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Tsum Valley Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

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Trip Duration

14 Days
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Max. Altitude

3,700m. / 12,139ft.
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Nature of Trip

Tea House Trek
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Trip Difficulty

Moderate
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Group Size

2-20+
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Best Seasons

Feb-May & Sept-Nov
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Activity

Trekking
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Start/End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Tsum Valley Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

The Tsum Valley Trek is a quieter, spiritually rich trek into a remote region of the Nepali Himalayas. You can expect ancient monasteries, stunning mountain views and a sense of peace as you trek through the hidden valley of Tsum in the Manaslu Region. It is a moderate trek that can be made more challenging if you’d like and is an ideal option for those looking for cultural and spiritual immersion within the mountains.

The Tsum Valley trekking route starts and ends in Machha Khola, a day’s drive from Kathmandu. The first two days of trekking slowly ascends alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, following the same route as the incredible Manaslu Circuit Trek. Then, veering off of the Manaslu route, you venture into the depths of the Tsum Valley. The valley is tranquil and secluded, having only been open to trekkers for twenty years. The ancient local culture and Tibetan Buddhism have been beautifully preserved and are special highlights of the trek.

Over the course of the trek, you will slowly gain elevation and make your way deeper and deeper into the Himalayas. In addition to tea houses, you will stay in two different monasteries along the way, even getting the chance to join the monks for their daily prayers.

Not only is trekking into the Tsum Valley a special cultural journey, the natural landscapes along the way are also spectacular, offering their own profound depth to the experience. Views of Ganesh Himal and the surrounding Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal mountain ranges create a picture perfect backdrop to the trek. You will journey through forests, cross over rivers and meander through yak pastures. Notable villages include Chumling and Chhekampar.

To complete the Tsum Valley trek, you will enter into the Manaslu Conservation Area, which requires a special permit for entry. To obtain the special permit you need a certified guide and there’s an extra cost, which deters some guests, leaving the trails less-crowded and better preservation of the richness of the culture and Tibetan Buddhism.

Our 14 day itinerary for the Tsum Valley trek is customizable depending on your goals and needs. If you would like to make the trek more moderate and gentle, then you can omit the big day hikes to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4900 m) and the Tibet Border (5093 m). Including these day hikes offers an exciting challenge and the opportunity to venture even deeper into extremely remote regions.

If you would like to spend a longer time trekking and are up for a challenge, then you can combine the Tsum Valley Trek with the Manaslu Circuit Trek and continue over Lakya La Pass (5106 m) for a 17-18 day trek.

If you are interested in completing the Tsum Valley Trek, consider booking with Himalayan Peace Treks. We are an ethical trekking and travel company operating tours in the Nepali Himalayas. We love chatting about all things trekking and Nepal so don’t hesitate to contact us!

Tsum Valley Trek Highlights

  • Venture into the remote and serene Tsum Valley
  • Explore traditional Tibetan villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries
  • Enjoy the stunning mountainous landscapes
  • A unique blend of culture and nature
  • Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal mountain ranges provide breathtaking scenery throughout the journey
  • Feel the warm hospitality of the local people and see their traditional way of life
  • Stay overnight at two different monasteries
  • Opportunity to hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4900 m) and the Tibet Border (5093 m)

Why Trek With Himalayan Peace Treks?

We are a trusted, ethical trekking and tour company that facilitates incredible experiences in the Himalayas. You can feel good about choosing our company to guide you because of our genuinely excellent service and commitment to giving back to our communities and the environment.

Our ethical trekking approach means appropriate wages and working conditions for our wonderful team, community empowerment and support, and environmental consciousness. We are honest and thoughtful with our guests and everyone we do business with. We promise you transparency and enjoyment from start to finish and would be happy to customize your trip for you.

With decades of experience among the team, we want to share with you what we love about the Himalayas in the most peaceful way.

Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary Summary

Pre-Trek Day 00: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 m)
Pre-Trek Day 0: Final Day in Kathmandu
Trek Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m) 160 km, 8-9 hrs
Trek Day 2: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m) 20 km, 6-7 hrs
Trek Day 3: Trek Jagat to Lokpa (2240 m) 14 km, 6-7 hrs
Trek Day 4: Trek Lokpa to Chumling (2385 m) 8 km, 4 hrs
Trek Day 5: Trek Chumling to Chhekampar (3030 m) 11 km, 4-5 hrs
Trek Day 6: Trek Chhekampar to Mu Gompa (3700 m) 15 km, 7 hrs
Trek Day 7: Acclimatization Day. Rest or Hike to Tibet Border (Ngula Dhojyang 5093 m) 7-8 hrs
Trek Day 8: Trek Mu Gompa to Chhekampar (3030 m) 15 km, 5-6 hrs
Trek Day 9: Trek Chhekampar to Gompa Lungdang (3400 m) 12 km, 6-7 hrs
Trek Day 10: Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4900 m) 8-9 hrs
Trek Day 11: Trek Gompa Lungdang to Lokpa (2240 m) 17 km, 7-8 hrs
Trek Day 12: Trek Lokpa to Jagat (1340 m) 14 km, 7 hrs
Trek Day 13: Trek Jagat to Machha Khola (869 m) 17 km, 5-6 hrs
Trek Day 14: Drive Machha Khola to Kathmandu (1345 m) 160 km, 8-9 hrs

Photo/Video Gallery

Itinerary of Tsum Valley Trek

We are happy to work with you to adjust this itinerary to create a personalized experience for you.
*Times are estimated based on average hiking pace and do not include breaks.

Arrange your travel plans to arrive today or earlier so that you have time to explore Kathmandu, prepare for your trek, and rest (perhaps recover from jet-lag?!). You will be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport by one of our team members and provided with transportation to your hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Please let us know your flight itinerary so we can arrange your pick-up.

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Distance: 7 km - Airport to Thamel

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Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)

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Meal: None

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Accommodation: Three-Star Hotel

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included
    • Our standard itinerary includes two nights upon arrival
    • We can arrange for additional nights or a high-end hotel upon request
  • Luggage storage at you hotel in Kathmandu
  • All necessary trekking permits
    • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, restricted area permits and TIMS Card
  • Round trip bus transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
  • All accommodation while trekking
  • Three meals a day (unless otherwise listed), with a tea or coffee at each meal
  • Daily fresh fruit whenever available
  • Trekking map
  • One experienced and professional local guide who speaks English
    • Guide fees include insurance, livable wages, transportation, food and accommodation
    • Assistant guides can be added with larger groups
  • First-aid kit carried by guide
  • If needed, our team will arrange an emergency rescue with your insurance company
  • Company fees, administration fees, and government tax (VAT)
  • Minimum 1% of profits donated to schools and orphanages in Nepal
  • A tree planted in your name

What is not included?

  • International flights and tourist visa upon arrival
  • Personal sightseeing costs and meals in Kathmandu (eg. temples, monastery entrance fees, souvenirs, lunches, etc.)
  • Temple and monastery entrance fees during the trek
  • Extra costs while trekking for things like snacks, fancy coffees, hot showers, laundry, battery charging fees, wifi fees, monastery fees, donations, etc.
  • Local porters to carry the items for your trek
    • Porter fees include insurance, livable wages, transportation, food, accommodation and an optional duffle bag to carry your items
    • The number of porters and price depends on the number of trekkers: one porter carries the items for two people (maximum 20 kg)
  • Drinking water (you need to have a water filtration system or plan to buy boiled water)
  • Sleeping bag and puffy jacket rentals are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed
  • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
  • Staff tips
    • Many trekking guides and porters in Nepal receive an extremely low wage and need to rely fully on their tips to supplement these low wages. With Himalayan Peace Treks, you will be able to trek knowing that the team is being paid fairly and that any tip you want to give is a reflection of your experience
Price starts

US$ 963

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 2 people
    US$ 1150
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 1070
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 1006
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 978
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 963

Total Cost:

US$ 1150

Trip Information

Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty

Depending on the day hikes you choose to do, the Tsum Valley trek can be quite moderate and beginner-friendly. That being said, it’s not just a walk in the park. The trek is long, 12-15 days, and requires hiking for 6-8 hours a day. The trails are fairly well maintained and there is no mountaineering, rock climbing or scrambling required. The trek covers a total distance of approximately 160-180 km depending on the side hikes you choose. Trekkers will be required to navigate a few steep ascents and descents, cross suspension bridges, and trek into isolated areas with basic facilities.

In terms of altitude, the highest overnight altitude is 3700 m in Mu Gompa (which is not crazy high in the grand scheme of things). There is no high mountain pass to cross, meaning that the really high altitudes (Ngula Dhojyang at 5093 m and Ganesh Himal Base Camp at 4900 m) are optional. Adding these day hikes makes the trek more challenging.

If you are nervous about the altitude or long days, hiring a porter would be a good idea. Be sure to properly train ahead of time because physical and mental well-being are important for the success of your Tsum Valley Trek..

Respecting Culture and Religion On The Tsum valley Trek

The Tsum valley Trek is rich in various local cultural traditions and Tibetan-Buddhist practices. The cultural and spiritual aspects of the trek are what attracts many guests to venture into the hidden valley of Tsum. Ethnic groups such as Chhetri, Gurung and Tibetan, have roots within the Tsum region. You can expect to see many prayer flags, mani walls, stupas, and monasteries along your journey which are to be treated with the utmost respect.

The villages are still quite traditional and modest. Please consider the culture when selecting what clothing to bring and keep public displays of affection to a modest minimum. If you would like to enter temples, monasteries and sacred places, your knees and shoulders need to be covered and shoes removed. Openly changing in front of people and urinating in public spaces is not appreciated. Only enter homes and kitchens when invited, and ask for permission to take photos of local people and their homes (a good practice anywhere!).

When interacting with spiritual items, eating or handing people items, try to use the right hand which is considered sacred. Also, try your best to remember to pass religious structures with your right side facing them (walking clockwise) and use your right hand to spin prayer wheels.

Major Elevation Points on the Tsum Valley Trek

  • Mu Gompa: 3700 m
  • Tibetan Border (Ngula Dhojyang): 5093 m
  • Ganesh Himal Base Camp: 4900 m
  • Starting Elevation: 869 m in Machha Khola
  • Finishing Elevation: 869 m in Machha Khola

Tsum Valley Trek Packing List

We have created a detailed packing blog and also a printable PDF packing checklist for you. Please use your discretion when packing because our list is quite thorough and not everything is needed. Most people overpack for their first (and second, and third….) trek, so do your best to keep it light!

When packing, remember that our amazing porters can carry a maximum of 20kg, which is 10kg per person.

Weather On The Tsum Valley Trek

If you are trekking during spring and autumn (peak trekking seasons), you are more likely to get clear skies and limited precipitation. The days are warm (and even HOT at lower elevation) and the mornings and evenings are cooler. At higher elevation it can get cold, so having lots of layers and a warm sleeping bag are a good idea. If you are trekking closer to winter (which is December to mid-February), then you are likely to get clear but cold weather. If you are trekking close to monsoon season (which is mid-May to mid-September) then you can expect to get wet! Regardless of the time of year, the mornings are generally clearer in the mountains and the clouds start to roll in after midday.

Tsum Valley Trek Food

Considering that you’re trekking into a remote part of the Himalayas, the food is pretty great! Each tea house has a menu to choose from including local and international dishes. The further along your trek you get, the more simplistic the food is.

The most recommended local food to try is Nepal’s national dish, dal bhat. Always made fresh, dal bhat is lentil soup (dal) and a hearty portion of rice (bhat), traditionally served with curry, sautéed greens, and maybe some fresh cut vegetables, a spicy sauce or local yogurt. It’s the perfect dish for trekking because it’s well-balanced and has unlimited refills! Another delicacy to add to your must-try list are momo, which are well-loved local dumplings.

You can expect to see other dishes including pasta, fried noodles and soup for lunch and dinner and items such as pancakes, eggs and oatmeal for breakfast. Common food requirements such as allergies, vegan, and gluten-free requests can be easily accommodated (with cross-contamination always a possibility).

Tsum Valley Trek Accommodation

Most of the time you will stay in tea houses and in Mu Gompa and Gompa Lungdang you actually get to stay in the monasteries. Tea houses are small, simplistic lodges with a dining hall and guest rooms to stay overnight. The monasteries are fully operational and welcome guests to stay in their humble accommodations. At lower elevation you will be more likely to find nicer tea houses with amenities such as hot showers, attached bathrooms and electricity in the rooms. As you trek deeper into the Himalayas, be prepared for more basic amenities and shared squat toilets. The dining halls are often heated by a delightful wood stove, but there is no heating in guest rooms so a good sleeping bag is required to keep you cozy and warm.

Required Permits for the Tsum Valley Trek

When you book with Himalayan Peace Treks, we will obtain all necessary permits on your behalf with your passport. To go into the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area, there needs to be a minimum of two people in your group (if you’re an individual you can contact us to join a group), plus be accompanied by a certified guide.

Special Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley 

This permit is required for access into the restricted region. From September to November it costs US$40 per week and US$7 per additional day and from December to August it costs US$30 per week and US$7 per additional day

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

This permit is for entry and support of the conservation area. For international guests this will cost NPR 3000 (~US$24) and for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) guests it costs NPR 1000 any time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking into the Tsum valley is best in the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season is typically from the mid-February to the beginning of May and the autumn season starts mid-September and continues through to mid-November. Some guests are interested in coming at quieter times, or have schedule restrictions, and choose to come at the beginning or end of a season and manage the weather conditions.

Yes, a guide is mandatory to complete the Tsum Valley trek because you are entering the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.
You need to have a minimum of two people in your group in addition to a certified guide. If you are an individual who is interested in trekking into the Tsum Valley, you can reach out to us and we will find a group for you to join. We organize all of the trek details for you including arranging transportation, obtaining permits, and booking tea houses. Guides offer local knowledge about the culture and language, as well as the surrounding flora, fauna and mountains. Your guide will help you set the pace, connect with locals, assess risks and manage emergency situations.

A porter is not necessary, but might be a good idea for you. Porters are recommended for anyone seeking more enjoyment rather than a difficult challenge, those without experience at high altitude, or anyone who is nervous about the terrain or physical demands. If you have lots of experience trekking to higher elevation and are feeling physically and mentally confident, then you will likely be just fine on your own. Hiring a porter is a lovely way to support the local economy and have another staff member(s) present in case of emergency.

Yes, there is wifi accessible while you’re trekking (sometimes for a small fee). Many tea houses and even the monasteries have wifi, but it can be quite unreliable. We highly recommend that you take this unique opportunity to disconnect from the online world and reconnect to what really matters. 

Remarkably, yes! There is electricity at most tea houses and the monasteries along the Tsum Valley trek. Very few places have charging outlets in guest rooms, but you can charge your devices in the main dining hall (for a small fee). Be prepared that the electricity is unpredictable in the Himalayas, so headlamps and portable charging banks are a good idea.

You can choose to travel via local bus or private jeep to and from the Tsum Valley Trek trailhead and trailend in Machha Khola. A local bus is included in the price of your trek package and takes about 8-9 hours from Kathmandu. Local buses can be a fun cultural experience but are often noisy, dusty and make many stops. If you would like, you can add a private jeep to your package for a quicker (if everything goes well!) and more comfortable ride. We would subtract the cost of the local transportation from the cost of the private jeep(s) so you’re not paying for the transportation twice!

The total hiking distance on the Tsum Valley is approximately 170-180 km. This number could vary slightly depending on the day tours or side hikes that you choose to do. Each day you can expect to walk an average of 15 km.

Nile is the last village on the Tsum Valley Trek. After Nile, the trail continues for a few more hours of hiking to reach Mu Gompa, a monastery where you will stay overnight.

Tsum valley is situated in the Gorkha District of northern-central Nepal. It is within the bounds of the Manaslu Conservation Area which is a restricted area and requires special access. The trailhead, Machha Khola is a 8-9 hour drive north-west of Kathmandu.

The restricted areas of Nepal, such as the Manaslu Conservation Area, are located in culturally sensitive areas and where there is a Nepal-Tibet border. The extra permit requirements help to monitor access which results in less travellers entering the region. A reduced amount of traffic helps to protect the local culture and the delicate flora and fauna of the area.

Altitude sickness, which occurs as a result of spending time at high elevation, can happen any time you’re above 2500 m. It is a result of gaining altitude too quickly and not allowing time for the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen and air pressure changes. Symptoms can include anything from headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting and difficulty sleeping to more severe symptoms such as fluid in the lungs, irrational behaviour, breathlessness, blue skin, and an inability to walk. Surprisingly, altitude sickness can happen to anyone, even if they’re young, fit, and have been at high altitude before. It is important to do everything possible to prevent altitude sickness and not ignore symptoms if they arise.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly. This means physically walking slowly, as well as limiting how much elevation you gain in a short period of time and stretching your trek out over many days. To further help the body acclimatize to the elevation gain, it’s a good idea to hike up to a higher point than you plan to sleep. You can also include rest days, often referred to as “acclimatization days” in which you spend two nights at the same elevation, hiking up to a higher point during the day. The Tsum Valley trekking route suggested by Himalayan Peace Treks already has the above ways to help prevent altitude sickness factored in. If it’s your first time at elevation or you have time to spare, then we can adjust your itinerary to include more acclimatization days and an even slower ascent. Altitude sickness medication is best used as a treatment instead of a prevention. You can consult your doctor if you have any specific questions.

DO: ascend slowly, drink lots of water, monitor your symptoms, and trek with an experienced guide
DON’T: push through severe symptoms, heavily consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or smoke cigarettes,

Yes, a tourist visa can be obtained at the airport when you arrive.

Options include a 15 day visa for $30, a 30 day visa for $50, and a 90 day visa for $125. You can pay the USD equivalent in any major currency. Although credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended. If needed, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara. The extension cost is a minimum of $45 for up to 15 days and then an additional $3 per day. You can find more information about arrival here.

Yes, obtaining good medical travel insurance before you come to Nepal is necessary to trek safely and worry-free. Ensure that whatever insurance you get covers high altitude activities. You can send your insurance information to Himalayan Peace Treks so we can coordinate your safe return if there are any unlikely emergencies.

To pay for your trek you can bring any major currency ($€£¥). For spending money in Kathmandu and on your trek, you’ll need local Nepali Rupees (NPR) as Nepal mostly deals in cash. You can exchange or withdraw local rupees in Kathmandu.

Once you venture into the mountains there are no reliable ATMs, so any cash you might need for the entirety of the trek (for snacks, souvenirs, gear replacement, etc.) needs to have been already obtained beforehand.

To pay your initial 15% deposit, you can pay directly on a website with a credit card, send a money transfer (eg. Wise) or send an international bank transfer. To pay for the remainder of your trek once you have arrived in Kathmandu, you can pay by cash (in any major currency). Any fees associated with a transfer or payment are your responsibility. All prices are listed in USD.

Here you can read more about the trekking cost breakdown, our terms & conditions, and booking & paying.

Trip Reviews

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Price starts

US$ 963

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 2 people
    US$ 1150
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 1070
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 1006
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 978
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 963

Total Cost:

US$ 1150

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

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