Tsum Valley Trekking 18 Days
If you are on a quest to explore the untouched parts of the Himalayas, far from the mainstream trekking routes, then Tsum Valley is the answer. Located east of the Manalsu, bordering Tibet, Tsum Valley is a hidden Shangri La rarely discussed.
The Tsum Valley Trekking Trail was long prohibited from entering, and it only opened to travelers in 2008. Home to Tsumbas, the direct descendant of Tibetans, the Tsum Valley offers a raw, unspoiled trekking experience.
We have an adventurous 18-day excursion to Tsum Valley, fully guided and supported by professional crew members who ease the venture and make it more meaningful.
Being part of the Manaslu region, you can also do the Tsum Valley trek with the Manaslu circuit.
Even though the starting point of the trek is situated only 7 hours away from Kathmandu, only a few trekkers approach the Manaslu region for trekking because of its isolation and lack of adequate tourist infrastructure.
Tsum Valley is a restricted area within the Manaslu Conservation Area. Solo Tsum Valley Adventure (without a guide and registered local trekking) is prohibited.
Moreover, you have to trek in a group of a minimum of two people, and it is mandatory to have a trekking guide. All these factors and expensive trekking permits keep the crowd away from the Tsum Valley walking trail. Trekking in the Tsum Valley is a privilege only a few travelers have.
During the Tsum Valley Adventure Holidays, you can explore untouched and unspoiled ancient villages and Tibetan Buddhist roots.
Look forward to old monasteries such as Mu Gompa, Dhephu Doma & Gumba Lungdang. The friendly and very welcoming locals host the trekkers.
Being so close to them gives you a first-hand experience of their customs and practices. The nunneries, chortens, and prayer wheels along the way express the region's cultural abundance.
Tsum valley Hiking Trip offers a very different trekking experience than the famous Everest or Annapurna base camp trek. The scenery is quite distinct, too.
The overnight stays in villages like Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Gumpa Lundang are fabulous. You'll take a side hike to Ganesh Himal base camp, walking on thrilling glacier moraine.
Tsum Valley Trek Adventure is for experienced trekkers who can adjust without modern convenience and are not afraid to go offbeat. It is an incredible trek that will give you lifelong memories, teach you a lot, and shape you as a strong individual.
You will have the Trail to yourself. There was no disturbance, no crowd at all. There will be just you, your thoughts, and vast mountain vistas.
Book the Tsum Valley trek early with Outfittr Himalaya to have ample time to prepare for the trek. Our travel consultants will help you with booking and further information about the trek.
Attractions of Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley is an Offbeat and less crowded trekking route.
Tsum Valley trail is sometimes less explored by trekkers, so it has seen less growth. There is no crowd, even during peak trekking season. You can enjoy tranquil trekking and solitude.
The Tsum Valley Hiking route could be more balanced, meaning many hurdles and challenging sections. This trek is perfect for experienced trekkers aware of high-altitude mountainous terrain or have previous trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Explore a hidden Shangri La and its reach Tibetan Buddhism cultural heritage.
Tsum Valley is known as a hidden Shangri La. Only a few travelers even know about this valley. Tucked in the lap of the Himalayan mountains, a trek to Tsum Valley presents you with a magical venture.
Tsum Valley remains unexplored and unspoiled. You will get to experience authentic, raw trekking.
Likewise, the residents of this valley are called Tsumbas. They are descendants of Tibetans and are connected to their roots. Practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, you'll get to see the unique cultures and traditions of the locals.
Visit ancient monasteries, including Mu Gompa.
One of the divine essences of Tsum Valley is its centuries-old monasteries and many stupas, prayer wheels, mani walls & chortens scattered around the trekking route.
All the major villages of the Trail have a monastery; among them, the most important are Mu Gompa, Doma Gompa, Ranchen Gompa, and Gumpa Lundang. And the best part is you will visit most of these monasteries while trekking with us.
The Mu Gompa was established in 1895 AD by Lama Sherab Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche of the Drukpa Kagyu sect. Located at 3,510 meters around Nile village, the hike to this monastery is outstanding. You can see religious books, statues, and images of safes & deities in the monastery.
Witness stunning mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes.
The Tsum Valley trek offers close views of some of the most stunning Himalayan mountains, such as Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Boudha Himal (6,672 m), and Shringi Himal (7,083 m).
The Tsum Valley Adventure Trail is awe-inspiring. You get to behold views of diverse sceneries as you go from Machha Khola (2,920 m) to Ganesh Himal base camp (4,200 m). You will see lush river valleys and green hills, vast meadows & glacier views as the trek progresses.
Trek in the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area
Manaslu region is a restricted area in Nepal and demands particular restricted area permits to trek. Tsum Valley is located inside the Manaslu region.
The Tsum Valley region is protected under the Manaslu Conservation Area. The Trail winds through forests and pastures to the alpine zone. On the way, you will see many species of plants, flowers, animals, and birds. The forests range from subtropical to alpine.
Adventurous side excursions during the acclimatization days
We have two acclimatization days in our Tsum Valley trek itinerary. One is in a Nile village, and you hike to Mu Gompa & Doma Gompa here.
Likewise, on the second rest day, we will visit Gumpa Lundang and walk to the Ganesh Himal base camp. Both these rest days are essential for acclimatizing our bodies and allowing us to explore the far-stretched points.
Locals host you in their houses.
During the Tsum Valley trek, accommodation mainly includes a homestay and lodges/teahouses. You spend nights in locals' houses, which gives you a close insight into the local lifestyle and practices.
You will be amazed by their simple living and kind heart. The locals are welcoming and very hospitable. You will love their company during your resting time.
Tsum valley trek difficulty
- The Tsum Valley trek is demanding. Experts rate it strenuous.
- The Tsum Valley Trek Program in the Himalayas is perfect if you dare to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
- You have to walk 5 to 7 hours a day each day on the steep, rough mountainous Trail.
- Likewise, you will spend many days climbing 3,000 meters. Hence, reasonably good physical fitness with high endurance and willpower is a must for this trek.
- The Trail begins through subtropical forests and gradually ascends along the Budhi Gandaki River. You will walk past beautiful waterfalls and cross many hanging suspension bridges.
- There are many steep uphill climbs along the way. Once you leave behind the treeline, it is mostly walking on pastures and rocky, narrow trails.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is a significant concern during the Tsum Valley trek. Even though the chance of trekkers getting altitude sickness is minimal, thanks to our well-designed itinerary and ample acclimatization days, you still have to be careful while trekking.
Refrain from doing anything (like drinking alcoholic drinks, smoking, not getting enough sleep, not eating a proper diet, or ascending more than 500 meters a day) that may trigger symptoms of altitude sickness.
If you suffer from altitude sickness during the Tsum Valley trekking in Nepal, our expert mountain guide will give you first aid. He will ensure you get rid of all the symptoms before ascending further.
Below are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness):
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea & vomiting
Tsum Valley Trek preparation
To prepare for the Tsum Valley trek in the Himalayas, you can hike or participate in other cardio activities such as swimming, cycling, and jogging.
Similarly, go on long walks regularly with a backpack weighing 5 kg. It will help you build your walking habit. You can focus on strengthening your core and add cardio to the routine for gym bodies. You have to improve your stamina, strength, and walking.
