Tsum Valley Trek – 14 Days
Trip Facts
Duration
14 Days
Max. Altitude:
3,000 meters (9,842 feet)
Group size
1-25
Best Season
Spring (Feb-May) & Autumn (Sep-Dec)
Trip Mode
Easy
Activity
Trekking
Meals
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DIFFICULTY
Moderator
LOCATION
Tsum Valley
Start/End
Kathmandu, Nepal
Highlights
- Stunning Himalayan Views
- Rich Buddhist Culture
- Visit to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
- Traditional Tibetan Villages
- Unique Flora and Fauna
- Adventure with Cultural Immersion
Overview
The Tsum Valley Trek is a hidden gem in the Manaslu region of Nepal, offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes, ancient Buddhist culture, and remote mountain villages. This trek takes you through lush forests, terraced fields, deep gorges, and high-altitude settlements while providing breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The region is home to ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan communities, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal.
The remote Tsum Valley is one of the hidden gems of Nepal. Tsum Valley is known as the Beyul Kyimolung, the holy hidden valley of happiness, first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century. Milarepa meditated in the caves of Piren Phu and there are centuries old nunneries.
The Tibetan Buddhist culture is still very prevalent in Tsum, and the scenery is just stunning, with beautiful forests and countryside, with Ganesh Himal towering above the valley. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid and after visiting Tsum, you can only agree.
Many people combine the Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit, starting in Arughat Bazaar and ending in Besisahar, which is also the starting point for the Annapurna circuit. You can already catch a jeep further north from Dharapani onwards. Others proceed back to Arugath the same way, a circuit is not possible.
You start low, walking through green countryside, and passing small Hindu villages. You enter the Tsum Valley going right from the main trail and you soon enter a beautiful forest with pines and rhododendrons. Heading eastwards, the valley opens up to reveal a beautiful countryside and small Tibetan-style villages.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by the Monviso Trek team and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the day exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel, visiting cultural sites, and preparing for the trek. In the evening, there will be a briefing about the trek.
We start our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The road passes through winding hills, rivers, and terraced farmlands. The drive can be long, but the beautiful countryside keeps you engaged. We stay overnight at a teahouse in Machha Khola.
The trek begins by following the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges, and passing small settlements. We walk through lush forests and climb stone steps to reach the village of Jagat, where we will stay overnight.
The trail continues through beautiful villages, crossing several bridges and waterfalls. After reaching Philim, we enter the restricted Tsum Valley area. As we climb higher, the landscape changes, and we reach Lokpa, our stop for the night.
Today’s trek takes us deeper into Tsum Valley. We pass through dense pine and rhododendron forests while enjoying stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Chumling is a small, traditional village where we can explore monasteries and local culture.
We continue our ascent, crossing several suspension bridges and walking through scenic landscapes. The views of Ganesh Himal and other peaks become more prominent. Chhokang Paro is a beautiful village with traditional Tibetan-style houses and monasteries.
The trek leads us further into Tsum Valley, where we experience strong Tibetan Buddhist influences. We pass Milarepa’s Cave, an important spiritual site, before reaching the village of Nile.
Today, we hike to Mu Gompa, the highest point of our trek. This ancient monastery is an important religious site in Tsum Valley, offering stunning mountain views. After exploring the area, we return to Nile for the night.
We retrace our steps back to Chumling, passing through traditional villages and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Tsum Valley.
Descending further, we return to Philim, passing through lush forests and crossing multiple suspension bridges. Philim is a lively village where we can rest and explore.
We continue our descent along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing waterfalls and small villages before reaching Khorlabesi for an overnight stay.
The trail descends further through subtropical forests and terraced fields. We pass by warm springs and rivers before reaching Soti Khola.
After an early breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying the beautiful countryside scenery along the way. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Our journey comes to an end. The Monviso Trek team will transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure in the Tsum Valley.
Includes
- Permits & Fees
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Guide & Porter Services
- Safety & Support
- Miscellaneous
Excludes
- International Flights
- Nepal Visa Fees
- Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratuities
Equipment
Head
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Light balaclava
- Warm wool hat
- UV protection one Sunglasses
- Head torch with extra batteries.
Upper Part of The Body Upper
- Tshirts
- Shirts
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Long sleeve shirts
- Thermal Vest
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Pullover
- Sports bras (women)
- Waterproof outer jacket
- Raincoat
- Hand wear
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens or gloves.
Lower Body
- Long Under Wear
- Short Under Wear
- Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
- Warm Trousers
- Tracksuit pants
- Lightweight thermal trouser
- Fleece pants
- Cotton paints
Footwear
- Thin inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Walking boots with ankle support
- Trainers or trail shoes
- Gaiters
- Micro spikes
Electronics
- Camera and Accessories
- Phone
- Power Bank
- Solar Panel
- Travel Adapter
Miscellaneous
- Book
- Playing Cards/Games
- Journal and Pen
- Snacks and Specialist Food
Hygiene & First Aid
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Pocket Hand Warmers
- Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Water purifier
- First Aid
Trek Essentials
- Passport and Copy
- Travel Insurance Details
- Trekking Permit(s)
- Waterproof Document Wallet
- Cash
Recommended Medications
- Guide will take a group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as
- Any personal medications
- Malaria prophylactic tablets
- Blister treatment
- Rehydration powder
- Analgesics (Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Plasters and zinc oxide tape
- Throat lozenges
- Diamox
Other Equipment
- Duffel Bag or Suitcase
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Towel
