Tsum Valley Helicopter Trek explores the hidden jewels of Nepal. It also known as the valley of happiness. It preserves the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. The landscape is wonderful with beautiful forests and riverine valley. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’ which means vivid.
Tsum Valley Trek is still less crowds than the other trekking areas. This is relatively virgin and off the beaten path track in Nepal. The people of Tsum valley have their own way of life. It may be quite surprising for you. All the brothers in the family marry to a single girl. A practice of polyandry can see there.
Tsum Valley Heli Trek begins and ends in the Upper Tsum Valley. This is the most beautiful part of Tsum valley trek, and also an easy trek. The old big Tibetan monasteries and cave are there. We trek in the beautiful landscapes and small Tibetan-style villages. There are basic guesthouses all along the trail.
Tsum valley also lies in the restricted area of Nepal. Therefore a special permit requires for Heli trekking to Tsum valley. Two people is necessary for Tsum valley restricted trek permit. It costs USD 50 for 7 days upper Tsum valley special trekking permit. Moreover, we also need Manaslu conservation area project(MCAP) permit for Tsum Valley helicopter trek.
Likewise, this is a teahouse trek. The teahouses are simple, and offer basic meals in a communal dining hall. The bedrooms have usually with two single beds.
This trip suits for all who have no time for Tsum valley trek and also avoid the tiring difficult trek in lower Tsum valley. Tsum Valley Heli Trek is for family with children and seniors. However, Tsum valley helicopter trek highly recommends if you want to experience the starkly beautiful and highly cultural land of Tsum Valley.
Why Tsum Valley Helicopter Trek
- Visit ancient and beautiful monastery like Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa
- The beautiful hidden valleys of the Manaslu region.
- Trekking to the Tibetan border and exploring the Tibetan side.
- The diverse nature, diverse terrains, flora, and fauna, antique monasteries, chortens, and gompas in the region.
- Visit Milerepa cave in Tsum valley.
- Helicopter ride captivating mountainous villages, green hills, forest, valley, glaciers and mountains.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu(1330m)
45 minutes from Airport to Thamel BB Plan-Breakfast Standard Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu
You will be welcomed at the airport and transfered to your hotel in Kathmandu where a pre-trek arrival briefing and other information will be given. Remainder of the afternoon is free. Your guide will be happy to assist you in any way he can and will meet you every day while you are in Kathmandu to help you with any queries.
Day 02Flight to Nile(3900m) – 55 Mins Helicopter Flight
55 min helicopter flight AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic airport in Kathmandu to take the helicopter flight to Nile, Nestled in the wilderness of the secluded Tsum Valley, lies Nile amidst rich fauna and flora, lapped on the Himalayas. You can take a walk around the village,and trek to Mu Gompa, the old monastery of Tsum Valley and back to Nile for overnight stay
Day 03Trek to Lama Gaun(3500m) – 3/4 Hrs Trek.
3/4 hour AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Breakfast and trek back to Lama Gaun. Visit Rachen Gompa and the Milerapa Cave, and stay night in Lamagaun.
Day 04Lama Gaun to Chhekampar(3130 m, 4 km, 1-2 hours )
4 km, 1/2 hours AP Plan-Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Breakfast, a short trek to Chhekampar for 2 hours and walk around village. Stay night there.
Day 05Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu
BB Plan-Breakfast Standard Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu
Take a Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu and check in Hotel. Later visit Boudhanath.
Day 06Kathmandu Airport
45 minutes from Airport to Thamel BB Plan-Breakfast Back to your final destination
It is time to fly home. Those people traveling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport. Note that the above route and walking hours must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail conditions or other reason.
What's included?
Full fledged Cost
- Airport transfer - hotel/airport/hotel
- Twin sharing standard hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu before and after trek we can book only on your request.
Elementary Cost
- Round way flight from Kathmandu/Nile /Chhekampar/Kathmandu.
- Basic twin sharing tea house accommodation during trek.
- 3 times meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- English Speaking guide and all his expenses during the trek like his transfer, insurance, salary, meals and accommodation.
- All Trekking permit - Permit, local government taxes and TIMS card.
- All government taxes, vat, company service charge.
What's not included?
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance in case of emergency for rescue and other medication.
- Nepal visa fee
- All kind of hot and cold drinks - coke, fanta, beer, whisky, bottle of water, hot water, tea, coffee etc.
- All personal trekking equipments like down jacket and sleeping bag etc.
- Porter to carry your backpack/luggage.
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal expenses like wifi, hot shower, telephone, battery charge fee
- Upgraded lodge accommodation like room with private toilet and bathroom.
- All the cost not mention on above cost includes.
Trip Information
Accommodation on Tsum Valley Heli Trek
Manaslu Region Trek accommodation will be basic tea houses for boarding/lodging.This is the most popular style of trekking to Manaslu region trek and simply involves trekking from teahouse to teahouse. Teahouses are essentially small hotels find in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers in a room. Bathrooms are shared as well and in the Manaslu region Trek, he lodges usually have running cold water and western style toilets. Also the hot shower is also available but it need to pay extra cost for it.
In some of the villages on the trek, it may be possible to have a private room with an extra cost and we will do our best to arrange that. However, during busy times of the year there is a limited amount of lodging available in some of the villages so it's generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you're willing to pay extra since the tea house owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.
Meals/Food on Tsum Valley Heli Trek
Trekkers can choose a meal/food from the menus at the tea houses. Typical meals on Manaslu trek includes omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, pizza or chow mein. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, and a vegetable is all you can eat and always a good choice. Meat on the mountain is not hygienic and we suggest trekkers stick with vegetarian options.
There is not a problem for vegetarian food and in fact we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
Weather/Temperature on Tsum Valley Helicopter Trek
Weather/Temperature in Summer Manaslu region trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Manaslu is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Manaslu during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Manaslu region Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Manaslu region. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November
Weather/Temperature in Winter Manaslu region Trek in December, January and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Manaslu as severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Manaslu winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Manaslu. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Manaslu lovers.The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Equipment for Tsum Valley Heli Trekking
Proper preparation and equipment will give you a great trekking experience. It is also possible to buy/rent trekking gear at affordable price in Kathmandu and Pokhara Nepal. Below is the recommended trekking equipment list for comfortable everest base camp trek.
Day trek pack
Extra layers, gloves, wind breaker and poncho
Sunscreen
Lip Balm with Sunscreen
Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
Water Bottles or Camel Back
Sunglasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
Favorite Snacks
Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
Toilet Paper
Trekking Poles (optional)
Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
Head/Hands
Wide brimmed hat
Wool hat (Should cover ears)/Balaclava
Lightweight Gloves
Insulated Wool/Down Mittens
Gaiters (optional)
Body/Leg/Bag
Moisture wicking long sleeve T-shirts (2)
Moisture wicking T-shirts (1)
Long underwear pants (2)
Underwear (5 to 7)
Heavy Fleece/Down Jacket
Long sleeve shirts (2)
Sweatshirt (optional)
Fleece Pants
Trekking Pants (2)
Shorts (optional)
Gore Tex Waterproof Jacket with hood
Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
Waterproof Pants
FootWear
Hiking boots with ankle support
Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
Hiking socks (10)
Sock Liners (optional)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag rated to -20° degree centigrade
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Sleeping bag stuff sack
Rucksack(Duffel Bag)/Daypacks
Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and day pack
Waterproof cover for daypack
Dry Bags in several sizes
Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
First Aid Kit/Toiletries
Advil or Ibuprofen
Diamox (for altitude sickness)
Personal Prescriptions
Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
Wet wipes
Panty Liners and Tampons
Sun/Face lotion
Hair brush
Hair ties
Hand warmers
Ear plugs for sleeping
Money/Paperwork
Passport (needed at entry gate for registration)
Spending Money
One Passport Size Photo (Needed for trekking permit
Other Items
Portable Solar Charger
Journal, pen and paper
FAQs
The rooms/accommodation on Manaslu region trek are all very basic. There are many nice, cozy and well-furnished rooms available with the delicious food menu and great hospitality in the tea houses and lodges.
Yes and you can trek as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 6 to 7 hours a day and are able to endure a few uphill climbs of 2 to 3 hours. No doubt and should not have any issue as long as you go slow to adjust with the altitude.No matter who you are and what your background is a bit of training may be necessary but even that is not 100% essenstial for most.
You will need to carry a good-sized of a day pack where you could put your personal belonging items, water, camera, snacks, sunscreen, hat, a fleece jacket and gloves for higher altitudes. The porters will carry the bigger packs with your clothes etc. They will carry packs up to 15kg.
Yes, there are electricity/power in most tea houses at the lower part of the trekking. But no heating in the room. In the higher part of the trekking, there will power only a solar panel. The charging is only possible in the main dining room at expensive rates. The battery charging cost range take as per hour for cameras and laptop computers even more expensive.
Yes, Insurance is almost needed 100% trekking to Manaslu region. Injury and altitude sickness are far too common on Manaslu trek. So it is best to pick up insurance World.
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), these are the best season to go on a trek in Manaslu Region. The sky is clear at this time, and you will get to see panoramic views of Manaslu Mountains.
If someone get sick in the group, a fellow trekker in the group has to descend, then a porter/assistant guide would go with them. So the person descending would be well looked after and it would not impact on the rest of the group's experience. Emergencies are dealt with by the guide and depending on the severity. In a serious case evacuation would be by helicopter.
There is no specify training method to recommend that applies to each individual. The training you should do to prepare for Manaslu region trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical conditions.
There are between 2 to 12 fellow traveller in the group. The Manaslu region trek is a popular trip so most of our groups are fully booked. The groups typically are a mix of individuals, couples or friends travelling together. The ages differ and trekkers can be in their 20's to 60's. The group comprises of people from all nationalities.
Trekking in Manaslu region is considered moderate in difficulty level, but still, a good level of fitness is required to complete the trek. As long as you are physically fit and possess sound health, you can go on this trek. We have a flexible route with enough acclimatization and rest days before heading towards higher elevation.
Manaslu region trek is not dangerous at all because trekkers are not going into the danger zones where real climbing is required, and they stay below the most dangerous altitudes - there's little risk involved though on Manaslu region Trek.
Weather/Temperature in Summer Manaslu region trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Manaslu is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Manaslu during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Manaslu region Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Manaslu region. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November
Weather/Temperature in Winter Manaslu region Trek in December, January and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Manaslu as severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Manaslu winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Manaslu. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Manaslu lovers.
The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Since you will be in the mountainous region, Wifi and phone network might not work everywhere or for many days. However, most of the guesthouses offer Wifi for free or for a little charge. It is better not to rely on the internet and enjoy your trip.
At the lower altitude the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower. For all the showers, it costs you extra charge per shower. The higher you go the hot shower is expensive.
Yes, you will be able to use ATM and Credit Cards during the trip. You can use ATM Card in Kathmandu valley and major cities, it’s better to have cash.
The hotel in Kathmandu provides the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel or you can leave in our office too.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
Yes, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimum additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.
According to thee size of your groups, it differs. The vehicles will be small and light so that it can be handled easily and safely through the narrow roads of Nepal. It can be a car, minibus, land cruiser, van, Jeep.