12 Days
We Offer Group Discount
Dec 1 - Dec 1, 2023
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Oct 12 - Dec 18, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2025
Manaslu Region
Hotel and Teahouse
Forest and Mountain Trail
Spring and Autumn
Moderate
12 Days
6-7 hours
140 km
The Tsum Valley Trek is a 12-day journey into Nepal’s hidden sacred valley in the northern Manaslu region, near the Tibet border. Opened to trekkers only in 2008, it offers an authentic mix of Buddhist culture, remote villages, and stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Manaslu (8,163m). The trek reaches 3,700m at Mu Gompa, making it a moderate to challenging adventure best for trekkers with prior experience.
Day | Route | Altitude | Distance | Duration | Elevation Change |
1 | Arrival Kathmandu | 1,324m | - | - | - |
2 | Drive to Machhakhola | 870m | - | 8-10 hrs | -454m |
3 | Trek to Jagat | 1,300m | 22km | 7-8 hrs | +430m |
4 | Trek to Lokpa | 2,240m | 16km | 5-6 hrs | +940m |
5 | Trek to Gho Village | 2,415m | 17km | 6-7 hrs | +175m |
6 | Trek to Nile | 3,480m | 17km | 6-7 hrs | +1,065m |
7 | Mu Gompa & return to Chhekampar | 3,000m | 16km | 6-7 hrs | -480m |
8 | Trek to Chumling | 2,386m | 15.5km | 5-6 hrs | -614m |
9 | Trek to Philim | 1,590m | 13km | 6-7 hrs | -796m |
10 | Trek to Machhakhola | 870m | 23km | 7-8 hrs | -720m |
11 | Drive to Kathmandu | 1,324m | - | 8-10 hrs | +454m |
12 | Departure | - | - | - | - |
As a restricted region, the trek requires a Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and TIMS card, arranged through a trekking agency. Costs vary by season but remain affordable compared to popular routes. The 12-day itinerary begins with a drive to Machhakhola and follows the Budhi Gandaki River through Jagat, Lokpa, Nile, and Chhekampar, before returning via Philim to Kathmandu. With tea house stays, rich Buddhist heritage, and fewer crowds, the Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most exclusive and rewarding Himalayan journeys.
Take you to the border of Tibet, explore the unique Tibetan culture of people living there
Tsum valley is filled with monasteries and chortens, reflecting their old culture.
It is a sacred valley in the northern region of Manaslu with the magnificent backdrop of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal.
See the sacred footprint of Jetsun Milarepa, the Tibetan siddha, imprinted on a stone at the Piren Phu Cave.
Remote and hidden area explored by very few trekkers.
Visit Mu Gompa, the biggest monastery in Tsum Valley at an altitude of 3650 m.
The Tsum Valley trek stands as one of Nepal's most remarkable hidden gems, offering an extraordinary journey through the sacred valley nestled in the northern Manaslu region. This Manaslu Tsum Valley trek presents a unique opportunity to explore an untouched Himalayan sanctuary that remained closed to outsiders until 2008. The Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek combines spiritual discovery with breathtaking natural beauty, taking adventurers through ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and pristine landscapes beneath the towering peaks of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal.
This 12-day Tsum Valley trek itinerary offers a moderate to challenging adventure suitable for experienced trekkers seeking cultural immersion and fewer crowds. The trail reaches a maximum elevation of 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa, requiring proper acclimatization and physical preparation. Unlike the busy Annapurna circuit, this remote region provides an authentic Himalayan experience with deep Buddhist roots, where prayer flags flutter against dramatic mountain views and local people maintain centuries-old traditions. The Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek requires special restricted area permits due to its proximity to the Tibetan border, making it a truly exclusive adventure.
The trek follows well-marked trails along the Budhi Gandaki river system, passing through diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Trekkers stay in traditional tea house accommodations operated by local communities, supporting sustainable tourism while experiencing genuine Himalayan hospitality. This Manaslu circuit trek with Tsum Valley alternative offers spectacular mountain views, encounters with blue sheep and other Himalayan wildlife, and visits to sacred sites including the footprint of Jetsun Milarepa.
This forest and mountain trail has a moderate difficulty rating. Proper preparation and fitness are essential.
Best season for this adventure is Spring and Autumn. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
We'll conduct a pre-trip briefing to discuss the Tsum Valley Trek route, safety guidelines, equipment requirements, and what to expect during your 12 Days adventure.
3 Meals per day, which include Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Medicines and water purifiers will be provided.
Professional Guide and Potters, their food, accommodation, and insurance, etc.
Permits and any other necessary documents.
Government and service tax.
Any other food/drink should be covered by you, except for the (3 meals) provided by the company.
Personal equipment
Tips for the Guide and Potter
Additionally, costs due to any unforeseen circumstances, i.e, illness, bad weather, natural calamities, etc.
Any expenses that are not in the included section.
The main concept of fastpacking is to carry lighter bag will help you travel further distance in lesser time. Fastpacking gears helps trekkers to run and walk cover multiple days. By fitting all necessary supplies into a lightweight backpack, you can travel faster and cover greater distances, enabling you to explore more without needing to return to a fixed base each night.
The Tsum Valley trek utilizes traditional tea house accommodation operated by local families throughout the journey. These rustic lodges provide basic but comfortable rooms with shared bathroom facilities and communal dining areas. The authentic experience includes interaction with local people and immersion in traditional mountain hospitality.
Tea house accommodation typically includes simple beds with blankets, shared bathrooms with basic facilities, and dining halls serving traditional dal bhat and international trekking fare. Some locations offer charging facilities for electronic devices, though reliability varies with altitude and weather conditions. Hot showers may be available at additional cost in lower elevation settlements.
Staying in tea house accommodations supports local communities and provides authentic cultural exchanges. Family-operated lodges offer insights into traditional mountain life, local customs, and regional cuisine. These meaningful interactions enhance the overall trekking experience beyond mere physical accomplishment.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek presents moderate to challenging difficulty levels, requiring good physical fitness and previous trekking experience. The maximum altitude of 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa demands proper acclimatization and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms. Daily walking times range from 5-8 hours over varied terrain, including steep ascents, rocky descents, and river crossings.
Successful completion requires cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and mental determination. Pre-trek training should include regular hiking with a weighted backpack, cardiovascular exercise, and altitude simulation. Previous experience with multi-day trekking proves beneficial for adapting to tea house accommodation and high-altitude conditions.
The well-established trail follows ancient trade routes with clear markings and regular tea house stops. However, sections include narrow paths, suspension bridges, and rocky terrain requiring careful footing. Weather conditions at higher altitudes can change rapidly, emphasizing the importance of proper gear and flexible scheduling.
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek requires special restricted area permits due to its proximity to the Tibetan border. The Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit costs vary based on season and nationality, with additional fees for extended stays. These permits must be obtained through registered trekking agencies and cannot be acquired independently.
All trekkers require Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permits, which support local conservation efforts and community development projects. These permits help maintain trail infrastructure and protect the region's unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card provides safety tracking and emergency support for all trekkers. This permit includes insurance provisions and emergency evacuation coverage for registered participants.
The Tsum Valley represents one of Nepal's most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, with deep spiritual connections to Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient monasteries house precious artifacts, sacred texts, and religious artworks that reflect centuries of spiritual practice. Local people maintain traditional ceremonies and festivals that provide authentic cultural experiences for respectful visitors.
Mountain communities practice traditional agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal migration patterns adapted to harsh high-altitude conditions. The local people preserve ancient customs, including traditional dress, architectural styles, and social structures that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Local communities primarily speak Tibetan dialects, though many understand basic Nepali and some English. The trekking guide serves as a cultural interpreter and facilitator for meaningful interactions with local people throughout the journey.
The diverse ecosystems of the Manaslu region support remarkable biodiversity from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Blue sheep (bharal) represent the most iconic wildlife species, along with Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various bird species, including Himalayan griffons and snow pigeons.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Project protects critical habitats and endangered species while promoting sustainable tourism practices. Community-based conservation initiatives involve local people in wildlife protection and habitat restoration projects.
Trekkers play important roles in environmental protection through Leave No Trace principles, proper waste disposal, and supporting eco-friendly accommodations. The pristine natural beauty requires collective responsibility from all visitors to ensure preservation for future generations.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) provide the best conditions for the Tsum Valley trek, with stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable temperatures. These seasons offer optimal visibility for photography and safe trail conditions.
Winter conditions (December-February) bring snow and extreme cold at higher altitudes, making the trek more challenging but offering unique winter landscapes. Monsoon season (June-August) presents risks from rainfall, leeches, and obscured mountain views, generally discouraging trekking activities.
Higher altitudes experience significant temperature variations between day and night, requiring appropriate clothing layers and quality gear. Weather conditions can change rapidly, emphasizing the importance of flexible itineraries and experienced local guides.
The comprehensive trek package includes professional trekking guide services, porter support, all necessary permits, three meals daily, tea house accommodation, and airport transfers. Guide and porter insurance, wages, and equipment are included in the total cost, ensuring ethical treatment of support staff.
Personal expenses include alcoholic beverages, snacks, souvenirs, tips for guides and porters, and optional services like hot showers at higher altitudes. Equipment rental and personal gear purchases represent additional costs for inadequately prepared trekkers.
The Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek represents excellent value for adventurous travelers seeking authentic Himalayan experiences with cultural immersion and spectacular mountain scenery. The investment supports local communities while providing once-in-a-lifetime memories and personal accomplishment.
Professional trekking guides possess extensive knowledge of local conditions, emergency procedures, and altitude sickness recognition. Their experience ensures safe navigation, cultural sensitivity, and appropriate responses to unexpected challenges throughout the journey.
Comprehensive emergency protocols include helicopter evacuation insurance, communication systems, and coordination with rescue services. First aid supplies and altitude sickness medications are standard equipment for all guided treks.
Proper preparation, experienced guides, and conservative pacing minimize risks associated with high-altitude trekking. Weather monitoring and flexible scheduling allow for safe decisions regarding route modifications or rest days as needed.
Unlike the popular Annapurna circuit, the Tsum Valley trek offers solitude and authentic experiences with minimal tourist crowds. The restricted area permits limited visitor numbers, ensuring peaceful trails and genuine cultural interactions with local communities.
While the Annapurna circuit provides excellent mountain scenery, the Tsum Valley offers deeper cultural immersion and spiritual experiences in traditional Buddhist communities. The remote location preserves ancient customs and lifestyles rarely encountered in more accessible trekking regions.
The Annapurna circuit features more developed infrastructure with varied accommodation options, while the Tsum Valley maintains basic tea house facilities that provide authentic mountain experiences. Both regions offer spectacular mountain views, though the Tsum Valley provides more exclusive and intimate encounters with Himalayan grandeur.
Quality trekking boots, warm clothing layers, rain gear, and personal medical supplies represent essential items for successful completion. Sleeping bags rated for temperatures below freezing ensure comfort in basic tea house accommodations at higher altitudes.
Trekking poles provide stability on steep and rocky terrain, while headlamps enable early morning starts and evening activities. Camera equipment captures incredible scenery and cultural moments throughout the journey.
Basic supplies and equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu, though quality and sizing may be limited. Pre-trek preparation ensures proper fit and reliability of critical safety equipment.
