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Tsum Valley Trek
Activity:  Trekking , hiking, walking
Starting from:  Arughat / Gorkha
Ending at: Arughat
Grade:  Moderate
Himalayan sights: Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Annapurna II etc…
Mode of trekking: Camping
Departures: March| April |May |September |October |November|December

Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion this valley was open for trekkers only in 2008, and ever since then we have been organizing treks to this region almost every year with great success. People in Tsum valley are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.

Tsum Valley has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

The valley is drained by the Sher Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak.

Tsum valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in this valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.

This trek is suitable for people of almost all ages as we it is a moderate trek with daily ascent of 4-5 hours walk and maximum elevation 4110m / 13484ft.

Outline itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 02: Cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Day 03: From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar (603m/1978ft).
Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola (713m /2339ft).
Day 05: Trek to Machha Khola (890 / 2920ft).
Day 06: Trek to Jagat (1420m / 4658ft).
Day 07: Beyond Philim (1,607m / 5272ft.).
Day 08: Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum).
Day 09: Trek to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way.
Day 10: Nile / Chhule to Mu Gompa (3701 m / 12142ft), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4062 m / 13326ft).
Day 11: Extra day for excursion around the valley.
Day 12: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa.
Day 13: Trek to Dumje.
Day 14: Trek to Philim.
Day 15: Trek to Tatopani.
Day 16: Trek to Soti Khola.
Day 17: Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar.
Day 18: From Arughat Bazar drive to Kathmandu.
Day 19: At leisure in Kathmandu / independent activity.
Day 20: Depart Kathmandu.

Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. It's a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and over night at your hotel.

Day 2: Cultural tour in Kathmandu. While we do our last administrative formalities re the Tsum valley restricted area permit arrangements and other relevant permits, you will have time to do a cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu or simply take a rest at hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2: From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar (603m/1978ft). We pick you from hotel early in the morning around 6 AM and take a long bus drive about 8-9 hrs to Arughat Bazaar in Gorkha district. This is a large Bazaar (market) with hotels, shops and hardware gods, after dropping off at Arughat bazaar, we walk about an hour to reach our first overnight camp near the bazaar. 7-8 hrs drive, 40 m walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 3: Arughat to Soti Khola (713m /2339ft). Our first day trek commences to Soti Khola (river) enjoying the splendid views of Shringri Himal. Our first day trek commences through Magar and Gurung villages, with splendid vies of Shringri Himal, cascading waterfalls, then soon to Soti Khola (river). We camp on the banks of the Soti Khola. 5-6 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 04: Trek to Machha Khola (890 / 2920ft). Walking ups and downs through forest as we continue to head upstream along the Buri Gandakhi further continue trekking up reach at Machha Khola village. Overnight in Camp.

Day 05: Trek to Jagat (1420m / 4658ft). We trek along the Buri Gandaki valley along gorge and forest to hot spring at Tatopani to wide open village near Jagat where we camp for overnight stay. Overnight in Camp.

Day 06: Beyond Philim (1,607m / 5272ft.). Day of relatively easy ups and downs through settlement of Salleri we enter to Buddhist influenced region passing through Philim and further about an hour walk to Philim. Overnight in Camp.

Day 7: Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum). We take the trail up through Philim and head up over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp and Chumling (Lower Tsum). We camp for the night at Chumling. Overnight in Camp.

Day 8: Trek to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum). Today we trek Chhokam paro which is also known as Upper Tsum. It is a beautiful village situated on a flat land with two settlements Paro and Chhekam and stunning view of view of Himal Chuli peaks, Bauddha himal and Ganesh Himal can be enjoyed from this village. 5-6 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 9: Trek to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way. From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/ Chulle. We trek the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley to Nile which is on the western side of Tsum whereas Chhule on the Shyar Khola quite close of Nile. We also visit the most sacred cave of the Tsum valley called “Piren Phu cave” (pigeon cave) located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. As per history the famous saint “Milarepa”, was believed to have meditated in this cave. There are two separate beautiful monasteries attached to this rocky cave. Excellent views of vast agricultural land, mountains and Rachen gumba can be enjoyed from here. 6-7 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 10: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3701 m / 12142ft), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4062 m / 13326ft). We gradually ascend from Nile to Mu gumba, the largest monastery in Tsum Valley. Situated at an altitude of 3512 m. Mu Gomba was established in 1895 this monastery is located at the highest and farthest point in the valley. From Chhule and Nile we walk further about two hours to visit the oldest monastery of Tsum valley “Dephyudonma Gumba” which is situated in the rugged mountains. 4 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 11: Extra day for excursion around the valley. We reserve an extra day to hike up Mu Gumpa to reach base of beautiful Pike Himal (4865m), Ganesh Himal and good views of the Tibetan plateaus as we are quite close to Tibet. Overnight in Camp.

Day 12: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa. Today we trek to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley which was established in 1905 it is a beautiful monastery. 5 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 13: Trek to Dumje. Our trek further continues from Rachen Gompa to Dumje, a small village which has about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed. 6-7hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 14: Trek to Philim. It is like we retrace back Philim from Dumje and cross Ripchet passing by the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley. 6-7 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 15: Trek to Tatopani. We trek from Phillim Tatopani (hot spring). We can take bath at this hot spring, and this long day trek will be much relieved after we soak into hot spring. 6-7 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 16: Trek to Soti Khola. Today we pass through terraced fields and waterfalls retrace back to Soti Khola where we spend overnight camping. 6-7 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 17: Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar. We finally end our this memorable trek at Arughat Bazaar celebrating the last night party with the staffs and porters. 6-7 hrs walk. Overnight in Camp.

Day 18: From Arughat Bazar drive to Kathmandu. We drive early morning back to Kathmandu, check in the hotel and get ourselves clean. 8 hrs drive. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 19: At leisure in Kathmandu / independent activity.

Day 20: Depart Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you at the hotel for transfer to your onward departures. Optionally you may also take our Optional programs to extend your holiday in Nepal.

Cost includes:
•    Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis,
•    Overland transportations,
•    3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for member and staffs throughout the trekking period as per itinerary,
•    Complete camping equipments: member tent, staff  tent, chair table, mattress, toilet tent, dining tent, mess tent with logistical cooking utensils,
•    Daily wages, insurance, shelter, cloth of sardar (Nepalese guide), sherpa staffs, cook, cook helper and porters,
•    All land transportation, transfer from airport-hotel-airport,
•    Tsum valley special trek permit, National park permits,
•    15 kg weight allowed per member for personal equipment,
•    Airport-hotel-airport transfers,
•    First Aid Medical Kit (only for staff & porter),
•    Oxygen for emergency purpose,
•    Emergency helicopter rescue arrangements,

Cost excludes:
•    International flight ticket to/from Nepal,
•    Expenses of personal nature & gratitude i.e. laundry, bar bills, telephone calls, drinks and other personal communication bills, breakfast, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu,
•    Personal insurance, and emergency rescue evacuation,
•    Personal clothing,
•    Respective expenses if one returns earlier from the trip due to sickness or emergency purpose.

TRIP EXTENSION IDEAS
While in Nepal there are various interesting and exciting options to pursue either before or after your trek or tour.

Everest Mountain Flight-After trekking in the region why not take the opportunity for a close-up view of the world's highest and most famous mountain from the air! The flight lasts about an hour and takes you from the Kathmandu valley, over the Khumbu region and culminates with the unforgettable view of Everest herself.

Exciting option of Rafting & Chitwan National park–One of the oldest and popular National Park in Nepal and in whole Asia, one can find more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for the endangered one-horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the fresh water Gharial Crocodile along with many other common species mammals, reptiles and over 450 species of birds. You can take an extension trip from 2 to 4 days.

Bungy Jumping-Imaging a bridge over a 160m from tropical gorge with the Bhote Koshi, one of the world’s wildest rivers raging below…Now Jump.

This may be the most spectacular Bungy Jump on the planet. This remarkable 500ft. (160m) drop into the Bhote Koshi River gorge on the Nepal / Tibet border is the longest free fall in the world.

A drive of 3 hours (100km) from Kathmandu to within 12 km of the Tibet border to reach the Ultimate Bungy Jump spot. The unlimited Bungy Jump takes place on a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River, altitude about 3600ft.

Nagarkot- The ridge (2174 m) offers possibly the best display of the Himalaya including if you are lucky, a glimpse of a dark shape in the back that is Everest - while remaining in the proximity of the valley. Sunrise view from here is truly magnificent.

Dhulikhel- The small quiet town, known for its traditional crafts, lies 30 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1470 m. Climb a little to see the mountains, from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. It is a small Newari town where ancient cultures are still religiously maintained. It’s easy access, stunning sunsets and the many side treks make it a popular destination.

Your Complete Financial Protection
South Asia Trekking is a professional, government licensed ISO certified Trekking / Expedition / Tour operator company. You can book your trip with us in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected.

Payment Schedule
•    An advance of US$ 300.00 or equivalent in another convertible currency is required when booking the trip.
•    The remaining balance (in cash) has to be paid in Kathmandu before the departure of trek.
•    If the entire balance is not paid before departure, South Asia Trekking Pvt. Ltd. reserves the full right to delay this departure.
•    All extra expenses due to this delayed departure will be at charge of the concerned trip / expedition and deductible from the advance payment.

Cancellation policy:
•    The Booking deposit fee is not refundable in case of cancellation. Cancellations are only accepted until 30 days before departure. Charges are calculated according to the expenditures done for expedition.
•    Expedition goods arriving in Kathmandu by Air require an Airway Bill, Invoice and Packing List along with a photocopy of Protocol (permit).
•    Expedition goods arriving by Air Cargo must mention the name of the expedition team as shipping agent and the same in care of South Asia Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Sukedhara, Kathmandu, Nepal as receiver.

Terms and Conditions
South Asia Trekking extends its best hand to see your convenience at all times. As this is an Adventure Travel Holiday and you will be traveling into a remote Himalayan destination, weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable sometimes. Local availability of porters/yaks or any other means of transport vehicle breakdown, road condition or local strikes can contribute to need for change or even delays at times in the itinerary.

However we will do everything in our capacity to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible on such events which are beyond our control.
01.    The full balance of the total payment for the expedition must be made before the departure date. We reserve the right not to provide the service if the balance is not made on time!

02.    If the required number is not reached like the time of quoting a price, the rate is not longer cost-effective; hence a surcharge of the price is added to the expedition price to cover extra costs for a smaller group.

03.    The day-by-day agenda and ultimate goal of the adventure/expedition are taken as aims and not as contractual obligations. The campsites/itinerary in some places needs to be re-arranged according to the situation.

04.    You will be responsible for any expenses incurred due to international or internal flight cancellation/delays, strikes, local regulations, sickness, weather, riots etc.

05.    No claim of refund or compensation will be applicable on this type of the Himalayan Adventures for breaking the journey early due to sickness or any reason beyond our control.

06.    All your return expenses including Hotel bills where applicable or extra transport cost will have to be born by yourself.

07.    All baggage and personal effects are at all times at your risk even when carried by yaks or porters. We will not be responsible for any loss, damage or accident to any luggage and property, however incurred.

08.    Refunds or compensation are not given for any unused service, hotel and air ticket for feature of the trek / expedition that you did not use.

09.    You must be covered by insurance, which must include the cost of repatriation and helicopter rescue including Travel and Medical bills, if you become too ill to continue.

For Nepal side treks / adventure / expeditions if rescue evacuation is required during the trip due to sickness or injury, you can send a message through one of our staffs to our company. We will try to send a helicopter or other means of quick transport as soon as possible. It almost always takes twenty-four hours to arrange the rescue including passing the message.  

The amount for such Helicopter rescue cost and other relative expenses must be settled by the concerned insurance company or by the party after his / her arrival in Kathmandu from the trip or before the international departure by SWIFT transfer, Cash, Traveller Cheque or Credit Cards.

10.    It is your full responsibility to bring with you the proper clothing and equipment as mentioned on costing terms and conditions sent you. We cannot be held responsibility for any accident or misshape that may occur in connection with any part of, or services related with the trek / expedition.

For your information, please remember these following points:
•    Obtain a receipt every time or anywhere you change your money into Nepali rupees. Keep these receipts safely until you leave the country.
•   There are generally no foreign currency exchange facilities out side Kathmandu during your expedition (except in certain places in the Everest region: Lukla, Namche, in Annapurna Area: Manang and Jomsom),  so you are advised to carry average Rs.200- 300 per day for trekking. You will be requiring more money if you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or wish to buy trinkets en route.

•    It is also customary to tip trekking staff and so you may want to carry some extra cash to cover this. Tipping covers $2-$5 per day, depending on your expedition duration and service provided. Your group leader/Sirdar should brief you on this matter.

•    The money you carry on your trek/expedition should be in small denominations, as most shops will not have change.

•    The Everest and Manaslu regions are more expensive; so do discuss this with us before departure.

General information
Transportation
Movement in city area is very convenient, as there are different types of transport facilities available. Taxis are cheap and are available 24 hours a day. They have TAXI signs on their rooftop and they have black and white license plates. Please contact us for vehicles for shopping and disposal.

Rickshaws are the two-seater tricycle is sure a fascinating way to move around the city. They are best when you are gallivanting in the old parts of the city, where taxis or other motor vehicles cannot penetrate the narrow lanes and crowded bazaars. Fares are sure negotiable.

Mountain Bikes or normal cycles can be rented for the day. When hiring one, do ensure that your cycle is in good riding condition, bearing a lock

Shopping
Nepal is an amazing country to do pretty good shopping. You can find galore of items to suit your budget and choice. Handicrafts and souvenirs are irresistible. The most popular areas for such an activity is around the Durbar Marg, Thamel, New Road and Basantapur.

It is worth to note that Basantapur and Thamel are exceptional locations, including the all time favorite. The City has mixture of trekking shops, dingy lodgings, bars and restaurants. Street hawkers are not a good representation of Nepal, yet it certainly does provide an interesting way to fill up your bags with fantastic bargains.

You will also be surprised to find an array of top class international brands and products that are wonderfully cheaper. The less overhead costs speak for the perfect purchase. The items include garments, perfumes, cosmetics, cameras, watches, crystal ware, electronics, chocolates, optical goods etc.

Pottery from Bhaktapur, Painted masks from Thimi, distinctive weaving from various ethnic groups of Nepal, hand-knotted Tibetan carpets. Jewellery and brassware are other typical souvenirs you might want to take back with you.
Bargaining is way of life and an acquired skill. Practically everything is sold after negotiation. With patience and humor the buying price can often be much cheaper. The more relaxed you are, better your deal.
Remember that credit cards are not accepted everywhere and it may cost you extra 3-4% as bank charge.

Restaurants
Eating out at good restaurants and top hotels in Kathmandu is absolutely safe. However do avoid the cheap and local eating-houses and salads. Generally the food you eat at these top class restaurants is of good quality, very palatable and friendly to your stomach.

Electric Current: A little irregular in supply and wattage happens sometimes, but when it’s “on” it is 220V AC 50 cycles.

Time: Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.

Climate
You must be aware universally mountain weather is unpredictable. In this respect, an umbrella is an extremely useful item to have as it can be used both as a walking stick and as shelter against the sun and rain. There is often heavy snowfall above 2,953 meters (9,000 ft.)  during January and February and, of course, sometimes even earlier, so a thick, woolen sweater during this period is recommended. An equipment list for this purpose will be provided to you, separately. In any event, when above 1524m (5000 ft),be sure to carry your down jacket or thick sweater in your daypack. You might be suddenly caught by a sudden change of weather. Also carry a long trouser if you are wearing shorts to protect your legs from the scorching sun or biting cold.

As far as temperatures are concerned the mercury level, generally speaking (below 1524m (5000ft), the days are warm and the mornings and nights cool. Above this altitude, the days will be warm and the morning and nights freezing. If the sky is clear and there is no wind, you will feel hot while walking at any altitude but when you stop, you will cool down rapidly, and this phenomenon is common especially, from December to early March.           

Nepal General Weather Chart

Your good hands
All valuables are best safe in your custody or at safety deposit box available at the hotel reception desk. However, you may also keep your valuables with us. Our staff will provide you a deposit receipt, which you must produce for the return of those valuables.

While trekking please do not leave any valuables around your tent or lying about unattended. Be cautious at all times. Never by mistake display large amounts of money at the bazaars instead always have small change for minor purchases, especially when moving in large crowds. If anything is stolen, do obtain a police report if you wish to claim on your insurance policy.
 
When you are on your way to trek- do not forget to leave your excess baggage at the hotel.  Either use a duffel bag or a suitcase and locks it. Do use baggage labels available for easy identification. Once again be wary of your valuables- use the safety deposit box located in your hotel or keep with us.

The trekking ground
So you are finally here, in the world’s trekking/expedition heaven and that is precisely why you are here- to explore the heart of these mountains, including the thrilling experience of a lifetime. The trekking/expedition ground is vast and the wilderness is absolutely tempting. We assure you that this particular trekking/expedition experience is going to be a magical one.

Before you leave on your trek/expedition, the night before, check all the details; leave nothing for the last moment.
Below are some handy points; you will find them very helpful:

The Night Before:
•    Settle all outstanding bills.
•    Deposit all your valuables to the safety deposit locker/contact our staff.
•    Check your tickets and all other equipments you wish to carry.
•    Excess baggage could also be deposited in hotel or with us.
•    If you are under medical care, do check the medicines you require to carry with you. Put them in your daypack, not your duffel bag.

The Next Morning:
•    Check your backpack for all your trekking necessities. Viz. camera roles.
•    Excess baggage should be deposited, if forgotten the previous night.
•    Please do not leave any articles in the room.

Now that you are ready to leave, do ensure your camera and films are there in your daypack so that you can capture as many photos as you like along the way. Get your water bottle filled, in case you need to satisfy your thirst on your way.  You must also have adequate clothing with you in your same backpack in case you require them in the higher altitudes or lower temperatures. This is extremely necessary, especially in the winter season.
Most importantly do not carry any lighters or knives in your daypack, rather put them in your duffel bag while you are boarding a domestic flight. This is to comply with the airport security.

Your Team
The trekking staff by and large consists firstly of, the group leader in charge of the whole team, the Sardar who administers the daily trek operations, the cook and cook boys, the sherpas who lend a hand to the Sardar by dispensing the loads and watching over the group and of course, the porters who carry everybody’s load.

The Group Leader’s responsibility is that of a liaison officer. He /she generally discuss the each day’s schedule of the trek with the group. He most often than not, keeps the Sardar abreast of the daily progress of the entire trekking/expedition party. If you have special dietary or medical requirements, please inform your group leader in Kathmandu. You’ve got to remember that there are no medicines or any hi-tech medical aid available at such high altitudes; so informing before hand will definitely ease your whole purpose of trailing the ancient trails.

The Sardar is in charge of the significant operations. He decides on the campsites and supervises them; he sorts out the porter loads, assigns the Sherpas to their tasks, and generally looks after the Nepali staff and so on. He is responsible for all the tasks and the programs.

The Sherpas help to manage the porters by spreading out the loads evenly and making certain that no bags or paraphernalia are lost or stolen en route. They also guide you along the route and explain the various sights you encounter on the way. If you are tired or worn out, they will carry your daypack or even you, if required.

Our staff cooks are well trained in organizing hygienic meal and cuisine multiplicity, even at this altitude. The cook is responsible for all the meals and the welfare and tasks. The kitchen crew works directly under the cook and assist with the meal preparation, they usually carry the supplies for the next meal. Not forgetting to mention that they also serve you tea, coffee or any other hot drinks as per your wish in bed.

The porter carries the equipment and gear. To many tourists, this errand seems debasing but one must remember that this has been the only way to carry goods from one part of the country to another for centuries. It also provides a valuable source of casual employment when they are free from their seasonal work. A small number of them speak English and are generally shy, but do not be mistaken by not befriending them. They are a lot friendlier and very respectful than you could possibly think of.  At high altitude treks, especially in the Everest region, Yaks replace some porters. Yak handlers will always accompany their beasts and they control them. However, as yaks are not friendly animals, please do not try to pat them.  

At the Camp
Arriving at the camp stirs a hidden joy inside you. You will have plenty of time to take photos, read books and generally relax. If you are planning any movement, inform your group leader. He/she will advice you on the best route or provide a Sherpa to assist you. Remember this throughout the trek. Once again you are reminded that your valuables need special attention. Do not leave them around unattended.

We are an eco-friendly organization, so all members of the group and staffs are encouraged to participate in clearing campsites and trails of rubbish, which can be burned or buried later. If you have used batteries or cells, plastic wrappers or other such items, you are requested to hand over them to our Sirdar (local guide) so that they bring them back to Kathmandu for proper disposal.

A typical trekking day
On a typical trekking day, morning tea or coffee will be served in your tent around 6:00- 6:30 am, depending on your trek and time of year and what itinerary is planned for the day. Soon to follow is bowl of hot water for your wash. Before breakfast, please pack your bags and empty your tent so that the tent can be dismantled and packed while you are having your breakfast. We generally depart early from the campsite in order to casually enjoy the beauty of the nature and as well as arrive early in the evening, at the next campsite.

During the trek do not try and over take the Sherpa guide. There are possibilities of you losing your way very easily. Be kind to the porters, the cook and his crew and ensure them the right of way if they intend to overtake, as they rush ahead to prepare some rejuvenating tea and the next meal. If you encounter a yak or a mule train, stand on the higher ground and not towards the khud-side as their sway could knock you off the hillside. Sometimes you might reach much earlier than expected; no problems just use the time for capturing on your films, all the scenic beauty around you or stealing a side trip if you are not tired. Don’t forget to inform your group leader where you go or what you do. After lunch you will trek further on to the next campsite for the night.

You will notice that along the trekking route the time factor plays an important role. The time does vary from camp to camp and between individuals. On an average, most trek days are between 5-8 hours. If you are slow there is nothing to panic about, for your group leader is very experienced, (this is a trifle matter to him) and a slight change of plan in the routine or in the trekking pace will not hamper the group’s adventuring spirit.

Every trek is a unique experience. No two treks are ever similar. Enjoy, feel and cherish the joy of being an ant crawling in the bosom of the friendliest Himalayas……………

Insurance
Please ensure that you/all travelers are fully insured. Note that, especially for trekking, we advise that helicopter evacuation is also included. Note that special insurance may be required when trekking. Please note adequate insurance is not readily available in Nepal so you should arrange this prior to your arrival in Nepal.

Mail from home / Contact addresses
Please feel free to request us for an update of hotel addresses etc. Mail for you, your family and all the respected clients may be sent to our office addressed as follows:

SOUTH ASIA TREKKING
P.O. BOX 12832,
Sukedhara (New Colony), Kathmandu, Nepal
 Tel: 009771-4373396, 4915253, Mob: 9851054606 / 9813876393
Fax: 00977-1-4468573 E-mail: info@southasiatrekking.com / southtreks@infoclub.com.np        Internet: www.southasiatrekking.com

For e-mails and faxes please also include client’s full name and dates of travel. Airmail letters from Europe/USA to the Indian Sub-Continent takes 10 to 14 days.            

In case of emergency and if you need to call after office hour, please dial 98510-54606 /9813876393 or 4 (Rinchen Sherpa-Director or Lhundup Tengyal- Manager)

Suggested personal gear list for Tsum valley trek (detailed information will be provided upon confirmation of the trip)

Some useful information
During your trekking sojourn in the hills and the mountains of Nepal you should be aware and remember that you are traveling back in time and into the wilderness not usually frequented by many foreigners, away from normal policing. Although the people hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest and friendly by standard. The possibilities of some trekkers encountering bad elements, who take advantage of foreigners, cannot be eliminated. It would be wise to exercise the following basic rules as regard security and safety during your trekking:
•    Trekking organized through us ensure comfort and convenience, safety and security and greatly affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experience on the mountain, people and life in rural Nepal.
•    All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel and trekking agent’s bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only.
•    Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as much as possible.
•    Avoid dispute with local people, most particularly when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
•    Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
•    We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel alternation and deviations, rescues and evacuation.
•    It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while traveling in Nepal particularly in the case of females. You should take one of our staffs if you prefer to travel alone on some occasion.
•    Be careful with matches around wooded or grassy areas as fire can cause serious damage to the environment.
•    Trekkers are strictly forbidden to cut any green forest resources and to kill any wildlife.
•    Use washing and toilet facilities provided, or if none are available make sure you are at least 30 meters away from a water source. Support measures to reduce the pollution and environment.
•    Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
•    It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines.
•    Beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. No female animal is killed for food.
•    Walking around temples, stupas are traditionally done clockwise.
•    Generally temples, stupas and monuments are permitted to be photographed, but it is better to ask the authorized persons to have permission before using a camera.
•    In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
•    It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun and beachwear is not proper when roaming around. Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. One need not to be stiff and overdressed but comfortably and decently covered.
•    Do not be offended if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal people, especially women do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as “Namaste”
•    Public display of affection between man women is frowned upon. It is totally alien to the Nepalese culture.
•    Use Hotel safety boxes. Do not leave cash and other valuable things leaving around in the room.
•    Any food or utensils touched by the used knife, finger, fork, spoon or lips into which spittle is has fallen is considered “Jutho” which means contaminated. It would humiliate a person if such food were offered to him or her. Nor should the dish containing such food be used again without it being properly washed.
•    Beware of touts who claim to be the representative of companies and offer to take to bargain hunting.

Heath Consideration / Medicine
You ought to remember that your health is most important while you are here in Nepal. So do take care of what you drink and eat. Avoid drinking unboiled water. The pure-tabs are not as effective to kill the intractable amoebas.  You may use three drops of concentrated iodine solution in one liter of drinking water and leave it for 20 minutes before drinking.  During your trek you will be given treated and boiled water to refill your water bottles.

During trekking-Please try and avoid taking sleeping tablets. They can be very dangerous and can even kill. Don’t use them at all above 14,000 ft/5,000metres. If you are accustomed to these tablets then kindly consult with your group leader before you depart for the trekking destination. Please carry a small first aid kit during the day containing throat lozenges, band-aids and re-dehydration powder etc. Avoid dairy products. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Maintain personal hygiene.

Though our Sherpa Guide/Leader will carry a comprehensive medical kit for purpose of using (especially for staffs)  during the Annapurna Circuit trekking period, you should carry your personal medication as prescribed by your doctor. Or a Personal Medical Kit as: Diamox 250mg, Antibiotics, anti-fungal skin application, Allergy Inflammation & Itch, Antiseptic, Disinfectant for water, Diarrheal, Antibiotic drops or ointment for eye and ear, Indigestion, Nausea and Vomitting,, Painkillers, Oral Rehydration Solution, Dressing and Would Cares.

At an Emergency
We are prepared for any emergency situation during your trip anywhere in Nepal. Our Trek guide / Sirdar is trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that are associated with this trek, but when a serious emergency occurs, then outside help is needed and such rescues are expensive therefore every trek member should have his or her own insurance arranged before coming to Nepal through a reliable insurance company right from the home country covering against Search & Rescue evacuation, hospitalization, loss and theft of goods, life insurance etc…We ask each member’s Insurance policy reference before leaving for trek from Kathmandu. All our staffs, guides and porters are well insured.  

Immunization    
At least six weeks before the departure for Tsum valley trek you will need to consult your doctor to work out an immunization schedules relevant to the Himalayas. You should normally be immunized against Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Cholera, though you must also contact your doctor for necessary immunization details.

Dental Checks
It is most important that you have a through dental examination before commencing the Annapurna Circuit Trekking and have any necessary treatment carried out. Dental treatment on the mountain is likely to be drastic and traumatic!

We hope you would have a very memorable, enjoyable time in Nepal and look forward serving you in the days to come!

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