Tsum Valley Trekking

Duration: 18 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-12
  • Max. Altitude 3700m

Highlights

  • Trek to hidden Shangri La, Tsum valley in the restricted Manaslu region
  • A very distinct trekking route with centuries-old monasteries, caves used by renowned sages for meditation, huge mani walls, lush rhododendron forests & vast pastures
  • Untouched, unspoiled, & not crowded offbeat trail
  • Come across diverse vegetation and alpine animals
  • The region has a strong influence on Tibetan Buddhism and touches the Tibetan border
  • Stunning mountain views and breathtaking landscapes
  • Locals host the trekkers in their home
  • Hike to Ganesh Himal base camp

Tsum Valley Trekking 18 Days

If you are on a quest to explore the untouched parts of the Himalayas, far, far away from the mainstream trekking routes, then Tsum valley is the answer for you. Located east of the Manalsu, bordering Tibet, Tsum valley is a hidden Shangri La that is rarely talked about. The entire region was long prohibited to enter, and as a matter of fact, only opened to travelers in 2008. Home to Tsumbas, the direct descendant of Tibetans, the Tsum valley offers a raw, unspoiled trekking experience.

We have an adventurous 18 days excursion to Tsum valley, fully guided and supported by professional crew members who somewhat ease the venture and make it more meaningful. Being part of the Manaslu region, you can do the Tsum valley trek with the Manaslu circuit too. Even though the starting point of the trek is situated only 7 hours away from Kathmandu, not many trekkers approach the Manaslu region for trekking because of its isolation and not adequate tourist infrastructure.

Tsum valley is a restricted area and falls under the Manaslu Conservation Area. Tsum valley trek solo (without a guide and registered local trekking) is not allowed. Moreover, you have to trek in a group of a minimum of two people, and mandatory need a trekking guide. All these factors and expensive trekking permits keep the crowd away from the Tsum valley trail. Trekking in the Tsum valley is a privilege that only a handful of travelers have got so far.

The untouched and unspoiled ancient villages and Tibetan Buddhist roots are what you get to explore during Tsum valley trekking. Look forward to old monasteries such as Mu Gompa, Dhephu Doma & Gumba Lungdang. The friendly and very welcoming locals host the trekkers. Being so close to them, you will get to have a first-hand experience of their customs and practices. The nunneries, chortens, and prayer wheels along the way express the cultural abundance of the region.

Tsum valley trek gives a very different trekking experience than the famous Everest base camp trek or Annapurna base camp trek. The scenery is quite distinct too. The overnight stays in the villages like Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Gumpa Lundang are fabulous. You'll go on a side hike to Ganesh Himal base camp, walking on thrilling glacier moraine.

Tsum valley trek is for experienced trekkers who can adjust without modern convenience and do not get scared to go offbeat. It is an incredible trek that will give you lifelong memories, teach you a lot of things, and shape you as a strong individual. You will have the trail to yourself. No disturbance, no crowd at all. Just you, your thoughts, and vast mountain vistas.

The booking for the Tsum valley trek 2023 and 2024 spring and autumn is open. Book the trek early to have ample time to prepare for the trek. Our travel consultants will help you with booking and further information about the trek.

Tsum valley trekking attractions

Offbeat, less crowded trekking route

Tsum valley trail is not visited by trekkers usually, so it has seen less growth. There is no crowd even in the peak trekking season. You can enjoy tranquil trekking and solitude. The trekking route is offbeat, which means lots of hurdles and difficult sections. This trek is perfect for experienced trekkers who are aware of high-altitude mountainous terrain or have previous trekking experience in the Himalayas.

Explore a hidden Shangri La and its reach Tibetan Buddhism cultural heritage

Tsum valley is known as a hidden Shangri La. Not many travelers even know about this valley. Tucked in the lap of the Himalayan mountains, a trek to Tsum valley presents you with a magical venture. Tsum valley remains unexplored and unspoiled. You will get to experience authentic, raw trekking.

Likewise, the residents of this valley are called Tsumbas. They are descendants of Tibetans and are profoundly connected to their roots. Practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, you'll get to see very unique cultures and traditions of the locals.

Visit ancient monasteries, including Mu Gompa

One of the divine essences of Tsum valley is its centuries-old monasteries and many stupas, prayer wheels, mani walls & chortens scattered around the trekking route. All the major villages have a monastery, and among them, the most important are Mu Gompa, Doma Gompa, Ranchen Gompa, and Gumpa Lundang. And the best part is you will be visiting most of these monasteries while trekking with us.

The Mu Gompa was established in 1895 AD by Lama Sherab Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche of the Drukpa Kagyu sect. Located at 3,510 meters around Nile village, the hike to this monastery is outstanding. You can see religious books, statues, and images of safes & deities in the monastery.

Witness stunning mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes

The Tsum valley trekking offers close views of some of the most stunning Himalayan mountains, like Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Boudha Himal (6,672 m), Shringi Himal (7,083 m), etc. The trail is very impressive. You get to behold views of diverse sceneries as you go from Machha Khola (2,920 m) to Ganesh Himal base camp (4,200 m). You will see lush river valleys and green hills, vast meadows & glacier views as the trek progresses.

Trek in the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area

Manaslu region is a restricted area in Nepal and demands special restricted area permits to trek. Tsum valley is located inside the Manaslu region. The region is protected under the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trail winds through forests and pastures to the alpine zone. You will get to see many species of plants, flowers, animals, and birds on the way. The forests range from subtropical to alpine.

Adventurous side excursions during the acclimatization days

We have two acclimatization days in our Tsum valley trek itinerary. One is in a village called Nile, and you hike to Mu Gompa & Doma Gompa here. Likewise, on the second rest day, we take in Gumpa Lundang and hike to Ganesh Himal base camp. Both these rest days are important for acclimatizing our bodies and also allow us to explore the far-stretched points.

Locals host you in their houses

The accommodation during the Tsum valley trek mostly is in a homestay. You spend nights in locals' houses. Of course, this lets you have a close insight into the local's lifestyle and practices. You will be amazed by their simple living and kind heart. The locals are welcoming and very hospitable. You will love their company during your resting time.

Itinerary

Find the detailed program of the Tsum Valley Trek for 18 Days. The 18-day program is a guideline itinerary and inclusive of your arrival and departure days to and from Nepal and a day tour in Kathmandu.

Find the detailed itineary of the trek and the itinerary for the Tsum Valley Trek is customizable as per your need and desire. So, free to contact us any time for the itinerary you want.

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The Airport representative of Outfitter Himalaya will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and assist with the luggage. We use a private vehicle to escort you to the hotel in Thamel. We have pre-booked a hotel for you, so the rooms will be ready for you to check in right away. Rest and meet other team members in the evening.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

Today, we will go sightseeing and make trekking permits. Because of the restricted area permit, your passport has to be presented to obtain it. One of our expert tour guides will accompany you while visiting monuments. You'll visit the Monkey Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhnath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

In the late afternoon, we have a briefing in our office, and we'll hand over duffel bags to you with some other company merch to use during the trek. The trek guide will brief the venture and help you with the final packing.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

After a big breakfast, we will begin our journey to Soti Khola, from where the Tsum valley trek begins. The drive is smooth more than half of the way and gets bumpy from Arughat onwards. We can see rushing rivers, lush green hills, and mountains on the way.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude700

Leaving Soti Khola, we cross many suspension bridges and walk through lush rhododendron forests. The trail also ascends via terraces and small villages to Machha Khola. The trail is abundant in vegetation and offers beautiful landscapes.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude839

The trail ascends to Tatopani (930 m) and climbs over a ridge. Crossing the Budi Gandaki on a shaky suspension bridge, we will walk on stone stairs following a narrow valley trail. The trail passes by Doban (1,000 m), and we walk for an hour before reaching Shyaule Bhatti. Further, walking on a landslide area, we follow a rough trail to Jagat.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude1640

We will register our permits in Jagat and leave the village. Following an uphill rocky ridge, we reach Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens and continues to Ghatta Khola. We will then walk upstream on a long suspension bridge and ascend to Philim. We then trek through a lush forest and ascend north from Gum Pul to reach Lokpa.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2040

The trail descends for an hour to Lungwa Khola. From here, we'll ascend for a couple of hours through rhododendron and pine forests. We reach Gumlung and cross Siyar Khola before reaching Chumling. Along the trail, we can see stunning mountain landscapes.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2390

Today, we begin the day by crossing a hanging bridge on the opposite bank. We can see gorgeous mountain views of Ganesh Himal. Trekking through Rainjam, we cross another bridge over Serpu Khola and arrive at Gho village. From here, we walk for two hours to enter Tsum valley, and the first village is Chhokangparo. On a clear day, the view of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal is excellent from this village.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3030

Leaving Chhokangparo, walk to Ngakyua. Further, walking past remote settlements such as Leru and Lama Gaun, we will stop by Milarepa cave. The trail then continues to Burji, Phurbe, and Pangdun villages. Then walk past Chhule and finally reach Nile for an overnight stay.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3360

We have an acclimatization day. Acclimatization days are good opportunities to explore the area in depth and hike to hidden corners. On this day, we will hike to Mu Gompa, following the west side of the valley. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in Tsum valley. After this place, we will ascend to Doma Gompa and return to Nile to spend the night.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3700

We trek back to Chhokangparo following the same trail back. On the way, we will pass by Lar village and stop by Rachen gompa. The trail offers superb mountain views. Before reaching Chhokangparo, we'll cross a suspension bridge.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3030

The trail descends to Gho village and crosses the Dumje Bridge. We will stop at Amchi, a traditional Tibetan nunnery. We will have some delicious Tibetan tea before trekking further. We then have to trek for another 2-3 hours before Gumpa Lundang arrives.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3200

We take another acclimatization day today and hike to the Ganesh Himal base camp. The trail is not well-marked. We have to carefully follow in the footsteps of our mountain guide. Passing by a few houses, we will walk along a dusty zigzag route. The trail continues up through the lush forest & crosses Lundang Khola via a wooden bridge, and steeply ascends to a ridge. We then keep trekking to grassy flats and walk past Toro Gompa glacier moraine and ascend to the base camp of Ganesh Himal.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4200

We begin the day with a scrumptious breakfast and begin descending toward Ghumpul. The trail descends through rhododendron and pine forests and joins the Manaslu trail again. Pass by remote villages, relishing wonderful sceneries to Lokpa.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2040

Leaving Jagat, we drop down to Philim. We will walk along the Budi Gandaki River and ascend & descend towards Philim. From here, we will walk the downhill route and cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Further, passing by Sirdibas via Ghatte Khola, we walk on a rocky path to Jagat for the night stay.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude1340

The trail descends to lower Jagat. We then walk on a rugged path and cross a suspension bridge. Further, the trail drops down through lush forests to Yarubagar. The route then is rocky and descends through lush forests. We cross multiple bridges and keep walking via the forested path to Machha Khola.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude870

Early in the morning, we will begin our scenic ride to Kathmandu. Passing by Arughat Bazaar, the drive gets comfortable. We get to enjoy the beautiful landscape until we reach Kathmandu. The Ganesh Himal range view is superb, too, during the starting part of the drive. We leave you in the hotel to rest and unpack. Spend the remaining day shopping and meet the team in the late evening for a farewell dinner.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1340

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 flight back home.

  • MealsB

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

Map & Altitude Graph

Tsum Valley Trekking map

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • 3-night Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Transportation from Kathmandu - Sotikhola -Kathmandu by local bus
  • Meals during the trek as per the itinerary
  • Conservation entry permits, restricted area permit and TIMS permit
  • 16 nights’ accommodations in lodges/tea houses/home stay/local house on trek
  • A Guide and porters
  • Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and porter
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service ( Pay by Travel insurance company)
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary and duffel bag and return after the trek

Exclusions

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Your Travel insurance
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu
  • The entire bar bills & soft and hot drinks
  • Entrances Fees while visiting Kathmandu
  • Tips for the guide and porter
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Trip Departures

Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: MondaySep 04, 2023End DateEnds: ThursdaySep 21, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$1300StatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondaySep 18, 2023End DateEnds: ThursdayOct 05, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$1300StatusAvailable

Are the above-offered dates not suitable for you? Check Availability to Book on your own Date!

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Essential Info

Tsum valley trek difficulty

The Tsum valley trek is demanding. By experts, this trek is marked as strenuous. If you dare to challenge yourself physically and mentally, then Tsum valley trekking is the perfect trekking package for you in the Himalayas.

You have to walk 5 to 7 hours a day each day on the steep, rough mountainous trail. Likewise, you will be spending many days over 3,000 meters. Hence, fairly good physical fitness with high endurance and willpower is needed for this trek.

The trail begins through subtropical forests and gradually ascends along the raging Budhi Gandaki River. You will walk past beautiful waterfalls and cross many hanging suspension bridges. There are many steep uphill climbs along the way. Once you leave behind the treeline, it is mostly walking on pastures and rocky, narrow trails.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a major concern during the Tsum valley trek. Even though the chance of trekkers getting altitude sickness is quite minimal, thanks to our well-designed itinerary and ample acclimatization days in it, you still have to be careful while trekking.

Refrain from doing anything (like drinking alcoholic drinks, smoking, not getting enough sleep, not eating a proper diet, or ascending more than 500 meters a day) that may trigger symptoms of altitude sickness.

In case you suffer from altitude sickness during the Tsum valley trek, our expert mountain guide will give you first aid. He will make sure you get rid of all the symptoms before ascending any further.

Below are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness):

  • headache
  • insomnia
  • difficulty in breathing
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea & vomiting

Tsum valley Trek preparation

To prepare for the Tsum valley trek, you can hike or get involved in other cardio activities such as swimming, cycling, jogging, etc. Similarly, go on long walks regularly with a backpack weighing 5 kg. It will help you build your walking habit. For gym bodies, you can focus on strengthening your core and add cardio to the routine. You have to build your stamina, strength, and walking.

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