Tsum Valley Trek

Duration: 18 Days
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: As per Itinerary
  • Food: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
  • Accommodation: Hotel and teahouse
  • Group Size: Min 1 Pax
  • Max Elevation: 3,700 m
  • Best Time: March - May & Sept - Dec

Highlights

  • Explore the mystical land of Tsum Valley
  • Experience rich and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture
  • Visit old caves and monasteries
  • Adventurous and challenging trail
  • Get to see beautiful landscape view unlike any other place
  • Witness stunning views of Himalayan mountains like Ganesh Himal, Boudh Himal, Himalchuli, Mt. Manaslu, etc

About Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek is a mystical journey that allows you to experience rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and take you to one of the most secluded parts of Himalayas. The region was banned to travel until 2008 and now comes under the restricted regions of Nepal. During the Tsum Valley Trek 22 Days, you get to see tempting views of nature along with stunning Himalayan mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Boudha Himal (6,672 m), etc. The region boasts pristine nature and rich cultural heritage.

Tsum Valley Trekking lets you experience the daily lifestyle and culture of Mumbai, the locals who belong to Tibetan origin. Only a handful of adventure loves has traversed this region and get to hold the irresistible beauty of it. In this part of Nepal, you get to see polyandry practice, where all the brothers of a family marry the same girl. Back in the days, this region also used to be an important trade route. Likewise, you get to explore ancient monasteries and stupas on the trail.

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.

Land at the Airport and meet with our representative at the terminal gate. He will transfer you to the hotel and quickly brief you about the day program. Rest for a few hours and meet with other team members over welcome dinner. 

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m
Begin the day with a visit to a few monuments like the holy Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later, in the day, you will arrange and check all the gears along with your guide. If any of it is broken or not working properly, you will also do shopping. 
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
The day begins early and you drive to Lapubesi. It is going to be a long drive along a bumpy road. During the drive, you get to see beautiful views of mountains, terraced fields, and lovely waterfalls. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
The trek begins with walking along the bank of the river. You then cross a few suspension bridges and log bridges on the way. At Dawa take a small lunch break and move towards Khorlabeshi. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail crosses Khorla Besi and leads you to the Tatopani, where you will find natural hot spring. The trail then ascends and crosses a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki River. From you, you descend and cross one more suspension bridge and reach Jagat. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
After having breakfast, the trail climbs up tp Lokpa. Before reaching Lokpa, you pass through many small villages and lush forests along with enjoying scenic views.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail today ascends around 100 meters. It is going to be rocky path. Trekking through lush forest, you will cross a river and reach Chumling. On the way, you get to see striking views of Ganesh Himal.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Crossing a suspension bridge, you begin trekking. The trail offers great views of Ganesh Himal. You pass by Rainjam and cross Serpu Khola over a bridge. From here, you reach Gho and ascend towards Chokhangparo village. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Today, you ascend and pass by Lamagaon. You will then cross a thrilling rope suspension bridge and reach Rachen Gompa. From here, the trail crosses Shiar Khola and continue to Lar, Phurbe, and Pangdun villages. Further, you trek by Chhule village and cross a bridge to reach the Nile.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Today, it is going to be a short trek to Mu Gompa. Walking along the west bank of the valley, you ascend to Mu Gompa. On the way, you get to see landscapes similar to the Tibetan landscape. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
It is rest day today. You will visit the largest monastery of the region, Mu Gompa and explore the nearby areas. Later, you will also visit Dhephu Doma Nunnery and return to the guesthouse for a night stay.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail drops down to Kowo. Most parts of the path involve gradual descend through scattered settlement area and ridge side. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Descending along a narrow trail, you cross a wooden bridge over Shiar Khola. Further, crossing one more bridge, you reach Dhumje and ascend through lush forests of rhododendron & pine. The trail then follows a zigzag path to Lungdang. 
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail descends to a dusty path and follows a zigzag route. Further, you ascend through a lush forest and cross Laudang Khola. From here, you the trail move through dense forests of pine and rhododendron and continue to the moraine o Toro Gompa glacier. The trail continues climbing and takes you Ganesh Himal Base Camp. You get to see surreal views from the base camp. After spending some time, you descend to Ghuma Lungdang for a night stay.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Retracing the path, you drop down to Dumje. From here, you will trek on a different route and reach Ripchet, a big village. The trail also passes through lush forests and waterfalls before reaching this village.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Today, the trail passes through forested path. Most of the part will be gradual descend towards Ekle Bhatti. You get to see beautiful scenic views on the way.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
After having breakfast, you begin trekking and cross a metal bridge. The trail then passes through a checkpoint at Jagat and lead you to Salleri, which is a beautiful Gurung village. Looking over thriving culture of Buddhists, you reach Yaruphat.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The trail retraces the path and take you to Machhakhola. You pass by many small villages and lush forests to reach Machhalhola.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Following the same trail back you reach Lapu Besi. From here, you hop on a private jeep and drive to Arughat Bazar for the night stay.
  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Today, you drive back to Kathmandu. The drive offers a beautiful landscape view. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel.
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
Today, you can spend the day as per your wish. Visit nearby tourist sites and explore the bustling streets of Thamel. Dine-in a fine restaurant and enjoy your last day in Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.
  • Meals: Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

The day begins early. You get ready to check-out of the hotel. Our team member will move you to the Airport according to your flight departure time.

What's Included

  • Airport pickups/drops in a private vehicle
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea & coffee) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary 
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porter service 
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag if you need (to be returned after trip completion)
  • Free Ascent Trails T-shirt, cap or duffel bag
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits, special permit (MCAP, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes 

What's Excluded

  • Airfare of international flights
  • Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu)
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except for the welcome & farewell dinner)
  • Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars during the trekking
  • Any personal expenses like laundry, charging, etc
  • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc
  • Extra transportation out of the itinerary program
  • Any additional staff other than specified
  • Rescue, repatriation, medicines, medical tests and hospitalization expenses
  • Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue
  • Wallie-talkies & filming permit (if any special camera or walkies-talkies are taken on the journey)
  • Personal trekking gears
  • Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone & Internet expenses
  • Tips and gifts for staff 
  • Any extra services or products or offers or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any other item not included in the “COST INCLUDES” section

Useful Info

What to expect during Tsum Valley Trek?

Tsum Valley Trek is a very thrilling venture that leads to an isolated region of Nepal. The trail offers a less trodden path still, the unique terrain of the region lets you experience rough steep tracks as well. Other than this, you get to experience a rich cultural heritage and meet the kindest people.

Why trek to Tsum Valley Trek with us?

We have professionally designed our Tsum Valley Trek itinerary including ample acclimatization days. Moreover, you will be guided by a professional guide who has traveled in this part of Nepal many times and is well-known to the region. Likewise, we assure you that with us, you will be trekking safely and soundly without harming the environment in any way.

Tsum Valley Trek map

Tsum Valley Trek map shows our route in a pictorial way. On the map, you can see all the villages where you will be spending the night as well as nearby highlights. You can print out the same map of our or buy one to take it with yourself on the journey.

Tsum Valley Trek permit

Tsum Valley Trekking permit is less expensive to other regions trekking permits. Moreover, getting permits for this region is cheaper than its neighbor trail, Manaslu trek. If you are trekking between September to November, the permit cost will be USD 35.00 for the first 8 days, whereas if you are trekking between December to August, the permit cost will be USD 25.00 for the first 8 days. Likewise, you also have to take our Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) that cost NPR 3,000 per head.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Symptoms & Prevention

Acute Mountain Sickness or altitude sickness can be daunting during the Tsum Valley Trek. As you will be gaining altitude over the days, it is very important to adjust your body with the increasing elevation. We are well prepared to tackle this problem as our itinerary and guide are both got professionally prepared.

Read below to know more in detail about the altitude sickness, its symptoms, and preventive measures.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath with exertion

Preventive measures

  • Include an adequate number of rest days in the itinerary
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  • Do not gain more than 500 meters in a day
  • Try to spend the night in lower altitude
  • Acclimatize properly at a lower altitude
  • Inform your guide immediately if any of the symptoms you see
  • Do not push yourself

Best time to go to Tsum Valley Trek

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November) is the best time to go on Tsum Valley Trek because of stable weather. The sky remains clear with warm days, perfect for trekking. During Spring, the trail gets bloomed up with numerous wildflowers, whereas in Autumn, you get to be part of several festivals.

Other seasons Summer, Monsoon, and Winter is not an ideal time to go on this trek. The unstable weather and gloomy days make the trekking difficult. Heavy rainfall results in the slippery trail and harsh cold all the accommodation on the trail.

Accommodation during Tsum Valley Trek

Accommodation on this trail is very basic. You will either stay in a tea house or camp. The rooms are usually not isolated, therefore make sure to carry a nice quality sleeping bag. You have to share a room with a fellow trekker and the washroom is also mainly common. There will be a time when you do spend the night in camp. We will carry all the necessary stuff so that you stay in camp will be comfortable.

Food & Water on Tsum Valley Trek

Food will be served according to the menu of the teahouse. We highly suggest you opt for dal bhat tarkari, as it is the most affordable, filling, and energizing meal. You will also find other dishes like pudding, bread, curries, egg, meat, porridge, etc. While in camp, all the meals get prepared by porters.

Boiled water is available in guest house/lode. Don't buy plastic water bottles on the trail as it not only increases waste but also is very expensive. You can carry water purification tablets or any kind of filtering device to double purify the water.

Tsum Valley Trek cost

The package cost can vary from one place to another because of the itinerary and services are given by the company. We have sorted things that are included and excluded in the package cost in our cost includes and excludes section. Do check that for detail information or contact us.

Tailor-Made Options

If you are not satisfied with our given itinerary or our departure dates do not meet your needs, then feel free to let us know. We will help you create a custom itinerary that will be a perfect fit for you. You can add or remove days that make the journey shorter or longer.

Environmental Practices

While traveling with us, you will be only leaving behind your footprint. We are highly committed towards sustainable trips. We make sure all of our ventures are organized on the eco-friendly basis. We do not leave our waste behind and try to minimize it as much as possible. Likewise, we also closely work with the locals and contribute to the development of the region.