Tsum Valley Trek - 16 days

Accommodations in the Tsum Valley Trek are mostly teahouses or lodges operated and owned by local natives. The teahouses in the mountains are basic and comfortable. Additional facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot water, and attached bathrooms at the lower altitudes with additional charges. Mostly the rooms are twin-sharing. During winter, a facility of heaters, blankets, and a bucket full of hot water for a shower. There is a fire in the commonplace on winter nights to keep the room warm. Confirm the availability of working electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi before booking a room. Learn about the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the locals if one wishes to by interacting with them. Be kind and respect the customs during the stays in the Tsum Valley Trek.

Meals during the Tsum Valley Trek are basic but appropriate and healthy for the trekkers. Carbohydrate, nutrition, and protein-based foods are required for trekkers in the mountains. It helps to keep them energized throughout the trek. Enjoy the authentic Nepali staple diet: Dal Bhat along with vegetable curry and fresh salads. The 3-course meal (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is provided at the destined stopovers. Also, carry some chocolate bars and light snacks, or can buy them at nearby small shops to have them during the trek. One thing to keep in mind is that meal prices rise as the altitude rises. Since the Tsum valley native follows Buddhism, animal killing is strictly prohibited. So, getting meat products is very less.

Drinking water is abundant throughout the Tsum valley trek. Freshwater streaming from the mountains, or taps can be consumed directly or by performing water treatment using purifying tablets or drops. For quick water treatment, one can carry a portable water filter. Else, one can fill the boiled water at teahouses paying an extra charge in case of any doubt or to be safe. Keep on drinking water to prevent altitude sickness in the mountains.

The phone network and internet facility in the Tsum Valley Trek are stable at lower altitudes. As you go higher, a high chance of an unstable network or no network at all. Use Wi-Fi at teahouses paying an additional cost. Or purchase a local Sim for calling and using data to use the internet. But, at high altitudes, there is poor or no availability of the signals. For emergencies, a satellite phone facility is there.

The starting point of the Tsum Valley Trek is from Soti Khola. This 16-day trek commences from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. A long 7-8 hour drive on a public bus from Kathmandu to reach Soti Khola. You can also book a private jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.

Trekkers require the following essential permits:

Tsum Valley Special Permit

• USD 40/week per person + USD 7/person (each day after a week) [Sep-Nov]
• USD 30/week per person + USD 7/person (each day after a week) [Dec-Aug]

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• Foreigners- USD 30/person
• SAARC- NPR 1000/person

Travel Insurance safeguards trekkers from the risk of unexpected events. It works as a protective shield against medical and other travel-related expenses. An essential tool to make a comfortable traveling experience. Get proper travel insurance that covers all medical extremities, luggage loss, theft, flight cancellations, emergency evacuations, and high altitude.

Tsum Valley Trek is moderate but a little bit challenging to trek to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp at an elevation of 4200m. The trails are off-beat, rough, and least developed and include steep ascends, steep descends, and flat roads. It is very good for trekkers to hike for months including such features before starting the real Tsum Valley Trek. Trekkers who have normal physical fitness and good health condition under the proper guidance and planning can easily complete the trek. First-time trekkers can enjoy more during the peak seasons as trekkers’ flow is more compared to the off-season. A guide and a porter to companion you give delightful and great learning experiences about the Annapurna region.

Altitude sickness is popularly termed mountain sickness. It is common for trekkers who trek over 3000 m at the mountains/high altitudes. Trekkers have to ascend and descend several times during the trek and the altitude also rises. Therefore, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent altitude sickness. So, we advise you to properly acclimatize at the stopover destination for resting your body and adjusting to the surroundings.

Altitude Sickness Primary symptoms:

Headache, Hangover, Nausea, Breathlessness, Vomiting, Fatigue, Dizziness, Loss of Appetite, And Sleep

Altitude Sickness Extreme cases:

Hallucinations, Unconsciousness, and a rise in primary symptoms

Only a few trekkers suffer from altitude sickness below 3000 m but with proper guidelines and medications, it can be well-treated. If anyone has a symptom of altitude sickness immediately inform the guide and necessary actions are taken.

Some points to prevent altitude sickness:

• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the journey for the day.
• Drink an adequate amount of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you’ve walked then. Set yourself to urinate further throughout the day and night.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don’t push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually.
• You need to have an applicable balanced diet throughout the journey. Avoid too-much salty food, cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol throughout the trek.
• If necessary take the capsules for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable descend immediately.

The best time to do the Tsum Valley Trek depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Nepal and what you can expect during each one:

Spring (March-May)

Spring is considered the best season for trekking in the Tsum Valley. The days are warmer and more comfortable, with clear skies and good visibility. Rhododendron flowers are in bloom, adding beauty to this region. Expect a number of crowds as this is the peak season but less compared to the other popular trek routes.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is the second-best season for trekking in the Tsum Valley. The weather is generally clear and dry, with warm days and cool nights. The trails are in good condition, and the visibility is excellent, making it an ideal time to enjoy the stunning mountain views.

Winter (December-February)

Winter is the dry and cold season in Nepal. The temperatures are cold and may drop below freezing point. A high chance of snowfall at higher elevations. So, it may be hard to find proper accommodation and meals during winter. From mid-Feb onwards, you can trek. The trails are generally less crowded during this time, so you may have a more peaceful and private trekking experience. However, it can be very cold at night, so you need to pack warm clothing and equipment.

Rainy (June-August)

Rainy/monsoon season in Nepal is from June to August. Hence, trekking in the Tsum Valley can be tough during this time due to heavy rainfall and muddy & slippery trails. The continuous rainfall makes it uncomfortable for trekking. However, if you don’t mind the rain and are prepared for the challenging conditions, you may be able to find some good deals on trekking packages during the off-season. We recommend you plan carefully.

Porters make the trekking journey comfortable. They perform an admirable job by carrying heavy luggage on their back with the help of a strap band. They climb uphill and downhill on the rough, slippery, and zigzag trails. Porters carry the luggage of two trekkers. So, considering their health, and difficulty level the maximum luggage limitation for a porter is 9-10 kg for each trekker.

HST guides and porters are professional experts, well-trained, and skilled with over one decade of experience. For us, the safety of the trekkers is the topmost priority. The guides always carry personal protective equipment and first-aid kits with them. They are technically skilled, friendly, have spotless judgment, and have proven safety acts with no fatalities. The guides and porters accompany you to make the trekking journey memorable, safe, and easy. HST is always concerned about the trip safety of international clients. We are readily available to fulfill various needs and provide better service for our clients to have a safe, satisfying, and unforgettable experience.

Yes, you can extend your trip to Tsum Valley by adding on other trekking routes or visiting nearby attractions. You can discuss trip extension options with your tour operator or travel agency, or plan the extensions independently. Some popular options for trip extensions include the trek to the Manaslu Circuit or Manaslu Rupina La Pass trek.

Responsible Travel is slowly gaining popularity. It is now highly practiced which is a good initiation to preserve or minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, culture, and communities of the destination. As a trekker, we must be aware of it, and at least from our side, we can do a little effort on our part. So, while planning a trip to Tsum Valley, it is important to choose a tour operator or travel agency that follows responsible tourism practices. This may include supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures and customs, and minimizing waste for a clean environment.

Yes, we suggest you book at least 2 weeks prior to the date you’ve planned to arrive here. It will give us enough time to plan and prepare everything. Since the Tsum valley is remote, logistics can be challenging. All proper arrangements in advance will ensure a smooth and pleasurable trip. Last-minute booking doesn’t cost extra but the cancellation policy might differ and less chance of getting proper accommodation and other basic facilities.

Trekking in the higher regions and unexplored regions of Nepal is adventurous but full of unpredictability at the same time. It is sensible to carry extra cash as there is no availability of banks and ATMs at higher altitudes. For the following purposes, one needs to carry extra cash:

• For your Travel Insurance
• Extra or personal porter
• Gears and Equipment
• Hot showers, internet access, battery charging, laundry, and other extra services in the mountains
• Emergency evacuation cost
• Souvenirs from the Himalayas, such as medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things
• Flight cancellation/Extra stay
• Any kind of drinks, energy bars throughout the trek, tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek

Tipping in Nepal is a good culture and is widely accepted. Based on the services provided by the guides and porters one can tip them. It is completely your choice to tip them but a general rule is to tip about 10% of your trekking cost.

• Our experienced team of over one decade has accomplished treks in Tsum Valley Trek and other treks too.
• Our guides are fluent in English, and Nepali dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Annapurna region through & through.
• HST provides you with the best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team. Thus, in case of an emergency first-aid kit or provision of rescue teams as a requirement.
• We are a government-registered company providing you with real care services at the best reasonable rate.
• Our company also has 70% repetitive clients over the years which shows their trust in us.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.