Introduction of Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley lies in the beautiful northern region of Gorkha. Its stunning natural beauty makes it one of the most fantastic adventures in Nepal. You must travel through the Manaslu circuit trekking trail to explore this secret valley. It is famous for its breathtaking Himalayan scenery and ancient art and culture. Embark on the Tsum Valley and immerse yourself in the amazing beauty of the mountains.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is a fantastic option for those seeking moderate difficulty in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The Tsum Valley provides a unique cultural and scenic experience that blends adventure and spiritual exploration. Although the trek may not be as physically challenging as other treks, decent fitness and preparation are still necessary.
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Significant Highlights of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
- You can explore the Hidden Valley that lies on the Tibetan border.
- You can immerse yourself in the Tibetan religion, accent, culture, and tradition.
- You can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and many other majestic peaks.
- You can go to Larkya La Pass, the highest pass on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
- You can explore Milarepa’s cave, Lungdang Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
- You can enjoy Manaslu Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek as a retreat.
Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty
The Tsum Valley Trek can be difficult but worth the effort. It is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal. This trip will take you to a hidden remote community in the Himalayan region bordering Tibet. The trail has many high passes and steep sections, making it difficult for beginner and experienced trekkers. It’s essential to ensure that you have the guidance of an experienced trek guide and porter.
If you plan on embarking on the Tsum Valley trek, it’s crucial to remember that you must be at a certain level of fitness. You’ll spend several hours daily walking and navigating through diverse terrain. You should be mentally prepared, maintain a positive attitude, and pay attention to your body’s needs.
Physical Fitness
The Tsum Valley trek is quite demanding and will test your physical endurance. However, if you’ve had some trekking experience, you’ll find the trek less tiring because you’ll be physically and mentally prepared. The trails can be challenging to navigate because of their uneven and occasionally tricky terrain. You have to walk for about 6 hours each day.
The Tsum Valley trek requires physical fitness, so increasing physical activity a few weeks before your trip to Nepal would be beneficial. To test and improve your ability, you can hike in your local hills with a backpack comparable to your day pack on the trek. You can also do weightlifting and cardiovascular exercises at your local gym.
Altitude Sickness
You will also experience the thrilling feeling of trekking through the highlands at elevations above 3,000m. So, you might get altitude sickness unexpectedly. It can affect you regardless of your physical and mental fitness.
As you ascend to higher elevations, your chances of experiencing altitude sickness slightly increase. So, the best strategy is to stay hydrated by drinking water and including high-carbohydrate foods. Proper acclimatization is crucial, so ascend slowly and take rest days as needed.
Terrain
The terrain on the Tsum Valley trek has different difficulty levels, from moderate to challenging. It would be best to prepare yourself for demanding terrain.
It has steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and narrow routes along the cliffs. You should be more cautious while walking. Trekking poles can be a great option for extra stability and to relieve knee strain.
Duration and Remote Location
The duration of the trek in Tsum Valley can vary from 8 to 16 days, depending on the route and acclimatization stops. Due to the region’s remote location, facilities along the trail are pretty limited.
Accommodation options might be simple and have limited services. It is crucial to have all the essential supplies and be self-reliant.
Weather During Tsum Valley Trek
The weather in the Tsum Valley can be unpredictable. If you want to trek during the monsoon season, you should be ready for intense rainfall, rugged trails, and the potential for dangerous landslides.
The temperature can decrease during the winter season. Traveling higher passes will be more difficult due to snow and ice. The perfect weather for the Tsum Valley trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Twin Sharing Bed as Accommodation
During the Tsum Valley trek, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the local hospitality by staying overnight in cozy lodges and teahouses. There are lodges available at the lower elevation. You’ll encounter plenty of charming teahouses when you go up the trail.
Typically, twin-sharing beds with shared bathrooms are available. Single rooms are also available, but the price may be higher. The rooms provide a comfortable space for a night or two.
The situation here is much more critical than in the tea houses on the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The lodge’s amenities are pretty minimal. Specific locations lack electricity, but the dining room has solar power. You can pay extra money to charge your cell phone and camera batteries.
In the teahouses/lodges, you can eat traditional Nepalese and Tibetan dishes. You may also find other cuisines, such as Indian and Continental.
Cultural and Spiritual Experience of Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal
The Tsum Valley is famous for its vibrant Buddhist culture and historic monasteries. Visiting these cultural sites requires navigating steep climbs and steps. In addition, exploring the spiritual side of the trek by visiting monasteries and practicing mindfulness can bring a whole new perspective to the journey.
Tsum Valley is also famous for its unique tradition of non-kiling. This means people will not harm animals within this region. This practice is also known as “Shyagya” (nonviolence) in the Tsumpa, the language spoken by the local Tsum caste. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Tsum Valley is known as Kimolung Beyul, which means “Valley of Happiness” or “Valley of Peace.”
Permit for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in Manaslu region
The Tsum Valley lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area. So entry requires three permits for Tsum Valley: a Manaslu Conservation Area permit, a TIMS permit, and a restricted area permit.
TIMS Card
When embarking on the Tsum Valley Trek, it is essential to have a TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) to ensure the safety of all trekkers. This card is important for the trek and serves as a mandatory permit. To obtain a TIMS Card, you should provide a copy of your passport and passport-size photos. The price for acquiring the TIMS Card is Npr 2000 per person.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
The Tsum Valley lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area, so you need a specific permit for this area. You must provide a copy of your passport and passport-sized photos and pay NPR 3000 per person to obtain one.
Restricted Area Permit
The Tsum Valley trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area. To visit the Tsum Valley restricted area, you need permits. So, before starting your adventure, it is essential to acquire the necessary permits, starting from Jagat. Having a group of at least two trekkers is vital for these permits. You should show your original passport, passport photo, and valid visa.
The cost for a 7-day journey from September to November is $70. For the remaining months, it is $50 for seven days. If you decide to extend your trek, there will be an additional charge of $10 per person per day from September to November and $7 per person per day from December to August.
Best Time to Trek Tsum Valley in Nepal
If you’re considering trekking to the Tsum Valle, the best time is from early October to November or March to April. Now is the perfect time to explore the stunning trekking destinations in Nepal. At this time of the year, the Tsum Valley trekking trails are filled with vibrant rhododendrons, beautiful clear skies, a pleasant atmosphere, and comfortable temperatures.
Trekking in the Himalayan region can be pretty challenging in December and January. With the heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures, it’s no surprise that many villagers migrate towards the lower areas to avoid getting stuck. If you plan on trekking now, you must come fully equipped with enough food, camping tents, and all the necessary trekking gear.
Nepal experiences its peak monsoon season from June to September. Trekking in the Himalayas can be challenging and risky, especially during heavy rainfall. Although the Tsum Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the lower region of the Manaslu region can be pretty wet, with slippery trails and leeches.
Guide and Porter for Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley trek is considered one of the best treks in the Manaslu region. It provides breathtaking views of mountains and shows the unique culture and tradition. A guide will help you negotiate the trails and give you vital information about the area’s culture, history, and traditions. They will ensure your safety and give you a complete guide to the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.
A porter will carry your belongings so you can enjoy the trek without a heavy backpack, making it even more enjoyable. You should hire them through trekking agencies at the start of the trek. They will provide assistance and support throughout the trek, helping you overcome any difficulty.
FAQs
Which river is the Tsum Valley?
Tsum Valley lies north of the Gorkha district and runs along the Syar Khola, a tributary of the Budi Gandaki River.
In which district is Larkey La Pass located?
Larkey La Pass is within the Gorkha district in Nepal’s northern region. It is an integral part of the Manaslu Conservation Area, known for its natural beauty and unique biodiversity.
Is Manaslu harder than Everest?
Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,163 meters. Climbing Manaslu is demanding and challenging but less complicated than Everest.
Which trek is hardest?
The hardest treks in Nepal are the Three Passes trek, Island Peak trek, Teri La and Saribung La, Kanchenjunga Trek, Limi Valley trek, Ganj La trek, Saipal Base Camp trek, and Makalu to Everest trek.
Do you need oxygen to climb Manaslu?
No, you don’t need oxygen to climb Manaslu.
Which mountain is also known as the killer mountain of Nepal?
The killer mountain of Nepal is Mt. Manaslu.
Conclusion
Tsum Valley is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal, but it is moderately difficult. The trek takes about 16 days. This route takes you to Manaslu’s “Tsum” valley, which means “vivid.” This hidden, remote Shangri-la, home to Tsumbas, a Tibetan descendant, was inaccessible until 2008.
The Tsum Valley trek offers Tibet’s authentic traditions and culture. From Manaslu Tsum Valley, you can also do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You cannot trek alone in the Manaslu region.
