Max. Elevation
Discover Remote Villages, Ancient Monasteries, and Tibetan Culture
Surrounded by the majestic peaks of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Buddha Himal, and Himal Chuli, Tsum Valley is a place of deep valleys, forested hillsides, rushing rivers, and traditional stone villages. Its remote location has helped preserve a distinctive Tibetan-influenced culture that remains an important part of everyday life.
The trail passes through traditional settlements, including Chumling, Chhokang Paro, and Nile, where visitors can experience local hospitality and observe customs shaped by centuries of Buddhist heritage. Along the way, ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens reflect the valley’s spiritual character. Highlights include Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, important religious sites set amid the quiet Himalayan landscape.
The journey is as rewarding for its natural scenery as it is for its cultural discoveries. You cross suspension bridges, follow narrow trails above river gorges, walk through pine forests, and gradually ascend into the higher reaches of the valley. As the landscape opens up, spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks provide a constant reminder of the region’s remote mountain setting.
The return journey follows the Budhi Gandaki River through rugged terrain and traditional settlements, offering a different perspective on the Manaslu region. Although the trek does not require technical climbing, the long walking days, remote conditions, and increasing altitude make proper preparation and acclimatization important.
The Tsum Valley Trek combines mountain scenery, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the quiet rhythm of traditional Himalayan life. For trekkers seeking a less-traveled route and a deeper connection with Nepal’s mountain communities, this journey offers a memorable experience in one of the Himalayas’ most distinctive valleys.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested in exploring the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
- Transfer to hotel
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
Have breakfast, and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally, the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your Tsum Valley Trek, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
- Day tour
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
We leave very early in the morning by bus in the direction of Gorkha and then Barpak. The road offers great views of the Trisuli River Valley, but shortly after the road turns away from it, we turn north through beautiful tropical scenery. A very rich region with its terraced crops (rice, millet, mustard, etc.)
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
We start this day of walking with a short descent to the Jarbu Khola River. Then, a gradual climb on the balcony towards Singla. We have a beautiful view of the villages of Laprak and Gumda, clinging to the sides of the mountains, entirely sculpted by the rice fields as far as the eye can see. From Singla, we see the imposing massif of Ganesh Himal. Descend to Khorla Besi, where we recover the classic path of the Manaslu circuit trek.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +250 m / -1320 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 900m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a lodge
Ascend along the Bhudi Gandaki, rice fields, and hot region to the village of Tatopani, a place of hot springs. Then we climb gradually through the narrowing Bhudi gorges before changing banks and taking a slightly steep climb. We cross caravans of mules coming from Soti. We arrive in the afternoon at the very pretty village of Jagat and its military checkpoint at the foot of a splendid chorten.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +660 m / -230 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We leave Jagat, passing over a suspension bridge that spans the confluence and the superb waterfalls of the Dudh Pokari Khola and the Pahang Khola. We evolve on a path in a balcony, sometimes above the river. We cross several villages with traditional dry stone houses and woven bamboo, including that of Philim. View of the Ganesh Himal and the Shringi Himal (7,161m). Himalayan pines adorn the trail. We change banks several times, and the gorges tighten. We leave the path of the Manaslu tour on which we had been for 2 days. We arrive at Lokpa, a hamlet of 3 houses.
- 7 hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +865 m / -300 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
In the morning, we resume our walk and now enter the secret valley of the Tsum. We cross a magnificent forest of pines and rhododendrons in the gorges of the Syar. We arrive at the large town of Chumling in Botia country, a village all in stone. View of Ganesh Himal and Langju Himal. Superb gompa abandoned in the middle of brambles. An alignment of 14 chortens. Lots of rural scenes.
- 5 hours of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +810 m / -380 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 2,300m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We always follow the right bank of the Syar Khola with climbs and descents. At the confluence of the Syar and the Sarpu, we observe a beautiful traditional chorten and cross a suspension bridge. We go up to Chhokung Paro with its suite of chortens. We enter the "Upper Tsum" at the foot of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -110 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 2,500m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We cross several Tibetan villages on the plateau of upper Tsum. After passing the village of Nakyu, we take a "Chai" break in Lamagaon. On a cliff above the village, there is the hermitage of Piren Phu where, it is said, Mila Repa meditated, as evidenced by the imprint of her foot in the cave. We discover Chhule and its grandiose stupa, then arrive at Nyle after crossing the Syar Khola. It is a beautiful “medieval” village. Visit the Kagyu lineage monastery, Gonhgie Gompa.
- 5 hours of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +320 m / -150 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 3,500m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
scent to the monastery of Mu Gompa, by a path rich in walls of mani and chortens, the last dwelling before the border of Tibet. Mu Gompa has a very famous ancient monastery that few foreigners have had the chance to visit. It was founded between 1895 and 1936 by a high lama of Bhutan and was restored in 1998. It is a fairly famous Kagyu lineage meditation center that depends on the monastery of Kopan near Kathmandu. The main hall is dedicated to Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. Magnificent views of the mountains and the caravan route to Tibet. We then visit the nunnery of Choyong Gompa, a meditation school over 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 45 minutes away by a balcony path.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +500 m/ -500m
- Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We take the way back to the left bank of the Syar, with many villages, and reach the monastery of Rachen welcoming 60 nuns, a school of meditation, supported by a lama from Kathmandu. The old monastery is in the Kagyu lineage; the new one is Gelugpa. Overnight in Kowa
- 7 hours of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -970 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
Depart early in the morning to the Lungdang Gompa monastery at 3,200 meters and the Ganesh Himal base camp. The monastery is under reconstruction after the damage of the 2015 earthquake. A very nice climb in the forest that offers magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal. We are in the direction of Base Camp and the Toro gumpa Glacier. We enjoy the spectacular view from the Lungdang nunnery before descending to Ramjam.
- 6 hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +960 m / -1060 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We take a different route to go on the left bank of the Syar to visit the large village of Ripchet, located on a superb plateau of cultures with very beautiful views of the mountains. We evolve in the forest, then descend by steps until the Syar Khola and the bifurcation with the way to go. Then Nepalese “dishes” as far as Lokpa await us.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +630 m / -1110 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 1,900m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We find the Buddhi Gandaki, the caravans of mules, and the beautiful traditional villages and arrive at Jagat and its hydroelectric power station.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -830 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 1,400m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
It is a difficult path because of stony steps, passages of ravines, and Nepalese dishes. Arrival on Macchakhola with its many temporary camps, crossing the river on beams, the bridge has not yet been rebuilt. Important relay for mule caravans.
- 7hrs of walking
- Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -750 m.
- Final altitude: approximately 900m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
Departure in a 4x4 very early in the morning, then we take our bus, which will take us to Kathmandu in about 8 hours.
- 8 hours of Driving
- Final altitude: approximately 1,300m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a Hotel
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Airport pick-up and drop : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop)
Accommodation in kathmandu : 3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.
Welcome dinner : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with the Office’s Staff.
Permits : All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card, and conservation entry fee.
Special permit : Tsum valley restricted permit
Staff insurance : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
Map : Manaslu Region Trekking map.
Member transportation : Land Transportation: Kathmandu – machha khola and while returning Dharapani - Kathmandu (by reserved Jeep/bus, as per itinerary)
Member luggage : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
Foods and lodging : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in a tea house/camp during the trek.
Guide : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
Porter : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
Staff salary and allowance : All Nepalese staff and porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food and clothing.
Medical kit : Comprehensive Medical kit.
Excluded Points
International airfare : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
Nepal visa fees : Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
Lunch and dinner : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
Extra nights in kathmandu and pokhara : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Insurance : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical and emergency evacuation.
Personal expenses : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
Personal equipment : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
Toiletries : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
Filming : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
Internet service : Internet facilities during the trek is not included.
Tips : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
Extra : Any other services or activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Trip Information
Tsum Valley Trek Details
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all, follow his advice! Often, your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains, especially during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
- The Guide Leader (Sirdar): is responsible for and the leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often, he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- The Assistant Guide: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and sets up camp.
- The Porter: is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum;
Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passes.
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suite: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, a bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation And Meals during the Trek
For lodge accommodation: during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will stay in the lodge or Tea House with twin shared bedrooms. For this trek, Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and served in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, Tibetan bread or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea, or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. We recommend bringing refillable bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Physical level in Manaslu Circuit Trek
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 13 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The Larkya Pass (5,150 m) often has snow later in the season.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Safety During Trek
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring that safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Expand AllNo, you can’t do the Tsum Valley trek alone. The Nepal Tourism Board states that groups of two or more people must go on the Tsum Valley Trek with a legal guide.
Trekking in the Tsum Valley is moderate to extremely demanding. In addition to being physically fit, you also need to be mentally fit.
The famous trek destination, Mu Gompa, is located at the highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek, which is 3,700 meters above sea level.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek offers us an excellent opportunity to escape from our everyday routine and fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty around the eighth-highest peak in the Manaslu Himalayas while exploring local culture in the secret valley of Tsum. Tsum Valley's unique landscape and abundance of Tibetan-influenced traditions and practices have captured the attention of travelers in less than a decade since it first opened to the public.
The budget of the trek depends upon the size of the group, services, and various other factors. Depending on the services you select and your needs and preferences, the budget can range from USD 1,500.00 to USD 3,500.00.
In the Tsum Valley, the majority of the population is Tibetan Buddhist and mainly consists of the "Tsumbas" ethnic group. Their language and culture are distinct and are known as "Tsumkay."
Festivals such as Dumji (a major cultural festival), Saga Dawa (a celebration of the life events of the Buddha), Dhacyhang/Tsuju (a village horse race festival), and Lhosar (the Tibetan New Year) are famous in the area.
Tsum Valley trek is popular because of its snow-capped mountains, rich Buddhist culture with monasteries and gompas, unique Tsumba customs, Milarepa's Cave (home of the well-known Tibetan yogi), wildlife and biodiversity, and an isolated, off-the-beaten-path experience.
You will be staying overnight in the tea houses. They have a Wi-Fi facility and charge a nominal amount for services. Due to the remote location wifi networks are weak. You can still get connected with your loved ones.
It is the restriction against killing or injuring any living animal for human food. The prohibition on killing any domestic or wild animals should be followed by everyone who visits Tsum Valley, not just the locals.