The Tsum Valley in Nepal's Manaslu region is a hidden gem with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture due to its proximity to the Tibetan border. It's a unique destination for trekkers.
Until 2008, the Tsum Valley was off-limits to travelers, and even today, it's not widely explored by trekkers, though it's just a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu.
This 14-day trek involves altitudes over 3,000 meters, so you need to be reasonably fit. You'll walk 5 to 7 hours each day, passing through beautiful pine forests, alongside rivers with waterfalls, and across stunning suspension bridges. You'll also visit charming villages and engage with the friendly locals.
Religious and spiritual aspects are significant on this trek. You'll encounter places like gompas, monasteries, mani walls, stupas, and Milarepa's Cave, providing insights into Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Throughout the journey, you'll have incredible views of the Himalayas, including Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Manaslu (8,163m), Churke Himal, and the Poshyop Glacier. For those interested in Tibetan culture and mountain landscapes, the Tsum Valley is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist communities, interact with monks and nuns, and enjoy breathtaking Himalayan scenery. It's like a pilgrimage to a hidden paradise.
You can do the Tsum Valley Trek alone or combine it with the Manaslu Trek for a more extended adventure. The pristine beauty, distinct culture, and unspoiled landscapes make it a must-visit for adventurous explorers.
The Tsum Valley Trek is about 90-100 kilometers long, which is roughly 56-62 miles. The exact distance can vary depending on the paths you choose and any side trips you take to visit monasteries and villages in the valley.
This trek follows a circular route, starting and ending in places like Soti Khola or Arughat. You can reach these starting points by road from Kathmandu. The whole trek usually takes around 14 days. This timeframe includes time for getting used to the higher altitude, exploring the valley, and visiting monasteries and cultural sites. The distance and the number of days might change based on your specific plan and how fast you walk.
The Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is a hidden gem often called the "Hidden Valley of Happiness." It's unique because of its mix of culture and nature. Located high in the Manaslu region near the Tibetan border, it has a special Tibetan-influenced culture, making it different from other treks in Nepal. The valley is peaceful and quiet, a nice escape from the busy trekking routes. You'll see amazing views of snowy Himalayan peaks like Ganesh Himal and Manaslu, and you'll walk through various landscapes from lush forests to challenging mountain passes.
One of the best things about the Tsum Valley is the friendly locals who welcome trekkers warmly. The region has ancient Buddhist monasteries, mani walls (stone walls with prayers), and sacred sites that give you a peek into the spiritual heritage here. You can plan your trek with different routes and side trips to match your interests and fitness level.
Even though the Tsum Valley is remote, it's more reachable now with a road connecting it to Kathmandu. A typical Tsum Valley trek lasts about 14 days, so you have enough time to get used to the higher altitude, explore the valley, and visit cultural and spiritual places. This trek is a unique and enriching experience for those who want to enjoy a mix of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty in the Himalayas.
The best seasons for the Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal are the spring and autumn months:
Spring (March to May): Spring is the best time for the Tsum Valley Trek. During this season, the valley bursts with colors as nature wakes up from winter. The weather is nice for hiking - not too hot or cold. Days are comfortable, and you often get clear skies, giving you great views of the big Himalayan mountains. The trails take you through forests filled with blooming rhododendron flowers, making everything look beautiful. With longer daylight, you can explore more and enjoy the Tsum Valley's culture and nature. It's also not as crowded as autumn, so it's more peaceful.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also a great time for the Tsum Valley Trek. The weather is stable and lovely for trekking. You'll enjoy sunny days with clear skies, giving you amazing views of the big Himalayan mountains like Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. The paths are dry and in good shape, so walking is easy and fun. While it's a popular time for trekkers, it's a chance to meet people from around the world who share your interests. The days are pleasantly warm, and the evenings are refreshingly cool, creating a nice balance. Plus, you'll get to experience the rich local culture and see the hidden beauty of the Tsum Valley.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Tsum Valley. The weather is usually good, and you can fully enjoy the valley's culture and natural beauty. These seasons are less likely to have heavy rain or extreme cold, which is why most trekkers prefer them. However, it's essential to keep an eye on the latest weather updates because mountain weather can still be a bit unpredictable. So, be prepared and plan accordingly.
The Tsum Valley Trek is a fantastic journey in the Himalayas, and it costs USD 1440 per person. This fee usually includes permits to enter the restricted Tsum Valley, a knowledgeable guide, transportation to and from Kathmandu, accommodation during the trek, and meals. It also helps support the local communities and ensures the valley's natural beauty and culture are preserved for the future.
While the price might seem a bit high, it's essential to understand that the Tsum Valley Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It combines an immersive cultural experience with stunning natural scenery. The cost covers expert guides, necessary logistics, and contributes to the local economy, making sure your trek is safe and enjoyable. Many trekkers find that the memories and insights gained during the Tsum Valley Trek make it a worthwhile investment, and it positively impacts the livelihood of the local communities in this remote part of Nepal.
Permits and Entry Requirements
To trek in Tsum Valley, you need two permits. First, a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can only be issued through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. This permit is mandatory due to the area’s proximity to the Tibetan border and its restricted status. Second, you need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), which can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or through your agency. The RAP is only valid for a minimum of two trekkers traveling together with a licensed Nepali guide. Solo trekking is not allowed in the restricted area.
Permit fees vary based on the trekking season. During the main trekking seasons (September to November), the Tsum RAP costs USD 100 per person for the first week and USD 15 per day after that. In the off-season (December to August), the permit is slightly cheaper at USD 75 for the first week and USD 15 per day thereafter. The MCAP permit costs approximately USD 30 for foreigners.
Trekking Difficulty and Altitude
The Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate to challenging trek. The trails are mostly uphill and can be steep in places, especially after Chhokangparo and as you approach Mu Gompa. Trekking days typically involve 5 to 7 hours of walking through remote villages, narrow gorges, and alpine terrain. The altitude ranges from about 1,900 meters at the starting point to around 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa, the highest point of the trek. Although the altitude is not extremely high compared to other treks in Nepal, proper acclimatization is still important to avoid altitude sickness.
Culture and Traditions
Tsum Valley is culturally rich and spiritually significant. It is home to the Tsumbas, an indigenous ethnic group of Tibetan origin who follow Tibetan Buddhism mixed with ancient Bon practices. The valley remained isolated until recent decades, which helped preserve its unique culture, language, and traditions. Some families in the valley still practice polyandry, where one woman is married to several brothers.
There are several ancient and sacred Buddhist monasteries in the region including Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dephyudonma Gompa. Meditation caves believed to have been used by the Tibetan saint Milarepa can also be visited. Festivals such as Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) and Saka Dawa (Buddha’s birth and enlightenment) are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Travelers often witness prayer ceremonies, butter lamps, and masked dances in the monasteries during these periods.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation in Tsum Valley is basic and mostly limited to local tea houses or homestays. In lower areas such as Lokpa and Chumling, tea houses offer simple twin-sharing rooms with wooden beds, thin mattresses, and blankets. Further up the valley, options become more rustic. Toilets are often shared and may be outside the main building. Hot showers are limited or not available in higher villages.
Meals generally consist of traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes. Dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and vegetables) is the staple. Other options include Tibetan bread, tsampa, thukpa (noodle soup), momo (dumplings), and instant noodles. Food variety is limited in the higher regions, so trekkers are advised to carry energy snacks and basic supplies.
Connectivity and Emergency Services
There are no ATMs or reliable banking facilities along the trail, so trekkers should carry sufficient cash from Kathmandu. Mobile networks are inconsistent and may not work in upper Tsum Valley. Some tea houses offer satellite phone or Wi-Fi for an extra fee, but coverage is unreliable. Because of the remoteness of the area, emergency evacuation can be difficult and time-consuming. It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue in case of medical emergencies.
Guides, Porters, and Cost Overview
Hiring a licensed trekking guide is mandatory in the restricted area. A guide not only ensures safety and navigation but also helps with cultural interpretation and permits. The cost for a guide typically ranges between USD 25 to 35 per day. Porters are also highly recommended to carry heavy loads, with a daily wage ranging from USD 20 to 25 including their food and lodging.
Tipping is customary in Nepal. Trekkers often tip guides USD 15to 20per day and porters USD 10 to 15 per day, depending on the service provided. The total cost of the trek, including permits, transportation, accommodation, food, and staff wages, usually ranges from USD 1,200 to USD 1,800 per person for a 14 to 17-day trek.
Travel Insurance and Health Tips
Due to the remote nature of the Tsum Valley, travel insurance is essential. It should cover high-altitude trekking, medical expenses, and helicopter evacuation. Trekkers should also carry a basic first aid kit, water purification tablets or filters, and altitude sickness medication such as Diamox. It’s advisable to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and include rest days in the itinerary for acclimatization.
Welcome to Nepal, a country known for the mighty Himalayan mountains! When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our friendly team will be right there to welcome you. They'll make sure you reach your hotel in Kathmandu comfortably. After you've had some time to freshen up, in the evening, we'll all gather for a special welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant in the center of Kathmandu. During this dinner, we'll give you all the information you need about your upcoming journey. You'll spend the night at the hotel.
After you've had breakfast, your day will begin with a guided tour of some important cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley. You'll visit places that are significant to the Hindu religion, like the Pashupatinath Temple, the big Boudhanath Stupa, and the famous Swayambhunath Stupa, which people call the Monkey Temple. You'll also explore the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, which has unique temples, amazing buildings, and you'll even see the Kumari, who is considered a living goddess.
In the evening, we'll have a meeting before the trip, and you'll have a chance to meet the team of fellow trekkers and the staff who will be with you on this exciting adventure.
Today, we're starting a trip from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, and along the way, we'll pass through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. Please be ready for a bumpy ride, especially on the road between Dhading and Arughat. In the afternoon, we'll walk through a forest next to the Budhi Gandaki River and even go over some mountains, giving us a chance to see the river way down below. We'll spend the night at a guesthouse in Machha Khola.
Today's trek will last about 6 to 7 hours, and it will mostly follow the river. We'll start by taking the original path to Khorla Besi, and then we'll head to the rejuvenating hot springs at Tatopani (930m). After leaving Tatopani, we'll keep walking on the side of the Buri Gandaki River, passing through places like Doban, Thulo Dunga, and Yara Bagar (1370m). The trail will take us across the river several times using suspension bridges before we enter the main entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area and finally arrive at Jagat (1410m). At Jagat, our team will check our permits. And don't worry about meals today; we've got you covered with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Today, we're going on a 6-hour trek. We'll begin by getting to Salleri, where you'll see beautiful views of Mount Sringi. Then, we'll go down to Sirdibas, a lovely Buddhist village. We'll keep walking until we reach Lokpa Village, which is just north of Philim. Along the way, we'll pass through Ekle Bhatti and climb up a ridge, following a path through a pine forest. Eventually, we'll reach a point where we'll take the path leading to Tsum Valley. We'll spend the night in Lokpa.
Today, we'll be trekking for about 5 hours to get to Tsum Valley. As we go along, we will start to see the beautiful Tsum Valley as we go down towards the mountain village of Chumling. After that, we'll go uphill to Ripchet, and pretty soon, we'll reach Chumling, which is a real Buddhist village. It's famous for its old monastery, houses that look like they're from Tibet, colorful prayer flags, stone walls with carvings, and streets made of stone. We're going to stay the night right here in Chumling.
Today, our adventure kicks off as we cross a hanging bridge with amazing views of the Ganesh Himal mountain range. We'll pass by Rainjam and cross the Seru Khola river on our way to Gho Village. After about 5 to 5 hours of walking, we'll reach Chokhangparo, a village where you can see Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m). We'll stay overnight in Chokhangparo, and your meals for the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are all covered.
Today, we'll be trekking for about 5 to 6 hours. We'll follow the trail to Rachen Gompa and walk alongside the Shir Khola river. After we leave the river, we'll pass through Phurbe and Pangdun villages before getting to the Nile, where we'll spend the night.
Today, our path takes us close to the Tibetan border as we hike through the valley. We'll continue and climb up to the Dhepu Doma Gompa, which is a monastery, and then head to our stop for the day, Mu Gompa, where we'll stay for the night.
Today, we're in for a 7 to 8-hour hike, which leads us to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, where you'll be treated to incredible views of the massive Ganesh Himal mountain range. After that, we'll make our way back to Mu Gompa for the night.
Today, we'll be trekking for about 5 to 6 hours, and the landscape will become more lush and green. We'll head downhill to Chumling, following the lower Tsum Valley. Our overnight stay will be in Chumling.
Today's journey takes us to Lokpa, a 6 to 7-hour walk filled with nature's beauty. Along the way, we encounter the serene Samba Falls, perfect for a refreshing break and photos. Upon reaching Philim Village, you'll be captivated by its unique cultural charm, featuring traditional houses, local customs, and friendly locals. This blend of nature and culture creates a memorable experience. In Philim Village, you can relax, taste local cuisine, and bask in the warmth of the community as you prepare for a restful night.
Today's hike follows a ridge path with lovely views. As we go downhill to the Budhi Gandaki River, you'll hear the soothing sounds of the flowing water. We'll pass through the charming village of Labubesi and finally arrive at the peaceful riverside spot, Soti Khola. Meals are provided all day, so you'll have the energy to explore or unwind by the river, making this a great mix of nature and relaxation to wrap up the day.
Our last day of trekking involves walking downhill, passing by another beautiful waterfall, until we reach Arkhet Khola, marking the end of our journey through the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Along the way, we will go through the villages of Sante Bazaar and Malta. Towards the end of our hike, we'll pass by a hydroelectric power plant, and eventually, we'll arrive at Arughat, where we'll take a well-deserved break before catching a 3-hour bus ride back to Kathmandu. Tonight, we'll be staying in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Our team member will accompany you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your departure. This is not goodbye; it's more like "see you again" for your next adventure in the Himalaya region.
The Tsum Valley Trek is typically around 14-16 days long, depending on the specific itinerary.
The best time to do the Tsum Valley Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear and stable.
The Tsum Valley Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek, with some steep ascents and descents along the trail.
Yes, there are teahouses and lodges available in most of the villages along the Tsum Valley Trek route, providing basic accommodation and meals.
While it is possible to do the Tsum Valley Trek solo, it is recommended to hire a licensed guide for navigation, cultural insights, and safety purposes.
The trek itinerary includes acclimatization days at certain points to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude gradually.
On average, you can expect to trek for around 5-7 hours per day on the Tsum Valley Trek, depending on the specific itinerary and your pace.
The highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek is the Mu Gompa at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters (12,139 feet).
There are no specific age restrictions for the Tsum Valley Trek, but it is recommended to be in good physical health and have prior trekking experience.
Yes, it is important to respect the local culture and traditions. Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photographs, and be mindful of local customs and practices.
Yes, it is possible to customize the Tsum Valley Trek itinerary according to your preferences. You can discuss this with your trekking agency or guide.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities, including emergency medical evacuation, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Yes, if you prefer not to carry a heavy backpack, you can hire porters who will assist you in carrying your belongings throughout the trek.
The Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is in a quiet, less-visited area up north in the Gorkha district. It's a lovely journey that goes through charming villages, lush forests, and gives you towering views of the Himalayan mountains. To make your trip safe and comfy, here's a list of stuff you should bring:
If this trip is not suitable for you. We can make Tailor Made Trip for you.
