Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Facts

  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Difficulty moderate_strenuous
  • Max. Altitude 3600m
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Mar-May & Sep-Nov
  • Accommodation Hotel / Tea House

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the hidden Tsum Valley, also known as the “Valley of Happiness,” rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions.
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, where monks and nuns practice centuries-old rituals.
  • Experience warm hospitality of the Tsumbas, who have preserved their unique lifestyle and traditions for generations.
  • Trek through scenic landscapes of lush forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal.
  • Witness colorful mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags that add a spiritual essence throughout the trail.
  • A culturally immersive and less-crowded trekking experience, perfect for travelers seeking peace, authenticity, and adventure.

Overview – Tsum Valley Adventure

The Tsum Valley Adventure takes you into the hidden pockets of Nepal’s Mid-Western Himalayas, surrounded by the towering peaks of Manaslu (Kutung) and Ganesh Himal (Yangri). This journey offers a rare opportunity to trek along off-the-beaten trails in one of the most remote and culturally rich regions of Nepal.

Unlike the busier trekking routes of the Himalayas, the Tsum Valley Trek is a road less traveled, making it an authentic adventure for those seeking untouched landscapes and deep cultural immersion. Starting with an overland drive from Kathmandu through Dhading and Gorkha, the trek gradually ascends from fertile valleys and lush forests to the higher, drier landscapes of Tsum.

In the local dialect, Tsum means “Valley of Happiness”, and it truly lives up to its name. The region is home to warm-hearted locals of Tibetan origin, vibrant villages, and centuries-old Buddhist traditions rarely seen by foreign travelers. Trekking past Chumling and Nele, you’ll reach the sacred Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, where you can witness ancient rituals and admire breathtaking Himalayan views.

This adventure combines the natural beauty of pristine wilderness with cultural discovery, making the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek with Glory Himalayan Trek & Tours a perfect choice for trekkers who want peace, spirituality, and raw Himalayan adventure beyond the mainstream trails.

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • 3 Nights hotel in Kathmandu (BB Plan)
  • All Ground Transportation
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
  • All required permits and local government taxes
  • Experienced and licensed English-Speaking Guide
  • Trekking route map
  • First Aid Kit, Down jacket, and Sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek)
  • Farewell dinner

What's not included

  • International Airfare and Nepal Entry Visa fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Porter - if required ($20 per day)
  • Tips for Guide and Porter
  • Drinks and beverages other than mentioned
  • Hot shower, Wi-Fi, Battery charge during the trek

Detailed Itinerary

  • DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

    Upon arrival, our team member will greet you a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel.

    Altitude: 1300m
    Accommodation: hotel
  • DAY 02: Kathmandu sightseeing tour and trek preparation.

    We set off for a beautiful day exploring Kathmandu valley, observing historical, cultural, and monumental wonders.

    1. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a sacred Buddhist stupa perched atop a hill in Kathmandu. It offers panoramic views of the city and features a striking white dome, golden spire, and the iconic all-seeing eyes of Buddha. The site is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu symbolism and is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal.
    2. Patan Durbar Square, located in the heart of Lalitpur, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich Newar architecture and artistry. The square features ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards, including the stunning Krishna Mandir and the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple). It was once the royal palace complex of the Malla kings of Lalitpur. The area is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and living tradition, with artisans still practicing age-old crafts.
    3. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s renowned for its sacred cremation ghats, pagoda-style architecture, and spiritual significance to devotees from around the world.
    4. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, is a sacred center of Tibetan Buddhism located in Kathmandu. Its massive white dome and watchful Buddha eyes create a serene atmosphere, where monks, pilgrims, and visitors circle the stupa in peaceful prayer.

    Sites we visit are subject to change depending upon your needs. Always remember, your happiness is our top priority.

  • DAY 03: Drive to Mache-Khola 730 m via Gorkha-Dhading and Arughat - 06 hrs.

    We start our journey to the wilderness, bidding goodbye to the crowded Kathmandu valley. The drive to Mache-Khole is a full package road experience. Our journey starts on a paved road, and as we pass the hills nearing destination, it's a track drive (off-road). On the way, we encounter the town of Arughat. Arughat used to be the starting point of this Trek for a long time due to lack of road access to the higher regions.

  • DAY 04: Trek to Jagat (1300m)

    From Mache Khola to Jagat, the trail follows the scenic Budhi Gandaki River, passing through terraced fields, lush forests, and charming Gurung villages. This section of the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek offers stunning river gorges, waterfalls, and a gradual ascent into the heart of the Himalayas.

    Altitude: 1300m
    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 05: Trek to Lakuwa 2,240m - 05 hrs.

    From Jagat, morning walk prompts higher regions passing dissipated ranch towns with short trip and downhill to get over an extension to reach at Nagjet and Philim, a huge town with spread-out ranch houses. After Philim stroll through ranch patios of brilliant fields of wheat's and grain, then a jump on rough edge top into bamboo backwoods region to our short-term stop at Lakuwa on leaving the primary path of Manaslu journeying course.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 06: Trek to Chumling 2,300 m - 06 hours.

    After Lakuwa town and leaving Buri-Gandkai Stream for seven days, our walk heads towards Tsum valley into the valley of satisfaction, as our course enters limited gorge then with short drop and uphill move into rhododendron and pine tree woods strolling past little homestead towns then moving above Lungwa Khola to reach at Chumling town for first short-term in Tsum Valley.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 07: Trek to Chokhan-paro 3,000 m - 05 hours.

    From here elevation gradually gains with the mountain perspectives on Ganesh Himal tops, as the towns and scenes seems to be like Tibetan desolate level. Morning strolls with downhill to get an extension over Smatiking Khola, with perspectives on Ganesh Himal otherwise called Yangra at 7,422 m high, walk gradually leads at Chokhan-paro town for short-term stop.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 08: Trek to Nele 3,300m after a visiting Milarepa cave - 06 hours.

    After Chokan-paro heading nearer towards upper Tsum region to Nele (Ne-lay) beginning with a move onto open valley inside desolate nation exists just hardly any little trees that makes due around this dry landscape. Walk proceeds with uphill with perspectives on Ganesh and Manaslu Himal, after a charming walk reach at Nele on the way with visit to an old cavern of eleventh Centaury Holy person Milarepa renowned and well known Buddhist writer, vocalist, tantric master his classic stories melodies actually recalled by Tibetans and Buddhist the same.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 09: Trek to Mu Gompa 3,600 m - 04 hours.

    Morning walk begins on arriving at our most elevated point at Mu Gompa of the experience, as walk go on with a hop on high parched landscape offering perspectives on high tops while heading to Mu Gompa for short-term stop.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 10: Rest day at Mu Gompa to explore the local village and monastery.

    Rest and free day at Mu Gompa to investigate the town with visit of old Mu Gompa advanced with antiquated antique parchments, sculpture and relics this is one of the main cloister of Tsum and Manaslu region.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 11: Trek back to Chumling 2,350 m - 06 hours.

    Today our last day around Tsum valley, as morning prompts long dive to arrive at Chumling town pastg ranch regions and afterward back into timberlines, after a long downhill strolls coming to at Chumling town for last for the time being stop inside Tsum regions.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 12: Trek to Philim 1,600 m - 07 hrs

    From Chumling town, morning walk downhill following waterway downstream with perspectives on cascades then arriving at towns of Samba, Tingding Chhupyang till our walk closes at Philim town for short-term stop.This is a pleasant ranch town with school upheld by Japanese (as Mt. Manaslu was first move by Japanese so this region is a number one among Japanese)

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 13: Trek to Mache-Khola

    From here onwards into hotter area of paddy fields, after a morning meal walk prompts Tatopani following Buri Gandaki Waterway past little towns of Nagjet, Sidibas Marketplace and Jagat. Walk further plunges to Yaruphant, then, at that point, he towards lower region with emotional change in vegetation, at last completion our drawn out day stroll at Tatopani for short-term stop, a little homestead town with underground aquifer as Tatopani in Nepali signifies 'high temp water', evening appreciate in the underground aquifers and unwind. The neighborhood accepts warm spring water have an inherent ability to fix different illnesses.

    Meals: B/L/D
    Accommodation: Tea house accommodation
  • DAY 14: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotels.

    From Soti-Khola town with astonishing time on high slopes and edges of Tsum Valley inside Ganesh and Manaslu Himalaya, morning a thrilling drive of over six hours driving past gorgeous landscape with ranch towns and towns lastly coming to at Kathmandu, with evening free at relaxation for individual exercises.

    Altitude: 1300m
    Meals: breakfast and lunch
    Accommodation: hotel
  • DAY 15: Final departure.

    Last day in Nepal and with Trail Himalaya, with your time for global trip back to your particular nations, our staff and guide moves you to air terminal after an extraordinary encounter on Tsum Valley Journeying.

FAQs of Tsum Valley Trek

  • Where is Tsum Valley located?

    Tsum Valley is a hidden gem of the Manaslu region in northern Gorkha, Nepal, near the Tibetan border. Known as the “Valley of Happiness,” it is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery.
  • How long is a Tsum Valley Trek?

    The trek usually takes 14 to 18 days, depending on the route and pace. Glory Himalayan Trek & Tours can customize the itinerary based on your time and preferences.
  • What is the best time to trek in Tsum Valley?

    The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies, moderate temperatures, and spectacular views.
  • Do I need a special permit for the Tsum Valley Trek?

    Yes. Since Tsum Valley is a restricted area, trekkers require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) along with a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). We at Glory Himalayan Trek & Tours arrange all necessary permits for you.
  • What level of fitness is required?

    This trek is considered moderate to challenging. A good fitness level with some trekking experience is recommended as the trails include long ascents, descents, and remote high-altitude villages.
  • What is the accommodation like during the Tsum Valley trek?

    You will stay in basic teahouses and lodges run by local families. While facilities are simple, they provide warm hospitality and an authentic cultural experience.
  • What is the food like during the Tsum Valley trek?

    During the Tsum Valley Trek, meals are simple, fresh, and locally prepared in village teahouses. You can expect traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), Tibetan-style foods such as noodles, momo dumplings, and tsampa, along with basic items like bread, eggs, potatoes, and tea. While the options are more limited compared to popular trekking regions, the food is wholesome, warm, and provides the necessary energy for trekking in the Himalayas.
  • What mountains can I see during the Tsum Valley Trek?

    You can enjoy stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal, and parts of the Manaslu range.
  • Is Tsum Valley trek crowded?

    No, Tsum Valley is an off-the-beaten-path trek, perfect for those seeking peace and authentic cultural encounters.
  • Can I experience local culture in Tsum Valley?

    Absolutely. Tsum Valley is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with centuries-old monasteries, prayer wheels, chortens, and festivals. You’ll have the chance to meet local people who still practice ancient traditions.
  • What should I pack for the trek?

    We’ll send you a detailed packing list, but essentials include: warm clothing, good trekking boots, a down jacket, sleeping bag, and a reusable water bottle. Glory Himalayan Trek & Tours also provides sleeping bags and down jackets on request.
  • Can I charge my phone/camera battery during the Tsum Valley trek?

    Yes, most teahouses offer charging facilities for a small fee. We recommend carrying a power bank.
  • Is travel insurance necessary?

    Yes, your travel insurance should cover emergency evacuation.
  • Safety tips?

    Go slow, listen to your body, and rest whenever needed. Stay with a guide/group, keep updated on weather, and be prepared to descend if in doubt.
  • Can I customize this trip?

    Yes. Glory Himalayan Trek & Tours will do the best to cater your needs.
  • Is it cheaper if we come in a group?

    Yes. Group prices will be cheaper. Please send us your inquiry as we at times provide special festive or managerial discounts. Please email us at gloryhimalayantreks@gmail.com for further information.

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Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan

If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Santosh will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working in this industry for more than 10 years