Tsum Valley Trek

While many companies offer standard backpacker packages, specialized luxury trekking operators in Nepal like Himalayan Planet Adventures focus entirely on high-end logistics. We distinguish ourselves by providing a truly "seamless" experience. From the moment you land, you will enjoy five-star hospitality in Kathmandu and exclusive access to the absolute best available mountain lodges on the trail.

As our Founder & Managing Director, Nabaraj Thapa, always emphasizes, true luxury lies in personalized service. We are widely considered the best trekking company in Nepal and a premier luxury tour operator in Kathmandu because we refuse to compromise on your comfort. Whether you are trekking in Nepal or taking a cultural tour through Bhutan and Tibet, our VIP trekking packages feature hand-picked private guides, luxury transfers, and exclusive stays at world-class properties.

When booking flights to Kathmandu, Nepal, aim to land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) at least one full day before your trip begins. This gives you time to shake off the jet lag, and attend a private pre-trip briefing and gear check at our office to ensure you are 100% prepared.

Generally, if you book Tours in Nepal, no extra day is necessary. But if you are going for Treks and Expedition, we strongly advise adding at least 1 extra day in Kathmandu as a contingency buffer at the very end of your itinerary so you never have to stress about missing your flight’s home!

Yes! Every single English speaking tour/trekking/nature/hiking guide in Nepal employed by Himalayan Planet Adventures is government-certified and highly fluent. They aren't just there to show you the trail; they are rigorously trained to communicate technical safety details and share rich, local cultural stories so you truly connect with the Himalayas.

Of course. We know our luxury travelers come from all over the globe. If you prefer, we can easily provide an experienced German speaking guide in Nepal, or a Spanish speaking guide in Nepal (as well as French and Chinese experts). Just let us know your preferred language when booking, and we will arrange it for a small additional premium to ensure you feel completely at home!

Yes, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the main international hub, but Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports are occasionally operated.

Yes, almost all foreign nationals need a visa, but getting a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport is incredibly easy. We highly recommend completing the Nepal visa application online before you fly. Just print the barcode, bring it to the airport kiosk, and skip the longest lines!

While Nepal has an incredibly welcoming open-door policy for most of the world, there are a few exceptions. Citizens of approximately 12 countries are not eligible for the On-Arrival Visa facility and must secure their visa before traveling to Nepal - Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland), Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria—as well as refugees holding travel documents, are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you must secure your tourist visa from a Nepalese diplomatic mission (Embassy or Consulate) before you fly. But don't let that stop your Himalayan dreams! When you book your trek or tour with Himalayan Planet Adventures, we provide all the official booking confirmations, itinerary details, and support documents you need to make your embassy application as smooth and stress-free as possible.

The Nepal entry requirements are straightforward: you need a passport with at least 6 months of validity, one blank page, and exact cash for your visa fee. There are no complicated background checks—just land, pay, and get your stamp.

The current Nepal tourist visa cost is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for 90 days. Always bring clean, unripped US Dollars to pay this fee at the airport—credit card machines at immigration are notoriously unreliable.

Typically, the Kathmandu airport visa process takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of arriving international flights.

Yes, foreign citizens need a visa, but you are fully eligible for the quick visa on arrival at the airport (there are some exceptions).

No. Under the current rules, Nepal visa for Indian citizens is not required. You can enter freely with a valid Indian Passport or Voter ID card.

Absolutely. If you fall in love with the Himalayas and want to stay, we can help you extend your Nepal tourist visa at the immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara for just $3 per extra day.

The domestic and international terminals can be chaotic. Our top tip? Don't stress about the taxi haggle. When you book a trek or tour with us, our staff will be waiting outside the terminal with a sign featuring your name, ready to whisk you safely to your hotel.

It depends on the itinerary but usually a Himalayan Planet Adventures representative will meet you directly outside the arrival hall with a personalized sign. You will be transferred to your in a private vehicle.

Yes, local providers like Ncell and Nepal Telecom have kiosks in the arrival area. You only need a passport copy and one photo to get a 4G SIM card instantly.

There are several authorized currency exchange counters at the airport and throughout Thamel. We recommend exchanging some cash for small personal expenses during the trek in Thamel area as they offer good rates than at the airport.

The peak seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Spring brings lush valleys and blooming rhododendrons, while Autumn offers crystal-clear skies and the sharpest, most breathtaking mountain views. If you want the classic Himalayan experience, these are your golden windows and best time to visit Nepal!

Absolutely. While the summer monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain to the lower valleys, it’s the perfect time for us to take you to "rain-shadow" regions like Upper Mustang, which stay completely dry. Winter (December–February) is freezing at high altitudes, but if you don't mind the cold, lower-elevation treks are delightfully empty and offer incredibly clear skies.

Himalayan weather has a mind of its own! But as your local experts, we know exactly how to handle it. We always build strategic buffer days into our itineraries so that a sudden rainstorm or mountain fog won't derail your entire vacation.

It varies wildly! Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and mild temperatures. Autumn is crisp and clear. Winter (Dec-Feb) is freezing up high but beautiful and quiet down low. Summer (June-Aug) brings heavy rain.

We generally don't recommend standard routes for trekking during the monsoon season in Nepal due to leeches, mud, and zero mountain visibility. However, if summer is your only time off, we run incredible treks in "rain-shadow" regions like Upper Mustang and Dolpo, which stay surprisingly dry! Whereas for the city tours, we can welcome you any month of the year.

Not at all! Winter trekking in Nepal (December to February) is a closely guarded secret. While high passes like Thorong La might be blocked by snow, lower-altitude treks like Poon Hill or Mardi Himal are totally empty, offering incredibly crisp views if you don't mind the cold nights.

Absolutely. While you cannot legally trek this restricted route entirely alone, you will be accompanied by our fully vetted, government-licensed guides. The Tsum Valley is known for its incredibly peaceful, devout Buddhist communities, and violent crime against tourists is virtually unheard of. We prioritize your physical and personal safety at all lodges.

Not at all. This is a high-altitude hike, not a mountaineering expedition. You won't need ropes, ice axes, or crampons. You just need strong leg muscles, good cardiovascular stamina, and the determination to walk multiple hours a day over rocky and uneven paths.

Your safety is our priority. If you show mild symptoms, we will rest and hydrate. If symptoms worsen, the immediate protocol is to descend to a lower altitude safely. In severe emergencies, we coordinate rapid helicopter evacuations using your travel insurance.

Yes, but it comes at a cost. Most teahouses rely on small solar panels for electricity. They charge a fee (usually $2 to $5) to charge a device fully. We highly recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank from home.

In the lower elevations like Machha Khola and Jagat, gas-powered hot showers are common. As you move higher into the Tsum Valley, "showers" often become buckets of hot water heated over a wood fire, available for a small extra fee. Embrace the ruggedness!

100% yes. Nepal is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world for women. Whether you are trekking solo or joining one of our group departures, our guides are rigorously vetted, highly trained professionals. You will feel less like you have a strict chaperone, and more like you're hiking with a protective, knowledgeable local friend.

You don't need to worry about the paperwork at all. The entire permit and e-TIMS system is now digitized and must go through a registered agency. Just send us your passport copy and a passport-sized photo before you arrive, and we will hand you all your legal permits on day one. Regarding entry fees, you can get them on the spot during your visit, there is no online convenience for many of the entry fees.

Due to the Nepal mandatory guide rule, independent solo trekking in Nepal is no longer permitted in National Parks and Conservation Areas. For your safety and to support local mountain communities, you must hire a licensed guide through a registered agency like ours. But don't worry—our guides feel more like knowledgeable local friends than strict chaperones, whether you are a solo traveler or in a group! Regarding the tours, you can go solo, but having a guide with information about local and hidden places is not a bad decision.

The TIMS card Nepal (Trekkers' Information Management System) is a mandatory digital safety permit for trekkers only. You cannot buy this yourself anymore; as a registered agency, we handle all the paperwork and secure this for you before you even arrive.

We provide private luxury vehicles (cars or SUVs) for all airport transfers and guided sightseeing tours of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also depends on group sizes. We can also arrange Tourist bus and domestic flights.

Let’s be brutally honest: flying into the high Himalayas involves navigating deep valleys and unpredictable winds, which carries inherent risks. Domestic flights in Nepal are a thrilling way to bypass rough roads, but they are entirely dependent on visual weather conditions. However, we mitigate this by only booking our clients on Nepal's most reputable domestic carriers that maintain strict safety protocols. If the weather looks dangerous, the pilots simply will not fly. Your safety always comes before our schedule.

Because mountain airstrips rely on visual flight rules, flight delays due to weather are a normal part of traveling in Nepal. If your flight is grounded, we handle all the stressful rebooking logic behind the scenes. We highly advise leaving a 1-2 day buffer at the end of your trip just in case!

Nepalese highways are notoriously winding, bumpy, and prone to traffic or monsoon landslides. To keep you as comfortable and safe as possible, we never use crowded public transport. We transport you in modern, air-conditioned VIP tourist buses or well-maintained private jeeps driven by seasoned locals who know every pothole on the route.

A bus takes about 7-12 hours or more depending on traffic for inter-city transfer, while a flight takes 25-45 minutes. If you are on a budget and want to see the countryside, we will book you on a luxury VIP Nepal tourist bus with AC and comfortable suspension. If you are short on time, fly!

Brutally honest? Driving in Nepal can be bumpy, dusty, and chaotic due to ongoing highway expansions. That is why we never recommend self-driving. We use experienced, professional drivers in well-maintained private jeeps to keep you safe and comfortable.

It depends on your journey! In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you'll relax in comfortable, modern hotels ranging from boutique heritage stays to luxurious 5-star properties. If your adventure takes you into the mountains or rural areas, you'll experience our famous, cozy "teahouses" or locally-run guest houses. At Himalayan Planet Adventures, we personally vet every single bed to ensure it meets our strict standards for cleanliness and comfort, whether you are staying in the city or up in the clouds.

The food is incredibly safe, fresh, and absolutely delicious! The national staple is Dal Bhat (a hearty, all-you-can-eat platter of rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry), but you aren't limited to local cuisine. Most tourist hubs and rural guest houses offer massive menus featuring pasta, pizza, momos (dumplings), and even freshly baked goods. We strictly avoid risky street food stops and only take you to trusted, hygienic kitchens so you stay healthy throughout your entire trip.

Not a chance! Nepal is a culinary paradise for vegetarians and vegans. Because Hindu and Buddhist traditions heavily influence our daily diet, plant-based meals are available everywhere. Gluten-free options are also easily accommodated with rice-based dishes and lentil breads. Just let our team at Himalayan Planet Adventures know your dietary restrictions when you book, and we will seamlessly handle the rest.

Yes, you'll be surprisingly well-connected! Wi-Fi is standard and usually free in city hotels and restaurants. Once we leave the major valleys, connectivity becomes a mix of paid guest house Wi-Fi and mobile data. We highly recommend grabbing a local NTC (Namaste) or Ncell SIM card—we'll help you set this up on day one! While there are a few remote "dead zones" in the high mountains, you will generally have enough signal to send an "I made it!" photo back home.

In city hotels, popular tour destinations, and nicer restaurants, you'll find standard western flush toilets. As you venture into more rural areas or trailheads, you will likely encounter traditional Asian squat toilets. They might take a little getting used to, but they are hygienic and kept very clean! We always advise our clients to keep a roll of toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their daypack, just to be fully prepared wherever the day takes us.

Not at all! You can use the premium sleeping bags that we provide or easily rent premium, expedition-grade sleeping bags and thick down jackets right here in Kathmandu's Thamel district for just a couple of dollars a day. We will personally take you to trusted rental shops before your trip begins. It saves you a ton of money and massive amounts of luggage space.

You need sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with excellent ankle support. But here is the most important advice we can give you: break them in before you arrive! The best trekking boots for Nepal are the ones you have already broken in. Showing up to the Himalayas with brand-new, stiff boots is a guaranteed recipe for blisters and misery. For the city areas, comfortable sneakers is recommended

The secret to packing for Nepal is the "layering system." You need moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece mid-layer, and a reliable wind/waterproof outer shell. You might be sweating in a t-shirt in the lush valleys at 9:00 AM, and bundled up in a down jacket shivering at a mountain pass by 2:00 PM. We will send you a comprehensive, checklist-style packing guide once you book! For the city area, bring clothes according to the weather.

Yes and no. Buying trekking gear in Thamel is great for cheap, functional fleece and trekking pants. However, if you are buying critical safety gear—like your main waterproof jacket or boots—we recommend buying authentic brands at home. Many items in Thamel are knock-offs.

The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While hotels and our agency accept USD, you must use NPR on the trekking trails. Bring clean USD or Euros from home, and we will guide you to the best money exchange counters in Thamel to get local cash.

There are plenty of reliable ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, never rely on mountain ATMs (like the one in Namche Bazaar)—they frequently run out of cash or lose power. Withdraw all the cash you need for snacks and tips before we leave the city!

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is deeply embedded in the local trekking culture. The standard tipping guide in Nepal is about 10% to 15% of your total trip cost, pooled together and divided among your guide and porters on the final night to say thank you for keeping you safe!

Yes, there is usually a single supplement fee for solo travelers to cover the costs of private accommodation and personalized guiding services that are otherwise shared in a group. You can choose a price option based on the number of travelers.

We recommend budgeting $20-$100 USD per day for personal expenses. It will also depend on the type of trip you are interested in. This covers extra items not included in packages, such as bottled water, souvenirs, tips, and many more.

Yes, it is possible to hire an extra porter if you find your bag is too heavy, though it is better to arrange this in advance to ensure availability during peak seasons.

We follow strict ethical standards for porter welfare. Usually, one porter carries the duffel bags of two trekkers, with a maximum weight limit of 20kg to 25kg total.

We recommend booking at least 1 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak spring or autumn seasons for treks and long trips. It also varies on the country or place you want to visit. The day trips can be booked 24 hours in advance. This ensures we can secure your flights and the best luxury lodge available accommodation.

To officially confirm your adventure with Himalayan Planet Adventures, we require a small 30% non-refundable advance deposit. This isn't just a holding fee—it allows our local team to immediately act on your behalf to secure your mandatory government permits, reserve domestic transport, and lock in the best available accommodation before things sell out!

Absolutely. We use a 100% secure, SSL-encrypted payment gateway authorized by the Nepal Rastra Bank. You can safely pay your deposit using major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) or via a direct international bank wire (SWIFT) transfer. Your financial data is completely protected and never stored on our local servers.

Once your deposit is received, we will send a formal booking confirmation, a detailed pre-departure information pack, and a final equipment checklist. We will also begin processing your necessary permits creations and flight/hotels bookings.

You don't need to pay the remaining 70% until you actually arrive in Nepal! You will settle the final balance at our Kathmandu office during your pre-trip briefing. You can pay using cash (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or CAD are all widely accepted) or by credit card.

We believe in total financial transparency. If you choose to pay your remaining balance by credit card in Nepal, local Nepalese banks automatically apply approx. 5% processing surcharge to the transaction. To avoid this entirely, we highly recommend bringing your final payment in clean, unripped foreign currency.

We keep our cancellation tiers as fair as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days before your trip, you will be refunded 70% of the 100% amount you have paid us. If you have paid 30% for trip reservation, it will not be refunded but we will hold your 30% deposit as a "lifetime credit" so you can reschedule your trip for a future date without losing your money.

Yes! At Himalayan Planet Adventures, we know life is unpredictable. If you face a medical emergency or sudden travel restriction, we offer highly flexible postponements/transferable. As long as you give us reasonable notice, we will hold your 30% deposit as a "lifetime credit" so you can reschedule your trip for a future date without losing your money. (Transferring a trip may incur additional charges depending on the circumstances, such as the re-issuance or modification of permits.)

Once the trip has commenced, we cannot offer refunds for unused services if you choose to turn back or cannot continue due to health or personal reasons. However, we will always assist you with the logistics of your return.

Absolutely! We specialize in tailor-made itineraries. Whether you want an extra day of rest or a side trip to a local village, just let us know during the booking process.

While you don't need the policy the exact second you pay your deposit, you must provide us with proof of comprehensive travel insurance before your trip actually begins. If your package includes high-altitude regions, your policy must explicitly cover emergency helicopter evacuation. We never compromise on your safety!

Your safety is our priority. If you become unwell, your guide will assess whether you need to descend to a lower altitude immediately. If the situation is serious, we utilize our emergency protocols to arrange a rescue.

While no vaccinations are legally required to enter Nepal, we recommend being up-to-date on:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

Altitude sickness in Nepal (AMS) can happen to anyone—even Olympic athletes! But don't panic. We design all our itineraries with the golden rule of the Himalayas: "Climb high, sleep low." We include mandatory acclimatization days, and our guides carry first-aid kits and oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen levels every single day.

The best AMS prevention trekking tactic is to walk slowly (bistari, bistari in Nepali), drink 3-4 liters of water a day, and communicate honestly with your guide. Our guides are rigorously trained in mountain first aid and monitor your blood oxygen levels daily.

Many trekkers use Diamox for altitude sickness as a preventative measure. While we recommend bringing it in your first aid kit, you should always consult your doctor at home before taking any new medication on the trail.

Yes. 100%. You will need travel insurance for your travel to another countries as well as Nepal. Weather we take you into the high mountains or plains, general travel insurance or travel insurance for Nepal helicopter rescue is a must. If you suffer from severe AMS or an injury at 5,000 meters, a helicopter is the only way down. We coordinate the rescue directly with your insurance so you are taken care of immediately.

It is mandatory to have travel insurance according to the trip you have planned and keeping elevation in mind. For high altitude trekkers, travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is a must. You should purchase your policy in your home country before arrival. Ensure the policy explicitly includes "medical repatriation" and "search and rescue."

Tap water is not safe. However, there is plenty of safe drinking water in Nepal on the trail. We highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle and water purification tablets or a Lifestraw. It’s cheap, safe, and prevents thousands of plastic bottles from ruining the Himalayas!

Yes! Nepal is renowned as one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers. Because of the new guide mandates, you will always be accompanied by a trusted, licensed, and background-checked guide from our agency, ensuring you are respected, secure, and entirely stress-free from day one.

Yes. All Himalayan Planet Adventures guides undergo mandatory wilderness first aid training, specifically focusing on identifying and treating altitude-related illnesses.

Absolutely. We only employ licensed professional guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. They have extensive knowledge of the terrain, culture, and safety protocols.

Yes. We take the welfare of our team seriously. All our guides, porters, and field staff are fully insured for medical expenses and emergency high-altitude rescue.

Yes, sun protection is critical. The UV rays are much stronger at high altitudes. You should bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Always keep your passport, cash, and essential medications in your daypack with you at all times. Do not put these in the duffel bag carried by the porter.

Yes, most hotels in Kathmandu provide secure, free luggage storage for any items (like city clothes or suitcases) that you do not need during your trek, or we can store them in our office.

Absolutely not. Manaslu is a Restricted Area because it borders Tibet. The Nepal government strictly enforces a rule requiring all foreign trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency. Furthermore, you must trek in a group of at least two foreigners. If you are a solo traveler, don't worry—we will pair you with other trekkers to legally secure your permits.

The paperwork for Manaslu is heavy, but we handle it all for you in Kathmandu. You need four specific documents:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): $100 per week in Autumn (Sep-Nov) or $75 in other seasons, plus a daily fee for extra days.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 (~$30).
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (~$30) because the trek exits through the Annapurna region.
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit: A local fee of about NPR 2,000 (~$15).

It is undeniably strenuous. The trails are more rugged and remote than the Annapurna region. You will be trekking 5 to 7 hours a day through steep gorges, culminating in the crossing of the Larkya La Pass at a breathless 5,160 meters (16,929 feet). You need strong cardiovascular endurance, but no technical climbing skills using ropes or ice axes are required.

Altitude is the biggest risk on this trek. That is why our Manaslu Circuit trek guide itineraries strictly include rest and acclimatization days in places like Samagaun (where we do a day hike to Birendra Lake to "hike high, sleep low"). If you show signs of severe Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), we immediately initiate a descent or helicopter evacuation.

Expect very basic, rustic mountain lodging. Unlike the luxury lodges popping up in Everest, Manaslu teahouses offer simple twin beds with foam pads and shared squat toilets. At higher altitudes like Dharmasala, the walls are thin and the nights are freezing. The food, however, is incredible—endless plates of hot Dal Bhat to keep your energy up!

Connectivity is poor, which is part of the charm. In lower villages like Soti Khola or Jagat, you can buy Wi-Fi for $2 to $5, but it's slow. Once you pass Namrung and hit higher villages like Samdo, expect the internet to vanish completely. If you buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu, go with NTC, as it gets slightly better reception in this region than Ncell.

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). Autumn offers the most stable weather and crystal-clear views of Mt. Manaslu, though permit costs are slightly higher. Spring brings slightly warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests. Winter is dangerously cold and Larkya La Pass is often blocked by deep snow.

Tsum Valley is a stunning, culturally rich Tibetan Buddhist enclave that you can add as a side trip. It requires an additional Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (around $40 per week in peak season). Adding this "Hidden Valley" usually extends your overall trek by about a week, but it is entirely worth it if you want to experience ancient monasteries far off the beaten path.