Most adventurers are lured to Nepal by the towering heights of Annapurna and Mount Everest, but most people forget that Nepal is home to eight of the world’s top ten tallest mountain peaks. While Annapurna and Everest are undoubtedly the most demanding expeditions and the ultimate endurance tests, a big section of Nepal’s other stunning mountains remain relatively untouched. Tsum Valley, home to the world’s eighth highest peak, is one such location in Nepal. If you want to see the Himalayas’ frigid, snow-capped peaks but don’t want to deal with the crowds on Everest and Annapurna, this is the trip for you. The Tsum valley routes also pass via a cascading river, suspension bridges, and a remote Himalayan settlement, all of which offer dramatic scenery with lush valleys and towering snow-capped mountains. The highest pass on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is Larkya ka La Pass, which is followed by Mu Gompa at 5106m and 3700m, respectively.
Why Tsum Valley Trek?
The Tsum Valley Trek offers spectacular views of wild mountains like as Mt. Singri Himal (7,817 m), Mt. Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Buddha Himal (6,672 m), and many others. It is less popular with tourists and provides several undiscovered virgin routes for adventure-seeking travelers. The Tsum Valley Trek takes you through the Manaslu region, with its rock-strewn trails, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. The walkway is made even more mystic and enchanting by the mani walls, which are carved with murals of deities and prayers. The valley is abundant in fauna. If you see Himalayan Thar or Blue sheep in the vicinity, don’t be startled. The trek provides an opportunity to learn about Tsumbas and become immersed in their culture, customs, and way of life.
Tsum Valley Trek: Major Highlights:
- Hidden Valley situated in Tibetan Border
- Tsum Valley is a little-known Tibetan valley affected heavily by Tibetan religion, accent, culture, and tradition.
- Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and many other peaks are seen.
- The highest pass on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is Larkya La Pass.
- Manaslu Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek are also accessible from here.
- Milarepa’s cave, Lungdang Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Ganesh Himal Base Camp are all places worth seeing.
- Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa meditated for several years at this sacred place.
Tsum Valley Trek: Best Season for the Trek:
Early October through November and March to April are the finest months to trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. Most of Nepal’s trekking spots are at their busiest during this time. Tsum Valley trekking trails will be brimming with flowering rhododendrons, clear skies, a nice environment, and a comfortable temperature at this time of year.
The months of December and January are the most difficult for hiking in the upper Himalayan region. Because of the great risk of becoming stuck due to severe snowfall and extreme temperatures, the majority of the inhabitants migrate to the lower regions. Trekking is possible, but you must be adequately equipped in terms of food, camping tents, and other necessary equipment. The monsoon season in Nepal runs from June to September. Your walking will be difficult and incomplete due to the constant rain and restricted view of the Himalayan range. Despite the fact that the Manaslu Tsum Valley Region is under the Himalayan rain shadow, rain will cause muddy routes, landslides, avalanches, and leeches in the lower Mansalu region.
Tsum Valley Trek Route Map:
Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary:
- Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu 1350m – Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.
- Day 02: Cultural tour of Kathmandu and trek preparation – Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.
- Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola – Altitude: 700m/2296 ft. | Drive: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 04: Trek Soti Khola to Machhakhola | Altitude: 870 m/2952 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 05: Trek Macchakhola to Jagat – Altitude: 1340 m/7676 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 06: Trek Jagat to Phillim – Altitude: 1570 m/5025 ft. |Trek: 4/5 hrs.
- Day 07: Trek Phillim to Chumling – Altitude: 2386 m/7827 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 08: Trek Chumling to Chhokangparo – Altitude: 3010 m/9903 ft. | Trek: 4/5 hrs.
- Day 09: Trek Chhokangparo to the Nile – Altitude: 3361 m/11058 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 10: Trek Nile to Mu Gompa – Altitude: 3700 m/12174 ft. | Trek: 3/4 hrs.
- Day 11: Exploration of Mu Gompa – Altitude: 3700 m/12174 ft.
- Day 12: Trek Gumba Lungdang and to Lokpa – Altitude: 2240m/7168ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 13: Trek Lokpa to Ghap – Altitude: 2160m/6912 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 14: Trek Ghap to Lho – Altitude: 3180m/10395 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 15: Trek Lho to Samagaon – Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. | Trek: 3/4 hrs.
- Day 16: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon or Exploration of Manaslu Base Camp – Altitude: 4400m/14080ft.
- Day 17: Trek Samagaon to Samdo – Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 18: Climb Samdo Ri or take a day trip to Tibet border – Altitude: 3875m/12400ft.
- Day 19: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m – Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
- Day 20: Trek Dharamsala to Bimtang via Larkya-La Pass – Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. | Trek: 8/9 hrs.
- Day 21: Trek Bimtang to Dharapani – Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs.
- Day 22: Trek from Dharapani to Besisahar and drive to Kathmandu – Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. | Drive: 7/8 hrs.
- Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu 1350m – Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.
Tsum Valley Trek: Legendary Myths:
In the Tsum valley, Piren Phu is a sacred cave. This sacred site is said to be where a legendary Buddhist sage meditated. He was previously the victim of a local woman’s misbehaving. The women misbehaved with the sage while asking for food, causing her land to become barren. Nothing grows on the arid land, which still exists. In the valley, there is a monastery with statues of Avalokiteshwara, Buddha, and Tara clutching Milarepa’s footprint. Throughout the path, there are several religious writings and scripts inscribed on the stones and ceilings.
Tsum Valley Trek: Required Permits and Cost:
To visit Tsum Valley, you will need to obtain certain permits. During peak season, the Manaslu Permit costs $ 70.00 per person for the first week and US$ 10.00 per day after that. If you travel during the off-season, this permit costs $50.00 per person for the first week and $7.00 each day thereafter.
Tsum Valley Permit; $35 during high season, $25 offseason.
In addition, you’ll need to pay 2,000 NPR for an MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) and 2,000 NPR for an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
Tsum Valley Trek: Difficulty:
Tsum Valley Trek in Manaslu is classified as moderate to adventurous, mainly because of the high altitudes (above 3,700 meters). It is also recognized as one of Nepal’s most demanding treks. This trip will take you to a remote Himalayan settlement on the Tibetan border. High passes and steep slopes are typical on this trail, making it tough for both novice and experienced hikers. Make sure you’re being led by competent trek guides.
Tsum Valley Trek: Preparation for the Trek:
The Tsum Valley Trip does not require extensive training because it is not a particularly rigorous trek. There are, however, some additional preparations to be aware of. For starters, trek permits are only provided for groups of at least two persons. This means you won’t be able to tour Tsum Valley in Neal without a guide. If you’re traveling alone and visit a tourism agency, they’ll quickly match you with other travelers. However, as a single traveler, you should be aware of this if you’re solely hiring a guide. Also, pack some snacks and refreshments from Kathmandu because there won’t be many options up in the highlands, or if there are, they’ll be incredibly costly. Finally, remember to bring a water bottle with a purifier with you on your journey because pure drinking water will not always be available.
Tsum Valley Trek: FAQ’s
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek takes at least 21 to 23 days.
Because Tsum Valley is a restricted trekking path, you must hire a government-registered guide and get permits.
The best months to trek Tsum Valley are October to November and March to April.
Altitude symptoms include headaches, fever, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and many others.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a restricted area because it is located within the Mansalu Conservation Area. As a result, you’ll need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, as well as a restricted area permit and a Tsum Valley Permit.
The cell phone coverage in Nepal’s highest altitudes is basically non-existent. They do, however, have a V-SAT network that provides landline services to practically all of the communities and can be used in an emergency.