A guide to 12 Days Tsum Valley Trek
12 days Tsum Valley Trek is a perfect choice to understand Tibetan Buddhism in the pristine Himalayan region of Nepal. Trekking the valley lets you avoid the crowd of foreigners. The scenic nature and the beautiful landscapes are the jewels of the pristine Tsum Valley. The towering Ganesh Himal, Sringi, and Buddha Himal preserve the valley within their shade.
Also known as Beyul Kyimolung, the sacredness and happiness of the secret valley were first mentioned by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the 8th century. The valley is a religiously significant pilgrimage zone as the Milarepa is believed to meditate in the caves of Piren Phu of Tsum Valley. The monasteries of Piren Phu are hundreds of years old. Trekking the Tsum valley is visiting secret jewels. Its unique Tibetan-influenced culture, old monasteries, Chortens, and the mani walls are the major attractions.
Entry & Permits for 12 Days Tsum Valley Trek
Preserved under the controlled zone of Himalayan Nepal, Tsum Valley borders the Tibet of China. Foreign citizens are allowed to trek the region only after issuing a special entry permit. The Government of Nepal, the Department of Immigration issues special permits for tourists willing to visit the valley. A group of at least 2 tourists can apply through a registered trekking company. The special permit cost (Sept – Nov) is USD 40 per person/week and USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week). Whereas it costs (Dec – Aug) USD 30 per person/week and USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week). On top of it, trekkers require the Manaslu Conservation Area Entry permit (US$30)and TIMS Card (US$10) to trek the 12 Days Tsum Valley trek.
Getting the trailhead
The actual hike of 12 Days Tsum Valley trekking starts and ends at Soti Khola which is an 8-9 hours driving distance from Kathmandu. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river valley. The initial section of the trail goes through the dense forest, crosses terraced fields and patches of settlements, then riches Lokpa Phedi. The Tsum valley begins from Lokpa Phedi. Here, the trail to Tsum Valley splits with the main trail of Manaslu Circuit trekking.
Meals & Accommodations
A packaged trip to 12 Days Tsum Valley Trekking includes 3 meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The teahouse/lodge where you spent the overnight serves you breakfast and dinner. Whereas, you will enjoy your lunch during a pause on the trail. Since the trail receives a few tourists, we do not have many choices on the food menu. Tibetan bread, tsampa porridge, noodle soup, muesli, omelet, and boiled eggs are choices for the breakfast. Breakfast includes tea and coffee.
Dal Bhat is common throughout the trail for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu includes Pasta, dumplings, Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Vegetable curry, Potato items, vegetables, and Salad Pizza. Similarly, the dinner menu serves Dal-Bhat with vegetable Tibetan curry, Bread, soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk, Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry Potatoes items, Vegetable, and salad. You can have different kinds of hot drinks of your choice.
The new teahouses, lodges, and homestays have eased the accommodation for the visitors. You will enjoy combined accommodation in teahouse lodges and homestay with basic facilities. They serve a twin-sharing room with warm mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Lodges have their cozy restaurants. The lodges have common toilets and bathrooms.
Best time for 12 Days Tsum Valley trek
The months of September, October, and November of the Autumn season are the most preferable time for the 12 Days Tsum Valley trek. Since Autumn has clear skies, and greenery, and is crop harvesting time, the season is perfect to visit the Tsum Valley region. Similarly, March, April, and May of the Spring season is the second-best time with favorable weather conditions. We do not recommend Tsum valley trekking during the months of the rainy season (Jun-Aug) is not recommended.
Fitness Level and Preparedness
Prepare yourself for a 6- 8 hours-a-day high altitude trek on average. You might have to cover a distance of up to 18 km in a day. Simple but continuous training for hiking or previous experience helps to complete the trip. Further, a strong determination with a positive attitude is a must requirement to succeed in your journeys. Besides that your high-altitude professional local guide is there with you throughout the trip. A lot of willpower, tolerance of harsh conditions, good health, and reasonable physical fitness.
Medical and evacuation/rescue expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
Outline Itinerary of 12 Days Tsum Valley Trek
1st Day: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m, 8/9 hours)
2nd Day: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870 m, 6/7 hours)
3rd Day: Machhakhola to Jagat (2340m, 6/7 hours)
4th Day: Jagat to Lokpa (1980m, 6/7 hours)
5th Day: Lokpa to Chumling (2386m, 6/7 hours)
6th Day: Chumling to Chhekampar (3010m, 6/7 hours)
7th Day: Chhekampar to Nile (3360m, 5/6 hours)
8th Day: Nile to Chumling (2386m, 6/7 hours)
9th Day: Chumling to Philim (1570m, 6/7 hours)
10th Day: Philim to Dovan (1150m, 5/6 hours)
11th Day: Dovan to Sotikhola (700m, 7/8 hours)
12th Day: Sotikhola to Kathmandu (1300m, 8/9 hours)