Tsum Valley Trek

Best time to do the trek

The monsoon that is almost everywhere in Nepal is in the fall (October-Nember) between the mid-June and the end of September, the most popular season is the summer, where the skies are washed and the wetter looks are superior, springs (March-May) are another common time for trekkers. Likewise, most people are unwilling to walk during the winter when the temperature in high elevation is too cold and snow can block high passes. The trail is unworkable and dangerous during the summer / mountain season.

Required fitness level for this trek

Our daily trekking itinerary is 5-7 hours in lower altitude of 3500m and normally lasts from 3-4 hours daily on high mountains altitude excess of 3500 m. Steeper slope trekking is physically difficult than low latitudes trekking. This is a distant mountain trip, with long ascents, steep descents and straight roads after a straight trekking trails. For trekking, past hiking experience will be an added benefit, as it requires no technical knowledge and skills. Trekkers who can travel with a light day pack five to six hours a day at a respectable pace can take part on this journey.

Some days take longer hours of trekking so you need to be reasonably fit and ready for long days. Daily workouts and jogging a few weeks before the trip are a good time to enhance our endurance. In order to participate in the trek, all participants should be in good health with normal physical fitness and have a strong attitude, belief and determination. Before undertaking the trip it is very important to ensure that you are as fit to trek for long hours as possible. Before booking the trek, participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart and lung disorders and blood disorder should notify us.

Lodging and meals during the trek

All accommodations are on twin-sharing room BB basis. Single room will be served on request with paying the supplementary. During the trek at Lodges/Tea houses the room will be sharing basis usually with attached bath room in lower altitude but note that it might be difficult to find with attached bath room at higher altitude.

Mostly during lodge trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese fresh produce (Dal bhat, vegetation, curry ...) rice, lentil, along with more widely accepted cuisineYou may select from the menu of the lodge according to your preferences and at the moment our guide would be present with you to help you taste the food and decide what to eat if you have if you find the meals difficult to choose. From the teahouse, or from the lodge table, breakfast and dinner is served, while lunch is provided on the way to the next stop.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

The internet service is available at lodges with an extra cost. You can contact your family and friends via lodges, but communication at high altitudes is via the safety phone. For any assistance during the trek, you will always be linked to Kathmandu's HSJ office. Often, the signal may be not very good before the high altitude, depending on the type of network you use. On your request, a separate local sim card can be issued for your good access to the connection (most of the places now have wireless internet services at extra costs).

Electricity and Charging of your electronic devices

Electricity for the camera and the handheld battery charge is accessible in the lodges. However extra cost shall incur. Most lodges are equipped with hydropower and some have solar panels.You can charge all your devices staying overnight in one of chosen lodges or tea houses.

Availability of drinking water during the trek

Water can be bought from nearby lodges and shops during a hike and boiled water can be filled at additional expenses. In the drinking water, a water purification pill is recommended.

Obtaining Trekking Permits

You need Manaslu special permit with Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees, Himalayan Social Journey will take care of all the necessary paperwork.

Please dont forget to bring your 4 PP sized photos for the TIMS and Permits.

List of Equipments you will need for trek

Clothing

·         Trekking boots

·         Short-sleeved Trekking shirts

·         Trekking pants and jackets

·         Thermals underwear

·         Long-sleeved Trekking shirts

·         Insulating down jackets

·         Woolen cap

·         Trekking Gloves

·         Raincoats

First Aid

·         Diamox tablets

·         Sanitary pads / Tampons

·         Anti-nausea Medicines

·         Band-aids

·         Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

·         Soap

·         Toilet Paper

·         Shampoo

·         Sunscreen

·         Moisturizer

·         Hand sanitizer

Accessories

·         Sunglasses

·         Sleeping bag

·         Cameras

·         Batteries

·         Water Bottle

·         Solar Chargers

·         Hot water Thermos

Important Documents

·         Passport

·         Travel Permits

Drinking water during the trek

The Tsum Valley trek is physically exhausting and drinking a lot of water is a must. The first several days at low altitudes can be hot, so expect a lot of water to be needed. At cooler, higher altitudes, you can feel less thirsty, but drinking lots of water allows you to acclimate. Planning to have at least two liters of water when trekking every day is a smart way to start. Filling up water is quick. Taps in, out or in guesthouses mean that there are plenty of places to fill your bottles and/or your water bladders.This could be where you stay, a lunch stop, or a shared public tap used by locals. Use an efficient sterilization method to make sure your water is safe and not contaminated in anyway.Bottled water is available to buy throughout the trek, but we would advise against this for a number of reasons.You do not need them if you use sterilization method. Environment concerns are there and also buying water is expensive up in the mountains. 

Travel insurance

We suggest taking out an insurance plan for your individual accountability, accidents and illnesses during the service.Regarding the type of activity, you may be asked to show a certificate of insurance for help and support, sanitation and search. This service is private and not free in Nepal, the helicopter will not take off until it is convinced to pay for the insurance.

Extra Expenses

It’s difficult to give an exact amount of money that you should bring. Costs will vary according to how much you want to spend for shopping and where and what meals (lunch & dinner) you want to eat. Trekkers find that around $20 (for lunch & dinner) a day is reasonable for the trekking days.

As for the tips, A general rule of thumb for tipping is USD 25 for the guide per traveller and USD 25 for porter between two travellers if you are fully satisfied with their service. So we suggest you allocate a minimum of USD 50 for Tipping. This is just a guideline and you may tip whatever / how much you think is appropriate for the services rendered which made your trek a memorable one.

Luggage per one person

For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 10-12 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your daypack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets etc.

Solo trekking

Single Supplementary

There will be two people accommodated in each room for the duration of the tour. If you prefer private accommodation, you'll find the option for "single supplement" of USD 300. Important:  Please note that during the trek there are some lodges which won't have sufficient rooms to provide private accommodation. So, even if you purchase single supplement you will end up sharing a room for some days of the trek.

Travel and Transportation Modes

On Land: Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private vehicle such as a car, jeep or microbus. Luxury tourist buses, which are only hired by the company for the most part, make the long distance travel. You will may have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.

This Tour with HSJ

Guides and Porters

Our local Nepali team is one of the most experienced, hospitable and respected trekking outfits in Nepal. The team is fully licensed and affiliated with the Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, Govt. of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, Himalayan Rescue Association and Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project. You will be provided with the professional and an experienced English speaking trekking guide with the good knowledge of the place and the trek. The trekking crew is skilled with the experience of over 10 years, well-trained, friendly guide and, courteous and helpful porters, assured of a wonderfully memorable experience.

For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.

Other Programs and complimentary services with this trip

• Welcome and Farewell dinner
• Yoga Classes
• Spa services

How do we make sure you get the best experience of this trek?

We are your completely flexible travel partner. Want to follow different route? We have you covered. Have extra time in Nepal? Excellent! We have more add-on tours like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Cable Car ride to Chandragiri hills, Cooking and Yoga classes in Kathmandu and so on. Would like to customize the trip? Well, why not? Give us your ideas and we will prepare complete itinerary for you. Do you want to use different standard of accommodations than provided in the itineraries? Of course! You absolutely can. From your arrival until you departure, your wishes are our command. Feel free to make the request.

Last minute booking

It is best to book in advance but for those who cannot, for whatever reason, make a last minute reservation special arrangement for Himalayan Social Journey. In the case of last minute reservation, 100% tour payment will be approved within 24 hours. We try to operate a trek at any time but we are not liable for the delay in case of last-minute reservation, because of uncontrolled changes such as weather and the availability of accommodation.

Feedbacks

Throughout the years of business, we have always put the customers feedback as our inspiration towards making our company great travel partner. With many ups and downs, and good and not so good feedbacks we have reached where we are now. At the end of the trek, while you are with the crew during farewell dinner, we would appreciate if you give us your valuable feedback, account of good and bad experiences, recommendations and also your honest rating to our trip advisor page.