Tsum Valley Trek

The best time of the year for this trek is definitely March to May and September to November. These months offer the best trekking conditions.

Compared to most other trails within the Annapurna region, this trek is quite remote and secluded. You are highly unlikely to see any huge crowds in the region.

Yes, there are many customs in the region, but the locals do not really expect foreign trekkers to know everything. However, if you see them engaged in some ritual, it is best not to get involved without being asked to.

For this trek, you need a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and a Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP). These can be obtained at the Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Although it is suitable, trekking solo is not allowed in the region since it is a restricted region. The laws of Nepal restrict international trekkers from roaming around protected zones on their own.

On a scale of 10, this trek has a physical demand of 6. The trek does not require ascending to considerably high elevations.

No, you do not need to have prior high-altitude trekking experience since this trek is graded as moderate.

You can just go on long walks, hit the treadmill or the ladder machine, or go on short hikes.

No, there are no acclimatization days in the itinerary since the risk of altitude sickness is basically zero in this trek.

It depends on the type of health issues; the best thing to do is to consult a doctor and only then join the trek.

The trek guide will handle the permits for you, which are included in the Tsum Valley Trek permit. You do not have to pay separately for the permit fees.

Yes, it should include covering medical expenses up to 3360 meters above sea level. The trek package will not cover this expense under any circumstances.

Yes, you need to have insurance if you want to go on this trek. Insurance keeps you safe from the hefty medical fees if you ever need emergency medical assistance in remote regions.

There are special insurances specifically made for trek adventures. If you do not have any idea how to proceed, you can ask the trek guide.

Yes, we can help you with that. Our reps and trek guides will visit the related offices on your behalf.

Yes, foreign trekkers are not allowed to visit any restricted zones without the company of a licensed guide.

Morning Star’s experienced guides are fluent in English, Nepali, and a little bit of Hindi.

Each one of our guides has 5 to 10 years of experience, with a couple having more than 10.

No, you can not hire only a porter since guides are mandatory for the trek. However, you can opt for no porters if you are capable of carrying your own heavy luggage.

The maximum weight a porter can carry per person is 12 kg. Every two trekkers in the group will share a single porter.

We will stay in teahouses all throughout the trek, which will be arranged and booked before the trek.

Yes, every teahouses and lodges are facilitated with a hot shower and Wi-Fi, but they are usually priced a couple of dollars.

Yes, you can; however, remote villages often face power outages. The tea houses also have backup solar energy, but they rarely let you use it for charging.

Yes, they are equipped with clean bedding; however, you can bring a sleeping bag too, since it can be a bit too cold.

As it is in the Himalaya, the meals are traditional and local, which are grown in the same villages.

Yes, vegetarian or vegan options are available throughout the itinerary.

Yes, you do not get a lot of options in the remote villages, so if you have particular preferences, you can pack it up from Kathmandu.

It does not get too cold at night since we will not be going to extreme elevations; however, it will be colder than the city areas.

Yes, it is possible, but the trails will be wet and slippery, not to mention the views will be blocked by rain clouds for the most part.

No, snow is unlikely to fall in April and October. However, you might get to see some snow in higher elevations, especially in base camps.

Along with your trekking trousers and t-shirts, you need to have a weather-proof jacket to combat sudden weather changes.

Yes, you can get weather updates during the trek, but the Himalayan weather is notorious for being unpredictable. The afternoon winds often bring in clouds from the west.

The highest altitude of this trek is just 3360 meters, which is below the altitude sickness line. There is no concern of altitude sickness.

Signs of AMS include light headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and others. You can just go down in elevation if you experience these symptoms.

While clinics are only available in lower region villages, health posts are in every village en route.

If someone falls ill, the trek guide will assess the situation and take the necessary actions.

Water purification tablets are the best option to purify your water and get rid of the contaminants in it.

Depending on how early you cancel the trek, a certain amount of the initial deposit will be withheld.

Yes, a deposit is required to confirm the booking, and it is refundable with some cutbacks.

Yes, you can, but it will cost you a certain sum of money depending on how later you requested the change.

No, there are no hidden costs; we have mentioned everything the trek package includes; other than the included services, you have to pay for the extra services you get.

No, there are no such things as arranging a highland trek takes time, you can not book the trek last-minute, it takes weeks and even months to prepare it all.

From Kathmandu, we will get on a ride to reach Soti Khola. You can either take a jeep or a bus.

Yes, there are regular transport options from the starting point, but most of them go down to the lower region villages, rather than going up the valley.

No, private transport is not a part of the Tsum Valley Trek package.

Generally, it will take us 6 to 7 hours to get to the trailhead. The road condition is not great, but it is expected in the remote highlands of Nepal.

No, there are no airstrips in the highlands of Annapurna, so flying to the trailhead is not an option.

If the roads are blocked and there are no alternative routes, we will have to wait until the next day.

Morning Star’s reps will handle all the booking processes; you just have to focus on preparing for the trek.