12 Days
Group and Private
10 people
English
The Tsum Valley (གཙུམ་ལུང་།) (चुम उपत्यका) Trek explores a sacred Himalayan valley in Nepal’s Gorkha District, bordering Tibet. Opened to tourists in 2008, this “Hidden Valley” (Beyul Kyimolung, སྦས་ཡུལ་ སྐྱིད་མོ་ལུང་) preserves ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions, dramatic landscapes, and pristine culture untouched by modernity. With a maximum altitude of 3,700–3,800m, it’s a moderate trek ideal for cultural enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Trekkers will journey through serene pine and rhododendron forests, cross dramatic suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki and Syar Khola rivers, and pass through traditional villages like Chumling, Chhekampar, and Nile, where the Tsumba people offer warm hospitality and preserve ancient customs. Along the way, you’ll experience the valley’s deep-rooted spiritual essence, evident in sacred sites like Rachen Gompa, Milarepa’s Cave, and the renowned Mu Gompa (3,700 meters), the highest and most significant monastery in the region. For more adventurous trekkers, there’s the option to hike further to Dephyudonma Gumba or toward the base of Pika Himal for panoramic views and higher elevations.
The trek also treats you to breathtaking vistas of some of the most iconic peaks in Nepal, including Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, and glimpses of the majestic Mount Manaslu—the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The region’s biodiversity is equally captivating, offering opportunities to spot blue sheep, Himalayan thar, and even rare species such as red pandas or snow leopards in their natural habitat.
This moderate-altitude trek, peaking at 3,700 meters, is perfect for fit trekkers looking to avoid the busy routes of Everest or Annapurna. With fewer trekkers on the trail, Tsum Valley offers solitude, serenity, and a profound connection with nature and spirituality, making it one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal.
| Season | Weather | Pros & Cons |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 5°C–18°C; clear skies | ✅ Wildflowers bloom on warm days. ❀ Crowded trails. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 0°C–15°C; stable conditions | ✅ Ideal visibility, festivals. 🍁 Peak season permits cost more. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | -8°C–7°C; snowy trails | ✅ Lower permit costs, solitude. ❄️ Challenging cold; some lodges closed. |
| Monsoon (Jun–Aug) | 8°C–20°C; heavy rain, landslides | ❌ Not recommended due to trail risks. |
| Aspect | Key Detail |
| Solo Trekking | Not allowed; guide + min. 2 trekkers required |
| Wildlife | Spot blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards are rare |
| Unique Rule | A strict vegetarian diet in the entire valley |
| Emergency Care | No hospitals; evacuation to Kathmandu via helicopter |
| Connectivity | Limited Wi-Fi; Nepal Telecom SIM works in the lower villages |
After an early breakfast, embark on an 8–10-hour scenic drive by public bus through Nepal’s rural heartland. Wind past terraced farms, traditional villages, and the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, arriving at Machha Khola by evening. Settle into a simple teahouse for your first night in the Himalayas.
Trek 6–7 hours along the Budhi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls. Pause at Tatopani to soak in natural hot springs before entering the Manaslu Conservation Area. Reach Jagat, a charming stone-village gateway to the Tsum Valley.
Hike 6 hours through subtropical forests, ascending to Philim (a Gurung village). The trail splits here—leave the Manaslu Circuit route and descend into the lush gorge toward Lokpa, your entry point into the sacred Tsum Valley.
Climb 6 hours into the Tsum Valley proper. Pass ancient mani walls and catch your first clear views of Ganesh Himal (7,422m). Visit Gurwa Gompa, a 12th-century monastery, before overnighting in Chumling.
A 5-hour ascent through pine forests brings you to Chhokang Paro, a cluster of traditional Tibetan-style stone houses. Meet Tsumba locals, sip butter tea, and admire panoramic views of Boudha Himal and Himalchuli.
Trek 4 hours alongside the Shiar Khola River. Explore Rachen Gompa, an active nunnery with vibrant murals, and Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu)—a sacred meditation site adorned with ancient rock paintings.
A short 3-hour climb leads to Mu Gompa, the highest and oldest monastery in Tsum Valley. Explore its ancient scriptures, golden Buddha statues, and yak pastures. Optional hike to Pika Himal base camp (4,000m).
Rest and acclimatize. Meditate with monks, explore nearby caves, or hike to the Tibetan border for views of Ganesh VII Peak. Critical for altitude adjustment.
Descend 7–8 hours along the Shiar Khola Valley, retracing your steps through Nile and Lar. Return to Chumling, soaking in the valley’s spiritual aura one last evening.
Trek 5 hours downhill through rhododendron forests, crossing the Sarpu Khola bridge. Exit the Tsum Valley and return to Lokpa.
Hike 5 hours past Philim and Tatopani, re-entering the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Celebrate your journey’s end in Jagat with a farewell dinner.
Trek 3 hours to Machha Khola, then board a public bus for the 8–10-hour return drive to Kathmandu.
|
Permit Type |
Cost (2025) |
Where to Obtain |
|
Tsum Restricted Permit |
Sept–Nov: $40/week; Dec–Aug: $30/week + $7/day extra |
Registered trekking agency in Kathmandu/Pokhara |
|
Manaslu Conservation Permit (MCAP) |
$23 (NPR 3,000) |
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
|
Annapurna Permit (ACAP) |
$23 (NPR 3,000) – only if exiting via Annapurna |
NTB offices |
Difficulty: Moderate (5–7 hours walking/day).
Challenges: Steep ascents/descents, rocky trails, and basic teahouses. Max altitude: 3,700m (Mu Gompa), reducing severe altitude risks.
Fitness: Prior trekking experience recommended; cardio training advised
|
Season |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Spring (Mar–May) |
Rhododendron blooms, festivals (Saka Dawa), mild temps (5°C–18°C) |
Crowded trails; book permits early |
|
Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
Clear skies, festivals (Dashain/Tihar), ideal temps (0°C–15°C) |
Peak-season permit costs higher |
|
Winter (Dec–Feb) |
Solitude, snowy landscapes |
Extreme cold (-10°C), limited open teahouses |
|
Monsoon (Jun–Aug) |
Lush greenery, low crowds |
Landslides, leeches, obscured views |
Commercial Flights: No airports; access requires 8–10-hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola.
Helicopters: Can be chartered from Kathmandu ($$$). Book via agencies; ideal for emergencies or luxury trips
Sacred Sites: Mu Gompa (15th-century scriptures), Rachen Gompa (nunnery), Milarepa’s Cave (11th-century meditation site).
Festivals: Participate in Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) or Dumji (mask dances).
Unique Traditions: Polyandry, stone-carved mani walls, and vegetarian-only meals (animal sacrifice prohibited)
Rooms: Basic twin-share beds; no private bathrooms above Chumling.
Food: Dal Bhat, noodles, Tibetan bread. No meat (Shagya Tradition enforced).
Extras: Charging ($2–5/hour), Wi-Fi ($3–7/hour), hot showers ($4–8) – cash only
Permits: Children under 10 pay no fee but still need permits.
Safety: Altitude is manageable, but remote location and basic healthcare make it suitable for kids aged 12+ with trekking experience
Lower max altitude (3,700m vs. 5,000m+ on EBC/Annapurna).
Guides carry oxygen cylinders/pulse oximeters.
Critical: Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (up to 5,000m) is mandatory
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 to 5 Person Group Booking | 3 | 5 | $100.00 |
| 2 | 6 to 9 Person Group Booking | 6 | 9 | $200.00 |
| 3 | 10 to Above Person Group Booking | 10 | 20 | $310.00 |
Member Since 2025
Hidden Gem for Serious Trekkers