Tsum Valley Trek

Trek Difficulty and Fitness Level

The Tsum Valley is rated as a moderately difficult trek, but we need to understand that, it is not a technical trek requiring any particular skills or equipment, but as a trek, it still demands patience, walking and a certain amount of mental toughness. The trails are well marked, passing through forest, village and river valley, without any discomfort or challenges.

Most day are extensive walking hours, ranging from 6 to 7 hours, sometimes longer bases on the terrain covered and speed of movement. The trail can go up and down which can be quite tiring, especially when it is back to back, so you must be able to walk for several few hours a day while carrying a light backpack.

The trekking route does not require any technical climbing. The complexity is instead in its inaccessibility and the distance you cover daily and the increase in elevation distance. The valley is inaccessible, and as a result, things appear primitive, and that might be even tougher than one would anticipate.

For beginners, this is a trek that will work if the person has excellent fitness levels and the right attitude. If the individual is able to walk, loves trekking, and does not mind the basic lifestyle that comes along, then the individual should be able to handle this trek. The fact is, there will be times when the legs will be reluctant to move and the showers will be cold, but this is what comes with the territory when trekking in the actual mountains, and this, in some ways, is what makes the trek in Tsum Valley so meaningful.

Cultural Experience in Tsum Valley

Walking through the Tsum Valley is like stepping into a living Buddhist tradition, something very much in the present, not something like that stuck in the past. The living of this life is very much inspired by their tradition of Buddhism, and you don’t see this; you feel this as you visit the village. It starts each day with the gentle prayer chants, the smell of incense, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. It is a peaceful experience that slows down you without effort.

Along the route, you will see many walls with religious text carved into them, bright stupas resting silently at the entrance of villages, and prayer wheels that locals spin as part of their regular activities. These are not placed for tourist or for taking pictures; they are an integral part of life.

The locals of the Tsum Valley make  the experience more engaging. They are respectful, well mannered and very hospitable, ready to help you in any problem or if you want to understand the history of this place. They don’t have a sense of rush or pretended smiles. Here, you won’t feel like a tourist but like a guest. It is the authentic connection with people and their culture that will stay within you long after you are done trekking.

Accommodation and Meals during the Tsum Valley Trek

The type of accommodations found on the Tsum Valley Trek are mostly teahouses run by local families in the village. These teahouses are not luxurious and fancy like 5 Star Hotels but they are warm and welcoming, and you get to experience the local’s culture. The rooms are basic offering you a warm bed and blankets, with sometimes a small heater, and don’t expect luxury as you are in a remote Himalayan region after all.

During the Tsum Valley Trek, most of your meals are served in teahouses, with simple, fresh and filling food that keeps you energized throughout the long walking hours. You will be served traditional Nepali food like Dal bhat, vegetable soup, and sometimes meat. There are also option like noodles and momos. In the higher village, the options on the menu will be limited. Vegetables, meat or eggs can be difficult to find and you may have to eat same type of food for a couple of days.

For drinking water, most tea houses offer boiled water or even filtered water for a small fee. Boiling water or using a water filter would be best when trekking at higher altitudes. Overall the food is good and filling, but don’t expect any fine dining restaurants, as you are trekking in the mountains and must eat as the locals do.

Guide and Porter Service

Having an experienced guide and strong porter along with you while trekking will definitely help, and this is especially important if you are trekking in the Restricted Tsum Valley. An experienced guide knows the route, culture, and weather pattern, and the years of experience exploring these mountains and guiding trekkers safely into Tsum Valley make the trek reliable from beginning to end. Porter service will also help you in carrying your luggage. This will make the trek even easier and more comfortable.

Trekking with a guide and a porter not only helps with the physical aspects, but you will also have the unique experience with the guide, and you will feel safe. At Epic Trek Nepal, we are very particular about our guides and porters, and we ensure that your experience in the Tsum Valley Trek is as smooth and personal as possible.

Required Permit for Tsum Valley Trek

There are some permits that need to be obtained before undertaking the Tsum Valley Trek, in order to be able to enter this special and restricted area. The authorities require these to protect this valley, its culture, and its natural resources, so these should be obtained before the actual trek.

The main permit required for this trek is the Tsum Valley Restricted Permit, which gives the person permission to access the hidden region of the Himalayas. It costs around USD 40 for the first 7 days and after that it takes USD 7 per person per day after the first week. The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is also necessary for this trek, which benefits the conservation of the region in the Manaslu region.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to go on treks by yourselves or with groups, you also need TIMS cards (Trekkers’ Information Management System) which usually needs to be purchases by trekkers themselves. This helps ensure the safety of trekkers while trekking.

What to pack for Tsum Valley Trek

Backpack

• A good backpack with sturdy straps that can be adjusted
• Duffle bag for extra gear

Cloth

• Short and Long-Sleeve Breathing Shirts
• Fleece jacket/down jacket as mid layer for keeping warm in evenings
• lightweight windbreaker
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Hiking boots that are comfortable
• Thermal inner wear & Socks
• Trekking trousers

Footwear

• Strong trekking boots
• Additional shoes for evening wear at lodges

Accessories

• Trekking poles for stability”
• Layered gloves
• UV protection sunglasses
• Headlight or Flashlight
• Neck gaiter
• Hat

Sun Protection

• High SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF

Documents and Money

• Copies of passport and ID, permits, travel insurance documents Local currency

Emergency Items

• First Aid Kit
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Duct tapes for fast repair work on gears
• Plastic bag to manage equipment and collect trash

Cancellation Policy for Tsum Valley Lake Trek

At Epic Trek Nepal, we understand and acknowledge the fact that things do not always go as planned and can be altered unexpectedly. Therefore, we have presented below a fair and clear cut cancellation policy with regards to your Tsum Valley Trek.

Cancellation Notice

Cancellation requests before 15 days from trek start date will be accepted without any charges. Please let us know in a timely manner so that we can organize everything accordingly.

Administrative Fee

In the event of a trek being cancelled after the booking, there might be a charge of 25% on the trek cost as the administration fee, which includes our work for your trip, permits, arrangements, and preparation.

Non-Refundable Period

If any cancellation is made within 7 days before the starting date of the trek then the trek will not be refundable. But if the cancellation has a justified reason, then the refund will be initiated after subtracting 70% of the total amount of the trek since the amount has already been submitted and the places are reserved on our behalf.

Documentation Period

If you will be filing a claim with your insurance. We are pleased to provide the required documentation to assist in your insurance process.

Unused Services

Refunds cannot be given if your trek is cancelled due to any personal reason, sickness, or weather conditions for unused accommodation, food, transport, or services.

We are always available to assist you if you have any questions or concerns regarding your trek or would like to ask us about your circumstances. We appreciate your trust and hope to be able to lead you on the Tsum Valley trek.