region. Celebrate every day, playing UNO, dancing in Nepali folk, or learning Nepali language, which 10x enriches your trek even more.

Travel Insurance

As this Tsum valley is located in such an isolated area and takes you to such a high elevation of 4200 - Ganesh Himal Base Camp, travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. This journey takes you through the remote sections where immediate medical emergency isn't available, therefore, the only option is helicopter evacuation (rescue).

Also, please remember that it's not only about the aircraft evacuation, but having a good travel insurance acts as a great safety net for minor injuries, hospital bills, which might cost you thousands of dollars, even though uncertainties are a rare case. Garb insurance checking if it covers all the requirements, such as evacuation, medical bills, theft, flight cancellation, and only confirm it, so you can walk along freely, enjoyably, with a free mind without worrying much about what might happen next, so travel insurance is mandatory and highly suggested for the Tsum Valley Trek. 

Permits required for the trek to Tsum Valley

For access to the Tsum Valley Trekking, 4 permits are required, and those can only be attained if certain rules are followed, as it falls under one of the most protected and restricted areas of Nepal. Firstly, you must acquire a Special Restricted Area Permit, where there are two mandatory rules: firstly, you must hike with a trekking guide and register permits through a local trekking agency. Besides, you will need a travel partner (hiking partner) as solo trekking is not allowed. 

The second permit is the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the ACAP- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, as it connects both the iconic regions at the same time. These permit fees go directly to protect this territory and preserve the wildlife and flora of this trailhead, hence you are contributing indirectly to nature and also to the economic activities of the locals.

Lastly, TIMS CARD (Trekkers Information Management System Card) - it is essential for every trek that you venture out here in the Himalayas, which keeps the record of the entry and trekking days for safety purposes. After your booking is confirmed with us, Destination Himalaya Treks arranges the required permits before you arrive here in Nepal and it is included in out Tsum Valley Trek cost, hence, you do not have to pay extra. 

Suggestive Packing List for Tsum Valley Trek

As mentioned, the Tsum Valley Trek takes you through a remote area for a straight 14 days (2 weeks), you must be prepared accordingly, and the most basic and essential thing to consider is what to pack and what to include on your packing list. Well! You surely do not have to go beyond the limits, but yes, you must pack smartly, so the trek passes by smoothly. Here are some packing suggestions for Tsum Valley:

Footwear: Please consider buying 1 size bigger than your actual size, as it fits you perfectly with thick furry socks on, especially if you are considering the trek in winter. Buy hiking boots that have a strong grip, so the ascent becomes easier and makes the slippery section pass by easily. Also, bring 1 slipper to wear at the lodges, wearing the same hiking boots over the time to time might feel you cancky and cause blisters on your feet.

Sleeping Bag: If you are a bit concerned about the cold temperature, then consider bringing a good sleeping bag that keeps you warm enough at higher elevations when the temperature drops significantly. You can either rent or buy in Thamel, if you want 1 then, we can provide you for the trek, but inform us beforehand.

Trekking Poles and Hiking Bag: Bring 1 nice pair of trekking poles that are found in Thamel as well for USD 4-5, check whether it is adjustable to not, having adjustable parts helps to fit the poles according to the terrain. Do not go over the top, and avoid stuffing things that aren't essential. A porter can carry a maximum of 22 kg (between 2 hikers), hence bring 1 waist bag or small backpack to fit in your essentials such as gadgets, travel documents, passports, charges, or anything important, so you can use it instantly.

Clothing: Consider bringing clothing items that are warm to bear the temperature below -5 degrees Celsius, do not miss out; a down jacket, fleece t-shirts, pants, socks, that keep you warm. Also, for summer, to walk in daylight, bring a dry-fit shirt and a t-shirt so it soaks up the sweat instantly.

Miscellaneous Items: Do not miss out on bringing sun cream (SPF30+), sunglasses, lip balm that avoids dryness to the mouth, and moisturizer for the face, as it is essential, as it might bring rashes due to sunburn after hiking for 5-6 hours. Carry, touch light, headlight (can be fit on the head), and most of all, basic first aid kits that include your daily medication, and also bandages and Dettol with other recommended pills for diabetes, headaches, cold, flu (just in case).

Safe Booking Procedure

If you are willing to book this trek to the Tsum Valley, then do not wait longer! We offer the Tsum Valley Trek in 2025 and 2026, an early booking offer gives you 5% off and several benefits attached to it, for sure. For the booking, the procedure is simple as it can be done via the website within a minute. Just go to the pricing section of this package and click the "Book this trip" and you can choose which medium is feasible for you and just enter the details, no. of hikers that your group comprises, and also make the payment accordingly.

To confirm the booking, you can just pay 20% of the total trip, and the rest amount can be made after you arrive here in Nepal (In person) after meeting us at the office. After the booking is made, we will send a company bill (invoice) mentioning your amount paid, and your name with it (arrival and departure day), hence your booking is safe with us. If you have any other queries contact us!