Itinerary Disclaimer
During your Tsum Valley Trek, there might be a slight change in your itinerary to ensure the safety and security of your trekkers. Ascending towards higher altitudes includes several risks related to landslides and unmanaged situations. The change in itinerary is provided for a safe trekking experience in the Himalayas of Nepal. During any unforeseen circumstances, the guide will provide an alternative option to make sure all the members are safe and secure. So, our team kindly requests you to have proper communication and mutual understanding between the member of the team and your Guide.
Pickup and Drop facility from and to the Airport
High Camp Adventure provides and facilitates their clients with Airport pickup and drop-off options as a complimentary service to ensure a safe and comfortable experience in Nepal from the start of the journey. One representative from High Camp Adventure will pick up and drop you from and to the International Airport in Kathmandu.
Accommodations and Meals provided during the trek
The accommodations and meals offered to you are selected based on trekkers' reviews, comfort, and safety during the trek. All the accommodations provided to you during the trek are on a basic facility tea houses with basic amenities and limited options. During peak seasons, you may be provided with twin-sharing room options and a shared washroom. Making your approach to Kathmandu, you will be provided with a 3-star hotel facility. Reaching a higher altitude, make sure to carry a sleeping bag and pads with you for a comfortable night. However, some of the tea houses provide you with blankets.
Meals provided during the trek include morning breakfast, lunch, and dinner freshly made with local ingredients. You may have the option to order foods according to your needs and preferences at lower altitudes. Don’t forget to try local cuisines like Momo, Dal Bhat, Roti, Thukpa, and Dhedo during your trek to experience the Nepali dishes. In Kathmandu, you will only be offered morning breakfast, as the major meals are not included and should be arranged by yourself.
Gear and Packing Needed for the Tsum Valley Trek
Before your Tsum Valley Trek, make sure to pack all the necessary items based on your needs and preferences for a comfortable stay and trek in the higher altitudes of Nepal. Trekking with proper Gear can help you make your journey easy and safe. Some of the important gear and packing you need during your Tsum Valley Trek are listed below.
Trekking Gears
- Trekking boots (waterproof and easy to wear for a comfortable journey)
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pads (for a delightful and comfortable overnight stay)
- Trekking poles for better grip (lightweight and easily adjustable)
Clothing and Accessories
- Base layer (moisture-absorbing tops and bottoms)
- Outer layer (waterproof and windproof jacket and pants)
- Trekking pants (comfortable and quick drying)
- Gloves and hat
- Sunglasses (protection against UV rays)
- First aid kit with important medicines
- Sunscreen (to protect your skin
- Safety and security of trekkers
As you know, reaching higher elevations requires proper safety and security measures to be considered by the trekkers. During the trek, there are many challenges and obstacles you need to face to reach your final destination. So, make sure to follow and implement all the safety rules and instructions your Guide has provided you before your journey. Therefore, before your journey starts, High Camp Adventure has already arranged the accommodations and meals including the permits required for the journey. You don’t have to worry about anything as our team has already planned all your activities. Below are some of the factors to be considered for a safe and secure trekking experience in Nepal.
Make sure you have all the required documents and permits during your journey. However, it is advisable to have photocopies of the documents along with photos on your mobile phone in case it is lost or misplaced.
- Keep all your valuable stuff with you during the trek
- Make sure to acclimatize properly to the surroundings along with keeping yourself hydrated
- Be sure to follow all the rules and regulations during the trek
- Don’t walk and explore the areas alone
- Make sure to inform your Guide and team members in case of any emergencies
- Before starting the trek, be sure to check the weather conditions
- Carry a trekking map with you for safety
- Permits for the Tsum Valley trek
To make your trek to Tsum Valley, you must obtain all the permits and documents required for the journey. All the permits help you for a safe and well experience of trekking making it a comfortable stay in higher altitude. Before you start your journey to Tsum Valley, obtain all the permits mentioned below for ongoing trekking in the high Himalayas of Nepal.
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: Before starting your journey from Kathmandu, make sure to obtain the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit. The permit helps you to trek in some of the restricted areas in Nepal, as it ensures the preservation of cultural heritages in those areas. The Restricted Area permit can easily be obtained through a registered trekking agency.
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit Fees
- USD 40 per person for 7 days (Spring and Autumn) and an additional USD 7 per day charge
- USD 30 per person for 7 days (Winter and Summer) and an additional USD 7 per day charge
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: To reach the Tsum Valley, you must pass through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which requires a special permit to be obtained from Kathmandu or even from the entry point of the area. This permit helps to ensure safety and security as it supports the infrastructure development of the area. Your trekking agency will easily arrange the permit before your journey from Kathmandu. So, selecting a trusted and registered trekking agency like High Camp Adventure is suggested to you for your safe and comfortable trekking experiences in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Fees
- NRP 3000 (USD 30) for Foreign citizens
- NRP 1000 for SAARC Countries
- NRP 100 for Nepali Citizens
Trekkers Information Management System Card (TIMS): the journey to Tsum Valley, requires a TIMS Card as the route is challenging and difficult for trekkers. The TIMS Card helps to monitor all the trekking activities throughout the journey and ensures the safety and security of trekkers. The permit can easily be obtained from a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu. The Nepal Tourism Board is the authority that provides the TIMS Card. Make sure to obtain the permit before starting your journey from Kathmandu.
TIMS Card Fees
- USD 1O for Foreign Nations
- USD 5 for SAARC Countries
Best time to trek the Tsum Valley Trek
During your journey to Tsum Valley, make sure to trek during the most suitable time as it determines the challenges and obstacles you need to face. The most favorable time helps you to enhance your trekking experiences in the Himalayas of Nepal. Here are some of the peak times to trek the Tsum Valley as per many trekkers.
- Spring in the Tsum Valley (March to May): Making your route, during the Spring makes your journey easy and comfortable with predictable weather conditions and well-managed trail conditions. During this time, you will be rewarded with moderate temperature and climatic conditions. The breathtaking views of stunning mountains and clear skies make your journey worth the visit. However, Spring being the prime time to trek the Himalayas in Nepal, you will see the route packed with trekkers with limited facilities of tea houses.
- Autumn in the Tsum Valley (September to November): Autumn is the second-best most suitable time to trek the Tsum Valley. During this time, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of mountains and clear skies with the finest vistas of nature. During this time, the weather is mostly predictable with temperatures colder than the springtime. You can feel that during the day the temperature is pleasant and at night it is mainly cold. This time is the optimal time to trek as the route is well-managed which makes the journey fun and easy.
- Winter in the Tsum Valley (December to January): As per many trekkers, the Winter season is not the preferable season to trek the Tsum Valley. During this time, the route condition is not well-managed with sudden temperature decreases as you elevate higher. The trail is mostly covered with snow with limited services of tea houses on your way. Many trekkers, do not favor this season because of the high chances of colder climatic conditions than other seasons.
- Summer in the Tsum Valley (June to August): The Summer season is not preferable season for many trekkers because of frequent rainfall which makes the trail conditions slippery and challenging. During this time, the route is not well-managed with high chances of landslides on your way to Tsum Valley. For trekkers wanting to reach the Tsum Valley, the journey is possible with an experienced Guide but have to face more challenges. The temperature is moderate yet rainfall makes the views full of clouds.
Travel insurance for the Tsum Valley trek
To trek at a higher altitude and with the High Camp Adventure you must have travel insurance done before your journey. Making your way to Tsum Valley includes some of the challenging routes and trail conditions that can create a huge impact on you. Having travel insurance helps you with financial protection and reduces your medical charge bills during any unforeseen circumstances. Before you do your travel insurance make sure that the policy includes all the factors related to high altitudes and medical evacuation. Make sure to read all the instructions and policies about what the travel insurance includes.
Trekking Guidance for the Tsum Valley trek
- Mobile Network and Internet: During your Tsum Valley Trek, you will be provided with internet facilities at the tea houses. However, as higher you reach you have to pay a bit extra cost to use the internet connection. The mobile network during the trek is not so stable at higher altitudes. Make sure to obtain an NTC SIM for better mobile networks.
- Hot showers and Charging facility: A hot shower and Charging facility is provided to you during the Tsum Valley trek. Some of the tea houses provide you with a hot shower free as at higher elevations you have to pay extra for it. Make sure to carry a portable power bank with you to charge your electronic devices. The tea houses provide you with charging facilities during the trek.
Challenges and Considerations for the Tsum Valley Trek
Altitude Sickness:
During the Tsum Valley Trek, you may have to face problems related to altitude sickness if you are a beginner trekker. It is normal for a human to feel altitude sickness as they reach some of the highest altitude points. Here are some of the symptoms and preventive measures to use during altitude sickness problems.
- Symptoms: headache, dizziness, vomiting, swelling of hands and legs, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, blurred vision, etc.
- Preventive measures: hydrate yourself, slow ascend, avoid sleeping pills, monitor your health, inform your Guide and team members in case of an emergency, and avoid consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
During such conditions, make sure to inform your Guide and team members as they can help you with an alternative solution for the trek. However, your Trekking Guide will assist you throughout the trek to avoid such situations.
Weather and Temperature during the Tsum Valley trek
your way to Tsum Valley is suitable during the Spring and Autumn as these seasons offer you favorable weather and moderate temperatures. As per many trekkers, during this time the trail conditions are properly managed with the route packed with trekkers. This season is regarded as the most favorable time to reach the Tsum Valley.
During the Winter and Summer, there is a high chance of rainfall and trails being packed with snow. Many trekkers prefer not to trek during this time, as there are a limited number of facilities provided. At this time, there is a high chance of avalanches and landslides. However, the trek is doable during this time with an experienced Guide. Most of the tea houses are not operated during this time.
Steep and Rugged Terrain Conditions
The trail condition to Tsum Valley is rugged and steep with uneven routes. You will be navigating through different landscapes that provide you with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains. The route passes through rivers and various suspension bridges where you get to see prayers flag.