Best Time for Tsum Valley Trekking
Like most Himalayan regions, trekking in Tsum Valley is also recommended during spring and autumn. Trekking conditions are ideal during these seasons, and nature showcases its true splendor. Tsum Valley Trekking in Spring (March to May) is the most appropriate season. You will find the forests covered in rhododendron and wildflowers. The days are warm, and the evenings and early mornings are a bit chilly but still bearable. Likewise, autumn (September to November) is another ideal time of the year to journey to Tsum Valley. During this season, you will find the autumn foliage taking over the vegetation, decorating the forests in shades of gold and red. Similar to spring, autumn also features a mild climate; however, be cautious of the chilly evenings. We recommend packing some warm clothes to avoid the evening chills.
Tsum Valley Trekking in the monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended. The trails are muddy and slippery with risks of landslides. Heavy rainfall engulfs the mountains in dense clouds, preventing travelers from witnessing the magical views of the Himalayas. Similarly, it's advisable to steer clear of winter treks from December to February. The weather can go below freezing, affecting your journey. You will find the trails covered in snow, adding to the challenge. However, if you are well prepared and have experience in trekking in the Himalayas, winter treks can be rewarding. It presents the Himalayan region with a unique perspective.
Tsum Valley is a moderate trek. However, we advise considering the weather conditions before setting off on a trail to ensure a comfortable trek.
Why Trek to Tsum Valley?
Tsum Valley is a hidden gem located in the Manaslu Region. The Tsum Valley Trek offers a one-of-a-kind experience of the Himalayan wilderness and allows you to experience different traditions and cultures of the locals living in the area. In addition to its unique lifestyle, Tsum Valley boasts a wealth of natural wonders that make exploration worthwhile. We have compiled a few reasons to set out on a Trek to Tsum Valley.
Cultural Experience: Tsum Valley is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture. You will find several monasteries and Gompas with intricate artworks depicting various deities. Furthermore, the locals of the region are very hospitable. You can interact with the locals and learn about their customs that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Natural Beauty: The trails leading to Tsum Valley are filled with diverse landscapes that display the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. Your journey winds through lush rhododendron forests and waterfalls, providing you with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Well-preserved Heritage: Tsum Valley is untouched by modernity, and you will see people practicing their age-old customs even to this day. Moreover, you will be thrilled by the warm hospitality of the people of the region.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Journey: The Tsum Valley Trek takes you to some of the most remote trails hidden in the Manaslu Region. You can explore the sites alone since there are few tourists.
Tsum Valley Trek Permits and Costs
The Tsum Valley Trek route falls under the restricted area. Therefore, you can only enter the region if you’re traveling in a group of two. To avoid the hassle of obtaining permits, you can book a fixed-departure trek with Everest Holiday. We guarantee your permit into the region and collect your entry permits.
You will need the following permits to enter Tsum Valley:
Tsum Valley Restricted Permit: The Tsum Valley Restricted Permit costs USD 40 if you’re trekking from September to November. The price of a permit from December to August is approximately USD 30 (NRS 3000). The base cost is for 7 days. A surcharge of USD 7 (NRS 700) is applied for every extra day spent in Tsum Valley.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Tsum Valley is located in the Manaslu region. Therefore, you need an MCAP Permit that costs NRS 3000 per person to access the area. This permit supports the conservation efforts in the Manaslu region.
10-Day Tsum Valley Trek: Cost for Transportation, Permits, Guides, and Porters
The 10-day Tsum Valley Trek costs vary due to several contributing factors. Your group size, trekking days, luxury preference, and other factors are responsible for determining the cost of your trek. The Everest Holidays cover your transportation, permits, guides, and porters.
With Everest Holiday, you can rest assured of services at the most competitive rate and with the best service. You also have the option to customize your Tsum Valley Trek. Call us and we will plan an itinerary that best suits your preferences.
A Typical Day during the 10-day Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley journey blends adventure, cultural immersion, and the pristine beauty of nature. On a typical day, you will start the day with breakfast at your tea house or lodge, and head out for the day’s trek. You will find ascents and descents that take you through lush forest, across rivers, and introduce you to the diverse terrain of the region. During the trek, the tall Himalayas stand as the backdrop giving you unforgettable views throughout your journey.
You will also come across several small villages displaying a unique architecture. These villages are heavily inspired by Tibetan-Buddhism and have mostly remained unchanged and uninfluenced by modernization. Therefore, you will find time standing still as the villages follow their age-old customs and rituals.
You finish the day’s trek in the late afternoons or evenings. If time is by your side, you can visit the surrounding villages, or gather with your trekking group and share the experience of the day.
How Hard is the Tsum Valley Trek?
Tsum Valley Trek difficulty is rated as moderately challenging. This means, travelers do not require extreme levels of physical fitness and specialized gears to complete this journey. However, we would still recommend a reasonable level of endurance. Also, the trek will take you close to 4000 meters. Though setting a day for acclimatization may not be an absolute necessity, travelers should know the symptoms of altitude sickness, and inform their guide immediately if they experience any.
The trek takes you through rugged terrains, and the altitude gains gradually. But, exploring these off-the-beaten-paths are equally rewarding.
Preparing for an Incredible Journey to Tsum Valley: Gear/ Essentials Checklist
The trek to the Tsum Valley is considered a moderate trek. But, we recommend you prepare well before embarking on the two-week journey.
Below is a comprehensive gear checklist that we would recommend for travelers:
- Clothing: Base layers, insulation layer, outer shell layers
- General Trekking Equipments: Basic trekking attire (pants, t-shirt, and shorts), waterproof jacket and trousers, undergarments
- Head Gears: Sun hat, beanie, neck gaiter
- Hand and Footwear: Liner gloves, outer gloves that provide insulation, Hiking boots, trekking showers, sandals, Comfortable hiking socks, thermal socks, gaiters
- Bags and Packs: Duffel bag, backpack, daypack, rain cover, dry bag
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, earplugs
- Trekking Accessories: Trekking poles, sunglasses, headlamp
- Other Essentials: Water bottle/hydration bladder, quick-dry towel, female urination device, locks, waterproof bags
- Extras (optional): Camera, portable charger, books/playing cards, passport, cash
- Medication and Hygiene: Water purification tablets, electrolyte powders, diamox (altitude medication), general medications, first aid kit, sunscreen, wet wipes, toiletries, adhesive bandages, oximeter, hand sanitizer
Tsum Valley Trek 10-day in Nepal: Alternative Trekking Trails
The 10-day Tsum Valley Trek takes travelers across the Himalayan wilderness on less-explored trails. Located near the Tibetan border, the region has heavy Tibetan-Buddhist influence and displays unique traditions and cultures. While the Tsum Valley Trek is an ideal getaway from the daily hustle and bustle, there are several other alternatives that are equally fascinating.
For instance, if you have an extra 4 days to spare, you can cover the entire Manaslu Circuit. The Manaslu Circuit Trek also covers the Tsum Valley and gives you a more in-depth experience of the region. Or, for those who prefer to meet new travelers, you can take on the Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest Base Camp trek. These are some of the most frequented trails in Nepal.
Likewise, the Upper Mustang trek is another amazing trekking alternative that takes you across a diverse terrain and enables you to experience a different spectrum of landscapes of the region. Like the Tsum Valley, Upper Mustang is also heavily influenced by the Tibetan-Buddhist customs and is a restricted zone that was opened for tourists only a few decades back.
