Tsum Valley Trek
- Duration
- 16 days
- Max altitude
- 3,700 m
- Difficulty
-
Strenuous
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,310.00
Overview
A side valley off the Manaslu circuit that was closed to outsiders until 2008. A Buddhist enclave with its own dialect, its own monasteries and a long-standing local ban on hunting, which is why you still see blue sheep from the trail.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Mu and Rachen gompas
- A valley closed to visitors until 2008
- Wildlife protected by local custom, not law
- Can be combined with the Manaslu circuit
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to a hotel 1,400 m Hotel
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting at the office with our trekking guide in the afternoon.
-
Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola (869 m) from Kathmandu via Soti Khola (700 m) by Private Tourist vehicle – 9 to 10 hours 869 m 9-10 hrs Teahouse
After the morning breakfast, we leave for Machha Khola, the starting point of our trek. From Kathmandu to Dhading Besi is a 3-hour comfortable drive on a concrete paved road. After this is a bumpy and winding dirt road to Machha Khola which takes from 5 to 7 hours depending on the traffic and road condition.
The total drive for the day will approximately be 9 to 10 hours. The road to Machha Khola from Soti Khola was recently constructed and it isn’t paved in concrete. We will be sending a private 4WD vehicle for you and assigning an experienced driver. -
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340) from Machha Khola – 6 to 7 hours 6-7 hrs Teahouse
After crossing Machha River and Khorla besi, there is a hot spring called Tatopani. The trail follows a forest reaching Dovan, below which flows the massive Budi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation.
-
Day 4: Trek to Lokpa (2,240 m) from Jagat – 5 to 6 hours 2,240 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
The early morning trek makes us climb through a rocky ridge up to Salleri from where we descend down towards Sirdibas. The valley widens as the trail takes us to Ghatta khola and
then upstream towards the Gurung village, Philim. Walking towards the northern direction through the forest, we reach Chisopani. Leaving Chisopani, we cross the gorge and walk for around half an hour only to arrive at the beautiful waterfall. We then walk into the pine
and rhododendron forests, descend down the trail towards Tsum Valley to Lokpa. -
Day 5: Trek to Chumling (2,386 m) from Lokpa – 6 to 7 hours 2,386 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Today is a tough day as the altitude increases and the trail is mostly an ascent too. The panoramic views of the Himalayas hides and seeks time and again throughout the trail. We walk down beautiful villages of Lungwa Khola and then
ascend through pine forests to Gumlung. After crossing the Siyar Khola, we finally reach Chumling, the lower Tsum valley, famous for Chumling Gompa and the stone paved streets of the village
-
Day 6: Trek to Chhokhang Paro (3,031 m) from Chumling – 4 to 5 hours 3,031 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
The trek starts with crossing the suspension bridge today. We walk on the other side and enjoying the views of Ganesh Himal walk towards Rainjam towards Serpu Khola. We cross one more bridge and head towards a village named Gho.
We walk further 2 hours to finally walk to the upper Tsum valley and reach Chokhangparo. -
Day 7: Trek to Nile (3,361 m) from Chhokhang Paro – 5 to 6 hours 3,361 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Today there is a strong rise in altitude and the ascent in the trail too. We walk past Lamagaon crossing suspension bridge towards Rachen Gompa, also known as Nunnery Gompa. After making a visit to the Gompa we return back on the trail. We pass through Shiar Khola, Lar,
Phurbe and Pangdun village, many Buddhist monasteries, cross the final bridge before reaching Nile. There is a monastery at Chule nearby to Nile which can be visited after resting at Nile. -
Day 8: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) from Nile – 5 to 6 hours 3,700 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
The trail today takes us closer to the Tibetan border. We walk through the west bank of the valley through Tibetan landscapes. After walking for around 5 to 6 hours we finally reach Mu Gompa.
-
Day 9: Rest Day in Mu Gompa (3,700 m) 3,700 m Teahouse
Today we spend the day resting and exploring the Mu Gompa, the other Tibetan landscapes and the most remote area of this Tsum valley. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region.
After completing the exploration at Mu Gompa, we can also consider walking to the base of the Pika Himal (4,865 m). -
Day 10: Trek to Burgi village (3,245 m) from Mu Gompa via Milarepa cave – 5 to 6 hours 3,245 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Today we walk back the trail to Chhule and Phurbe. On the east bank of Shiar Khola, we arrive at Burgi village. This village is small and beautiful. We climb up the Milarepa cave famous for the mesmerizing view of the Kipu Himal, Churke Himal and Poshyop glacier.
-
Day 11: Trek to Chumling (2,386 m) from Burgi village – 5 to 6 hours 2,386 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We walk back the trail enjoying the dense pine and rhododendron forests, descending down to Chokhangparo and then walking towards the lower Tsum Valley Chumling.
-
Day 12: Trek to Philim (1,570 m) from Chumling – 6 to 7 hours 1,570 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
The walk today will be of 6 to 7 hours. Descending down to Lokpa, enjoying the gorgeous Samba Falls, we finally reach Philim.
-
Day 13: Trek to Khorlabesi (970 m) from Philim – 6 to 7 hours 970 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
We walk down towards Sirdibas then to Jagat and further descend to Yaruphant. The Tibetan arid climate can be seen gradually changing over to the subtropical green vegetation.
We continue descending down towards Dovan and finally reaching Tatopani. There is a hot water spring at Tatopani, if preferred one can take a dip into it to relax the tired muscles. We further walk down and finally reach Khorlabesi. -
Day 14: Trek to Machha Khola (869 m) from Khorlabesi – 5 to 6 hours 869 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Both Khorlabesi and Machha Khola are in the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. After hot breakfast, we will take the trail to Machha Khola. It’s mostly a decent today. We will walk on the
side of the mountain with the roaring Budhi Gandaki below us, cross suspension bridges and finally arrive at Machha Khola, the end point of our trek. -
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m) from Machha Khola by Private Tourist vehicle – 9 to 10 hours 1,400 m 9-10 hrs Hotel
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. The road in the beginning is newly built and isn’t paved in concrete. We will have a bumpy ride down until Dhading Besi. From then to Kathmandu, the drive will be in concrete road but it is still a mountain road, so the drive won’t be as smooth as in the cities. We will assign an experienced driver for your private transfer to Kathmandu.
If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.
In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
-
Day 16: Transfer to International Airport for Your Final Departure
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,570.00 | Comfortfrom $1,852.60 | Luxuryfrom $2,276.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Included: Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region for 13 nights
- Included: All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
- Included: A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- Included: Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.
- Included: Airport pickup and drop-off are included with all ground transportation covered.
- Included: Road travel from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (870m), then return from Maccha Khola back to Kathmandu.
- Included: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Tsum Valley
- Included: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Included: Chumnubri Rural Municipality Local Permit
- Included: The Tsum Valley Trek features an experienced English-speaking guide with official government certification and extensive high-mountain knowledge.
- Included: One porter is assigned for every two trekkers to carry up to 25 kg combined, lightening the walking load.
- Included: The team receives complete care, including fair wages, meals, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and medical support.
- Included: For safety purposes, guides carry essential medical supplies, an oximeter, water purification, and altitude sickness medication while monitoring the trekker's condition regularly throughout the journey.
- Included: Complimentary warm jacket and sleeping bag for the trek (weighs 3–4 kg)
- Included: A 70-liter hiking bag is provided for each trekker
- Included: Commemorative set featuring a detailed Tsum Valley trek map, a company T-shirt, and a cap
- Included: Official certificate marking completion of the Tsum Valley hidden trek
- Included: All government taxes, permits, and service charges
Not included
- Not included: Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
- Not included: International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Not included: Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Not included: Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Not included: Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Not included: Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Not included: Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Not included: Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $1,570.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $1,310.00 | $260.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,230.00 | $340.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,155.00 | $415.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
You may also like
