Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Tsum Valley is yet another hidden gem of Nepal lying behind the mountains, mostly untouched and rarely visited. Reaching this valley also demands international trekkers to carry a special permit unlike in Manaslu Circuit.

The name 'Tsum' has come from the Tibetan word "Tsombo" which means vivid. In ancient times, this valley was quite a distinct place, both culturally and geographically. Hence, this valley was called Tsum Tso Chuksums, meaning "Thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory". People here, being of Tibetan origin, still follow the polyandry system, meaning single women can have multiple husbands. The locals, known as Tsumbas, have unique cultures, traditions, and language of their own.

The lowest point of Tsum valley is Lokpa and the highest point is Ngala Dhojhyang Pass (5094m) on the Tibetan border. Bordered by beautiful mountains like Baudha Himal and Himal Chuli at the west, Ganesh Himal to the south and Singri Himal to the North, this place is a heaven to a nature lover.

Highlights

Explore the untouched valley of Tsum and witness the Tibetan Buddhist culture with locals.
Enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal, and Singri Himal.
Feel the remoteness of the hidden valley and walk the rugged trail of the Tsum valley area.
Visit numerous monasteries including the Mu Gompa, the most popular destination of the area.

Itinerary

Commencing this trip

The trek starts from Kathmandu initially walking along the Manaslu Circuit trail starting walk from Sotikhola until you reach Lokpa. Lokpa is the lowest point of the Tsum valley but the restricted area permit will be active from the day you enter Jagat. You will get to see the remote valley rich in Tibetan culture untouched and unspoiled from the external world. People here wear traditional Tibetan dress and have their own dialect for day to day communication. You will get to see the lifestyle in the remote settlements and also visit the ancient Mu Gompa which is the top attraction of the Tsum Valley.

If you are organizing a camping trip instead of tea house trekking in this area, you can add few more days to add visit up to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp too. As the Tsum valley area was opened since 2008 AD only for trekking, still this area has just basic lodging facility and if you wish to visit some new places, you will need to organize a camping trip with full camping crew and camping equipment.

The return will be via the same route up to Sotikhola from where you will be driving back to Kathmandu in the assigned private vehicle.

Best time to do this trip

If you wish to make the most out of this trip then the best time to visit here will be during Spring and Autumn season in Nepal. However, there will be separate permit cost fees in both seasons. The permit fees during Autumn (September - November) will be USD 40.00 per person for the first 7 days and USD 7.00 per person afterward. Whereas the permit fees for the rest of the months will be USD 30.00 per person for the first 7 days and USD 7.00 per person afterwards.

Traveling in these areas during monsoon is highly discouraged due to the risk of sudden landslides. The views of the mountains too gets limited due to thick clouds and the trail will be quite muddy and slippery. Hence, best to plan out your trip from either March-May or September-November.

What is included?

3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin sharing basis.
12 nights accommodation in standard tea houses during the trek on a full board twin sharing basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee).
Experienced English speaking trek guide and porter/s for the trek (1 porter assigned for 2 travelers).
Kathmandu to Sotikhola return transfers in a private vehicle.
2 International Airport transfers in a private vehicle.
All required trek permit fees including restricted area permit for Tsum Valley area.
Equipment allowances, salary, and insurance for the trekking staff.
Kit bags/duffle bags for the trek (size 45/ 55L).
A first aid kit with basic supplies.
All government taxes.

What is not included?

Single room supplement charges during Hotel stay in Kathmandu.
Lunches and Dinners in Kathmandu.
Soft Drinks and Alcoholic beverages like Coke, Beer, etc. and cigarettes.
Any sort of guided/ unguided city tours and transfers for the same.
Entrance fees for monasteries and museums (if any).
Nepal entry visa fee.
International airfares.
Hot shower and hot drinking water during the trek.
Your personal trekking gears and equipment like the sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jackets, etc.
Personal nature expenses related to the phone, wifi, gadget charging, laundry, gratitude/ Tips, snacks expenses, extra meals, tea, and coffees etc.
Your travel insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if any.
Any activities or services not mentioned in "Service included section"

Important points to be noted:

The mentioned trip price is per person price quoted for an open trek* based on 5 travelers group. The trip price will vary depending on the final size of the group. The trip price for a customized private trip arrangement may alter.