Exploring the remote and hidden valley of Himalayas is a once in a lifetime experience. Tsum valley sits between the towering mountain peaks, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal and offers trekkers unique cultural and geographical experiences. The cost of trekking the Tsum valley depends upon a lot of factors.
The duration of the trip, the size of your group, the kind of lodging you desire, and any other activities or services you wish to include all affect the price of the Tsum Valley Trek. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs required when trekking the Tsum Valley including accommodation, food, permits, transportation and others.
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Pre-trip costs of Tsum Valley
Before setting out on a trip to Tsum Valley, several costs must be considered. Some of these costs include travel insurance, trekking permits, and equipment rental.
Any trekking trip to Nepal requires travel insurance, and Tsum Valley is no exception. A policy that includes medical and emergency evacuation in accidents or fatalities should be purchased. A trekking permit is also necessary for the trek, and it must be purchased before the journey begins. Trekking permits are subject to some fees, including one-time and recurring charges.
Renting equipment is an additional cost that should be considered. If you still need to get a sleeping bag, trekking poles, or hiking boots, renting these can be smart, depending on how long the walk will last. If you intend to camp along the trip, you may also need tents, cooking stoves, and other camping supplies.
When determining the total cost of the expedition, be careful to include these expenses.
Permits
Few permits are necessary for the Tsum Valley trek and the Manaslu Circuit. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit is the major permit needed; it costs NPR 2,000 (about USD 18) for the first week and NPR 300 (around USD 3) every day after that. Trekkers must purchase a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, which costs around NPR 2,000.
Trekkers also require a special permit to visit the restricted area of the Tsum Valley region. The initial week’s fee for the Tsum Valley permit is NPR 2,000 (about USD 18), and each additional week’s fee is NPR 300 (around USD 3). Trekkers may require a permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area if they approach the area from the Annapurna side. Foreign citizens must pay NPR 3,000 (about USD 27) to obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area permit.
It is crucial to remember that the stated costs could alter based on the season and other considerations. Before starting the trek, hikers should check current costs and ensure they have all the required permits.
Transportation Cost on Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley is difficult to reach because it is remote and only connected by a few narrow roads. The closest airport to the Tsum valley is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. One requires a bus or a car to move further ahead.
Depending on your route, it typically takes 6-7 hours to reach Arughat. Aarughat is the entry point for the Tsum valley trek. To get to the entrance of Tsum Valley from Aarughat, you can either hire a jeep or walk for the remaining 7-8 hours. Depending on your mode of transportation, transportation costs average between US$150 and US$200. It includes all costs for traveling to and from Arughat, whether by taxi, bus, or rented car.
If you are low on budget, your best bet will be traveling by bus, as it will cost way less than the other modes of transportation.
Cost of Food and Water on Tsum Valley
You must ensure that you are well-stocked with plenty of snacks and water before going to Tsum Valley. You’ll need to prepare ahead of time and bring enough food for the duration of the walk because the food might typically not be available for purchase in the area. Near the trailhead, there are many neighborhood eateries where you may get food and beverages before starting your hike.
Once you go out on your adventure, you will have no trouble finding clean water sources. Packing high-energy snacks like nuts and dried fruit, nutritional formulas, and sports drinks are advised to energize you during the trek.
To guarantee that you have access to safe drinking water, you should also include a water filter or a device for purifying water. Light meals that can be prepared quickly while on the go should also be packed. These can include ready-made meals, energy bars, cereal packets, and instant soups.
Lodging
The kind of accommodations you select will determine how much it will cost to stay while on a Tsum Valley trip. The majority of trekkers choose to tent and stay in teahouses.
You can find teahouses all around the valley. They provide simple rooms with beds, fresh sheets, and occasional electric outlets. Most meals are included in the cost, ranging from USD 10 to USD 30 per night.
Tents and sleeping bags may be rented in Kathmandu for roughly $5 to $20 per day if you want to go camping. Trekkers should also pay for extra expenses such as meals not covered by the teahouse stay’s fee and wood for campfires.
Guide and porter fees
Charges for the guide and porter are also included in the cost of the trek in the Tsum Valley.
A local guide is necessary for the trek’s safety and completion because guides are familiar with the region’s geography, language, and customs and can offer priceless insights into the local way of life.
A guide typically costs $20 to $30 each day. A porter may also be required to carry all the gear, food, and water needed for the trek. Ranging from $15 to $20 per day, hiring a porter can be a lifesaver as they will carry your supplies.
Because tips are not included in these costs, it is conventional to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trip.
Miscellaneous costs
You’ll need to allocate some money for a few extra expenses before beginning your trek in Tsum Valley. In addition to buying extra supplies like sunscreen, bug repellent, a first aid kit, and other things, you have to spend some money on special permits that are mandatory for the trek.
You might also need to buy camera batteries, memory cards, and other accessories to take pictures. Finally, you might have to pay admission fees if you intend to visit specific tourist destinations.
These costs might mount up, so when planning your trip, consider them.
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Tsum valley trek features
- Surrounded by two towering and majestic peaks Ganesh Himal (7,422m) & Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).
- Remote and off the beaten path
- Chance to explore unique Tibetean culture and villages.
- Historically significant monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa among many others.
- Walk through a wide range of varied landscapes of Manaslu region.
- Chance to witness flora and fauna such as rhododendron, blue sheep, snow leopard and others .
- Be a part of the daily lives of locals in Tsum valley.
- Visit the Larkya La pass.
Conclusion
Trekking through the Tsum Valley might be an excellent opportunity to discover the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Even though it may appear expensive to go hiking in Tsum Valley, the experience is worthwhile.
Consider all the costs mentioned above and plan appropriately if you want to make the most of your adventure. Trekking in the Tsum Valley should be a fantastic experience if you can control your spending and stick to your budget.
Depending on the duration of the trek, the number of people in your group, the type of accommodation and transport you choose, and the time of year. In total, you can expect to pay around NPR 120,000 (around $1,200) to NPR 200,000 (around $2000) or more for the Tsum Valley Trek.
FAQs
Depending upon your preference, the cost of Tsum valley ranges from 350 US$ to 1000 US$. Moreover, the price increases if you wish to stay for a longer duration in the Tsum Valley.
Yes, hiring a guide is the must. You can enter the Tsum valley without a guide as it is a restricted area. However, hiring a porter is optional. If you believe you can carry your supplies, you can only opt out for a guide.
People of Tsum valley are humble and down to earth. However, make sure to ask for permissions when taking photos and videos with them. All in all, you need not to worry about potential dangers in Tsum valley because it is safe to trek and explore.
