- Trekking Backpack: A sturdy and comfortable backpack with a capacity of 40-60 liters to carry your gear and personal items. Look for a backpack with adjustable straps, padded back support, and compartments for easy organization.
- Trekking Boots: Invest in high-quality, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. Choose boots that are comfortable, properly fitted, and well broken-in to avoid blisters and discomfort during the trek.
- Trekking Socks: Pack multiple pairs of moisture-wicking and cushioned trekking socks. Look for socks made of synthetic or merino wool material that provide breathability, moisture control, and cushioning for added comfort.
- Trekking Pants: Bring lightweight, quick-drying, and durable trekking pants. Look for pants with zip-off legs or convertible options for versatility in changing weather conditions.
- Moisture-Wicking T-shirts: Pack moisture-wicking T-shirts made of breathable and quick-drying fabric. Choose synthetic materials or merino wool that wick away sweat and keep you comfortable during the trek.
- Long-sleeved Shirts: Include lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun protection and to protect against cooler temperatures. Look for shirts with moisture-wicking properties and UV protection.
- Insulated Jacket: Bring a warm, insulated jacket or down jacket to provide warmth during colder temperatures at higher altitudes. Look for lightweight and packable options that provide good insulation.
- Waterproof Jacket: Pack a waterproof and windproof jacket or shell to protect you from rain, snow, and wind. Look for a jacket with sealed seams and a hood for better protection.
- Waterproof Pants: Include waterproof and breathable pants to protect your legs from rain or snow. Look for lightweight and packable options that can be easily worn over your trekking pants.
- Base Layers: Bring thermal or synthetic base layers (top and bottom) to provide extra warmth in colder temperatures. Look for moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Fleece or Softshell Jacket: Include a mid-layer fleece or softshell jacket for added warmth during colder evenings or when layering is needed. Choose a lightweight and breathable option.
- Warm Hat or Beanie: Pack a warm hat or beanie made of wool or fleece to protect your head from the cold. Look for a hat that covers your ears for extra warmth.
- Gloves: Bring lightweight and warm gloves to protect your hands from the cold and wind. Choose gloves that provide dexterity for easier handling of trekking equipment.
- Sunglasses: Pack UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare at higher altitudes. Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses for better clarity and eye protection.
- Sunscreen: Include a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even at high altitudes. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant.
- Headlamp: Bring a lightweight and durable headlamp with extra batteries. It will come in handy during early morning or nighttime hikes or when there is limited lighting.
- Trekking Poles: Consider using adjustable trekking poles to provide stability and reduce strain on your joints during descents and uneven terrain. Look for lightweight and collapsible poles for easy packing.
- Sleeping Bag: Bring a warm and lightweight sleeping bag suitable for colder temperatures encountered during the trek. Choose a bag with a temperature rating suitable for the expected conditions.
- Water Bottle or Hydration System: Carry a reusable water bottle or a hydration bladder to stay hydrated throughout the trek. Look for options that are leak-proof and easy to use.
Weather:
Mountains ranges
Tsum valley trek is beautiful panoramic views of the wide range of the mountains. The Ganesh Himal range, Shringi Himal range, Baudha Himal range and Himalchuli ranges are must beautiful mountain ranges seen from this trek. Mu – Gumba is the best viewpoint of this trek.
- Cultural and highlights of the areas: Gain knowledge of Tibetan Buddhist customs and culture by seeing the Mani Walls, secret praying wheels, Milerapa Cave, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa are the most visit place.
- Fauna: Possibility of seeing uncommon species in the Budhi Gandaki valley non-violent areas walk, such as the Himalayan monal (Danphe national bird of Nepal), snow leopard, and Himalayan thar (Mountain Goat).
Flowers / Birds/ plants /Insects / animals
- Flowers: Rhododendron, oak, Fir, juniper, Fern, Edelweiss, Primulas, cobra Lily, Marigold etc. found in this trail while you are walking through.
- Birds: Himalayan Monal (national bird of Nepal, Danphe), snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon vulture, spotted nutcracker etc. are the main spices found in the region.
- Plants: Yarsa Gumba (half insect and half plant, use for medicine and expensive mushroom), Jata Masi, Lokta, common trees are found in this trekking route.
- Insects: Himalayan Swallowtail (one of the biggest butterflies), common butterflies, ants, beetles are found this region.
Altitude, risk and precaution:
What is the main factor to get altitude sickness?
Above the altitude of 2500 meters, can get altitude sickness. Because of the weather extreme, trails hazard, health & hygiene is the main reason to get altitude sickness.
How to prevention altitude sickness?
- Eat hygienic food and drink enough (not alcohol).
- Walk slowly and do proper acclimatize.
- Walk high altitude and sleep in the low altitude.
- Dress well according as weather and the altitude.
What are the main symptoms of altitude sickness?
- Start from headache and vomiting.
- Less apatite and feel dizzy like drunk.
- Short breath, and can’t sleep, are the main symptoms.
What to do in-case those symptoms appear?
- Try to eat warm soup and water.
- Tell your friend and guide about your condition.
- Symptoms are becoming more worst, descent and descent.
- Recommend taking diomox, and descend.
Weather extreme:
In the mountain region, the weather changing quick, so prepped for it. Everyday check weather forecast which helps a lot. Connect with the local people, they are more practical on the weather conditions.
Trails hazard:
Exploring in the mountain and hilly region, always ups and downs. Which mean you goanna tired soon, so take a time and walk slowly. Time to time take a break. Each and every day check the itinerary and make a plan of it. Choose the best itinerary according your physically fit one.
Photography and safety precaution:
The best photo opportunities:
- Jagat, the first entering restricted area which is the memory can save.
- Chumling, Chekamparo, Rachen Gumba, and Nile village and their lifestyles.
- Mu – Gumba (3700 meters) is the best place for surrounding mountain and down valley.
Photography prescript:
- Always ask a permission before photographing of monks and local peoples. Sometimes they don’t like it and traditionally.
- Ask to take a photo inside of the monastery most of them are not allowed.
- During the praying time, to taking photos are strictly forbidden, please ask before.
- Safety precautions to take Photos:
- Avoid the risk angle over the cliffs, river edges and narrow paths.
- Take a proper thing to protect your camera from the dust and rain.
- Personal safety, give an information while you go for the photograph.
Power and charging:
There is almost place have micro hydro power, but sometimes it is not working, so take a power bank for your safety. When you have power charge full for the next area where not available. For more information ask here.