Tsum Valley Trek - 13 days

Trek difficulty

This is quite an accessible trek in the sense that it's moderate and open to trekkers with reasonable levels of fitness and prior trekking experience. The trial includes a mix of well-set paths and rough horizons, with some elevation gains that could become painful, particularly toward higher places. 

Daily trekking would range between 5 and 8 hours, a real effort, especially on the steep parts of the trail. It is not exactly a technically difficult trek; rather, it requires trekkers to be ready for all sorts of weather changes and even for possible altitude sickness at altitudes as high as about 3,900 meters at Mu Gompa. 

Proper acclimatization, ensuring great physical preparation, as well as a positive attitude, are the things that make this trek so enjoyable in an amazing journey through a rich culture in the beautiful landscape of the Tsum Valley.

 Best season to trek

There are two times best suited to do quite a long trek in the Tsum Valley: spring and autumn. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the best times to trek in the valley. 

Spring (March-May): The weather is mild and rhododendron trees bloom and offer marvelous scenery with brilliant azure background skies. The colors are lovely, stability is typical, and trails are less busy when comparing the autumn months surrounding greenery and bright flowers enhance the beautiful landscape of the country on the trek.

Autumn (from September to November): Autumn too is another time most trekkers enjoy trekking in the Tsum Valley. Sunny, crisp, and cool days, when skies are clear, offer stunning sights of the surrounding mountain ranges. The post-monsoon weather ked dry trails to give easy trekking conditions. This is probably the busiest trekking season, so you may meet many other trekkers, but such energy in the air and local festivals also appeal to visitors.

Both times have clear visibility and fair trekking conditions and are therefore best suited to a visit to Tsum Valley and perhaps experience some of its ancestral culture, impressive landforms, and nurtured beauty. The monsoons(June-August) are best avoided, for the heavy rains make trekking nearly impossible, risking landslides.

Packing List for trek

While gearing up for the Tsum Valley trek, it's necessary to pack power equipment and supplies for comfortable and safer trekking. Below is a full packing list for your readiness:

Clothing

• Trekking Boots

• Trekking Socks

• Base Layer

• Rain Jacket

• Trekking Pants

• Warm Hat

• Sun Hats

• Warm Gloves

• Scarf

Gear

• Trekking Poles

• Sleeping Bag- if needed

• Trekking Poles

• Water Bottle

• Water Purification

Personal Items

• First Aid Kits

• Sunscreen

• Lip Balm

• Insect Repellent

• Toiletries

• Towel

• Moisturizing Cream

• Cash

• Snacks

• Power Bank
  

Food and Accommodations

The Tsum Valley trek is sure to herald exciting culinary adventures that resonate with the diverse culture of the different traditional Tibetan and Nepali cuisines along its scenic trekking routes.

 Accommodation consists basically of simple tea houses and lodges, providing basic shared facilities, especially washrooms and common dining areas.

 Meals are generally full of dal bhat (lentils with rice), momos (dumplings), noodle soups, some potatoes and greens, and eggs. In higher regions, the menu may be quite limited owing to accessibility, but generally, you will find very filling options to refuel your system after a day of trekking. Most tea houses offer hot drinks like tea and coffee, which are perfect for warming up in the cooler mountain climate.

Spaces are conducive to small, warm welcomes from other trekkers. Staying in such kinds of tea houses offers a chance to share culture, meals, and stories with other adventurers, as well as enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding you. Overall, the hearty meals and homely lodging go a long way towards making a memorable experience trekking in the Tsum Valley.

Permit and Regulation

Permits are a part of the essential things to obtain while trekking in Tsum Valley for a safe and responsible experience. You will require the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit as well as the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, which can be acquired from registered trekking agencies or the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Apart from these permits, it is also important to respect other forms of local customs and traditions like modest dressing and asking permission before taking pictures. The trekkers also have to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their environmental impacts and hence enjoy a sustainable experience in what they offer for the unique and rich culture it is here-and-now in the Tsum Valley.