The Tsum Valley Trek is an unforgettable journey into one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich Himalayan valleys. Located in the Manaslu region, Tsum Valley opened to trekkers in 2008 and remains a hidden sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Tsum Valley Trek is rugged, off-the-grid, and full of thrilling moments that’ll push your limits and reward your curiosity. It is perfect for seasoned trekkers who are up for a deeper, more slow-paced trek in the Himalayas. Situated in the remote northeast of the Manaslu region, Tsum Valley Adventure offers a rare opportunity to explore a sacred valley that was off-limits to visitors until 2008.
Tsum Valley is an entirely different world from the popular trails at Everest and Annapurna. You walk through timeless villages, meet the warm-hearted Tsumbas (Tibetan descendants), and engage in a culture based on Tibetan Buddhism. You walk by ancient monasteries, Mu Gompa, DhephuDoma, Gumba Lungdang, along with nunneries, colorful chortens, and prayer flags along the way.
As Tsum Valley is a restricted area inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, you will need to trek in a group of at least two with a certified local guide and obtain special permits. Despite being just 8-9 hours from Kathmandu, the valley feels worlds away. You will stay in simple but cozy teahouses, hike through stunning terrain, and enjoy peaceful overnights in villages like Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Gumba Lungdang. A side hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp makes the trek even more adventurous and allows you to experience stunning high-mountain scenery.
What makes this 18day Tsum Valley Trek unique is that there are no crowds, no tourists, no buzzing trails, and simply just you, the mountains, and hundreds of years of traditions taking place around you. This trek allows for reflection and rewards every step with quiet magic.
So, if you don't mind trading hot showers and fancy cafes with mountain tea houses, spiritual vibes, and pure, unfiltered beauty, our Tsum Valley trek for 18 days is ideal!
During the Tsum Valley trekking in Nepal, there are many attractions, and we have listed some of the highlights below.
Tsum Valley Trek is less-travelled and less-explored trail which means you can enjoy the silence and serenity of the Himalayas even in peak trekking season. There are no crowds just you, nature and the sound of your boots on the trail.
This area has not seen much development since it is so remote and untamed. This is part of the appeal, but it also makes this trek ideal for experienced trekkers who are comfortable in high-altitude terrain and have trekked in the Himalayas before. If that's you, get ready for a profoundly blissful and rewarding experience.
The 18-day Tsum Valley Trek takes you into a secret Shangri-La, far from the beaten path where time seems to have stood still. Only a few trekkers have heard of the place, making Tsum the best-kept secret.
The valley is raw, pure, and untouched, offering a trekking experience that's truly real. Here, you will find the Tsumbas, the warm and welcoming residents who have kept their Tibetan Buddhist tradition alive for centuries. From ancient monasteries to colorful festivals and everyday rituals, the depth of culture in Tsum Valley will leave you with a lasting memory of its heritage.
One of the most magical parts of the Tsum Valley Trek is visiting its ancient Buddhist monasteries. The trail feels like a living museum of Tibetan Buddhist culture, Scattered with chortens, prayer wheels, mani walls, and stupas. Every main village along the trek has its monastery, but the notable among these are Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Dhephu Doma, and Gumba Lungdang- and yes, you will be visiting most of these on the trek with us!
Among all of them, Mu Gompa is a real gem. Located at a height of 3,510 meters near Nile village, this monastery was founded in 1895 by Lama Sherab Dorje of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. The hike up is stunning, and once inside, you will find ancient texts, statues, and sacred relics that give a glimpse into centuries of devotion.
Tsum Valley Trek is an endless string of breathtaking scenery all throughout. Along this less-traveled path, you will be treated to close-up views of towering Himalayan giants like Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), BoudhaHimal (6,672 m), and ShringiHimal (7,083 m).
It is not just the summits, though. The landscape constantly changes as you gain altitude- from the lush green hill slopes and river valleys deep near MachhaKhola (920 m) to the barren, open meadows and glacier vista near Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m).
Each day of the 18-day trek through Tsum Valley introduces new terrain, fresh air, and unbelievable views. You will want your camera ready at all times, but don’t forget to pause and soak it all in!
Tsum Valley Trek takes you into Nepal's Manaslu Conservation Area, a closed-off region that requires special trekking permits. Fewer tourists means far less crowded, intact environments.
As you hike the trail through the conservation area, you will see landscapes ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Watch out for a wide variety of flora, wildflowers, birds, and animals that inhabit the area. It is not a trek-it is a walk through one of Nepal's most biologically diverse and carefully preserved areas.
Like the others, the 18-day Tsum Valley Trek includes two well-planned acclimatizing days, but these are not entirely rest stops! It is your chance to explore more of this Himalayan gem while letting your body adjust to the altitude.
The first acclimatization day is in Nile village, where you will hike up to the stunning Mu Gompa and the serene Doma Gompa in the mountains. On the second rest day, you will go to Gumba Lungdang and then hike up to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, an exhilarating side trip with glacier scenery and elevation; this trek has an awesome high-altitude vibe.
What makes the Tsum Valley Trek so special is the opportunity to stay in comfortable homestays and traditional teahouses with local families. You are not just building a roof over your head; you are going to experience life in the Himalayas. You will stay and eat with and listen to stories from the warm-hearted Tsumbas, who host you as members of their families. Their simple lifestyle, powerful traditions, and genuine hospitality will stay with you for a long time.
The Tsum Valley experience will be memorable because of these real human connections, in addition to the surreal mountain landscape.
The Tsum Valley Trek starts in Kathmandu, with cultural tours of Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Square before driving to SotiKhola. From this point, the trekking continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing scenic villages such as MachhaKhola, Jagat, Lokpa, and Chumling.
You will enter the mysterious Tsum Valley through Chhokangparo and trek to the Nile, exploring sacred places such as Milarepa Cave and Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the area. En route, you will be surrounded by stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli; find the detailed day-by-day itinerary on the page below.
Tsum Valley Trek starts at SotiKhola (700 m) and ascends gently up through MachhaKhola (869 m), Jagat (1,340 m), and Lokpa (2,440 m). Higher up, you reach Chumling (2,386 m), Chhokangparo (3,031 m), and Nile (3,361 m).
Key highlights include Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m), the highest point. Afterward, the trek retraces down to Lokpa (2,440 m) and MachhaKhola (869 m), finishing back in Kathmandu, look at the detailed itinerary section for daily altitude gain.
Tsum Valley trek with Outfitter Himalaya begins at Kathmandu and proceeds towards SotiKhola (700 m), where the trek starts. It ascends slowly to MachhaKhola (869 m), Jagat (1,340 m), and Lokpa (2,440 m) before descending into the hidden Tsum Valley. Trekkers pass through breathtaking villages like Chumling (2,386 m), Chhokangparo (3,031 m), and Nile (3,361 m), and the crown jewel is Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and an optional Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek (4,200 m), the highest. After exploring, the trek heads back down to MachhaKhola and on to Kathmandu.
The trek includes a trek along dense forests, valleys, and remote Buddhist villages far from the more populated paths. Ancient monasteries, rural villages, and stunning Himalayan landscapes characterize the route, which offers a deep cultural and visual experience. Outfitter Himalaya provides trekking maps and in-depth information to help you explore this incredible adventure. Look at the trekking route attached to this page for details.
Each day on the Tsum Valley Trek is 7 to 22 kilometers (4.3 to 13.7 miles) long, and the walking time is 4 to 7 hours. The duration and difficulty are dependent largely on the terrain and altitude, which increase as you ascend higher.
The trek takes you through an excellent series of landscapes, from subtropical rain forests and river valley cascades to alpine grasslands and rugged high-mountain deserts. This diversity not only makes the trek adventurous and rewarding but also gives trekkers a rich and firsthand experience of Nepal's breathtaking natural beauty and remote Himalayan culture.
We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers.
Here’s the full breakdown of our 18-day Tsum Valley Trek- a thoughtfully planned journey that includes your arrival and departure in Nepal, a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, and all the trekking days in between.
Think of this itinerary as a flexible guide. We can absolutely customize it to match your pace, interests, or travel schedule. Just reach out to us. Our team is happy to help craft the perfect Tsum Valley adventure for you!
When you book a trek with Outfitter Himalaya for Manaslu Region, we assign a porter for every 2 trekkers (if you buy the package with porter included). Each porter carries about 20 kilograms (10 kg per person). Depending on the season, the things you need to bring can vary, however, find the list of the equipments that you need for all season.
Basic Essential
Clothing
Upper part of the Body (Head, face & neck)
Middle part of the Body (Chest, stomach, and hands)
Lower Parts of Body (Thighs, legs, and feet)
Other optional items
Documents and others
Outfitter Himalaya Provides: We provide duffel bags, sleeping bags, and down jackets upon request. This equipment/gear is to be returned to us after you finish your trek.
Tips: If you do not have the items listed above, you can also purchase them here in Kathmandu.
The Tsum Valley trek is for those who wish to pursue something challenging. It is considered challenging, so be prepared to trek between 5 and 7 hours per day over uneven and steep terrain. For days, you will be over 3,000 meters high, so good physical fitness and willpower are key.
The trek begins in lush subtropical forests, passing stunning waterfalls and crossing suspension bridges. As the trail steepens and the trees thin out, you will navigate narrow, rocky paths and expansive pastures.
Altitude sickness is a concern during the Tsum Valley trekking. Although the likelihood of trekkers getting altitude sickness is minimal due to our thoughtfully planned itinerary and plenty of acclimatization days, you will still need to be cautious while stressing yourself out trekking!
Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, insufficient sleep, poor diet, or climbing up to an altitude of over 500 meters per day. And in case of mountain sickness, while trekking to Tsum Valley, our specialist mountain guide will provide quick first-aid treatment for disorders developed during Tsum Valley trekking due to altitude. He will ensure every symptom is gone before you can climb again.
Below are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness):
If you are preparing for the Tsum Valley trek, building up your fitness level is essential.
Hiking is the best preparation method, but you can also do cardio training using running, cycling, or swimming. Try walking long distances with a 5 kg backpack to get comfortable with walking while carrying weight. If you are into the gym, focus on core strength and add cardio to your routine to improve stamina.
The secret is to gradually build up your strength and endurance so you will be ready to handle the challenging trails in the surreal Tsum Valley in Nepal.
We believe in making your Tsum Valley trek as smooth as possible, so you will have an expert guide who knows the trail like the back of their hand. In Kathmandu, a city guide will show you around, and for the trek itself, you will have a guide with you every step of the way. For groups of over eight, we will add additional guides to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve.
While porters aren’t included in the price, you can easily add one during the booking process if you want extra help carrying your gear.
Transportation on the Tsum Valley trek from Kathmandu to SotiKhola and from MachhaKhola back to Kathmandu is on a local public bus, the best way to experience local travel! While authentic, it might not always be the most comfortable ride. If you prefer more comfort, you can upgrade to a private Jeep when booking. It is your call, but you are in for an unforgettable adventure either way!
The Tsum Valley trek includes 17 nights of accommodation: 3 nights in Kathmandu’s 3-star hotels and the other 14 nights in tea houses, guest houses, and homestays along the trek. These accommodations are basic but provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
These are primarily family-run lodges where you will enjoy home-cooked meals and a chance to connect with the local culture. It is a simple but cozy way to spend your nights while trekking through the stunning valley.
Our Tsum Valley trek package provide 47 meals (17 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinner) served at your lodges. You will have breakfast and dinner as hearty meals at the lodges; and lunch will be served while trekking on the trail.
It is suggested that you bring some water purification tablets or medicine. However, you can also always buy bottled or boiled spurts when necessary. Be sure to stay hydrated and nourished as you explore this beautiful region.
If planning the Tsum Valley Trek 18 Days, choose your season wisely! Spring (March to May) is a delight, with rhododendrons bursting in color, warm sun, and dazzling mountain views. Autumn (September to November) is equally magical, with crisp skies, festive villages, and golden hills. Both seasons promise perfect trekking conditions with stable weather and clear trails.
Winter (December to February) brings snow and is dreamy but freezing (best for hardcore adventurers), while summers can bring more puddles as the monsoon months (June to August) swing by and can get a bit too slippery for comfort.
You’ve arrived in Nepal!
Our friendly Outfitter Himalaya team will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Thamel.
Check-in is smooth and easy so that you can relax right away. After settling in, enjoy the day however you like- whether it's a relaxed afternoon or a little adventure around the city.
We will dive into Kathmandu’s cultural gems, like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Your guide will fill you in on the fascinating history and local culture.
In the afternoon, we will get trekking permits for you and head to the office for a gear check and packing session.
You will be given your duffel bag and all the other essentials needed for the journey ahead.
After breakfast, we will hit the road and set off towards SotiKhola, the formal start of the Tsum Valley trek!
The first half of the drive is smooth and pleasant, but post-Arughat, the ride gets a bit bumpy.
Along the way, you will be treated to views of rushing rivers, lush green hills, and distant mountain peaks-it is an excellent taste of the adventure ahead!
As we leave SotiKhola, get ready for some of the most scenic shots. We will be trekking along suspension bridges and through lush rhododendron forests.
This gentle slope takes you through terraced fields and pretty little villages before reaching MachhaKhola.
The rich vegetation and breathtaking landscapes will keep you in awe.
The trail takes us to Tatopani (930 m), goes up a ridge, and then leads us over a shaky suspension bridge across the Budi Gandaki. We will follow stone stairs along a narrow valley trail.
After Doban (1000 m), we will walk for about one more hour before reaching Shyaule Bhatti.
We will cross a landslide area and continue on a rough trail until we finally reach Jagat.
We will register our permits in Jagat and leave the village. We will take a rocky ridge past Salleri and descend towards Sirdibas. Then, the valley widens, leading us to GhattaKhola.
At this point, we cross a long suspension bridge and trek upstream to Philim.
Afterward, we will hike through a lush forest and climb north from Gum Pul, eventually reaching Lokpa.
From LungwaKhola, we descend for about an hour and ascend through rhododendrons and pine forests for a few more hours of scenic trekking.
We will pass through Gumlung, cross SiyarKhola, and arrive at Chumling, all while taking in breathtaking mountain landscapes.
We start the day by crossing a hanging bridge to the opposite bank, where we can enjoy gorgeous mountain views of Ganesh Himal.
After trekking through Rainjam, we will cross another bridge over SerpuKhola and reach Gho village.
We will continue for two hours from here, entering Tsum Valley with Chhokangparoas, our first village.
On a clear day, the view of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal from here is absolutely stunning.
We will begin our trek by walking from Chhokangparo to Ngakyu, passing charmingg villages like Leru and Lama Gaun.
While in the areaa, we will make a special stop at the Milarepa cave, a place of spiritual significance.
Continuing onward, we will pass Burji, Phurbe, and Pangdun, then walk past Chhule before reaching the Nile, our stop for the night.
It is a day to slow down and adjust, but that doesn’t mean we will sit still! We will wander the western side of the valley to reach Mu Gompa, the grandest monastery in the area.
Then, we will stretch our legs a bit more with a visit to Doma Gompa before returning to the Nile for the evening.
We retrace our steps back to Chhokangparo, following the same path. There, we will pass through Lar village and stop at Rachen Gompa.
The trail offers superb mountain views. To reach Chhokangparo, we will cross a suspension bridge.
The trail descends to Gho village and crosses the Dumje Bridge. We will stop at Amchi, a traditional Tibetan nunnery.
We will be offered some delicious Tibetan tea before continuing our trek.
We have to walk for another 2-3 hours before Gumpa Lundang appears.
Get ready for an adventure! Today, we hike to the remote Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
The trail is a little complicated, so we will follow our guide closely. We pass some remote houses, zigzag up a dry path, and trek through dense forest.
We climb steeply to a ridge after crossing the Lundang Khola on a wooden bridge.
Then, grassy flats and Toro Gompa's glacier moraine lead us higher, all the way to the base camp!
We begin the day with a delicious breakfast and start descending to Ghumpul.
The tradescends into rhododendronons and pine forests and again joins the Manaslu trail.
We walk through remote villages and hahe beautiful views of Lokpa.
Today’s walk is full of river views and rolling trails!
We will leave Lokpa behind, trek along the BudhiGandaki, and reach Philim after some steady ups and downs.
Crossing a hanging bridge, we pass charming Sirdibas and splash across the GhatteKhola, navigating a rocky trail until we land in Jagat for the night.
Today’s trek leads us to lower Jagat, over a rough trail and a suspension bridge.
We hike down through forests to Yarubagar, a stony forest path with numerous bridges to cross before we reach the riverside village of MachhaKhola.
We start the morning with a breathtaking ride back to Kathmandu.
As we ride past Arughat Bazaar, the roads smooth out, and the scenery swings wide, the Ganesh Himal peaks offer a majestic goodbye.
Once we reach the city, you will have free time to relax or grab some souvenirs.
Later in the evening, we will catch up for a farewell dinner and a few last laughs together.
The trek has ended. You can either extend your trip with us or leave for your home country today.
Our airport team will drop you at the international airport terminal for your home flight.
