Accommodation:
Teahouses or Lodges are accommodation types during the Tsum Valley trek that provide basic facilities but are comfortable to stay in. Generally, bathrooms are outside the teahouses. Pay additional costs for facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot bucket water, and charging devices. Internet and phone networks are mostly stable in the lower regions.
Meals:
3-course full board meals are served during the Tsum Valley trek which are healthy and hygienic. Breakfast and dinner are served from the teahouses and lunch is served at the stopovers during the trek. Since Manaslu is a Buddhist region, meats are prohibited in the Tsum region.
Drinking water:
Drinking water during the Tsum Valley trek is easily available. Trekkers can buy Mineral Water, fill tap water, or boiled water at teahouses as their preference. Always carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution. Travelers can also use a water purification solution or buy mineral water which costs USD 2-4 per bottle.
Public vehicles are the means of transportation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek as there are no airways in this region. Private vehicle options are also there.
- Kathmandu – Soti Khola – Kathmandu by sharing a jeep/bus
- Private jeeps from Kathmandu – Soti Khola – Kathmandu are available at an applicable cost.
Tsum Valley is a trek in the remote region and has limited facilities. Thus, the ideal seasons are Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas. The winter and rainy seasons are riskier to trek due to the unstable weather and temperature, slippery trails, and limited availability of accommodation and services. Still, it is possible to trek with proper planning and preparation.
Tsum Valley Trek requires four compulsory permits i.e. the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit, and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- USD 40/week per person + USD 7/person per day (beyond a week) [Sep-Nov]
- USD 30/week per person + USD 7/person per day (beyond a week) [Dec-Aug]
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Foreigners- USD 30/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit
- Foreigners- NPR 1000/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
- Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
Documents required
- Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
- Travel Insurance
- MCAP Permit
- Tsum Valley RAP
- Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit, and TIMS
Difficulty:
Tsum Valley trek is a moderate-level trek with a maximum elevation of 3,705 m. Walking daily long hours on the steep ascending and descending rough trails can be challenging for trekkers. Also, the region is remote with limited facilities. This trek is suitable for trekkers with an average level of physical fitness as it does not involve any technicality. Previous experience is preferable. Our support is always there throughout your journey from the start to the end.
Fitness:
Tsum Valley Trek demands trekkers to have good fitness levels. Trekkers should be physically and mentally sound to join this trek. With proper preparation, physical fitness, and acclimatization, it is achievable. Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be plus points. Besides, maintaining good health and necessary check-ups before the trek proves to be fruitful. Some physical exercises and mental exercises to carry out before the treks are as follows:
Physical Exercises
Cardiovascular Exercises, Leg Strength Exercises, Core Strength Exercises, Upper Body Strengthening, Foot and ankle Strengthening, Flexibility and Stability Exercises, and Hiking Specific Training.
Mental Exercises
Meditation, Breathing Exercises, Stress Management, Solo Reflection, Focus and Concentration Improvement, Setting a goal, Practicing problem-solving skills, Staying Calm and Positive, Enjoying every activity, etc.
The maximum elevation during the Tsum Valley trek is 3,705 m (Mu Gompa). Altitude sickness is common above 2500 m. As the elevation gains, there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness. Thus, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent it. Take an acclimatization rest as suggested in the itinerary during the trek.
Common symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss, and on extreme some can experience unconsciousness and hallucination.
Preventions for Altitude Sickness
- Take an acclimatization rest
- Inform the guide
- Climb slowly and gradually
- Keep yourself Hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and salty foods
- Know your body limit
- Take a complete rest and sleep
- Take medicine consulting a guide
It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.
- Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
- In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.
Tsum Valley is a moderate-level trek. Thus, it requires basic equipment and gear that trekkers can hire or bring on their own.
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Raincoat, Balaclava, Bandana, Gaiters
Shoes: Camp shoes, Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Permits, Visa Photocopy, Passport size photos
Food: Light snacks, Energy bars, and drink mix
Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Head Lamps, Torch, Umbrella, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution kits, reusable bags to deposit waste, separate clean/dirty clothes
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
