Tsum Valley Trek

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Trip Information
  • Trip Duration 15 days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 3,700m/12,136ft
  • Start/End Kathmandu
  • Trip Type A Grade
  • Transport Jeep/Car
  • Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Tsum Valley is a secluded and sacred Himalayan valley located in northern Nepal’s Gorkha district, near the Tibetan border. Often referred to as the "Hidden Valley of Happiness," it remained closed to outsiders until 2008, which helped preserve its unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, untouched landscapes, and spiritual significance.

The valley is part of the Manaslu region and lies at elevations between 2,000 to 4,000 meters, surrounded by the majestic Ganesh, Sringi, and Boudha Himal ranges. Villages like Chhokangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa are home to ethnic Tibetans who live simple lives rooted in farming, yak herding, and centuries-old Buddhist traditions.

The region is dotted with ancient monasteries, meditation caves, prayer wheels, and intricately carved mani walls, offering a deep sense of tranquility and spirituality. Trekkers who visit Tsum Valley are rewarded with serene trails, panoramic mountain views, and rare insight into a preserved culture that feels worlds away from modern civilization.

Major Highlights

    • Both Cultural and Spiritual Significant
    • Sacred place for pilgrims with ancient carvings and footprints in the rock.
    • Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa: Important monastic centers set in dramatic mountain backdrops.
    • Milarepa’s Cave: A legendary site where the famous Tibetan saint meditated.
    • Traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and views of Ganesh Himal.
    • The valley is considered a Beyul - a hidden valley blessed as a refuge in Buddhist tradition.
    • Offers a deep dive into living Tibetan Buddhist culture, untouched by modernity.
    • Great place for home stays and interaction with locals in their traditional attire.
Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to a hotel and Stay Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Machha Khola (869 m) from Kathmandu via Soti Khola (700 m) by Private Tourist vehicle – 9 to 10 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 03: Trek to Jagat (1,340) from Machha Khola – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 04: Trek to Lokpa (2,240 m) from Jagat – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 05: Trek to Chumling (2,386 m) from Lokpa – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 06: Trek to Chhokhang Paro (3,031 m) from Chumling – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 07: Trek to Nile (3,361 m) from Chhokhang Paro – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 08: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) from Nile – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guest house or Gompa.

Day 09: Trek to Chhokhang Paro (3,031 m) from Mu Gompa via Ragen Gompa– 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 10: Trek to Chumling (2,386 m) from Chhokhang Paro– 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 11: Trek to Philim (1,570 m) from Chumling – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek to Yaru (970 m) from Philim – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 13: Trek to Machha Khola (869 m) from Yaru – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m) from Machha Khola by Private Tourist vehicle – 9 to 10 hours. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 15: Transfer to International Airport for Your Final Departure.

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Trip Map
What's Included

    Accommodation

    • Twin-sharing/double accommodation hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
    • Twin-sharing accommodation during the trek in the Tsum Valley region for 13 nights

    Meals & Drinking Water

    • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
    • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
    • Purified drinking water during the trek using water filters or water purification tablets.

    Transportation

    • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
    • Transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and back to Kathmandu in a Private Tourist vehicle.

    Guide and Staff

    • Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Ace the Himalaya’s trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people)
    • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
    • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff

    Permits

    • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
    • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
    • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for trekking

    Benefits and Takeaways

    • 1 Cool Trekking duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
    • Trip completion certificate

    Administrative & Taxes

    • All administrative expenses and government taxes
What's not Included
    • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • 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)
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    • Personal trekking gear and equipment
    • Any expenses other than the Price Include section

     

Useful Information

Best Time to Go

  • Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, excellent mountain views.
  • Spring (Mar–May): Blooming rhododendrons, stable weather.
  • Avoid monsoon (June–Aug) and deep winter (Dec–Feb) due to landslides and

Food & Water

  • Carry water purification tablets, filter, or SteriPEN - bottled water is rare or expensive.
  • Bring energy snacks (nuts, protein bars, and chocolate).

 

Gear and Equipments

 Clothing

  • Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
  • Fleece or wool mid-layer
  • Insulated down jacket (–10°C comfort)
  • Waterproof shell (jacket and pants)
  • Trekking pants and warm inner layers
  • Gloves (inner + outer), beanie, buff/scarf
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts
  • Wool socks (multiple pairs)
  • Lightweight clothes for lower altitudes

 Footwear

  • Well-broken-in trekking boots (waterproof)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters (optional but helpful in snow)

 Essentials

  • 40–50L backpack with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C rating)
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Sunglasses (UV-protection)
  • Sunscreen & lip balm (SPF 50+)
  • Trekking poles
  • Quick-dry towel

 

 

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