Tsum Valley Short Trek- 12 Days

Manaslu
manaslu circuit trek
manaslu trek
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude3700 M
ActivitiesTrekking
Group Size2
Startskathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeSep to Nov and March to May

Discover the Tsum Valley Short Trek, an extraordinary journey to a sacred Himalayan valley in Nepal where harming living beings is prohibited. This hidden gem, nestled beneath the snowy peaks of Ganesh Himal near Tibet, was opened to travelers in 2008. Tsum Valley remains untouched by modern life, allowing you to experience its inhabitants' rich heritage and traditions, known as Tsumbas.

Starting from Kathmandu, a scenic drive takes you to Machha Khola in the Gorkha District. From there, your trek begins alongside the beautiful Budi Gandaki River Valley. You'll pass charming Gurung villages, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views along the way.

Traversing through pine and rhododendron forests, you'll reach Tsum Valley, where wide buckwheat and barley fields stretch out. The villages are adorned with colorful prayer flags, intricate mani walls, and large mud chortens.

One of the highlights of this trek is visiting Piren Phu, the meditation cave of Buddhist saint Milarepa, and Mu Gompa, the valley's most important monastery. Throughout your journey, you'll meet local villagers, monks, and nuns dedicated to preserving all living beings in the valley.

After reaching the Nile, the last village, and Mu Gompa, you'll retrace your steps back to the Budhi Gandaki Valley and return to Kathmandu. This moderately challenging trek, suitable for those with some hill walking experience, is best done in autumn or spring when the weather is pleasant. Altitude sickness is unlikely as you'll trek below 4000 meters.

Highlights

  • Sacred Himalayan Sanctuary: Explore a unique and sacred Himalayan valley in Nepal where harming living beings is strictly prohibited.
  • Untouched Beauty: Experience the pristine beauty of Tsum Valley, nestled beneath the snowy peaks of Ganesh Himal near Tibet. Since opening to travelers in 2008, the valley has remained untouched by modern life.
  • Rich Heritage and Traditions: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and traditions of the Tsumbas, the valley's inhabitants, who have preserved their culture for generations.
  • Scenic Drive from Kathmandu: Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola in the Gorkha District, passing through breathtaking landscapes.
  • Picturesque Budi Gandaki River Valley: Trek alongside the beautiful Budi Gandaki River Valley, encountering charming Gurung villages, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Traverse through diverse landscapes, including lush pine and rhododendron forests, vast expanses of buckwheat and barley fields, and villages adorned with colorful prayer flags and intricate mani walls.
  • Cultural Exploration: Visit significant cultural sites such as Piren Phu, the meditation cave of Buddhist saint Milarepa, and Mu Gompa, the valley's most important monastery, while interacting with local villagers, monks, and nuns.
  • Safe and Rewarding Trekking Experience: Enjoy a moderately challenging trek suitable for those with some hill walking experience. The altitudes stay below 4000 meters, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. The best seasons for trekking are autumn and spring, offering favorable and pleasant weather conditions.
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you can take some time to rest or explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu on your own. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner where you will meet your guide and fellow trekkers. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Max Altitude: 1400m Accommodation: Hotel

Today is a free day for you to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You can visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. Meanwhile, our team will arrange the special permits required for the Tsum Valley trek. In the evening, you will have a trek briefing and final preparation for the journey. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and winding mountain roads. Upon reaching Machha Khola, you will check into your guesthouse and have some time to relax. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Machha Khola.

Max Altitude: 887m Accommodation: Guest houseDuration: 8-9 hrs

Today marks the beginning of your trekking adventure. After breakfast, you will start your trek towards Jagat. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching Jagat, you will check into your teahouse and rest for the night. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Jagat

Max Altitude: 1300m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 6-7 hrs

Leaving Jagat behind, you will continue your trek towards Lokpa. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. You will pass through several small settlements inhabited by the indigenous Gurung and Tamang communities. Upon reaching Lokpa, you will settle into your teahouse and rest for the night. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lokpa.

Max Altitude: 2300m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 6-7 hrs

Today's trek takes you to the village of Chumling, located in the lower Tsum Valley region. The trail winds through pine forests and terraced fields, offering glimpses of traditional Nepali village life. Upon reaching Chumling, you will have the opportunity to explore the village and interact with the locals. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Chumling.

Max Altitude: 2386m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 4-5 hrs

Continuing your journey through the Tsum Valley, you will trek to Lama Gaun today. The trail ascends gradually, passing through dense forests and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you will encounter Buddhist monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. Upon reaching Lama Gaun, you will check into your teahouse and rest for the night. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lama Gaun.

Max Altitude: 3025m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 5-6 hrs

Today, you will embark on a hike to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Upon reaching Mu Gompa, you will have the opportunity to explore the monastery and interact with the resident monks. Afterward, you will hike back to Chhekampar for an overnight stay. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Chhekampar.

Max Altitude: 3700m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 6-7 hrs

Leaving Chhekampar behind, you will descend towards Eklai Bhatti today. The trail passes through scenic landscapes, lush forests, and traditional villages. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna. Upon reaching Eklai Bhatti, you will check into your teahouse and rest for the night. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Eklai Bhatti.

Max Altitude: 1900m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 5-6 hrs

Today's trek takes you to the village of Lapu Besi, located at a lower elevation. The trail descends steeply, offering stunning views of the Budi Gandaki River and surrounding valleys. You will pass through terraced fields, suspension bridges, and traditional villages along the way. Upon reaching Lapu Besi, you will check into your teahouse and rest for the night. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lapu Besi.

Max Altitude: 900m Accommodation: Tea houseDuration: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, you will board a private jeep for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and winding mountain roads. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to relax or explore the city on your own. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Accommodation: HotelDuration: 8-9 hrs

Today marks the end of your Tsum Valley trekking adventure. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As you board your flight, you will carry with you memories of the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Nepal.

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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in a standard hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis for two nights. Accommodation in teahouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
  • Meals: Welcome dinner in Kathmandu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. (Note: Meals in Kathmandu other than the welcome dinner are not included.)
  • Permits: Special permits required for the Tsum Valley trek.
  • Transportation: Private transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and from Lapu Besi to Kathmandu by private jeep.
  • Trekking Guide: Experienced English-speaking trekking guide throughout the trek.
  • Porters: Porter service for carrying luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • Trekking Equipment: Basic trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and duffel bags (to be returned after the trek).
  • Trek Briefing: Pre-trek briefing and preparation session in Kathmandu.
  • Farewell Dinner: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful completion of the trek.
  • First Aid: Basic first aid kit carried by the trekking guide.
  • Government Taxes: All necessary government taxes and service charges.
Excluded
  • International Flights: International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation/interruption.
  • Meals in Kathmandu: Meals in Kathmandu other than the welcome dinner.
  • Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, and souvenirs.
  • Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (recommended but not mandatory).
  • Additional Expenses: Any additional expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political unrest, or flight delays.
  • Optional Activities: Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
Essential Information

Equipment List for Tsum Valley Trek

Clothing:

  • Moisture-wicking base layers (long-sleeve shirts and pants)
  • Insulating mid-layers (fleece jackets or down jackets)
  • Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket
  • Waterproof and breathable trekking pants
  • Lightweight hiking pants/shorts
  • Thermal underwear (for colder months)
  • Woolen or synthetic socks (multiple pairs)
  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes with good ankle support
  • Gaiters (optional, for keeping snow and debris out of boots)

Headwear:

  • Warm beanie or hat
  • Sun hat or cap with a brim
  • Buff or neck gaiter (for sun protection and warmth)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

Handwear:

  • Lightweight gloves or glove liners
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (for colder temperatures)
  • Backpack and Accessories:
  • Trekking backpack (30-40 liters)
  • Daypack (for carrying essentials during day hikes)
  • Rain cover for backpack
  • Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks (for organizing and protecting gear)
  • Trekking poles (optional but recommended for stability and reducing strain on knees)

Sleeping Gear:

  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (rated to at least 0°C)
  • Sleeping bag liner (for added warmth and cleanliness)
  • Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress (for insulation and comfort)

Miscellaneous:

  • Water bottles or hydration system (with capacity to carry at least 2-3 liters)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Snacks and energy bars
  • Trekking snacks (nuts, dried fruits, chocolate)
  • Personal first aid kit (including blister treatment, pain relievers, bandages, and any personal medications)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
  • Lightweight towel or travel towel
  • Trekking map and compass or GPS device
  • Trekking permit and identification documents
  • Cash (for tipping, purchasing snacks, and incidental expenses)
  • Camera or smartphone for capturing memories

Book or journal (optional)

Note: It's essential to pack light and only bring the necessary items to avoid carrying excess weight during the trek. When selecting clothing and gear, consider the season and expected weather conditions.

Explore Manaslu Region Trekking Packages

FAQs

To reach Tsum Valley, you will first travel to Kathmandu, then take a bus or jeep to Arughat, a town in the Gorkha district. From there, you'll trek to the start of the Tsum Valley. The journey includes a combination of local transportation and trekking, providing a scenic experience along the way.

The permit for the Tsum Valley Trek includes two main documents:

  • Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: Approximately USD 40 to 50 per person for the first week, with additional costs for each subsequent week.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Around USD 30 per person. These permits are required because Tsum Valley is a restricted region.

The altitude of Tsum Valley varies along the trek, but the highest point is around 3,930 meters (12,894 feet) at the settlement of Mu Gompa. The trek's starting point is at a lower altitude, and trekkers typically ascend gradually to allow for proper acclimatization.

The best time to trek to Tsum Valley is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the best weather conditions with clear skies, mild temperatures, and stunning views. The trekking trails are also less crowded compared to the summer and winter months.

Along the Tsum Valley Trek, you'll find basic tea houses and guesthouses offering simple accommodation. These typically include a bed with a blanket, and you can expect to find shared bathroom facilities. While not luxurious, the lodging provides a cozy and authentic experience in the remote mountain villages.

The tea houses and guesthouses along the Tsum Valley Trek serve traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), noodle soups, and a variety of Western options like pasta, pancakes, and fried rice. It's important to stick to vegetarian food to avoid stomach issues, as meat options might not always be fresh.