The Tsum Valley Trek is a beautiful and remote trek in Nepal. It takes you through amazing mountain landscapes, dense forests, charming villages, and lets you experience the unique culture of the Tsum Valley.
The people in Tsum Valley follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and the valley is filled with monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens (stone monuments). Since Tsum Valley is in a restricted area, you need special permits to go there.
These permits are important for preserving the local culture, protecting the environment, and ensuring the safety of trekkers. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the permits for the Tsum Valley Trek, including where to get them, how much they cost, and why they are necessary.
Why Do You Need Permits?
Tsum Valley is a restricted area, which means you need special permission to trek there. The government wants to protect the natural environment, the culture, and the people living in the valley. By limiting the number of trekkers and controlling entry with permits, they can protect the area and make sure tourism is done in a respectful way.
There are different permits you need for the Tsum Valley Trek. Some permits are also needed for the Manaslu Circuit because the Tsum Valley is close to the Manaslu region. Below, we explain which permits you need and how to get them.
Types of Permits for Tsum Valley
To trek in the Tsum Valley, you need several permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Tsum Valley
Since Tsum Valley is a restricted area, you need a special permit called the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This permit is required for all trekkers. The cost of the permit depends on the time of year you are trekking:
- From September to November: $40 per person for the first seven days, and $7 per person for each extra day.
- From December to August: $30 per person for the first seven days, and $7 per person for each extra day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Since the Tsum Valley is close to the Manaslu region, you will also need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. This permit costs about $30 per person and helps protect the environment and wildlife in the Manaslu Circuit area.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Depending on your trekking route, you may also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This permit costs about $30 per person. The ACAP is needed if your trek passes through parts of the Annapurna region.
Where to Get the Permits
You cannot get the Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley by yourself. You must get it through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. The trekking agency will arrange all the permits for you. They will also make sure you have a licensed guide, as it is required by the government to have a guide for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
The Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits can be arranged by the trekking agency or at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, it is easier to let the trekking agency handle all the permits so you do not have to worry about the paperwork.
Trekking with a Guide
To trek in Tsum Valley, you must have a licensed guide with you. This is a government rule for all restricted areas, including Tsum Valley. The guide will help you with navigation, make sure you stay safe, and assist you if there are any problems on the trek. Hiring a guide also supports the local economy and helps provide jobs for local people.
Trekking in the Tsum Valley is remote, and the trails can be difficult to follow. Having a guide is important for your safety, especially because there are fewer tea houses and services compared to other popular treks like Annapurna or Everest Base Camp. The guide will know the area well and can communicate with the local people in their language.
Costs for Permits and Guide
Here is a summary of the costs for permits and the guide:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Tsum Valley: $40 per person for the first seven days (September to November) or $30 per person (December to August).
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): $30 per person.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): $30 per person (if needed).
- Guide: The cost of hiring a guide is usually between $25 to $30 per day. This cost includes their meals, accommodation, and insurance. It is also common to tip your guide at the end of the trek as a way of saying thank you.
How to Prepare for the Permits
When you are getting ready for the Tsum Valley Trek, you need to prepare some documents to get the permits:
Passport Copies
You will need several copies of your passport for the permits. The trekking agency will ask for these copies to process your permits.
Passport-Sized Photos
You will need a few passport-sized photos for the permit applications. Bring at least four photos with you to make sure you have enough.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes. The Tsum Valley Trek takes you to remote areas with limited health facilities, so it is important to have insurance in case of an emergency.
Rules and Regulations in Tsum Valley
The Tsum Valley is a special place with a unique culture and way of life. It is important to follow the rules and respect the local customs while trekking in the valley:
Respect Local Culture
The people of Tsum Valley have a rich cultural heritage, with many monasteries, prayer flags, and sacred sites. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, and be respectful when visiting religious places.
Do Not Litter
Keep the valley clean by carrying your trash with you. There are no waste facilities in the remote areas, so it is important to take all your garbage back with you.
Travel in a Group
Since Tsum Valley is a restricted area, you must travel with a guide and in a group of at least two trekkers. Solo trekking is not allowed in restricted areas for safety reasons.
Best Time to Trek in Tsum Valley
The best time to trek in Tsum Valley is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is clear, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. The temperatures are also mild, which makes trekking more comfortable.
Trekking in the winter (December to February) is possible, but it can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes. Many tea houses may also be closed during the winter.
The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, which can make the trails muddy and slippery. However, the Tsum Valley lies in a rain shadow area, so it receives less rain compared to other regions, which makes it possible to trek during the monsoon.
Combining Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit
Many trekkers choose to combine the Tsum Valley Trek with the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This combined trek takes about three weeks and offers a chance to explore both the remote Tsum Valley and the stunning Manaslu region. If you want to do both treks, you will need the same permits mentioned above, plus an additional Restricted Area Permit for the Manaslu Circuit.
The combined trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from green valleys to high mountain passes, including Larkya La Pass, which is over 5,000 meters high. This trek is more challenging, but it offers an incredible experience with both natural beauty and cultural richness.
What to Expect in Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich areas in Nepal. It is also one of the least visited, which makes it special for those looking for a quiet and peaceful trekking experience. In Tsum Valley, you can expect:
- Beautiful Scenery: The valley is surrounded by high mountains, and you will see amazing views of peaks like Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. The landscape is a mix of green forests, fields, and rocky cliffs.
- Rich Culture: The people of Tsum Valley are mostly Tibetan Buddhists, and the valley is home to many old monasteries, chortens (stone monuments), and prayer flags. You can visit monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, which are important places of worship.
- Remote Villages: The villages in Tsum Valley are small and remote, and the people live simple lives. Trekking in Tsum Valley gives you the chance to learn about their way of life and experience their hospitality.
Final Thoughts
Trekking in Tsum Valley is a unique experience, but you need to be prepared with the right permits and follow the rules for restricted areas. You will need a Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and possibly an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Make sure to hire a licensed guide, as trekking alone is not allowed in Tsum Valley.
The Tsum Valley Trek is an amazing journey that takes you through beautiful landscapes and lets you experience the rich culture of the valley. With the right preparation and permits, you can enjoy this incredible adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime.
