Tsum Valley Trek

Best Time to Go for Tsum Valley Trek

Trekking in Nepal is possible all year round, but the Tsum Valley Trek best suits these specific seasons, as weather conditions, temperature variations, and visibility take part in it. Choosing the right season enhances the trekking experience with pleasant weather and breathtaking views.

Spring Season:

P preface The best time for the Tsum Valley Trek is during the spring season-from March to May-when the temperature largely ranges from 5°C to 20°C. During this season, the sky is very clear, and rhododendoms bloom with different colors, making the beauty of the landscape spectacular. The trails are at their best, with lush greenery and panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. In addition, more wildlife is active, hence it is an ideal time for nature lovers.

Autumn Season

The autumn season, from September to November, is another excellent time for trekking in the Tsum Valley. The skies are clear after the monsoon, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C, making the trek comfortable. This season falls with major Nepalese festivals like Dashain and Tihar, which offers a chance to experience the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Summer Season:

Summer seasons starting from June to August are not good to trek because of the monsoon rains; hence, the trails are muddy and slippery with blocked visibility of mountains by clouds. However, the valley is lush and green, hence beautiful during this time of the year for those in love with loneliness and rain-soaked landscapes. Summer trekking is still an adventurous event provided one is prepared with rain gear.

Winter Season:

Winter, the period from December to February, is for those trekkers who like cold weather and a white, snow-laden landscape. The temperatures will lower tremendously, especially in the higher altitudes, so warm clothes and sleeping bags are a must in one’s luggage. Some high-altitude passes may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, but the breathtaking winter scenery and peaceful, less crowded trails provide a unique trekking experience.

Route of Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek begins with a sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley including Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath, Bouddha, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. On the next day, drive scenically from Kathmandu to Arughat and start trekking towards Soti Khola in Dhading. The continuation upward, in fact, the track cuts through much lush forests and rocky areas before it plunges into astonishing river valleys; reach Machhi Khola to ultimately reach Jagat, crossed over to Budhi Gandaki by a fascinating gorge.

Going further ahead, it goes onto Philim-a magnificent village located at the gate of Tsum Valley. It would be possible for you first to get helped out with permit requirements and begin ascending toward Lokpa for striking views of landscapes around. You begin the trek following the Siyar Khola through dense forests, reach Chumling, and witness the influence of Tibetan Buddhists. It is followed by trekking toward Chhokang Paro, which is a very beautiful settlement filled with traditional stone houses and great views of the Ganesh Himal.

Further in the valley, you will also go on a trek to some far-flung villages like Nile and Mu Gompa and witness the distinct culture of Tsumba people. Mu Gompa is the highest point of this trek, a big Buddhist monastery where monks go for meditation and prayer. The snow-capped peaks dominate the landscape, assuring calmness in nature. After exploring Mu Gompa, you will descend towards Rachen Gompa, another important monastery, before retracing your steps back to Chumling.

As you get out of this sacred Tsum Valley, it will lead to the main trek from Philim onwards to Deng. The trek drops down gradually via beautiful villages and crosses the rivers, passing by Buddhist stone carvings. You would go through some beautiful forests of rhododendom and pine, which lead to Namrung, an ethnically rich village with traditional Tibetan-style houses. From there, the route goes ahead toward Sama Gaun, where most trekkers make important stops to get themselves acclimatized with magnificent views of Manaslu.

After spending your day in Sama Gaun, you’ll gradually lower down to super scenic descents, crossing by suspension bridges and terracing farmlands down to Bimthang via Tilje, Dharapani with a glimpse of Himalayan beauties. After visiting Dharapani, drive to Besisahar, then drive to Kathmandu, thus concluding an incredible journey around the Tsum Valley.

Typical day in Tsum Valley Trek

The day of trekking will be started with a delicious breakfast served from 7:00 to 7:30 am to provide the guest with the needed energy for the day’s section of the adventure. Our crew will start the trek at 8:00 am, and after 4 hours of trekking, we will reach the next destination having several stops in between to catch the breathtaking scenes.

We will allow time for rest so that our guests are at ease and their physical tiredness is not proved during 6 to 7 hours of daily trekking. We will halt around lunchtime because that would be a well-deserved break in the middle where our guests can recharge themselves amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Dinner: 6:00 to 7:00 pm, is a buffet of both local and international cuisines. Our highly trained chefs use fresh local ingredients to create a memorable dining experience. We are proud of our commitment to exceptional hospitality service and the smallest details, making our guests’ trekking experience pleasurable and memorable.

Trekking difficulties on Tsum Valley Trek

The geographical structure of Nepal ranges from 60 meters to 8848.83 meters from sea level. The geographical area is distinguished as three parts: the mountainous region, hilly region, and terai region. The Tsum Valley Trek ranges within the hilly and mountain regions of Nepal at an altitude distance from 1500 meters to 3700 meters above sea level. The main factor that affects the trekking difficulty level are altitude, total trekking distance, trekking route, weather and climate, and the physical fitness of the trekkers.

During Tsum Valley Trek, one should trek in the Himalayan region with a highest altitude of 3700 meter from sea level. In such higher altitude, there will be the bump of snow on the trail. Almost the entire trail is covered with frozen snow, and it is slippery, narrow, and such in high altitude that makes the trek difficult. Tsum Valley Trek is also a long-duration trek. The trekking distance of this trek is about 160 km, which is quite a long distance. Thus, high altitude and long-distance trek can challenge one physically and mentally.

While trekking in higher altitudes, there is a high chance of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is the illness caused by the low density of air in higher altitudes. The symptoms of altitude sickness can be seen above 3000 meters from sea level. So while trekking in higher altitudes above 3500 meters, it makes the trek more difficult. The trek is a lot up and down; the trail is narrow and stepped at places, rocky, and graveled at places, hence difficult. Higher altitudes contribute to a snowy trail that makes it difficult. During forest trekking, the narrow, unmanaged trail with steps further increased the difficulty level.

Higher altitude, long range, slippery, narrow, stepped, snowy trail, etc due to various facts Tsum Valley Trek is considered as the moderately challenging level trek. Trekkers physical fitness level also determine the level of the difficulty.

Acclimatization

Nepal is one of the favourite destinations for tourists and trekkers because of its geography, altitude variation and cultural diversity. The Tsum Valley Trek is one of the famous treks in Nepal; it stretches 160 km and ranges from an altitude of 1905 to 3700 meters. Even though this trek is tiring for even those who are fit, it gives only a common cold or flu due to sudden climatic changes rather than causing severe health hazards.

The main obstacle for most trekkers in general, and especially the foreigners arriving from low altitude areas, is to get acquainted with the conditions of Nepal over 2500 m altitude. Above the altitude of 3000m, altitude sickness is the common condition if the person ascends too fast without proper acclimatization.

Keeping the risk for altitude sickness in view, two nights and one day for acclimatization have been offered in Chumling, and the village of Chhokangparo will be the principal focus of our trek. These days of acclimatization will be utilized by going on hikes around villages, monasteries, immersing into the culture, watching traditional practices, learning about traditional living, and taking photos with the locals. We will be enlightened on their religion and the ways of their livelihood.

The chumling especially in the Chhokangparo village shows a beautiful mini wall written in the local language close to the Nepal -Tibet border. Hike towards the best view in the Tsum region from where we will see panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, including Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Buddha Himal. Trekking in this region may also provide an opportunity to view the rarely seen bird, Himalayan Monal (Lopophorous). Besides, one can have the experience of the local’s way of life and culture similar to Tibetans.

Our guides and trek leaders are highly experienced in handling and caring for trekkers who suffer from altitude sickness. We encourage our guests to drink plenty of fluids: water, tea, and hot soup that help to ease altitude sickness. We do gradual ascents to allow the body to acclimatize with the high altitude. We emphasize complete rest, not exerting too much during trekking and climbing.

Note that even physically fit people can be victims of altitude sickness. So, we make the ascent very gradual, usually between 300 to 800 meters per day, allowing enough time to rest and acclimatize. Our company is sincerely dedicated to offering the best service, keeping in mind the concerns of our guests. Besides, we arrange medication on the off chance that somebody in the group has problems coping with altitude sickness.

Trekking cost

Graceful Adventure is a renowned company based in Nepal, Kathmandu and Pokhara offering exceptional and luxurious services throughout the country. We specialize in providing 3 to 5-star hotel accommodations in urban areas such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, etc. ensuring a memorable and lavish overnight stay for our esteemed guests. In the rural and village areas of Nepal, where star hotels and resorts are unavailable, we offer tea houses, lodges, and homestays that provide all the necessary facilities to make trekking comfortable and enjoyable.

Our accommodations in these areas guarantee access to nutritious meals, hot food, clean drinking water, reliable internet connectivity, and comfortable lodging. The pricing for our packages is determined based on the level of luxury services and facilities our guests desire, as well as their individual preferences. Additionally, the cost varies according to the number of trekkers in each group, with larger groups benefiting from reduced individual prices. For a comprehensive breakdown of costs based on the number of trekkers, please refer to the table below.

We also have group joining facility. Group joining means mixing two group trekking in the same destination. Joining group also makes the trek cheaper if you want to trek in group or if you have low budget.

Guide and Porter

Tsum valley with Manaslu Trek is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re traveling with colleagues, friends, family, or as a solo female trekker, this trek is a great choice for those with moderate fitness levels. Please note that according to local regulations, foreign visitors are required to have a guide and porter during the trek.

At our company, we are proud to offer highly qualified and experienced guides and porters who are fluent in English. Our team is renowned for their kindness and professionalism, ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. We can also arrange for a translator, if necessary, to facilitate clear communication and enhance your cultural immersion.

Our comprehensive …-day trekking package is designed specifically for group treks. As each porter can carry up to 25 kg, efficient packing is essential. We provide porters to assist with carrying warm clothing and personal belongings, and the number of guides and porters we assign depends on the size of your group. Our priority is to ensure that you have the necessary support for a successful and memorable trek.

The number of guides and porters we provide will depend on the size of the group as follows:

In summary, our Tsum valley with Manaslu Trek package offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion in the Himalayas. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that you have an unforgettable adventure, and we look forward to providing you with an enriching and safe trekking experience.

Trekking permit

In Nepal, the trekker has the complete freedom to trek throughout the country; however, in some areas special permits are needed as some places are declared as restricted areas, protecting endangered flora and fauna. Some of them are Himalayas, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas like Tsum Valley Trek.

Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most popular destinations among trekkers, which comes under the Manaslu Conservation Area. Due to its protection, the Nepalese government and the tourism board require prior permits to travel inside this area in an attempt to safeguard the flora and fauna of the area.

Tsum Valley Trekking will fall in the category of Restricted Area Permit as this falls in the area of restriction in northern Nepal. Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit is also obligatory since many of the routes for trekking lie in this area. All the trekkers must compulsorily obtain a TIMS card or Trekkers Information Management System Card, necessary for treks all over Nepal.

Those who are into trekking need to contact the so-called trekking agencies for issuing them a permit, with the agency representing one in this process. In order to obtain the TIMS card, which is necessary for undertaking the Tsum Valley Trek, one should apply to the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The filling-in of the form takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with the fee of 30 USD.

Apart from the TIMS card, the trekkers are supposed to obtain a Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit. The permit is available from the office of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or from its office and it costs around 3000 NPR. It has to be noted that a photograph has to be provided while applying for this permit.

In short – Tsum Valley Trek. The TIMS card, RAP, and MCAP are available from the authorized trekking agencies and the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Food and accommodation

We have booked a comfortable hotel for you in Kathmandu in a well-facilitated 3-star hotel as soon as you arrive. We will visit two major cities in Nepal and several villages during the journey. We have arranged the best 3-star hotels in comfort ability and always keep trying to offer the most, while in villages, local-way teahouses, homestays, or lodges all provide basic facilities. Your diet is of greater importance, so it has become our quality concern of healthy, hygienic, and nutritious meals. You will get to taste all kinds of traditional Nepali food, including Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari, among other delicious dishes of Indian and Tibetan cuisine.

On the camp trails, you taste the local food and drinks of the villages, mainly in Tsum Valley, who are very hospitable to guests. You shall get a chance to savour delectable ethnic food right from a variety of ethnic groups, including Gurung, Thakali, Sherpa among others. Due to its proximity to Tibet, you shall also get the opportunity to taste Tibetan cuisine.

Your travel itinerary is an unforgettable, highly immersive experience. We combine cultural immersion with thrill moments, considering your safety and well-being.

Water to drink

Tsum Valley Trekking The Tsum Valley trek is a geographical trek, encompassing everything from terrace farming land to forests and base camps, where teahouses or lodges might not be available. Use of plastic materials is severely restricted here since the flora and fauna sensitivity prevails in this region, which includes plastic water bottles as well. Every visitor is supposed to carry their own water bottle, which can be filled up with water.

For your safety and hygiene purposes, we do not suggest drinking directly from taps or streams. If your water bottle needs to be refilled, teahouses or lodges along the way may have facilities where you could refill. As the Tsum Valley Trek route is ever popular and busy, therefore properly filtered and boiled water buying could be a necessity that might be essential to safeguarding your health.

Travel Insurance

There are inherent risks and possibilities of some downturns that might occur during the trip to high-altitude destinations like Tsum Valley Trek. As such, travel insurance is highly recommended prior to going on the journey, which actually should be included in the norms. Your insurance policy should cover up all expenses related to medical check-ups, ambulance and hospital charges, and helicopter rescue in case of any medical emergencies or unfavorable disasters during your trek.

Because this company, Graceful Adventure, does not possess any insurance policy, the trekkers need to get their certificate from authentic insurance companies. A copy of a trekking certificate is required prior to the starting date of a trek for better coordination in case of a rescue mission or any sudden happening that requires full medical attention. Since outdoor adventures are pretty unpredictable, it is always important to minimize or mitigate risks in order to reduce the chances of mishaps or their potential impact. Thus, travel insurance is highly recommended for treks such as the Tsum Valley Trek.

There are several insurance providers recommended for travelers coming from various parts of the world, such as Online Global Health Insurance, Travelex, Insure My Trip.com, Mondial Assistance, Access America, HCC Medical Insurance Services, Good Neighbour Insurance, International Health, Insuremytrip.com, MultiNational Underwriters, TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd, Travel Assist, TraveLite, Specialty Group (UK) Limited, FirstAssist Services Limited, Harrison Beaumont, Assistance CORIS, Cover More Travel Insurance, CGU Insurance Limited, and Travel Insurance Consultants Pty. Ltd.

Note: Please note that these recommendations are based on feedback from previous travelers and are provided for informational purposes only.

Electricity and communication in Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek is an awe-inspiring journey that takes you through some breathtaking landscapes, from emerald forests to lofty peaks. Accommodations in the cities have continuous access to electricity, and free internet is available. It is not obvious that this may not be the case on the trek, so one needs to make appropriate preparation and bring a power bank to keep electronic devices charged on the trail.

In the high-altitude places, there is usually electricity due to mini hydropower or solar panels, but sometimes accessing it may require extra costs: heating, charging batteries, or accessing the internet. It is recommended to take with you a portable power bank that can handle multiple charges simultaneously in order not to get into such sudden expenses and to be better equipped with a power supply during the whole trip.

This shall enable you to plan ahead of time and include a portable power bank as part of the essentials, giving ample opportunities to absorb nature’s beauty through Tsum Valley Trek and keeping your electronic gadgets functional. Remember not to forget taking a power bank with you besides other necessary stuff before embarking on this fascinating journey.

ATM and money Exchange

In urban areas of Nepal, particularly Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are various ATM and money exchange services readily available, making it convenient for travelers to acquire Nepalese currency. However, it’s important to note that these facilities may not be easily accessible in rural areas, where only Nepalese currency is accepted, and modern banking services may be limited.

To ensure a hassle-free trekking experience, it is highly recommended that travelers plan ahead and exchange their foreign currency for Nepalese currency before embarking on their trek. This proactive step ensures that you have an adequate amount of local currency to purchase essentials such as food, water, and other supplies throughout your journey. Local currency exchange services in Kathmandu or Pokhara can offer assistance and guidance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free currency exchange process.

By preparing in advance and obtaining sufficient Nepalese currency, you can confidently explore both urban and rural areas of Nepal, allowing you to make purchases without any inconvenience or reliance on modern banking facilities.

Graceful adventure private limited

Graceful Adventure Travels Pvt. Ltd. is a well-respected, reputable, and registered adventure travel company based in Nepal. We specialize in offering trekking packages to guests from all around the world, who are keen to explore the breath-taking Himalayas. Our commitment to delivering exceptional service and achieving success have earned us the trust and loyalty of our guests.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure that our guests have an unforgettable and safe adventure, which has become our hallmark. To enhance our guest’s experience, we have a team of experienced and hardworking guides, assistant guides, and porters. Our exceptional service and facilities are renowned for making our treks fun, exciting, and memorable. We leave no stone unturned in meeting the needs and expectations of our esteemed guests.

Tipping

Tipping is a discretionary way of showing gratitude for services provided. You may choose to tip for services you appreciate, or express your gratitude by saying ‘DHANYABAD’, a Nepalese term for thank you. Typically, tipping is offered on the final day of the trip. However, trekkers may choose to tip hotel staff, lodge employees, or other individuals at any time during their trip. The amount of the tip is entirely at the discretion of the trekker and based on personal choice and perception.

Booking process

1. Package Selection: Start by visiting our company’s website www.gracefuladventure.comand select Tsum Valley trek package. You’ll find all the details, including the itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and prices. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer support team, who will be happy to assist you.
2. Personal and Group Information: Once you have decided to book the package, fill out the booking form on our website with the necessary personal and group information. Please ensure that all details are accurate, as any mistakes or omissions may lead to issues during the trek.
3. Confirmation: Once you submit the booking form, our company representative will review your information and contact you within 24 hours to confirm your booking. We will send you our standard agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the booking. Please read the agreement carefully and ask us if you have any questions.
4. Advance Payment: To confirm your booking, we require a 20% advance payment of the total cost of the package. You can make the payment through our secure online payment gateway, which accepts all major credit and debit cards. Alternatively, we can send you a payment link or provide you with our bank details for a direct bank transfer.
5. Booking Confirmation: Once we receive your advance payment and signed agreement, we will confirm your booking and send you a receipt of payment. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary, packing list, and other essential information to prepare you for the trek.
6. Pre-Trek Briefing: Before the trek starts, we will conduct a pre-trek briefing, either in person or online, to go over the itinerary, safety protocols, and other relevant information. This briefing is essential to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.