Tsum Valley Trek

Spring Season

Spring is one of the best times for the Tsum Valley Trek. It has moderate temperatures and favorable weather conditions. During early spring, the temperature is slightly colder, with some remnants of snow on high-altitude trails. The temperature gradually becomes warmer. There is very little rainfall, so the sky is clear with brilliant visibility at this time of the year. The trails are also dry, but there can be occasional rain showers. 

Similarly, the flora and fauna are the most active during spring. Thus, you get to enjoy the vibrant and lush vegetation. Moreover, the entire forest of rhododendron blooms in different shades of red, pink, and white. You may also catch sight of Himalayan wildlife during the trek. Due to the favorable weather, the trail can be busier. 

The temperatures of Tsum Valley in spring are as follows:

Summer Season

The monsoon enters Nepal as the summer season begins. It brings heavy rainfall to the lower hilly areas. However, Tsum Valley lies in the rainshadow area and receives very little rainfall. The trails of lower regions are wet and muddy due to the rain. They are slippery, and leeches infest the forest trails. 

Moreover, heavy rain clouds obstruct the view. Flights are usually delayed or canceled due to poor visibility. There is also the risk of landslides and floods while traveling in summer. As a result, summer is not recommended for the Tsum Valley Trek.

The temperatures during the Tsum Valley Trek in summer are as follows:

Autumn Season

Autumn is the peak season for trekking in Nepal, with the most stable weather conditions and mild temperatures. Hence, it is the right time for the Tsum Valley Trek. By early autumn, the rainfall ceases, and the sky becomes clearer and crisper. The rain cleanses the surrounding landscapes, leaving the vegetation lush and vibrant. Similarly, the autumn foliage adds more colors and beauty to the landscapes. 

Autumn offers exceptional visibility. You can enjoy crystal-clear views of the mountain panoramas with few obstructions. It is also a festive season, and the country’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, are celebrated at this time. Enjoy comfortable weather and a festive atmosphere while trekking to Tsum Valley in autumn. The temperature gradually gets colder by the end of the season. 

The temperature of Tsum Valley in autumn is as follows:

Winter Season

As the winter season begins, the temperature drops significantly at higher altitude regions. Heavy snowfall can also block high mountain trails and passes. The harsh and extreme weather conditions make the Tsum Valley Trek more strenuous than at other times. Most accommodations at higher elevations close during winter, and the locals also migrate to the lower regions. Many seasoned and experienced trekkers

The temperature during the Tsum Valley Trek in winter is as follows:

Mu Gompa

Mu Gompa is one of the most sacred monasteries in the Tsum Valley. Guru Drupa Rinpoche established it in 1936, and the gompa is part of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery reflects traditional Buddhist architecture, with chortens adoring its surroundings. The main hall of the Gompa has many age-old Buddhist statues, thangka paintings, and ancient scriptures. Many monks live in the gompa and perform daily prayer and meditation. You get to visit this sacred site during the Tsum Valley Trek and take a spiritual retreat or practice meditation.

Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley is hidden deep in the Himalayas and lies close to Tibet. It is believed that Furu Rinpoche blessed the valley in the 8th century and established it as one of the 108 Beyuls (valleys for protecting religion and sheltering people during crises). Thus, the valley is known as the “Valley of Happiness.” The Tsum Valley is a spiritual hub where you can witness the ancient Tibetan culture and traditions. Many monasteries, gompas, chortens, mani walls, and colorful prayer flags are along its trails. Similarly, magnificent mountains surround the valley. You get to experience rich culture and deep spirituality in the Tsum Valley.

Rhododendron Forests

The Tsum Valley Trek takes you through dense and luscious rhododendron forests. Rhododendrons are Nepal’s national flower, and they adorn the trekking trails to the hidden Tsum Valley. During springtime, the entire trail comes into life with blooming rhododendrons in different colors of red, pink, and white. It colors the whole landscape, making it perfect for photographers. These rhododendron forests are also home to diverse Himalayan flora and fauna. While trekking through the forest, you will get an opportunity to encounter them, including some rare species.

Rachen Monastery

Rachen Monastery, or Rachen Gompa, is another significant monastery in Tsum Valley. It was established by Guru Drupa Rinpoche in 1936. The monastery is part of Tibetan Buddhism’s Nyingma tradition. It is also a nunnery and a spiritual hub for Buddhist people worldwide. Rachen Gompa is built in Tibetan and Tsumba-style architecture. The monastery has intricate woodwork and stone structures. Similarly, the main hall has several statues of Buddhist deities, manuscripts, and intricate thangka paintings. During the Tsum Valley Trek, you can visit the Rachen Gompa and witness the daily rituals, chanting of sutras, and meditation sessions. Likewise, you can also watch the spiritual lives of the nuns. It is a great retreat for spiritual seekers.

Milarepa Cave

Another reason to take the Tsum Valley Trek is that you get to visit the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Milarepa Cave or Piren Phu Cave. Guru Chipchun Milarepa visited Tsum Valley in the 11th century and meditated in the Piren Phu Cave. He was on a journey to spread the teachings of Buddhism to the world. Hence, the cave is a huge spiritual center for Buddhist pilgrims worldwide. They believe the cave holds significant spiritual energy. Thus, many visit the cave to meditate and gain spiritual enlightenment. Meditating in the Milarepa Cave allows you to connect with Himalayan spirituality.

Tsum Valley lies in the northern part of Gorkha in the Manaslu region. It is hidden within the Manaslu Conservation Area and is among the lesser-known trek destinations of Nepal. The trekking trails to Tsum Valley opened in 2008, and due to its close proximity to the Tibetan border, it is a restricted area. The valley is among the few places on earth with well-preserved ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, civilization, and customs. Trek to Tsum Valley is a rare chance to participate in the Buddhist Heritage Trail deep into the Himalayas.

The Tsum Valley has an ancient relationship with Buddhism, which has had a massive influence on the region. It is also known as the “Valley of Peace,” and the locals who practice Tibetan Buddhism are committed to non-violence. The indigenous Tsumbas people, who are of Tibetan origin, call the valley their home. They speak in a unique dialect, heavily influenced by Tibetan culture, called Tsumke and Tsumba. Some locals in Tsum also practice the ancient Bon Po culture. The locals declared the region “Shayagya” or “non-violent area” in 1920. Hence, there is a ban on animal sacrifices here.

Tsum Valley is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). In the 8th century, he founded 108 Beyuls (a secret valley that protects religion and people in crisis) in the Himalayas. Five of the Beyuls were established in the Himalayas of Nepal by Padmasambhava; one was in Tsum Valley. Hence, the valley is considered sacred for Buddhism. Moreover, Guru Chipchun Milarepa meditated in the Piren Phu Cave in the valley in the 11th century. Travelers can still see his footprints on the cave’s stone, and Buddhist pilgrims from across the world visit Tsum Valley to visit the sacred site.

There are 23 monasteries in this beautiful, hidden valley. The Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa are massively significant to Buddhist devotees. These monasteries were established by Guru Drupa Rinpoche in 1936. Due to the isolated nature of the valley, it remains far from modernization. Hence, you can still witness the remnants of ancient times and the deep-rooted connection to Buddhism. Tsum Valley embodies deep religion, rich culture, and spirituality. Hence, it is a true Buddhist Heritage Trail of the Himalayas.

The Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate journey that requires good health and fitness. It takes you to a remote, rural part of Nepal without proper infrastructure. You must hike on rough and rugged terrains, which requires good balance. The average hiking hours is 5 to 6 hours per day. Similarly, you will have to climb steep uphill and downhill trails, which are physically demanding and mentally strenuous.

During the Tsum Valley Trek, you will ascend to an altitude of 4,200 meters at Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The high elevation exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness, which can be fatal. Its mild symptoms can quickly turn into severe without proper precautions. Thus, you must not neglect the symptoms. As the region lacks proper medical facilities, helicopter rescue is the only way to provide prompt assistance. 

The higher you go, the more unpredictable the weather becomes, and the temperature drops. Sudden changes can bring unforeseen challenges, further heightening the difficulty of the Tsum Valley Trek. Trekkers must prepare for physical as well as mental challenges during the journey. Although the trek requires no prior experience, it can be especially difficult for beginners. The challenging trails can also test the stamina and endurance of seasoned trekkers. Hence, adequate preparation is necessary to overcome the Tsum Valley’s demanding trails.

Physical Preparation

The trails of Tsum Valley are moderate, but they require a good fitness level. Trekkers must climb steeply uphill and downhill trails on rocky and rugged terrains. Moreover, the high altitude makes the climb more challenging. Therefore, proper physical preparation helps to build strength, stamina, and endurance for the journey. It is the key to overcoming the physically demanding trails, which makes the trek more enjoyable. 

The best way to build your physical strength for the trek is to undertake cardiovascular exercise and training 2 to 3 months before the journey. Exercises like jogging, running, hiking, swimming, and cycling are especially beneficial. You can also do strength-building exercises like squats, stair climbing, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups. Yoga is also helpful for trekkers as it helps with breathing exercises and strengthens the lungs. 

Begin with simple exercises initially and gradually increase the intensity. Trekkers must also pay attention to their diets. They must eat a nutritious and balanced diet rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Similarly, they must keep their bodies hydrated and practice drinking water regularly. If you have heart, lung, or blood disease, we highly discourage you from taking the Tsum Valley Trek.

Mental Preparation

In addition to physical preparation, mental preparation is also crucial for the Tsum Valley Trek. Take your time researching the trek, its challenges, and weather conditions. You must understand the difficulties and set realistic expectations for the journey. The remote location, lack of modern infrastructure, challenging terrains, and uncertainty will test your mental resilience. They can strain trekkers mentally, but do not let them demotivate you. 

You need to build strong mental resilience to overcome the challenges and uncertainties during the Tsum Valley Trek. Likewise, you must also have a positive mindset. Focusing on the rewarding experience and achievement is a good way to motivate you during the journey. You also need to practice patience and stress management. Meditation and yoga are great for building the mental toughness necessary for the Tsum Valley Trek.

Tea houses are standard accommodations along Nepal’s trekking routes. They are small and basic but cozy, and they are a great way to experience the hospitality of the locals. During the Tsum Valley Trek, you will stay at these tiny tea houses and closely experience the local culture and lifestyle.

The tea houses are not only an accommodation for rest but also a place for socialization. You will meet many new people from different walks of life heading to similar trails. You can share your experiences and forge new friendships while sipping tea at the teahouses. Nepalese people are well-known for their friendliness and warm gesture. The locals who run these teahouses will treat you with warmth and kindness.

Most teahouses have shared rooms or dormitories. The toilets and bathrooms are mostly shared, with squat-style or Western-style toilet seats. It is very rare to find single rooms with attached bathrooms. So, expect to stay in shared rooms during the Tsum Valley Trek. These rooms are usually small and have limited furniture. The accommodation provides you with beds, blankets, and pillows. In peak seasons, these teahouses are packed with trekkers. So, expect to share the rooms with fellow trekkers.

There are massive stoves in the communal dining halls of teahouses for heating purposes. However, the rooms lack proper heating facilities, so it is best to carry a sleeping bag. In higher-altitude regions, tea houses may not have electricity. They use solar power for lights and charging of electronic devices. Hot water is also scarce. Hence, you must pay extra fees to charge for your electronics and hot showers. Similarly, WiFi/ internet facilities are limited. Even if the service is available, it is poor and unsuitable for heavy data-intensive work. You must pay an additional charge for the internet services.

While on the Tsum Valley Trek, you will mostly eat Nepalese cuisine. You will find various meal options that are healthy and nutritious. These meal options are mostly local or staple Nepalese cuisines, but you can also find Western and other international cuisines on the menu. Almost all the ingredients are sourced locally. Take a look at popular meals that you will see during the trek:

Breakfast

Eggs, Tsampa porridge, cornflakes, oatmeal, bread (Tibetan/ chapati), toast, pancakes, butter, jam, cheese, honey, fruits, tea (black/ milk/ green), and coffee.

Lunch

Dal Bhat, bread (Tibetan/ chapati), curries, soup, salad, Sherpa stew, Thenduk, momo (dumplings), thukpa, chowmein, sandwiches, pasta, spaghetti, noodles, steak, fries, deserts (pies, rice pudding), drinks (teas, coffees, hot chocolates, juice, and soft drinks), etc.

Dinner

Dal Bhat, bread (Tibetan/ chapati), curries, soup, salad, Sherpa stew, Thenduk, momo (dumplings), thukpa, chowmein, sandwiches, pasta, spaghetti, noodles, steak, fries, deserts (pies, rice pudding), drinks (teas, coffees, hot chocolates, juice, and soft drinks), etc.

Note: The package only includes standard meals and drinks. If you have any dietary restrictions, you must inform us in advance.

Nutritious and healthy food energizes trekkers during the Tsum Valley Trek. The options are limited, but high-carb and protein-rich meals are best for keeping your energy level up. However, you must be careful about what you are eating. So, here are a few food tips that you can follow during the trek:

• Avoid meat and dairy products during the journey, as they might not be fresh.
• Avoid eating oily and spicy foods as they may upset your stomach.
• It is also best to avoid raw foods like salads or uncooked vegetables.
• Avoid excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, and hot chocolate drinks. It may increase the risks of altitude sickness.
• In higher altitude areas, digestion gets slowed. So, eat small but frequent meals.
• Carry lightweight snacks, mixed nuts, and energy bars.
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Do not be afraid to try local cuisine!

WiFi/ internet services are available during the Tsum Valley Trekking. The accommodations along the route provide these services for additional charges, usually around USD 2. Although the internet service is poor and limited, you can use it to communicate with your family and friends back home. Another way to communicate during the trek is to use the local SIM card. There are various telecom operators like Nepal Telecom (NTC), NCELL, etc. NTC offers the best connectivity while traveling in rural regions. Note that the phone signals may be poor at some parts of higher elevations.

You cannot do a solo trek to Tsum Valley because of its restricted nature. The Tsum Valley lies close to the Tibetan border, and for security purposes, it has been declared a restricted zone. Hence, a government-certified guide must accompany the trekkers. 

Trekkers must also acquire a restricted area permit (RAP) for the Tsum Valley Trek, issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The department does not issue the RAP permit for solo trekkers; one must obtain it through a registered trekking agency. Moreover, the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have made it compulsory to hire a licensed guide for trekking in Nepal. Thus, solo trekking is no longer possible in Nepal.

Porters are not mandatory, but they provide huge logistic support during the trek. Tsum Valley is a moderate journey requiring you to ascend steeply and descend on varied terrains. It is physically demanding for trekkers to hike on these trails for 5 to 6 hours daily. Trekking with a heavy backpack is physically draining even more. Furthermore, it can put trekkers’ livers in danger. They may suffer from over-exertion and increase the risk of altitude sickness. Similarly, with a heavy burden on the back, trekkers may lose footing on rough trails and get injured.

Hiring a porter is an excellent solution to relieve your physical burden. They carry your baggage and leave you free to enjoy the journey. The weight limit for a porter is 18 to 20 kg, and a single porter usually carries the luggage of two trekkers. Hence, they carry around 10 kg of luggage for a single trekker. Porters are local to the trekking region, so they are skilled at navigating the trails and have local expertise. Many porters can also communicate in English, so they can provide you with knowledge of the region’s history and culture.

The cost of hiring a porter ranges from USD 25 to USD 30 per day. This does not include tips. You can tip your porter as a gesture of appreciation for their services. Your small tip can help them support their livelihoods. Himalayan 360’s Tsum Valley Trek package does not include porter services, but you can add them while booking. Hiring a porter helps to provide them with employment opportunities and contributes to the local economy.

During the Tsum Valley Trek, you will begin at an altitude of 1,400 meters in Kathmandu and reach a high altitude of 4,200 meters at Ganesh Himal Base Camp. As you can see, the elevation increases significantly during the trek. 

Rapidly ascending to a higher elevation can expose trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness. Hence, it is essential to know about elevation gain while trekking so trekkers can plan their itinerary most effectively. It also helps trekkers adjust acclimatization days to minimize the risk. Look at the Himalayan 360’s Tsum Valley Trek itinerary to better understand the elevation gained during the trek.

Yes, travel insurance and permits are necessary for the Tsum Valley Trek. It is a high-altitude trek within a restricted area of Nepal. Tsum Valley also lies in a remote and rural region that lacks infrastructure and proper medical facilities. Moreover, it lies in a high-risk area for natural disasters. In an emergency, helicopter rescue is the only way to provide prompt medical assistance. However, the helicopter rescue operation is very expensive. Travel insurance helps provide financial safety during the trek. 

The highest point of the trek is 4,200 meters. Therefore, travel insurance for Tsum Valley must cover the high altitude and the helicopter rescue operation. The insurance also covers trip postponement/ cancellation and luggage damage/ loss. Likewise, the insurance must cover medical and emergency expenses, including altitude sickness. You must provide travel insurance to your trekking agency before the journey. The agency will use this insurance to call for rescue operations in emergencies.

The necessary permits for the Tsum Valley Trek are as follows:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Tsum Valley is among the country’s restricted areas. It is restricted for border security purposes because it lies close to the Tibetan border. Similarly, Tsum Valley has well-preserved, age-old cultural heritages untouched by modernization. The preservation of these ancient heritages is another reason for the region being designated a restricted area by the government of Nepal. Hence, trekkers must obtain a restricted area permit for Tsum Valley Trek. 

The Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara issues the restricted area permit. Trekkers can only obtain it through a registered trekking agency. The permit costs are as follows: 

• Autumn season: USD 40 per person for the first week and then USD 7 per additional day.
• Spring, summer, and winter season: USD 30 per person for the first week and then USD 7 per additional day.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)

The trekking trails of Tsum Valley require access to the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is home to diverse and rare flora and fauna. The permit helps regulate tourism within the conservation area and minimizes the impact on the pristine environment. Similarly, the permit fees contribute to the development and protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area. 

Trekkers can get the MCAP through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The costs of MCAP are as follows: 

• SAARC residents: NPR 1000 per person (USD 10 approx.)
• Non-SAARC residents: NPR 3000 per person (USD 30 approx.)

Clothing & Footwear

• Insulating layers (top and bottom)
• Windproof/ waterproof jacket
• Fleece jacket/ sweater
• Down jacket
• Long and short-sleeved trekking shirts and t-shirts
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Warm trousers
• Sun hat, beanie, gloves, and scarves
• Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes
• Moisture-wicking trekking socks
• Warm socks
• Gaiter

Equipment

• Backpack (40 to 50 liters)
• Rucksack
• Adjustable trekking pole
• Sleeping bag
• Headlamp/ flashlight with extra batteries
• Water bottle
• Raincoat and raincover
• Adapter and charger
• Power bank

Miscellaneous

• Toiletries
• First aid kit and personal medication
• Water purification tablets
• Smartphone, camera, binoculars
• Maps or GPS
• Snacks or energy bars
• Diary or journal