The Tsum valley trek starts at the same place as the Manaslu circuit treks starts, from Machhekhola. The first day of the trip is driving from Kathmandu to Machhekhola. The rich culture of medieval times is still alive in the Tsum Valley. People on the Tsum Valley trekking trails farm to support daily life, with a little bit from tourism. The Old Manne walls and Buddhist stupa are another highlight of the Tsum Valley trek; they even practice a pre-Buddhist religion called Bonpo Buddhism, which is rare to find in the world. The Tsum Valley trek offers not only culture and Buddhism, but also great landscapes with high Himalayan peaks such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Pabil.
Highlights of the Tsum Valley Trek
- The Tsum Valley trek is a medieval village, still now, a good reason to visit
- The Tsum Valley trek is purely Tibetan culture practices even now.
- The Tsum Valley trek shows how important the farming life of its people is, and it is great to experience the daily life
- The Tsum Valley trek is one of the nicest treks in Nepal to explore culture, nature, Buddhism, and pre-Buddhism, called Bonpo.
- The Tsum Valley trek also offers great views of the high Himalayas, such as Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal ranges.
How hard or difficult is the Tsum Valley trek?
Well, this is not considered a challenging trek but quite adventurous due to its mountain terrains that go quite a bit up and down to the valley. The first 2 days isn’t that difficult trails but the section from Lokpa to Chhekamparo going more like challenging up hills and then further up from Chhekamparo goes more like gradual up hills with wide valley with smoother trails.
How long is the Tsum Valley trek?
The Tsum valley trek can be done within 10 days shortest and 14 days on medium pace but one can spends weeks in Tsum valley trek as there are a lot to explore when you are interested for Medieval culture, Buddhism and pre Buddhism as the valley is rich on Culture immersions.
What permit required for Tsum Valley trek ?
The Tsum valley trek is situated in a special region, so the Nepal government identified this region as a special area, which means an Obligation to obtain special permits, which cost US$40 per week per person, plus the MCAP ( Manaslu conservation project permits for US$25)
Preparation for the Tsum Valley trek
The Tsum Valley trek is not that much of challenging but trekkers need to stay fit so that we suggest trekkers in Tsum Valley to do some physical fitness before starting the trek. Can swim, walk, bicycle and all other sports activities that are possible at your place. We prepare the paperwork for trekking permits, etc, so that you do not need to worry about that, but do not forget to pack warm clothing and normal hiking gear, though we can send you a packing list before your arrival in Kathmandu.
Accommodation and food during the Tsum Valley trek
The accommodation on the Tsum Valley trekking trail is rather basic compared to other popular treks such as Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu, but they are clean and have private rooms. They even offer a private bathroom sometimes and a solar-heated warm shower for an extra cost. The home-stay accommodation experiences in this region are truly hospitable and full of charm.