Tsum Valley Side Trip

Manaslu region of Nepal is probably the only trekking region of Nepal which is commercial yet under the restricted zone of Nepal. The trekking activities in this region started later than in the various regions of Nepal trekking like Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna. Even if it is opened late than others, the trekking trips inside the Manaslu region have been getting lots of trekkers nowadays. The charm of trekking in Manaslu increased since 2022. Therefore, lots of inquiries are asked about Manaslu Trek. In today’s blog we will go deeper into finding lots of information about the Tsum Valley Side Trip.

The journey of the Tsum Valley Side Trip is associated with the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek. The most famous trekking trip to do in the Manaslu region of Nepal is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Some trekkers who want to know more about the cultural aspect of Tsum people prefer to do the Tsum Valley side trip. If you add 5 to 6 days in the regular Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary then you can easily complete this trip as well. People who are seeking for a place to visit where they can meet the mountain people and feel spiritual then the Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary inclusion in Manaslu Trek is highly recommended.

Let’s find out more about Tsum Valley Trek during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal:

Why Add the Tsum Valley Side Trip to Your Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the fascinating trekking trips to visit an abode of the world’s 8^th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). It provides the most serene experience of exploring the high – altitude villages and base camp experience of Mt. Manaslu. It is the best way to find out the traditional Tibetan culture and experience of crossing long high – altitude mountain pass. If you wish to elevate the trekking experience in this epic journey then addition of the Tsum Valley Side Trip is highly recommended. You get to visit various monasteries and villages of the Tsombo people as well. Don’t miss out to explore the every nooks and corner of the Manaslu region of Nepal.

Addition of the Tsum Valley Side Trip allows trekkers to explore every attraction both natural and cultural of the Manaslu region. From the low altitude river valleys to hidden high – altitude valleys; the journey can be more spiritual, tranquil, and serene. Therefore, it is highly recommended to add the Tsum Valley Trek itinerary in the Manaslu Trek journey.

Getting to Tsum Valley: Route, Access, and Permits

Tsum Valley Trek takes the similar route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Trekkers have to reach Machha Khola by jeep from Kathmandu. Please note that in the favorable weather conditions, you can take jeep directly to Jagat as well. Lots of trekking groups these days use the jeep to Jagat instead of staying overnight in Machha Khola. Trekkers leave the Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Jagat and heads towards Village of Lhokpa and Chhumling. The trail is well maintained but in some sections due to landslide you will have to trek meticulously. There are many suspension bridges along the trail.

You don’t require separate permits to do the Tsum Valley Side Trip. Trekking permits for this region are Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP), and Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry permits. ACAP and MCAP permit cost NRs. 3000 each to foreigners and NRs. 1500 each to SAARC nationals. Special restricted permit of 7 days costs 75 $ for spring, monsoon, & winter season with additional 10 $ per day for each extra days. The cost of the special restricted permit for autumn season is 100 $ for a week and additional 15 $ per day extra for additional days. The rural municipality entry permit costs NRs. 1000.

ChhokangParo to Mu Gompa: The Heart of Tsum Valley

Authentic Tsum villages are Chhokangparo and Nile. These villages are on the way to the famous Mu Gompa monastery. Trekking around these villages offers unique feelings of being in the different dimension of this universe. The air, landscape, and vibe are totally captivating and serene. There are no human settlements or tea houses in the trekking section between Nile village and Mu Gompa. You will have to do day hike from Nile village to visit the Mu Gompa. This is the sacred monastery which was built 700 years ago by Guru Rimpoche himself. It is believed that the monastery was once visited by Guru Padmasambha as well. There are few nuns and monks practicing Tibetan Buddhism in the monastery. Therefore, Chhokang Paro to Mu Gompa via Nile Village is the heart of the Tsum Valley.

Tsum Valley Culture and Traditions

People of Tsum Valley migrated from Tibet thousands years ago and settled in these valleys. Therefore, they follow traditional Tibetan culture. These people celebrate Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), Saka Dawa festival, and Dhachyang festival (Horse riding festival) enthusiastically with lots of community gatherings, dances, and songs. Almost everyone in the valley is Tibetan Buddhists. There are countless chortens, stupas, and monasteries in the region. Therefore, the Tsum Valley is also considered as the spiritual hub of the Manaslu region.

Wildlife and Nature in the Tsum Valley

Relish the diverse vegetation and wildlife during the Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley Side Trip. The lower region has sub – tropical to temperate deciduous forests. The wildlife in this section is also related to lower hilly region like monkey, tree cats, boar, birds, etc. In the upper section the vegetation is alpine and grassy meadows. It is indeed an ideal place to do research about wildlife and vegetation.

When to Visit Tsum Valley for the Best Experience

Visit the Tsum Valley during spring season for the best experience. Months of spring season are March, April, and May. During this time of the year, the temperature is warm and you get to see the green lush forests and blooming flowers all over the trekking trail. In addition, the cost of the special restricted permit is also 25 $ less than trekking in autumn season. Please note that autumn is also the best time to visit Tsum Valley. Avoid monsoon season and winter season to do trekking.

Don’t forget to add the Tsum Valley Side Trip in your Manaslu Trek journey. It will definitely enhance the overall trekking experiences.