Tsum Valley is a restricted area, so the paperwork is more involved than for an open trek. This page summarises the permits and rules. For full details and fee tables, see our pages on the Tsum Valley add-on and Manaslu permits and fees.
Permits involved
- Tsum Valley restricted-area permit. The figures supplied to us are USD 40 per person for the first week from September to November and USD 30 from December to August, plus USD 7 per day beyond one week.
- Manaslu Conservation Area entry. NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, per entry.
- TIMS card. NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for others, issued through the agency.
- Manaslu restricted-area permit if you combine Tsum with the main circuit.
Fees can change. Confirm the current figures before you book.
Guide and agency
Tsum Valley and the Manaslu-Tsum route are on the list of routes where a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card are mandatory. Permits are issued through registered agencies, not at the trailhead.
Minimum group
Restricted-area permits are issued for groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a guide. If you travel alone, ask your operator whether they can pair you with another trekker.
Documents
- Passport scan with at least six months' validity.
- Nepali visa details.
- Trek dates and entry and exit points.
- Insurance and emergency contact details.
Indian travellers can read our guidance in Manaslu documents for Indian travellers.
Timing
Apply at least 10 to 14 days before travel, and earlier in autumn. Permits cannot be arranged at the trailhead.
Checkpoints
There are checkpoints along the route, including Jagat. Your guide handles formalities, but carry photocopies. Never bypass a checkpoint.
Costs and extension
If your schedule changes, extra days may be charged. Ask your operator how extensions are handled and what you will pay.
How the fees add up
Because the figures are seasonal and per day, it helps to build a simple estimate. For a typical eight-day stay in the restricted zone in October, you pay the first-week fee and then one more day at the daily rate. Add the Manaslu Conservation Area entry fee and TIMS. Your operator should show these as separate lines in your quote, so you can see what is included. If the quote is a single "all-in" number, ask for the breakdown.
Questions to ask your agency
- Which permits are in my price and which are extra?
- What happens to the fee if the schedule slips by a day or two?
- Who is my guide, and how many Tsum trips has the guide led?
- Is there a minimum group size for the dates I want?
- What is the plan if a landslide closes the trail?
Why the rules exist
The restricted-area system was designed to manage access to border regions and to channel tourism income into the communities. The guide requirement is partly about safety and partly about making sure that visitors follow local customs. A good guide is also your link to the people of the valley, so treat the rule as an advantage.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for Tsum Valley?
Yes. It is a restricted area requiring a permit, a registered agency and a licensed guide.
Can I trek alone?
No. Groups of at least two trekkers with a licensed guide are required for restricted-area permits.
How long does the permit take?
Allow 10 to 14 days, and more in the busy autumn season.
