Tsum Valley Trek - 16 Days

Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!

Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Travelers are welcome in Nepal without any restrictions. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well.

Traveling to Nepal is now hassle-free. You don’t need a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test, but check with your airlines and transit countries for any specific requirements.

We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.

• Two passport-sized photos (2×2 inch) to give to our office staff
• A copy of your international flight ticket to give to our office staff
• A copy of travel insurance to give to our office staff

For the Tsum Valley Trek, you’ll need two permits: Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP). These permits grant access to the captivating landscapes and cultural gems along the trail.

Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

You can hike without a guide. A guide is there to assist you in going forward and making alternative plans and arrangements when unanticipated occurrences happen or when things get difficult. Our hiking leaders are qualified experts.

When talking about their trip, our guests frequently remark on how much fun they had and how crucial their guide was to make it successful.

Yes, our guides can speak English. Most of them start their careers as porters and work for 3 to 4 years before becoming trekking guides. Their English skills are based on real-world experience rather than formal education. While they are able to communicate effectively, please note that English is not their first language, so their fluency may not be on par with native speakers. They will also assist with communication, especially since many locals, like shopkeepers and teahouse hosts, may not speak English.

Our trekking season extends from mid-September to May. From early September, the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December is the best time to do this trek.

Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in the Manaslu region is challenging to forecast. You could see rain, fog, cold, or hot and sunny weather while trekking. It is best to be equipped to handle various weather situations. In the Manaslu region, nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than midday temperatures. In less than a day, the temperature can change from a high of 25°C (77°F) to a low of – 20°C (-4°F). The weather and temperature ranges are typically predictable based on the month and season, even though it might be challenging to predict what each day in the mountains will bring.

Spring – March/April/May/June

Despite being the busiest season, spring is perhaps the best time to visit the Manaslu region.  The many varieties of blossoming trees should be visible, and the sky should be clear with stunning vistas. During springtime, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days and a low of – 0°C (32°F) overnight above 2500 meters.

Monsoon season – July/August through Mid-September

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes. There are positive sides to trekking during the monsoon months as the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds.

During this time, the average temperature is 25degrees C (77 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of 5 degrees C (41 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 2500 meters.

Autumn – End of September/October/November

In the Manaslu region, autumn is equally as busy as spring. It is one of the best times to go, too. While the plants and trees are not in bloom, the sky is often clear, offering breathtaking vistas from almost every viewpoint. The average temperature in autumn is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days and a low of – 5°C (23°F) overnight above 2500 meters.

Winter – December/January/February

Due to fewer tourists, some people like winter travel. Even while the views are still beautiful, it can be cloudy, thus adding extra days is highly advised during this time. The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) during clear days and a low of  -10°C (14°F) overnight above 2500 meters. The teahouses provide extra blankets for warmth at night.

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags that we rent to trekkers is about -10°C (14°F). Also, our guides can obtain extra blankets if needed at the teahouses.

Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms.  The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.

To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport. For detailed guidelines, please refer to our blog titled Guidelines for Online Tourist Visa Form in Nepal.

Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

Typically, USD 15 to 20 per person per day will be sufficient. This is to purchase water, tea/espresso, snacks, and hot showers in the mountains and for lunch or dinner in Kathmandu. Additionally, if you want to buy souvenirs or native Nepali goods, you can bring extra cash with you.

In Kathmandu, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency to local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100).  Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.

There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.

Previous trekking experience is not required if you are physically healthy and have enough enthusiasm for the trek.

Our treks have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. We have had families with kids as young as 5 years do the treks along this region, and our oldest adventurers have been in their late 70s.

It is safe for a female to trek alone in Nepal. Nepal is usually regarded as a safe nation for female visitors traveling alone. It is entirely safe for a solo woman to trek with Ace the Himalaya on any of our treks.

Trekking in the Manaslu region is somewhat challenging due to the altitude and long duration of the trek. It is a strenuous journey that comprises walking 5 to 8 hours a day.

The average walking speed for a reasonably fit person is 4 kilometers per hour. At higher elevations, it is highly recommended that you walk slowly to help with acclimatization.

For trekking, you must prepare your body to walk over uneven, hilly landscapes while carrying a backpack. Walking at an incline, jogging, cycling, and going for long-distance hikes are all good ways to exercise. You should work out for at least one hour four to five times a week for at least two months before trekking.

Participants in good physical condition should be able to complete this trek. If you are not physically active, we advise starting an exercise regimen two months before the trek that includes at least an hour of walking at an incline, running, or biking four to five times a week.

Incorporating hiking into your workouts is ideal. It is advised to speak with a doctor before making travel arrangements if you have any health conditions that could affect your ability to complete the trek.

After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.

Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary.  Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling.

Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.

You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek here on the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide free storage services. So, you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

Yes, we do provide sleeping bags or down jackets for rental costs of USD 35 each. Do let us know before initiating the trek and we shall provide items. You can view the photos of the gear at this link: Photos of the Gear.

We provide you with a free duffel bag of 70 to 80-liter capacity that our porters will carry.  The maximum weight that porters can safely carry is 30kg, and each porter is assigned to two people.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.

Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions.  You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu we use three-star hotels including breakfast. We use Hotel Thamel House, Gaju Suite Hotel, Hotel Jampa, or comparable-class lodging in Kathmandu. Teahouses with clean rooms are used during the trek.

Since the trekking route in this area has recently opened, the guesthouse or the lodge provides basic twin-sharing accommodation only. Likewise, at Mu Gompa, the accommodation might be in a Gompa (monastery) as well.

In contrast, we can also offer you, Ace, the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment.

A private room in the teahouses cannot be guaranteed during peak season. During the non-peak season, the teahouses may provide a private room without any additional cost. The accommodation during the trek will remain very basic with twin sharing rooms and occasionally dormitory rooms for our trekkers.

We can arrange for a private room while in Kathmandu for an additional cost of USD 35 per room per night.

In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip and arrive early in Kathmandu then you will need extra accommodations in Kathmandu.

The cost of the teahouses in the mountains is not equivalent to the cost of a hotel in Kathmandu.  In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.

You can buy toilet paper in the guesthouses during the trek, but it can be expensive, so we suggest you bring some with you. You also need to bring personal items such as towels, soap, hand sanitizers, and so on.

The guesthouse does not facilitate with heater or air conditioner. However, as it gets colder above 2,500m, they do have the facility of hitting the dining area by providing kerosene or a metal heater. USD 1 to USD 3 per person would be applicable to use this service and this is payable directly to the guesthouse.

There are toilet facilities in the teahouses/lodges during the trek. Trekkers can also find private areas along the trail for emergencies.

There are whole lots of good restaurants in Kathmandu where you can find any delight of your choice. During your stay in Kathmandu, please note that this package doesn’t include any meals except for breakfast.

The guesthouses during the trek may cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. On the trekking routes, there aren’t much facility of varied food items but serve only dal (lentils) – bhat (rice) along with vegetable curries.

Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while for the lunch you would be stopping by on the way where you can order your meals as per your choice. Guide will help you to stop by at best possible places to eat.

Most of the teahouses in the mountains offer vegetarian meals. So, being a vegetarian is not a problem. Vegetarian meals are preferable to avoid food poisoning and indigestion.

Natural spring water or tap water can be found along the trek and in guesthouses but must be treated. We use Katadyn filters or water purification tablets to purify the natural water sources to make them safe to drink. This way, it is sustainable and pocket friendly as you need not buy bottled mineral water. You must carry a water bottle that can hold both hot and cold water and a hydration pack.

If the temperature drops too low for the Katadyn filter to function properly or if any technical issues occur, it is recommended to buy boiled water from the teahouse to ensure safe drinking water as an alternative.

Yes, teahouses do provide hot boiled water for an extra charge of USD 2 to 5 per liter. The cost varies and increases at higher altitudes.

Depending on the location, it will cost an additional USD 5 to USD 8 for each shower during the trip.

These facilities will be available only in lower altitude. As the altitude increases, facility of charging digital cameras or any other equipment’s is not possible. While charging your equipment’s in lower altitude you will have to pay some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! Please bring the spare batteries.

There is a possibility that you can wash your clothes yourself during acclimatization days whereas some teahouses might or might not wash your clothes. However, we recommend you pack enough clothes for your trek and not rely on laundry services.

We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).

Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.

We allocate one guide for groups of up to 8 participants. For groups of over 8 participants, we allot an associate guide. As per the size of the group, we may add more guides or divide them into sub-groups.

We provide one porter for every two clients. Two clients’ duffel bags will be carried by one porter. The weight limit is 30kg or 15kg for each client. For an additional cost, we can arrange for one porter to carry one participant’s duffel.

Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.

While no vaccinations are strictly mandatory for travel to Nepal, it is highly advisable to take precautionary measures to protect your health. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we recommend the following vaccinations: Routine Vaccines, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Cholera, etc.

It is also helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.

Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

The continuation of the trek depends upon your health condition. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you need to go down to a lower altitude. It takes several days to a week to recover. In group trekking, you need to discuss with your guide if you can re-connect with your group. However, you’ll be bound by time. If you are on a private trek and have extra time, the trek might be able to continue.

Yes, we have access to a portable altitude chamber in case of an emergency. It is not essential to carry during the trek. Though, we can use arrange it upon request for an extra cost of USD 200.

Altitude sickness is a possibility during the trek. Air at higher elevations has less oxygen available. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatization days and slow climbs are recommended at higher elevations. Along the trek, you’ll be assisted by our professional guides in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness.

An important piece of equipment is your trekking boots. Invest in a durable and comfortable pair, preferably with water-proof lining. Boots that provide ankle support on rough ground and have stiff soles are recommended.

Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.

Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

Tipping is both expected and appreciated, and it reflects your satisfaction and enjoyment of the trek. We recommend tipping based on the number of participants in your trekking group and the duration of the trek. As a general guideline, consider allocating at least 10% of your total trek cost for tipping. Detailed tipping recommendations for your guides and porters will be provided during our pre-trip briefing in Kathmandu.

Yes. The guides carry local cell phones, so you can use their cell phones if necessary and reimburse them. Assuming you have brought your cell phone, you can obtain a local SIM card and use it. Our guides or representatives can help you get a local SIM card after your arrival. There is the availability of Wi-Fi at most teahouses for an additional cost.  We utilize satellite telephones for emergencies.

If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the trip date from one of our published trip dates, you will be charged an additional fee.

Trekkers occasionally fail to complete the journey for medical or personal reasons. In this situation, be aware that we do not issue any refunds for products purchased or unused trek days. We must pay our administration staffs, guides, and porters, purchase trekking permits, and all other booked accommodations in advance, so our expenses remain the same.

If there are any, you will be allocated to a trekking group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other trekkers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationality, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be trekking with others unless you have booked a private trip.

You can extend your trekking trip for an additional cost. Potential arrangements will be made if we get a request from your guide. This is applicable for private or solo trips as the itinerary can be easily adjusted. The addition of extra days is bound by time when you are in a group. Therefore, discuss with your group and guide, what changes can possibly be made.

Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.

Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.

Ace the Himalaya is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from vehicular transportation to piggyback rides on mules and yaks.

The transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and back to Kathmandu is by private tourist vehicle. The road isn’t paved in concrete in many sections. It’ll be a bumpy and challenging ride. We will provide an experienced driver for the two drives.