Tsum Valley Trek – 13 Days | Hidden Valley Trek in Nepal
72 reviews in Tripadvisor
Trip Duration
13 Days
Max. Altitude
3,700 m. / 12,139 ft.
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Transportation
Car/Jeep/Bus
Accommodation
Hotel/lodge
Activity
Trekking
Meals
B.L.DUS$ 1200
Trip Overview
Tsum Valley Trek is a serene and cultural trek into one of the most remote valleys of the Manaslu region. The trail goes through small mountain villages, forests, suspension bridges and traditional Tibetan Buddhist settlements to reach the upper Tsum valley and Mu Gompa at 3700 meters.
Tsum Valley is famous for its ancient monasteries, traditional villages and strong Buddhist culture . On the way you can stop at important places such as Richen Gompa, Mu Gompa and the sacred Piren Phu (Milarepa) Cave enjoying the views of Ganesh Himal and surrounding mountains.
This 13-day itinerary is for travelers who want to experience the culture and natural beauty of Tsum Valley without combining the trek with the full Manaslu Circuit. The route is remote, so accommodation and trail conditions are more basic than those of Nepal’s popular trekking routes. Our local guide accompanies you on the entire trek and assists in practical arrangements along the way.
For those looking for a quieter Himalayan experience away from the busy trails, Tsum Valley offers a very different Nepal.
Popular Trekking in Manaslu Region:
Culture and Lifestyle in Tsum Valley Trekking
Highlights of Tsum Valley Trek – 13 Days | Hidden Valley Trek in Nepal
- Discover the secluded and restricted Tsum Valley, one of the quieter trekking regions in Manaslu.
- Walk through traditional Himalayan villages where Tibetan Buddhist culture and local traditions still matter in daily life.
- Tsum Valley: The highest point on this 13-day itinerary is Mu Gompa, 3,700m.
- Visit Rechen Gompa, one of the major Buddhist nunneries in the valley.
- Discover Piren Phu (Milarepa Cave), a sacred site connected to the great Tibetan Buddhist yogi Milarepa.
- Walk through ancient villages like Chumling, Chhokang, Paro, Chhule and Nile.
- See traditional mani walls, chortens, prayer wheels and Buddhist monasteries along the trail.
- Enjoy mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli and other surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Follow the Budhi Gandaki and Shiar Khola valleys through forests, rocky gorges, waterfalls and suspension bridges.
- Experience a less-crowded trekking route away from Nepal’s busier Everest and Annapurna trails.
- Discover an old Himalayan landscape shaped by Tibetan-influenced culture, farming and mountain trade.
- Stay in simple local teahouses and experience the warm hospitality of communities in the remote valley.
- Trek with an experienced local guide who can help you understand the culture, monasteries, villages and trail conditions along the way.
- Enjoy a private 13-day journey focused on the culture, landscapes and remote character of Tsum Valley.
Itinerary of Tsum Valley Trek – 13 Days | Hidden Valley Trek in Nepal
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu Transfer to hotel (1,300 m)
Your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Upon check-in you can relax and rest, or explore the surrounding area if you wish. In the evening your guide will brief you about the trek and check the necessary trekking equipment and arrangement.
Activity: Drive/30 mins
Max. Altitude: 1300m./4,265ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1300m) to Machha Khola (870m) – 10 hours
After breakfast we drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the trek start point of the Tsum Valley trek. It follows the Prithvi Highway and then the serpentine roads toward the Gorkha and Manaslu region. You will pass through green hills, rivers, terraced farmland and rural villages. The nearer we get to Machha Khola the rougher the road becomes. We drive for around 10 hours to reach Machha Khola and check into our lodge for the overnight.
Activity: Drive/ 10 hrs
Max. Altitude: 870m./2,854ft. (Machha Khola)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m) – 7 Hours
After breakfast we start our trek from Machha Khola to Jagat. The trail passes through the Budhi Gandaki River, small villages, lush forests, suspension bridges and scenic river valleys. As we go we cross several streams and through narrow parts of the valley as the scenery changes slowly. After about 7 hours of trekking we reach Jagat, a traditional mountain village and the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Activity: Trek/7 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Jagat)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240 m) – 6 Hrs
After breakfast we continue our trek from Jagat to Lokpa, the gateway to the Tsum Valley. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through beautiful forests, traditional villages and some suspension bridges. We leave the main Manaslu trail and enter the Tsum Valley which is quieter and more remote. After around 6 hours of trekking we reach Lokpa, a quiet mountain village surrounded by green hills and Himalayan scenery.
Activity: Trek/6 hrs
Max. Altitude: 2240m./7,349ft. (Lokpa)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 5: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m) – 6 Hours
After breakfast we continue our trek deeper into the Tsum Valley. The trail winds through dense pine and rhododendron forests with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and deep river valleys. We cross suspension bridges and pass a handful of tiny settlements along the trail until we arrive at Chumling, a traditional village in the Tsum Valley. From Chumling there are views of Ganesh Himal and the Himalayan scenery. We walk for about 6 hours and then settle in our lodge for the overnight.
Activity: Trek/ 6 hrs
Max. Altitude: 2386m./7,828ft. (Chumling)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 6: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,030 m) – 6 Hrs
After breakfast we hike deeper into the Tsum Valley toward Chhokang Paro. The trail gradually ascends passing through beautiful forests, traditional villages and cultivated fields. Along the way, we enjoy views of Ganesh Himal and other surrounding peaks, while we experience the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture of the valley. We trek for about 6 hrs. to reach Chhokang Paro, a traditional village surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. Overnight here.
Activity: Trek/6 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3030m./9,941ft. (Chhokang Paro)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 7: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,360 m) – 5 Hrs
After breakfast we continue our trek to Nile, the trail taking us further into the upper Tsum Valley. The route takes you through traditional villages, Buddhist chortens, mani walls and stunning mountain scenery. Higher up the scenery gets more alpine and more rugged. Small settlements also dot our way, where you can get a glimpse of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Tsumba people. After about 5 hours of trekking we reach Nile, one of the highest settlements in the Tsum Valley for an overnight stay.
Activity: Trek/5 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3360m./11,024ft. (Nile)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 8: Day Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and back to Nile (3,360 m) – 5 Hrs
Today we hike to Mu Gompa, the highest and one of the most important monasteries in Tsum Valley. The trail climbs gently up through the upper valley, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the remote Himalayan landscape. We can visit the monastery at Mu Gompa and get a sense of the tranquil atmosphere of this important Tibetan Buddhist site. We spend a little time there and then retrace our trail and return to Nile for the night
Activity: Trek/ 5 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3700m./12,139ft. (Mu Gompa )
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 9: Trek Nile to Chumling (2,386 m) – 7 hrs
After breakfast we start our return journey from Nile to Chumling. We follow the trail through the upper Tsum Valley, passing traditional villages, mani walls, chortens and beautiful mountain scenery. The trail gradually descends through forests and along the valley and we can enjoy the landscapes and villages we passed before from another perspective. After about 7 hours trekking we reach Chumling and stay overnight at a local lodge.
Activity: Trek/ 7 hrs
Max. Altitude: 2386m./7,828ft. (Chumling)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 10: Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,570 m) – 6 Hours
After breakfast we descend from Chumling toward Philim. The trail winds through forests, traditional villages and terraced fields, with occasional views of the surrounding mountains and the Budhi Gandaki River. We cross suspension bridges and leave the upper Tsum Valley behind us, meeting up with the main Manaslu trekking route again. After trekking for about 6 hours we reach Philim, a beautiful Gurung village where we stay the night.
Activity: Trek/6 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1570m./5,151ft. (Philim)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 11: Trek from Philim to Machha Khola (870 m) – 6 Hrs
After breakfast we trek along the Budhi Gandaki river toward Machha Khola. The trail goes through beautiful forests, small villages, terraced fields and several suspension bridges. It gets greener and warmer as you go down to the lower elevations. We follow the well-worn trail through the Manaslu region and after 6 hours of trekking we arrive at Machha Khola where we spend our last nite on the trekking trail.
Activity: Trek/6 hrs
Max. Altitude: 870m./2,854ft. (Machha Khola)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Day 12: Drive Machha Khola to Kathmandu (1300 m) – 10 hrs
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu from Machha Khola. The journey winds along the mountain roads through rural villages, green hills, terraced farmland and along the Budhi Gandaki River before joining the main highway toward Kathmandu. After about 10 hours drive we arrive Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore the city.
Activity: Drive/10 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1300m./4,265ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: B.L.D
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Day 13: Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule for onwards journey.
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- Private car or van transfers from the airport to hotel and back, depending on the size of the group.
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a standard 2- or 3 – star hotel in Kathmandu, in a tourist friendly area.
- Full – board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trek.
- Fresh seasonal fruits during the trek.
- Accommodation in teahouses/lodges on the trek as required.
- A licensed and experienced local trekking guide.
- Porters to carry your baggage during the trek
- Food, accommodation , salary, insurance and necessary equipment for the guide and porters.
- Manaslu conservation Area permit
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Trekking permit
- TIMS Card, if required by the current regulations.
- All necessary government paperwork for Tsum Valley.
- Basic first aid kit, and medical supplies for a group.
- A warm sleeping bag suitable for cold for cold weather and a duffel bag, if require
- Required ground transportation as outlined in itinerary.
- Trek travel and rescue assistance, if Required
- All local government taxes and VAT.
What is not included?
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation
- Personal hiking gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, battery charging)
- Mineral/bottled water, Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Additional accommodation and meals in Kathmandu not specified in the itinerary
- Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early arrival, late departure, bad weather, flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances
- Medical Expenses & Personal Medicines
- Trekking guide, porter and driver tips
- Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu unless otherwise stated as included
- Any costs incurred from changes to the itinerary requested by the client
- Any services or expenses not specifically listed in “What is included?”
Trip Information
Tsum Valley Trek – 13 Days is a remote Himalayan adventure to one of the most culturally fascinating valleys of Nepal. Tsum Valley is situated in the northern part of Gorkha District in the Manaslu region. It is known for its traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, stone villages, long mani walls, and dramatic Himalayan scenery.
The Tsum Valley is a quieter, more authentic experience than Nepal’s better-known trekking trails. The trail begins at Machha Khola, crosses the Budhi Gandaki Valley and leads to the remote Tsum Valley, where traditional mountain communities and centuries-old Buddhist heritage are still a part of the everyday life.
The highest point on this 13-day trek is Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), one of the most important monasteries in Upper Tsum Valley.
Why Tsum Valley Trek?
Tsum Valley is often called a hidden Himalayan valley because of its remoteness, unique Tibetan-influenced culture, and the relative quietness of its trails. The valley was opened to foreign trekkers only in 2008 and is still a restricted trekking area.
You trek through traditional villages of Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokangparo and Nile and visit important Buddhist sites like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. The route also provides the opportunity to experience local traditions, Buddhist prayer flags, mani walls, chortens and spectacular view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
The Tsum Valley offers a different experience for travellers wanting to experience the cultural side of the Himalayas as well as trekking from the more popular routes of Everest and Annapurna.
Difficulty of Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley Trek is of moderate level. The normal route does not include any very high mountain passes but trekkers should expect to walk for several days on uneven Himalayan trails, including steep up and downhill sections, stone steps, suspension bridges and remote mountain paths.
The highest point of the trek is 3,700m at Mu Gompa. This is less than many of Nepal’s high-altitude trekking destinations but you still need to acclimatise properly, take things slowly and stay well hydrated. The trail is rated moderate by today’s trekking guides, but the isolation and long days of walking are important parts of the challenge.
You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be happy to walk around 5-7 hours on trekking days depending on the route and trail conditions.
When to Go Trekking in Tsum Valley
The ideal time to do the Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is generally in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring has lovely trekking weather, with clear mountain scenery and blooming rhododendrons in the lower forests. Autumn usually means dry trails, stable weather and great views of the Himalayan mountains.
The trek can be done in other seasons but monsoon rain can make roads and lower trails more difficult, and winter brings colder temperatures and possible snow at higher elevations. The main trekking seasons are also given as March–May and September–November in current 2026 trekking sources.
Also Read: Best Things About Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Accommodation in Tsum Valley Trek
Accommodation during the trek is in local teahouses and mountain lodges. In the upper valley, facilities are more basic than on popular trekking routes such as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.
Most rooms are basic, generally on a twin-sharing basis. Bathrooms are shared and the facilities get more and more basic the further you go into Upper Tsum Valley.
Staying at local lodges also provides a closer connection with the communities and traditional lifestyle of the region.
Best Food on Tsum Valley Trek
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on trekking days. Meals are prepared in local teahouses and generally include traditional Nepali and common trekking food such as dal bhat, rice, noodles, pasta, soup, vegetables, potatoes, eggs and other local foods available.
Food choices are more limited in Tsum Valley than in Kathmandu or Pokhara as it is a remote region. We recommend to have balanced meals and drink lots of water during the trek.
Tsum Valley Trek Permit
The Tsum Valley is a restricted area for trekking and trekkers need to get the necessary permits before entering the area. The trekking process involves the management of permit arrangements by a registered trekking agency.
You will need to obtain permits like Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). There could be other permits or local fees needed as well based on the route and rules at the time of travel. Permit requirements and fees are subject to change. We will acquire the appropriate permits in accordance with current government regulations.
Guide and Trekking Assistance
The Tsum Valley is a restricted area for trekking and one has to make arrangements as per the current regulations of Nepal for licensed trekking guides and registered trekking agencies. Today’s 2026 sources confirm that a licensed guide is still required for the trek into the restricted area.
Our experienced local trekking guide will accompany you throughout the journey, helping you with navigation, accommodation, meals, permits and communication with local communities.
Altitude and acclimatisation
The 13 days itinerary gradually ascends as you traverse from lower Budhi Gandaki Valley to Upper Tsum Valley. The highest point on the trek is Mu Gompa at 3,700m.
A safe and enjoyable Himalayan trek involves walking at a steady pace, staying hydrated, eating properly and allowing your body to adjust to increasing altitude.
Please tell your guide immediately if you experience symptoms like a headache that won’t go away, dizziness, unusual tiredness, nausea or a difficulty in breathing.
How to get to Tsum Valley
The Tsum Valley Trek 13 Days starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola the starting point of the trekking route. The road trip goes through rural landscapes, hills, rivers and mountain settlements before it reaches the trailhead.
From Machha Khola you complete the trek and then return by road to Kathmandu.
Who Is The Tsum Valley Trek For?
The Tsum Valley Trek is for those who love remote Himalayan trails, culture, Buddhist heritage, traditional mountain villages and peaceful trekking routes.
It’s particularly attractive for trekkers who want to visit a less visited part of Nepal rather than the popular trekking routes.
While previous experience trekking at altitude is useful, it is not essential for the reasonably fit trekker who is prepared for several consecutive days of walking. Your guide will set a comfortable pace and will assist you throughout the trek.
Tsum Valley Trek with Family Adventure Treks
We organize the required trekking services from Kathmandu arrival to Final departure with our 13-day Tsum Valley Trek including transportation, trekking permits, accommodation, meals and an experienced local guide.
We aim to make your journey into this remote Himalayan valley comfortable, well organised and culturally rewarding while experiencing the scenery and communities of Tsum Valley at relaxed trekking pace.
Trip Reviews
US$ 1200
