Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Trip Facts

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Strenuous
Destination: Tsum Valley
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Hotel and Guesthouses
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximum altitude: 5219 meter
Group size: Min - 2
Best Season: Spring & Autumn

Manaslu Tsum Valley is one of the fascinating places in Nepal to look out. It’s a trekking route basically and follows the Manaslu trek route. It is also known as hidden valley. It’s a land of monasteries and hamlets with dominantly Tibetan population residing on the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal-Tibet border. It was a restricted area until 2008. Nepal being a country dominated by Hindus, this place, in contrary is dominated by Buddhists. Before, Tsum used to be an isolated area different from both Nepal and Tibet.

The Tsum people have their own lifestyle and ambience. The cultural belief and tradition is also very peculiar in this place. A practice of polyandry is very famous in this place as all the brothers are married to a single daughter. The Manaslu Tsum Valley area is full of imminent mountains, passes, deep gorges, hamlets, gompas, chortens, and mani walls.The trek to Manaslu Tsum Valley takes you into the breath taking surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. The place is really beautiful as we can see lots of mountainous ranges and feel the tranquility. The trek is also a beautiful journey as we pass through the dense forests of alpine, glaciers and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. We can also visit the places like the Milarepa's Cave, Rachen gompa, Mu Gompa. Tsum valley. There’s another belief that Manaslu Tsum Valley, also called "beyul" which means that people can take refuge at times of political disturbance. It also means that the place is a perfect one to practice Buddhism safely.

The place is still being researched and explored as its one of the best places for those people who are very passionate about travelling. It is also believed that the Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. The tribes here celebrate many Buddhist rituals and festivals, hence this place has been the hub for Buddhist followers. This place is located in a geographically difficult place so it has been lagging behind the modern world but the place is famous for its own typical culture, social norms and values. This place is an amalgam of peace, tranquility in addition to the religion that promotes peace in every possible way.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu

As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu you will be greeted by a designated individual. Then you will be transferred to your hotel where you will be briefed on the set itinerary to make necessary trip preparation.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Pre-trek briefing and sightseeing around Kathmandu

Today after the breakfast, you will meet your travel companions and get a briefing about you whole tour plan. You will complete all the official formalities before your trip to Annapurna region. In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of the World Heritage sites around Kathmandu like Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath, Bauddhanath Mahachaitya and Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will get to know about the history and the situation after the Nepal earthquake of these heritages. Later the day, you will have your final preparation of the trek.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Drive to Arughat

We begin our journey by taking direct bus from Kathmandu to Arughat (Gongabu Bus Park). At Arughat, a pleasant market town straddling the Budhi Gandaki river a walk through the town, cross the suspension bridge, and stay at the Manaslu Hotel as its one of the highly recommended hotel to stay at this place.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Lapu Bensi

A jeep is taken to Soti Khola and the road has less traffics and passes through wonderful fields and villages. The climate is hot and humid, so wet rice, maize and millet are the dominant crops and we can see monkeys in the forests. The spotless Manaslu Lodge and the Market View Lodge at the busy bazaar town of Arkhet could probably be your first night if you arrive early enough from Kathmandu. Climb on stairs as the valley becomes wilder, prettier and narrower and descend to Soti Khola. Overnight at Lapubesi.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Tatopani

Today, we continue through the gravel riverbed and across the Machhakhola. We can encounter frequent ups and downs ahead. The place is inhabited by Gurungs as we can see lots of Gurung villages. There’s a botanical garden and nice lodge as well. We continue up and down over a couple of ridges to Tatopani which is at an altitude of 930m where there are hot water spouts that provide a delightful evening shower and it’s quite beneficial from dermatological point of view. The place is very peaceful and you can really have your time.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Philim

After breakfast, we start our journey for the day. We climb over the ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a new suspension bridge. After a landslip and Yaru Phant we cross the bridge across the Yaru Khola and emerge onto riverflats at Yaru for some meal at the hotel. We walk up the riverbed then climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri. The Himal is at the altitude of 7087m can be seen. We have to descend to Sirdibas and pass through Ghatte Khola finally reaching Philim Gaon. Overnight at Philim Gaon.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Chumling

We can see a wonderful trek route from now on. First of all, we traverse north out of Philim on the obvious track signposted to the Larkya La, through some pretty forest with views up the narrowing valley. This area is basically the area of pine trees where you can’t see any inhabitants. Across the Budhi Gandaki is Himalchuli above steep cliffs. We walk through a largely peaceful dense temperate forest into Lokpa which is surrounded by barely fields. Actually this place is known for camp fire. We walk along towards Chumling for overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Chhokang-Paro

We commence our day by walking across the suspension bridge and traversing through rich farming land of maize and potatoes. The houses are classic Tibetan. We cross a slip where rocks and flood cleared the area even up onto the opposite bank which is covered with a forest of new trees. Up the valley to the east is the superb view of the Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Chhokang-Paro.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Nile

Today we head east through small villages and past a local school, climb over a ridge and visit Milarepa’s cave there which is related to Tibetian culture. Now we cross the Shiyar Khola and then pass through Phurbe and Pangdun and pass an unusual round stupa before reaching the larger village of Chhule (3347m) through a wonderful entrance gate. There is a facility of homestay in Chhule. The people there wear a dress called Chuba made up of yak’s skin. Overnight at Nile.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Trek Mu Gompa

Now we have two options. We can now visit Mu Gompa as a day trip, continuing on to Rachen Gompa or Chhokang-Paro or stay overnight in Mu Gompa and visit the isolated Dhephu Doma Nunnery and Gompa and even climb above it for great views. The final climb up to the large Mu Gompa (3700m) is through dry Tibetan country with widening mountain ranges.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Trek to Rachen Gompa

Continuing our trip ahead, we return down valley through Chhule and continue down as far as Phurbe. We should stay on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and then cross plains following to Rachen Gompa (3240m). From this place, we are able to inspect the gompa families. It’s a family which has at least one monk or nun.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Trek to Gumba Lungdang

It’s the 10^th day and we have to make it to Gumba Lungdang. We continue south until a bridge crosses to the west bank and pass again through Chhokang Paro then drop below on the previous trail towards Chumling. After about 2 hrs, we can see a small white gompa on the left at Ghoa and then we descend on a narrow trail passing the gompa on our left and drop to a wooden bridge over the Sarpu Khola and walk to Gumba Lungdang for the night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Day trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp

This is going to be the outstanding trip now. We circle from the gompa through a white gateway and below the nuns’ house, and traverse through forest on a passable track with a lot of wind-thrown trees for about 30mins and then cross the Laudang Khola. Now we climb steeply for 30mins through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge and finally emerging into grassy place behind the lateral moraine of the Toro gumba glacier. We explore around the Ganesh Himal basecamp and return back to Lungdang for overnight homestay.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Trek to Lokpa

Now ywe have to descend to Domje, where there are no lodges. We cross the Laudang Khola on a new swing bridge between the two lowest houses in Domje and stay on the south bank of the Siyar Khola. We descend on steep loose stairs to the deserted Bhatti Ghumlong (2130m) on the river, which we passed through some days ago. We climb again through the pristine temperate forest to Lokpa for overnight stay.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Trek to Ghap

Now you have to continue from Lokpa down the exposed track until the track from Philim comes in from the left. We turn right and cross the Budi Gandaki on a solid bridge after about an hour and traverse to a welcome Bhatti just around then enter a very narrow gorge with loose tracks where we get many ups and down. Overnight at Ghap.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16: Trek to Lho

We enter a dense amazing forest of fir and rhododendron with many birds, staying on the south bank, cross north on a wooden bridge. There’s a highly recommended narrow shortcut to the right just after the bridge and along the riverbank and through superb pine forest. After about an hour climb, a zigzag from the river to the neat village of Namrung (2660m) with shops and restaurants. We keep on forward as long as we stop for overnight at Lho.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 17: Trek to Sama Gaon

Actually this is going to be a very short day and it takes us into the mountains with time to enjoy and acclimatize. The views of Manaslu are stupendous. There is an easy walk to Shyala (3520m, Syal, Syalagaon, Shyaula) up a pine and rhododendron gully with moss and a clear stream. Another easy hour to the large village of Sama Gaon losing the gigantic views of Manaslu but entering a world of yaks, pastures and houses which seem to have grown from the stones.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18: Rest for acclimatisation and Explore Sama Gaon

Today, we will spend a day for acclimatization. So, we will explore around Sama Gaon by visiting the Birendra Tal, Monastery and the local town. We can go hiking upto the Manaslu Base camp or Pungen Gompa which takes about 5-6 hours.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 19: Trek to Samdo

Our course passes the juniper and birch woodlands and the stone cabin of Kermo Kharka today. Trekking further for a few hours, we eventully reach at Samdo where we remain overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 20: Trek to Dharamshala

Today, we slide on a wide and delicate trail from Samdo. We go through a stone passage. We climb delicately over the colossal Larkya Glacier and get to the edge where there is a perspective to the edge of an enormous gorge. We achieve Dharmashala subsequent to trekking for a few hours. We remain overnight at a neighborhood guesthouse in Dharmashala.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 21: Trek to Bhimtang Crossing Larkya La Pass

Today, we leave Dharmasala crossing a few moraines. We drop past four frozen lakes and reach Larkya La from where we can witness the perspectives of Himlung Himal (7126m) and others including Annapurna II, Gyaji Kung, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. We additionally plummet along the moraine to a grassy land called Bhimtang where we remain overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 22: Trek to Tilje

Our trail today drops from Bhimtang and crosses an icy stream. We then drop into a wonderful forest of pine and rhododendron to Hompuk. Passing further, we come to the fenced field of Karache and to the town of Gho. Tilje is nearby, where we spend overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 23: Trek to Chyamje

Today, our trail drops down and goes through a few fields, houses, and woodlands of rhododendron and oak. We descend down through a forest and achieve Dharapani. Trekking for quite a while, we in the end reach at Chyamje, where we remain overnight. Chyamje marks the finish of our trek.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 24: Drive to Kathmandu

Today, in the morning, we drive back to Kathmandu from Chyamje. It takes about 7 hours to reach Kathmandu. We will have dinner together in the evening at a sophisticated hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 25: Farewell

Our trip arrives at an end gathering some great experience together and memories to convey back to your nation. We will escort you to the airport to say goodbye and would like to meet again soon for the next adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

Cost Details

What is included?

All airport and hotel transfers
Welcome and farewell dinner
Accommodation and meals during the whole of the trek.
3 nights in a 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
All necessary paper works and permits
Government and local taxes
An experienced English speaking trekking guide, assistant trek guide(4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), porters(2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, food, lodging and all equipment.
A comprehensive medical kit

What is not included?

Nepal Visa fee(bring small denomination cash USD and two passport photographs)
International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Extra night accommodation apart from the schedule due to any reasons
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and in case of early return than the scheduled itinerary
Charge for private vehicle or flight
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for travel guides or porters

FAQ

Vital Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] for treks in Nepal

• Are you a licensed trekking agency?

Yes, we are. We have been organizing Tours, Treks and Expeditions for our valued clients that go beyond two decades. We’ve enjoyed nothing more than this, right to the hilt.

• Do the guides speak English and have first aid training?

All of the guides are specialists in their work and speak fluent English; most are born in the areas they escort trekkers to and have many years of experience in guiding foreign travelers. It's a compulsory requirement that they are trained in first aid and also carry a first aid kit with them during the trek.

• How big are the groups?

We always do our best to team up a small group of likeminded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience, coupled with an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in the true spirit that comes with adventure. Our trek groups generally comprises of maximum 12 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, no minimum or maximum numbers apply.

• Are permits included in the price of the trek?

Yes. All of the necessary permits for your trek are included in the price and will be arranged for you prior to your trek. For certain restricted regions (like Manaslu and Makalu), you'll need to have a full day in Kathmandu prior to your trek as your trek operator will need your passport for the permit registration.

• Do you arrange private treks?

Yes, we do. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe that best suits you for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). The costs for private trips are generally fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange TREKS FOR A SINGLE WOMAN. If by any chance, none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you, you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you want to go solo. We assign local guide, porters etc who you can trust your life with.

• Do you provide any equipment while trekking?

On all our Camping treks we provide all the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A frames and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables and stools, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent; all the main meals while trekking but not snacks. On Tea house treks there isn’t really a necessity to provide any equipment.

But you are provided a duffel bag if you don’t have one and a down jacket if you haven’t flown in with your own. This is loaned to you and must be returned when the trek is done.

• How difficult are the treks?

Classifying the difficulty of a trek is like walking a thin red-line, as it depends on your fitness and experience hiking on the mountains. In the Himalaya, a trek's difficulty depends on the steepness of the trail, the general altitude, and duration of the trek. Generally, the higher you go the more difficult the trek becomes. For most treks in the lower foothills (Ghorepani, Poonhill, Ghandruk, and Pikey Peak), it's fairly moderate trekking, although some days will be more challenging than others. For higher-altitude treks (i.e. Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Annapurna Circuit and Nar Phu), the treks become more challenging as you get going over 5,000m passes with longer days. If you’re an avid walker and enjoy hiking, then there’s no better adventure than trekking.

• How long do we walk each day?

Much of our trekking ventures are classified into THREE different categories according to the level of difficulty. Soft Adventure treks are only about a week to 10 days in duration. They generally don't go above 4000 meter and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. While moderate to fairly challenging treks are longer treks that go right into high mountain country. Physically quite tiring, these involve approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. Arduous treks are longer treks that go far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists. Physically challenging, these may involve 7-9 hours trekking and likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and activities that are not only physically challenging, but also tax the mind. These trips are not for greenhorns.

• What is exactly 'teahouse' trekking?

Teahouse trekking refers to staying at a small local lodge or mountain hut each night of your trek. The lodges are basic but pretty cosy; enough to shelter you from the bitter mountain winds. They consist of 5-10 rooms with a common area used for eating and hanging out. Most treks in Nepal are teahouse treks where the lodges are run by members of the local community. Bunking out at these teahouses in some of the harshest territories on earth will give you a true sense of what life is in the wild.

• What do we mean by FOT trek?

On FOT or a ‘Fully Organized Trek’, all meals and sleeping arrangements will be fully organized by the support crew. FOTs are also known as CAMPING TREKS. On camping treks you will be sleeping in tents. A trekking crew consists of one sirdar, one cook and kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the sirdar (local trek leader), the crew consists of several Sherpa assistants who will ensure you don't take the wrong path, a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals and the porters to transport all the gear from camp to camp.

Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The ratio of both Sherpa guides and kitchen crew to group members is generally 1:4 and the ratio of porters to group members is around 3:1 at the beginning of the trek, but this decreases as food is eaten and loads become smaller. For bathroom facilities we carry a toilet tent. Your camping staffs dig a deep hole in the ground for excrement and cover the hole with soil after nature’s call is done. Camping treks are more expensive than teahouse treks. These treks are generally operated in remote restricted alpine zones that go above the tree-lines. Camping treks can also be used as options for teahouse treks throughout the Himalaya to enjoy the true spirit of adventure!

• What is security like during trekking?

Security for our clients is always a foremost priority for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Nepal Government. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping treks’ please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, all bags and belongings are kept in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on a rotation basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a ‘Tea house or GAP trek’ arrangement, you will be sleeping in local teahouses. You need to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.

• What happens if I fall ill during the trek?

If by chance you fall ill during your trek, the first course of action depends on what's wrong with you. If it's altitude sickness, moving to lower altitudes and taking altitude medication will solve most cases; if it's quite severe, your guide will arrange for an emergency evacuation by helicopter (be sure that emergency helicopter rescue is covered in your travel insurance). If you have a stomach sickness, bug or any other types of food or water-related illnesses, your guide will have medication on hand for most common illnesses.

• What type of food is served during a trek?

On CAMPING TREKs we provide three delicious, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a tasty mix of local and western dishes. Your day starts with a king-size breakfast consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereals followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with ‘chapattis’ [rounded bread made from wheat] or multigrain-bread. Also included are seasonal fresh fruits. Lunch is generally a selection of organic salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. Dinner is a truly hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, and rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert [which may include a finger-licking crusty apple pie].

Ironically, some of the best apple pies in the country are found on these mountains and not in thamel, Asia’s hub for backpackers; as many tourists would assume. Tea and coffee are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh organic produce as possible available at some of the villages we hike through and special diets are regularly catered for. The trek leaders maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene.

All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. We only serve Boiled water for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. On Tea House treks we provide standard breakfast, lunch and three course dinner, tea or coffee is also included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and soupy noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodges and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat it with water purification pills. Although its held that gluttony is a sin, nevertheless, we ensure our trekking guests are well fed in as much as they can digest to cope with the arduous trails and the tough elevations.

• Do I need to carry my own gear?

You'll carry your daily essentials (sunblock, water, hat, light jacket, and camera) but your porter will carry the bulk of your gear, such as extra clothing and overnight basics. Porters are especially helpful for longer treks where you'll be carrying more gear. For shorter treks (2-3 days), you may opt just to have a guide if you're comfortable carrying your own gear, but hiring a porter is a great way to support the local economy and is quite affordable. Its also the safest thing to do when you’re hiking on the biggest and most rugged mountains on planet earth.

• How much could porters carry?

Porters typically carry up to 30 kgs max. (To ensure they're not overloaded). For fragile items, such as cameras, it's still best to carry these items yourself. If you have more than 15 kg., please carry the extra weight in your day pack. In the commercial trade, when transporting goods and supplies up into the high mountains, some porters carry up to 100 kgs and get paid less than a fair wage provided by some so-called responsible trekking companies. However, doing things like this weighs on the conscience and we totally avoid such unfair situations.

We know the risk that comes with neglecting our porters and follow all mandatory guidelines as stipulated by the IPPG international porters association.

• What is the overnight accommodation like?

In cities like Kathmandu or Lhasa, accommodation will be in hotels of your preference. We have a pool of hotels that ranges from luxury deluxe to budget hotels. While on a trek accommodation will depend on the trek style. If you are taking a camping trip then you will be sleeping in tents. Whilst we endeavor to stay in the best possible accommodation along the way, you should be aware that most teahouses, particularly in the smaller villages, are pretty basic but cosy enough to protect you from the harsh elements. The bedrooms are usually very small, the shared bathroom facilities are often outside and meals are served in a communal dining hall. Although simple, the teahouses do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. Tea house treks are less expensive then Camping treks and are largely suitable for small groups. Usually, during busy seasons if private rooms in smaller villages are fully occupied you might have to bunk out in a dormitory. But then this is what adventure is all about.

• Can we change the itinerary?

Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your senior guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions in the world, where many unforeseen circumstances may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.

• Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

Tips are always appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Guiding on some of the most risky trails on earth is a tough job and your crew always makes sure they lead from the front. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. The hat is passed around and the whole group contributes. Most trekkers happily provide tips with big hearts. The choice is yours if you feel they’ve been worth it.