Hidden Highland of Upper Tsum Valley Camping Trek - 21 Days

Into the Hidden Highland: Tsum Valley's Wilderness Frontier

While the standard Tsum Valley treks visit Mu Gompa and turn back, this 21-day expedition continues into terrain that most maps barely show. The Hidden Highland is the high-altitude alpine zone above Upper Tsum, characterized by glacial lakes, yak pastures and ridge-line passes that touch the Tibetan border.

Why Camping?

Beyond Mu Gompa there are no teahouses. The route demands a full support camp - dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent and individual sleeping tents - moved each day by a team of porters and donkeys. A professional Nepali trekking chef prepares three hot meals each day from fresh and dried provisions, with French-press coffee, soup, snacks and dessert.

Geography of the Highland

You traverse landscapes ranging from rhododendron forests at 2,000m to alpine tundra at 5,000m+. The two highest passes - Thapla Rokpa (5,104m) and Nyunla Donjyang (5,093m) - cross ridge lines that drop directly to the Tibetan plateau. On clear days you can see the remote Tibetan villages of Nyam and Kunlha Pasang Himal across the border.

Cho Lungcho Lake (4,600m) is among the holiest alpine lakes in the region, ringed by snow peaks and visited annually by local pilgrims. The trail to Chekya and Bajyo passes through abandoned yak summer pastures used only briefly each year.

Permits and Regulations

• Special Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
• Minimum group of 2 trekkers and a licensed Nepali guide

Some sections require additional permits coordinated by our office.

Altitude and Acclimatization

This is a high-altitude trek with five days above 4,000m and two summits above 5,000m. Acclimatization is gradual and built into the schedule with rest and side-hike days at Choekang Paro and at the highland camps. We carry oximeters, Diamox and supplemental oxygen, and our guides are trained to recognize and respond to altitude illness.

Fitness Required

This is graded strenuous. You must be in excellent cardiovascular shape with previous high-altitude (4,500m+) experience strongly preferred. Train for at least 4-6 months with long hill walks (8-10 hours), gym strength sessions and altitude practice if accessible.

Best Season

• Late April to early June: Wildflowers and snowmelt; passes generally open by mid-May
• September to mid-October: Crisp skies, dry trails, perfect mountain visibility

Avoid July-August (monsoon) and November-March (snow on the high passes).

Camping Logistics

You sleep in two-person tents on insulated mats. Sleeping bags rated to -20°C are required (rentable in Kathmandu). The dining tent has table and chairs and warm food/drinks at every stop. Toilet tents are erected at each camp - basic but private.

Clothing:
- Heavy-duty down jacket rated -20°C
- Down trousers (optional but recommended for pass days)
- Insulated mid-layer (heavyweight fleece)
- Waterproof / windproof hardshell jacket and trousers
- 3 base-layer tops, 2 thermal trousers
- 3-4 trekking shirts and 2 trekking trousers
- 6-7 pairs merino wool socks
- Down beanie, neck buff, sun hat
- Insulated mountaineering gloves and liner gloves

Footwear:
- Sturdy waterproof B1-grade trekking boots
- Camp shoes
- Microspikes/crampons (April/May or October departures)
- Gaiters

Accessories:
- 60L expedition pack
- 90L duffel bag for porter
- Sleeping bag rated -20°C
- Sleeping bag liner
- Inflatable sleeping pad (camp provides foam mat, but extra warmth helps)
- Trekking poles (sturdy aluminum)
- Headlamp + spare headlamp, multiple battery sets
- Glacier-grade sunglasses (Category 4)
- 3L hydration capacity
- Water purification (tablets + filter backup)
- Power bank 20,000+ mAh
- Solar charger (optional)

Documents and Money:
- Passport with Nepal visa
- Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation at 6,000m
- 6 passport photos
- USD and Nepali rupees in cash

Medical:
- Diamox (essential)
- Personal medical kit
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Lip balm SPF 30
- Blister care, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea, broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes