Tsum Valley Trek

Itinerary of Tsum Valley Trek

Includes/Excludes

Tsum Valley treks 10 days.

We can offer the short Tsum Valley trek on a one-day trip if you lack time. The itinerary follows the lower Manaslu trail. Our tour starts from Arughat [530m/1739ft], about seven hours from Kathmandu city. During the initial phases of the trek, you’ll find yourself wrapped in lush forests of Rhododendrons, Pines, and Oaks.

The green atmosphere inevitably elevates your mood. It ultimately forces positive vibes into your body. Thus making it the best week of your lifetime. The trip proves unregretted With your friends, family, or even new acquaintances. Besides the Buddhist culture, the Tsum Valley 10-day trek offers its visitors great views of mountains.

Peaks like the Ganesh Himal Range, Sringi Himal, Buddha Himal, and Himalchuli can be viewed. The stunning views of these mountains will make your journey unforgettable. The sunrise and sunset in the sacred mountains of a virgin place are to die for. This is perfect if you want to take a break from your daily stressful life and enjoy some time in peace.

Tsum Valley Trek cost

Our full-board trip for 10 days starts from USD 1450. We can offer the seasonal cost. September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best seasons to experience the trek. The weather is very comfortable; it is neither cold nor scorching during this time.
Consequently, bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to your life. So, the Tsum Valley Trek is one of the best treks in the country. If you travel during the off-season, we offer a special discount on the cost.

Packing list for the trek

The journey to the Tsum Valley trek area is long and high-altitude, so we must pack accordingly. The main thing to remember is that you need enough warm clothing for this trek. The total luggage you can make is 15 kg for our porter per person, and the porter carries 30 kg.

If you don’t have a duffle bag, you can use ours, or if you have more luggage, you can store it in a Kathmandu hotel. It would help if you had a small day pack to carry your daily necessities, such as water, a camera, sun lotions, and extra layers.

• Trekking or hiking boots with good ankle support and a nice sole.
• A rucksack or duffle bag for a porter
• Good sleeping bag with -20 degrees Celsius and sleeping bag liner
• Base layers of light, wicking material (Long & Short sleeve)
• Mid-layer shirt or light fleece
• Mountain fleece/light Primaloft or down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (lightweight)
• Shorts 2 pairs for the lower part of the trek
• Trekking Socks Wool socks (bring a few teams of varying thickness)
• Three-quarter length or full-length trekking trousers (mid-weight)
• The thermal inner base layer
• Warm gloves and hat
• Good quality sunglasses
• Sunblock and lip salve
• Sunhat and woolen cap for the night
• Trekking poles/sticks
• 2 Drinking Water Bottles (1 liter) – We will fill the bottle each day
• Water purification tablets/iodine
• Small first aid kit, e.g., plasters, paracetamol, antiseptic wipes, etc
• Extra clothes and trainers after. These are helpful when you take an evening walk from the lodge.
• Flashlight, with spare batteries
• In addition, it’s helpful to have a pair of trainers or other comfortable shoes for walking around the city.

Some additional items

• Hand Sanitizer
• Face/Body Wipes
• Small Locks
• Portable Charger
• Biodegradable bar soap
• Face/body wipes
• Biodegradable washing liquid
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, etc.)
• Extra passport photos and photocopies of your passport

Why trekking in Tsum Valley?

Tsum Valley trekking is the best way to explore the hidden Mountains of Nepal. It is the best opportunity to connect to nature and explore the lifestyle of the local people of this little world. This has always been quite famous.

It is highly rich in natural beauty and bio-diversity. One can enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains, rare plants, and wildlife. The green and pollution-free environments are enough to add memories to your life.

Spectacular mountain views

The mountain views on the route are stunning and so adorable. You want to look at them. The days are sunny and bright, and there are no clouds. So, it makes it easier for you to get amazing views of the mountains.

The Tsum Valley trek route is comfortable and exciting. Flowers and rare plants surround the valley. The entire way has fantastic scenery and mountain views, keeping your trek exciting and memorable.

Basic local accommodations and a variety of regional food.

You can get comfortable and cozy accommodations to rest. Most such accommodations have a great view. Also, you will get to enjoy a variety of local food. During this Tsum Valley trek, you will enjoy the rarest flora and fauna.

Trekkers can view unique and rare wildlife, birds, and plant species. This is another primary reason why people go on a trek to Tsum Valley trek. It is just a peaceful place. Nature, in its various forms, surrounds you. It is the best place to have clean, fresh, and unpolluted water.

Waterfalls and rice terraces

There are many waterfalls along the way. You can take a break and jump in those waterfalls. Plus, they look beautiful in your pictures. You can enjoy the waterfalls while trekking in the summer and rainy season. You can chill and relax in these beautiful waterfalls and forget any stress.

Some attractions along the Tsum Valley trek

Shiar Lookout

The line of Shiaar Gorge Lookout overlooks the spectacular Ngak cliffs. The roaring Budhi Gandaki flows at the bottom of the gorge. The lookout is an hour’s walk from the junction of the trail leading to Manaslu.

Lokpa

This is the first village on our Tsum Valley trek when we enter during our journey. Before the Philim-Chhekampar trail’s construction, the path to Chhekampar passed over the mountains. The route passed through the village of Anga Sejong. Some settlements have emerged along with parts of this trail. The people here are primarily farmers and grow potatoes, Gucchi mushrooms, and soya beans.

Sardi Gorge

The small two streams of the Sardi Khola and Shiar Khola meet about 200m downstream from a wooden bridge. The alder-covered banks of the river provide a peaceful resting place at noon. It offers an overnight campsite under overhang cliffs.

When we cross the bridge, the trail ascends to the Sardi Danda. The old route to Sardi Danda climbs through dense forest. The forest has many varieties of rhododendrons. We can also get the best view from here, the Thieastern views of the Sringi Himal range.

Ghumlung

This is the forest’s name; the old trail meets the new course here. Afterward, we will trek to the Chumchet village, Chyata Khola, and Ripchet. The town has a settlement of about 50 households. Along the trail, we can get spectacular views of Baudha Himal (to the west) and Ganesh Himal (to the east).

Lungbhu

This small village of Lungbhu lies at the base of a vertical cliff along the Dhamja Khola in the Tsum Valley trek. It is the best place to camp, as it is scenic and wide open.

Accommodation

Accommodation is an essential lodge/ tea house trek during the Tsum Valley trek. If we compare the tea houses in Everest and Annapurna regions, it is much more critical here. You will sleep in a bare room with a bed, mattress, bed cover, and pillow. It would help if you had your sleeping bag, and it is better to have a liner.

The lodge’s facilities are pretty bare. Some places have no electricity, but the dining room has solar power. You can charge your cell phone and camera batteries at an extra cost.

Health and Fitness

The main things to do on the Tsum Valley trek in Nepal need your positive thinking. You need to be able to walk 5/6 hours on the rocky trail. You can be fit for the tour by doing small exercises in your home country before you arrive here. The more stamina you build up, the easier it is to trek in this region.

You can do running, cycling, Zumba, or some yoga practices to boost your stamina. You will walk 5 to 7 hours daily, so prepare your legs. The best exercise you can do at home is squats and lunges.

Trekking Dates:

You can do this Tsum Valley trek on any date. The best time for 2 to 12 people is from February to March, April to May, June to September, October, November, and December. The rainy season is unsuitable for the trek as the views are not great, and sometimes landslides can happen.

Your trekking luggage:

You will have one porter for two trekkers to carry your luggage. The maximum weight per trekker is 15 kg, as we never overload our porters. You only take your valuables in your backpack, including your sleeping bag and down jacket. You can leave other items not required on a trek in our office or at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Equipment Renting and Buying:

We advise bringing your clothing and gear from your home. However, in Kathmandu, there are many shops where you can buy and rent trek-related equipment.

Manaslu Tsum valley trek

You can combine the Manaslu Trek with the Tsum Valley Trek for an extension. This way, you have ample days to enjoy your holidays further. You can explore more spots that change your perspective beyond your daily life limits. This trek is also known as the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This route takes two weeks of your life and adds a noble experience to your timeline.

People have never regretted entering the Manaslu region. They have asked for another trek around even more beautiful places in the country. Our trekking package is wholly organized and well–planned.

Booking the trip is just a click away. There is nothing that you should be worrying about. After that, I discovered the unique lifestyle in Nepal inspired by the Tibetan Buddhists. Explore the deepest valleys of the country where cultures are still well–preserved.

The Tsum Valley Trek takes you to some of the most isolated places in the country. It passes through remote settlements meant for relaxation purposes. As you enter society, you’ll discover everything else and yourself with a completely different perspective.

The ambiance seems out of this world, unlike any place on Earth. There are a thousand reasons why the Tsum Valley Trek has been one of the most tempting trekking packages in the country. Nepal is rich in natural beauty.

It has lush vegetation forests and rough rocky trails. It has developed crowded cities into isolated settlements. It has rain shadow areas to the land of snow and ice. Everything is a part of the country, which makes visitors delighted to have the options.

Tsum Valley is the best trek in the Manaslu region.

The Tsum Valley trek lies in the Manaslu region. It is high up near the Tibetan border. The whole area has a definite Tibetan Buddhist feel to it. It is pretty different from the surrounding countryside. The Tsum Valley trek was a restricted area until 2008. Tsum Valley is relatively un-trekked by hikers. Yet the starting point is only a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu.

Most of the days have trekked at altitudes over 3,000m. This is a moderate-grade difficulty trek. The walking days stretch from 5 to 7 hours. With the altitude and walking days, you need a good fitness level for this Tsum Valley trek.

We will trek through pine forests. We go along raging rivers with cascading waterfalls and incredible suspension bridges. It gives us immense pleasure walking through fascinating villages. We pass several gompas, monasteries, mani walls, and stupas, not to mention Milarepa’s Cave.

Enjoy the best views of Mount Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Manaslu (8,163m), Churke Himal, and the Poshyop Glacier. If you like Tibetan culture and mountains, the Tsum Valley trek lets you witness Tibetan Buddhist people in the villages.

There are monks and nuns in their respective religious orders. This trek into this hidden valley has spectacular views of the Himalayas. We can arrange the Tsum Valley trek separately, or if you have more time, you can combine it with the Manaslu trek.

Trek Permit

A special permit is needed for this Tsum Valley trek, which costs USD 40 for all foreigners and SAARC members. However, it is also accessible to internal tourists.

However, this cost might change in some months. Also, there might be fluctuations in certain seasons if you need the price on an exact day. Please contact us; we will provide the information as soon as possible.

However, the general average cost of the Manaslu Trekking permits is around USD 30 to USD 35 daily. It covers your food, accommodations, and travel costs. Please let us know if you want to know any significant details. We can customize it for you and provide the most affordable price.

Why Trekking in Tsum Valley?

Tsum Valley trek is a new route with fewer tourists and a more culturally rewarded trek. It has only a few trekkers on the trail. The trek starts, and the endpoint is Soti Khola, an Eight hours drive from Kathmandu.

The starting part of the trek ascends the Budhi Gandaki Valley on good paths. It passes through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields, and hill villages. When we meet the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum Valley, we start truly entering the hidden valley.

During the walking, we will pass through alpine forests and glacial rivers. We will enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. On our Tsum Valley itinerary, we will walk in the lower Buri Gandaki. We walk in Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat, and Philim regions. We can visit different ancient Gombas in the region, including Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dephyudonma Gompa.

We walk through the off-the-beaten-path of the Manaslu region, which provides a deeper insight into the less explored Tsum Valley. We visit different Chortens, monasteries, and Gompas, which reflect the direct influence of Tibetan Buddhism.

Enjoy the best panoramic views of Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Churke Himal, and the Poshyop glacier. We pass through cascading rivers, waterfalls, and many suspension bridges. Encounter the region’s local lamas and learn about their unique way of life.

The religion of Tsum Valley

The Tsum Valley trek is a Buddhist village with a long history. People believe the Buddhist saint Milarepa meditated in these mountains’ caves. The valley is also known as ‘Tsum Tso Chuksum’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory.

We can also visit these ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom now, as this is a remote part of the country and is not easily accessible. The development and other facilities are just starting here. As a result, they still have a unique culture and lifestyle that are touched by Western influence.

Climate

The Tsum Valley trek has four distinct climatic zones: subtropical (between 1000m and 2000m), excellent temperate (between 2000m and 3000m), subalpine (between 3000m and 4000m), and alpine (above 4500m). So, there is a big difference in Temperatures between these zones. Winters are frigid from December to February.

The temperatures in the upper subalpine and alpine regions drop below freezing. Snowfall occurs for up to six months. The lower part of the trekking trails are sub-tropical and cool temperate areas. They are pretty warm. Summers are hot in the lower regions, with daytime temperatures between 22°C and 34°C.

Summer temperatures in the sub-alpine and alpine regions rarely exceed 10°C. The monsoon starts in June and lasts until the last week of September. During the rest of the year, the Tsum Valley trek areas will be mostly dry. The average annual rainfall is around 1900mm.

The southern part of the valley receives more rain and is generally wetter than the upper part. Clear skies from October to December and April to June provide superb views of the surrounding mountains.

Tsum Valley Trek Route Map

While you are on the trail of the Tsum Valley trek, having an excellent trekking map is essential. Manaslu Tsum Valley is a spectacular remote trek in Nepal. The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek map provides detailed information. It offers significant things, such as insight and clear pictures of the mountains.

You can buy a different map for this trek. The most popular maps are the Himalayan Map House maps and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek maps. You can purchase it in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or online.

The Tsum Valley trek trail map follows the banks of the Budhi Gandaki. The path tracks back and forth across the river, passing through spidery suspension bridges to the Tsum Valley threshold. We can add the route map of the Nar Phu Valley Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek for a longer itinerary.

Enjoy the best route in the western part of Nepal, a beautiful hidden valley in Nepal’s western Himalayas. Tsum Valley opened for tourists only in 2008.

March to May – Spring

This season is the best time to trek in the Tsum Valley Trek. The weather is very favorable throughout the trek. You can see stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and glaciers. From mid-March, temperatures start increasing to hot and with clear skies. You can see snow mountains at their best at that time.

In April & May, the low land starts getting hot, and the high in the mountains is neither cold nor hot in the daytime. Nighttime is comparatively more complex than daytime. It is the primary season for an expedition in Nepal and Mount Manaslu. The rhododendron flowers will bloom at their best in various colors on the journey.

September to November – Autumn

This season is also one of the perfect seasons for the Tsum Valley trek. Due to the favorable weather, this season is the primary trekking season in Nepal. When the monsoon slowly ends, a perfect trekking climate sets itself. The temperature goes up to 20 degrees in the daytime and falls to 5 degrees during the nighttime.

During this time of year, we can enjoy the clear sky and a fantastic view of the mountains on our Tsum Valley trek. We highly recommend it, as it’s the best time for the Tsum Valley trek, usually between mid-September and the end. This time is the festival season in Nepal. The main festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, lie in October and November.

As winter slowly begins, snowfalls begin in the Manaslu region, and it is eventually tough to trek. Nights will start to get colder. Until November, the trail is busy. It is the most apparent month with sparkling days. The daytime temperatures are warm and stable. We can see the clear blue sky in the early morning, and the mountain is phenomenal.

The hills get colder in December. The temperature will start to drop, and it will snow. We can still get the best view in December. It is a good time for the trek and great for Christmas and New Year’s break in the Tsum Valley trek.

January and February are icy, and we must consider a higher-altitude hike. The weather is frigid and snowing, so it can block some high-pass trails. It is always hard to predict mountain weather. The temperature may change quickly from day to night.

Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty Explained

The Tsum Valley Trek is considered a moderate-level trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Although it is not a technical climb or extreme high trail, the difficulty with it is long walks, slow ascent, and isolated trail conditions. Mu Gompa (3,700 meters) is the top of the trek and, due to the thinner air, may make the process more challenging. The trekkers must be in good shape to walk 5 to 7 hours a day in rocky trails, stone steps, forest trails, and suspension bridges.

The landscape ranges from subtropical river valleys along the BudhiGandaki to alpine landscapes near the border with Tibet. Because the region is less developed than Everest or Annapurna, facilities are basic and trails can feel isolated. Proper preparation, constant pacing and guiding by professional trekking personnel ensure that most physically fit tourists are able to complete this rewarding Himalayan trek.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

As the Tsum Valley Trek gradually ascends above 3,000 meters, altitude awareness becomes important. The top of 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa is not as high as most Himalayan treks, however, there are some trekkers who will experience some altitude discomfort symptoms. Normal early symptoms include headache, fatigue, slight dizziness and reduced appetite. These are the symptoms that are normally relieved by taking good rest and drinking water.

The walking path will be designed in such a way that the elevation develops gradually so that the body can adjust itself. The risks can be minimized by walking at a normal speed, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding sudden activities. Guides periodically monitor the progress of group members and slow down speed when required. When the symptoms establish to serious levels, the only most effective action is to move down to a low altitude. The correct acclimatization is a major success factor in safe and enjoyable trekking in the valley.

Typical Daily Routine on the Tsum Valley Trek

Life on the Tsum Valley Trek follows a simple and structured mountain rhythm. In the morning most mornings begin at sunrise with tea and breakfast in the teahouse dining room before starting. After packing personal essentials into a daypack, trekking continues along forested paths and terraced farmland and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. Pace is slow and time is provided to appreciate the waterfalls, prayer wheels, mani walls and surrounding mountain scenery.

Lunch is normally taken in a small village on the trail where there is an opportunity to rest and refuel. Afternoon walks frequently are shorter, which results in the next overnight stop by mid-afternoon. Evenings are relaxed and social, to be spent inside the lodge dining area where trekkers gather around a stove in colder months. This daily structure of alternating physical activity and cultural exploration allows the entire journey to be both manageable and meaningful.

Emergency Response & Rescue Services

Tsum Valley trek situated in a very remote area within the Manaslu region and there is little access to sophisticated health services. In those villages which are of lower rank there might be basic health posts available but more serious medical cases need to be evacuated in an organized way. Helicopter evacuation in the case of emergency, like extreme altitude illness, injury or unexpected illness is the safest and least time-consuming alternative. The accessibility of location and weather conditions makes a significant part in the rescue timing.

The licensed trekking guides are trained in first aid and high altitude responding procedures. They evaluate the situation and give direct assistance and organize rescue services in case of need. Open communication among the guide, trekking agency and insurance provider is important in making decisions within very short time. This is why wide coverage travel insurance that incorporates high altitude helicopter evacuation is highly recommended. Effective planning and trekking are long steps towards reducing the dangers of visiting this holy Himalayan valley.

Booking Procedure

Booking the Tsum Valley Trek requires advance planning because it is a restricted area in the Manaslu region. You will be required to produce a valid copy of your passport and travel details in order to process your permit to confirm your reservation. As the special permits are required in this area, it is better to book ahead to make sure that the paperwork and the preparation of the trip is not complicated. Trekking dates and administrative arrangements are booked by making a deposit.

Once it is confirmed, you will get trip details like trip itinerary, packing tips and how to get to Kathmandu. You are encouraged to confirm the arrangement of your international flights only after you are officially informed about your schedule of the treks. In the case of private trips, the dates are flexible whereas in small group departures, the dates are fixed. Effective booking can make the booking of permits, guides and transportation efficient and the adventure in the Himalayas can be stress free.

Transportation

The Tsum Valley Trek begins with a scenic overland journey from Kathmandu toward the BudhiGandaki valley. This drive runs along countryside hills, riverside and small villages till it reaches the trekking starting point. The road network varies with a stretch of tarmac road and then a rugged mountain road as you head towards the Manaslu region. The travel time is subject to traffic and seasonal conditions of the road.

More comfortable and flexible organization of private vehicles is possible, but local transportation is a less costly option. In monsoon months the road may become muddy or become late because of rain. It is good to begin early in the morning so that the travelling time can be minimized and arrive before evening. The road trip gives a peep into the life of rural Nepal and previews the upcoming experience of the trekking.

Group size and Private Trek Option

The Tsum Valley Trek operates with small groups to maintain safety and quality service in this restricted Himalayan region.Smaller groups result in better coordination, smooth permit processing and a more personal experience while trekking. Since restricted area regulations require a minimum of two trekkers, the solo traveler can join a scheduled departure or join up with other trekkers.

Private treks are available for families, couples and friends who want more flexibility in terms of pace and dates of travel. A private group gives you the freedom to take your time to walk and spend more time at monasteries like Mu Gompa or RachenGompa. Smaller groups also result in a quieter experience in remote villages where cultural sensitivity is important. Whether joining a group or booking privately, professional guides ensure a safe and organized journey through the sacred valley.

Communication & Connectivity

Connectivity in the Tsum Valley Trek is limited because it is a remote area located near the Tibetan border. Mobile network coverage may be available in some lower villages; however, signals become weaker as you ascend toward higher settlements.The availability of the Internet is not something to be taken lightly and Wi-Fi connection can be sluggish in other significant regions. Trekkers can anticipate minimal communication in the trek.

The electronic devices can be charged in certain teahouses, which frequently use solar energy. It might be weather-based or lodge-based. Carrying a power bank is strongly advisable to the camera and phone. The restricted connectivity enables the travelers to forget all the daily hassles and concentrate on the serene mountainous setting. The digital interruption can be one of the most rejuvenating moments of the trekking in Manaslu and Tsum Valley region.

Responsible Trekking in TsumValley

Tsum Valley Trek has a strong background of Tibetan Buddhism traditions and the cultural respect is paramount in the course of the trek. When they visit monasteries like those of Mu Gompa and RachenGompa, visitors must dress modestly. It is also appropriate to take off of shoes before going to prayer halls and ensuring the quiet environment as the respect to local spiritual practices.

On walking along mani walls and chortens, it is always customary to pass them on the left in a clockwise direction. In monasteries, photography might be prohibited, and it is good to seek the permission of your guide in advance. Do not touch the objects of religion or disturb monks and nuns in prayer. The valley is thought to be sacred and the considerate behaviour adds value to your cultural experience. The adherence to traditions will enable the trekkers to interact more substantially with the distinctive spiritual tradition of Tsum Valley.

Cultural Etiquette & Monastery

Tsum Valley Trek has deep roots in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and cultural respect is essential during the trek.Tourists are advised to wear simple clothing particularly in the event that they visit monasteries such as the Mu Gompa and the RachenGompa. It is a respect to the local spiritual traditions to remove shoes prior to entering prayer halls and maintain the environment quiet.

When walking along mani walls and chortens, always pass them on the left-hand side in a clockwise direction, as this is the local custom.Photography inside monasteries may be restricted, and you should ask your guide before taking photos.Do not touch religious things or disturb monks and nuns at times of prayer. The valley is consecrated and mindfulness can make your cultural experience improve. Honoring cultures helps trekkers to connect more to the spiritual peculiarities in the Tsum valley.