Hidden within the pristine beauty of Gorkha, the TSUM valley trek lies before the Manaslu range of Nepal. Manaslu is the world’s eighth-highest mountain, with a height of 8,163 meters (26,781.5 ft.). The Valley lies in the central north of Nepal, in the northern part of Manaslu.
This pristine mountain harbours many beautiful valleys that lie within a few hundred kilometers range from Kathmandu. One such remote valley in Nepal is the Tsum Valley. The tourists have recently recognized the unbelievable natural beauty and the rich culture of Tsum.
The Tsum Valley trek is the most underrated adventure in Nepal. The name Tsum represents a Tibetan word that marks “Tsombo”; meaning is Vivid. Even the name reflects the diverse culture, unique lifestyle, and myth/ mystery of this village. From the insight into the polyandry system (off-course illegal) to the tales of Yeti or Abominable snowmen, the valley has so much to uncover.
The Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu is a one-of-a-kind trek during which you can see panoramic mountain vistas. You can see Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and dozens of other peaks on the journey.
This trek is a hidden jewel of Nepal, where its visitors can see several ancient monasteries, gompas, Mani Walls, rotating prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags along the route. The rich Tibet culture will surely give you salvation and peace.
Recently upgraded to a teahouse trekking trail, you can now conquer Tsum’s beauty while enjoying the comfort and luxury of newly built teahouses.
This 12-day Tsum Valley trek begins with an exciting drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and then to the Nile via Jagat. Walking through the thick tropical forest, cascading rivers, and pristine lakes, you will soon be wandering in the deserted land of the mountain.
On the 7th day, you will reach Mu Gompa, the major highlight of the trek, and get back to Machha Khola via Lokpa. The feeling of achievement of reaching Tsum will bring a sense of happiness, peace, and a life-long lesson, a pure, rejuvenating experience.
Tsum Valley lies within the Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality in the Gorkha district. The Valley lies to the north-west of Kathmandu, within the Manaslu Conservation Area. This “Hidden Valley” lies right next to the famous Manaslu circuit trek in the northeast for about 50 km. TSUM Valley nestles between Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal mountain ranges.
The region around the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is home to Gurung, Tibetan, and Tamang communities. Here, the women of Tsum Valley are known for weaving traditional fabrics called Baku and Pangden using wool from local sheep.
The area is quite isolated, surrounded by mountains, and the people, both men and women, wear thick woollen clothes to stay warm in the chilly temperatures.
Despite the modern world advancing rapidly, people still hold onto their ancient customs and traditions. They celebrate Buddhist festivals, perform ceremonies like burning juniper berries to cleanse the air and honour nature, hang prayer flags, and build Mani Walls to spread happiness to all living beings.
This preservation of culture is largely due to the region being somewhat forgotten by modern development. This area is a fascinating destination for adventurers and trekkers to explore and experience firsthand.
Exploring the Manaslu region can take up to 26 days to see both the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. However, you can shorten the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary if you prefer.
Consider an 18-day Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary for a relaxed journey, but some might find it too lengthy.
If you’re in a hurry, you can skip side trips and cut the duration by about 7 days. If your main goal is to conquer the Larke La pass, you can do it in 14 days with the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Adding Tsum Valley will require an extra 7 days, providing an ultimate Manaslu experience.
Alternatively, if you’re interested only in the Tsum Valley trek, it typically takes around 12 days. Similarly, the shortest version of the Manaslu Circuit Trek can also be completed in an 11-day itinerary.
So, depending on your preferences and time constraints, you can choose the Tsum Valley trek itinerary that suits you best.
Normally, a typical day in the Tsum Valley Trek begins early, with crisp mountain air, a beautiful sunrise above the mountain, and the sound of the village life.
After a delightful breakfast at around 7:30 am, we begin our trek at 8 am. Remember to order breakfast the day before so you can have it on time and as you wish.
We will be trekking on the rugged yet exciting trail in the Tsum Valley region. Walking up and down the hill, via several small villages and jungle, along the sound of the Bhotekoshi River, will be the journey of a lifetime.
After walking for about 3 hours, you can ask your guide to stop anywhere for lunch or a short tea/coffee break. Or, your guide will stop by a teahouse for lunch in one of the teahouses, where you will be able to see a beautiful panoramic mountain view and its surroundings.
Then, we will continue to trek to the day’s final destination, where you will stay overnight. Throughout the trek, you can visit several stupas, monasteries, and local villages and even interact with the local people.
By 4 or 5 pm, you will reach the final destination of the day. Upon arrival, we will order our dinner and freshen up or stroll around the teahouse. Finally, at around 7-8 pm, you will have dinner and go to sleep by 10 pm.
At Himalayan Masters, we prioritize ensuring you’re safe, secure, and happy during your adventure. Safety always comes first for us. We’re fully prepared for anything that comes our way, equipped with all the necessary gear, tools, and first aid kits. Our team leaders and guides have undergone thorough training in first aid.
In case of emergencies, like someone getting seriously ill or injured, we’ve got you covered. We look after all the arrangements to help you. If needed, we will arrange an evacuation helicopter, and don’t worry about the cost — it’s all covered by insurance.
Plus, when trekking, we work together to ensure everyone stays safe. It’s all about looking out for each other and having a great time exploring the fantastic landscapes together. So, rest assured, when you trek with us, you’re in good hands.
| Day | Route | Sleep Altitude | Distance | Time |
| 01 | Drive to Machha Khola | 869 m/2851 ft. | 160 km/100 miles | 7-8 hrs |
| 02 | Trek to Jagat | 1340 m/4396 ft. | 20 km/12.43 miles | 6-7 hrs |
| 03 | Trek to Lokpa | 2240 m/7349 ft. | 12 km/7.4 miles | 5-6 hrs |
| 04 | Trek to Chumling | 2386 m/7825 ft. | 8 km/5 miles | 4 hrs |
| 05 | Trek to Chhekampar | 3031 m/9941 ft. | 9 km/5.5 miles | 4-5 hrs |
| 06 | Trek to Nile | 3361 m/11024 ft. | 7 km/4.3 miles | 3.5-4 hrs |
| 07 | Trek to Mu Gompa | 3705 m/12156 ft. | 5 km/3.1 miles | 2-3 hrs |
| 08 | Trek back to Chhekampar | 3031 m/9941 ft. | 12 km/7.5 miles | 4-5 hrs |
| 09 | Trek back to Lokpa | 2240 m/7349 ft. | 25 km/15.5 miles | 8-9 hrs |
| 10 | Trek back to Jagat | 1340 m/4396 ft. | 12 km/7.4 miles | 4-5 hrs |
| 11 | Trek back to Machha Khola | 869 m/2851 ft. | 20 km/12.4 miles | 4-5 hrs |
| 12 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1400 m/4593 ft. | 160 km/100 miles | 7-8 hrs |
Drive Route: Kathmandu → Naubise → Malekhu → Dhading Besi → Jyamire → Arughat Bazaar → Soti Khola → Machha Khola
Beginning Point: Kathmandu (1400 m/4593 ft)
Ending Point / Overnight: Machha Khola (869 m/2851 ft)
Lunch: Jyamire or on the way
Kathmandu to Machha Khola Distance: 160 km (100 miles)
Total Descent: 531 meters (1742 ft) from Kathmandu
Our trekking to Tsum Valley starts from Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway, along the Trishuli River. After driving for about 3-4 hours, you will reach Dhading Besi, from where we will leave Prithvi Highway and take on a gravelled road to Machha Khola.
After driving for about an hour from Dhading Besi, your bus driver will stop around Jyamire village for lunch. If you are diving in a private vehicle, you can ask the driver to stop anywhere for a short break, lunch, or to witness a beautiful view of the Trishuli River, jungles, Ganesh Himal, local villages, temples, gumbas, etc.
Once we have had our lunch, we will continue driving to Machha Khola via various local villages. On the way, you will pass villages like Arughat, Arkhet, Soti Khola, and many more.
Also, you will be able to see a beautiful jungle view and the local market situated on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. Roads passing by local villages and jungle is going to be a different experience.
Finally, after driving for about 3-4 hours, we will reach Machha Khola, where we will stay overnight.
About Machha Khola
Machha Khola is a beautiful village on the way to Tsum Valley. The village, situated at an elevation of 930 meters (3051 ft), offers an excellent view of the Budi Gandaki River.
There are about 30-40 local houses in the villages, local temples and a small local market. There is also a police station, school, and Dharche Rural Municipality Executive Office.
Teahouses in Machha Khola
: Lunch and Dinner
: Tea House
: 7-8 hours drive
Complementary services from Himalayan Masters:
The best seasons for trekking in Tsum Valley are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May).
Spring is one of the best times to visit the valley as it provides beautiful natural scenography of red/colours rhododendrons against snowcapped mountains. The weather in this season is fairly good for hiking because the days are relatively warm while nights are not extremely cold. It also makes the sky clear, and the visibility of the mountain view is excellent.
Monsoons remain wet, while new greens appear after the rains in autumn. A clear blue sky during these times is the best time for a photo shoot of the landscape. The climate is temperate, with constant sunshine and moderate temperatures during the day and at night.
Trekking enthusiasts get to enjoy dry trails as well as well-surfaced trails in both spring and autumn seasons, which are characteristic of the two seasons.
Besides, there is little rainfall or Snowfall in September and October, so the trek might not be disturbed frequently. They both fulfil the best trekking weather factors and scenic beauty.
The weather in Tsum Valley varies with the change in season. These changes in season affect the trekking conditions.
Spring (March to May) offers mild, pleasing temperatures for trekking, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C during the day and 0-5°C at night. This season offers one of the best times to observe blooming rhododendrons and clear skies.
Meanwhile, the summer (June to August) has a warmer climate. The temperature during this season ranges around 20°C, with heavy monsoon rain. This makes the trail muddy and occasional mountain views, making trekking challenging.
Similarly, Autumn (September to November) is equally beautiful, with temperatures around 10-20°C during the day and -5 to 5°C at night. The weather during this season is stable, with clear skies, offering excellent mountains and surrounding views. The view of vibrant rhododendrons after monsoon rain is awe-inspiring.
Likewise, winter (December to February) is equally challenging due to cold weather, especially at higher altitudes. The daytime temperature ranges around 0-10°C and night temperature around -10°C to -15°C.
The fact that Tsum Valley was closed for many years and lies within a restricted region makes it sound scary. However, the fact is, it’s among the most leisurely treks in the Manaslu region.
Firstly, the trek’s highest point is 3,700 meters, which is very low compared to other big tours of Nepal. If you drink enough water and give yourself enough rest, the chances of altitude sickness in Tsum are almost rare.
During this trek, you need to walk on steep terrain for 10 days, covering 15 to 20 km distance each day. Also, the trekking route is located off the beaten track. Trekking in such conditions demands trekkers’ physical and mental fitness.
So, if you are not a professional/experienced trekker, you need to train your body with a few cardio exercises before trekking. Running, Jogging, Swimming, and cycling two months before the hike can be helpful.
Though the trek reaches a maximum elevation of 3,700 meters (12,139 ft) only, difficulty in accessing the area and lack of facilities and even some amenities make the trek challenging.
Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek offer a unique opportunity for adventurers to explore stunning landscapes while gradually ascending to higher altitudes. Starting from the low elevation of Machha Khola at 930 meters, we need to take our time climbing, allowing our bodies to safely adjust to the increasing altitude.
To prevent altitude sickness, it’s crucial to trek at a moderate pace and stay hydrated by drinking at least four litres of water daily. If someone in the group shows severe symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness, the best action is to descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Based on the group’s overall health, our trek leaders can decide whether to continue the Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley trek or halt. Your safety is our top priority, and we encourage open communication about any concerns or symptoms you may experience.
It’s essential to recognise that some individuals are more susceptible to altitude sickness than others, so listening to your body and communicating discomfort to your trek leader is essential. By following these precautions and guidelines, we ensure that your Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek experience is enjoyable but also safe and unforgettable.
The Tsum Valley Trek normally follows a rugged trekking trail with some motorable roads up to Jagat. So, you are going to have a completely remote and traditional experience from the trek.
However, on the first and last day, from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and vice versa, you must travel by vehicle. Further, until Jagat, you might encounter few roads, especially in the lower section around Arughat or Soti Khola.
Our itinerary is prepared in such a way that you can walk amidst serene nature, apart from the hustle and bustle of motorable roads. After Philim, the trek diverges from the Manaslu Circuit and leads to deeper, secluded, untouched Tsum Valley.
This region is secluded from the advancement, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can experience Tibetan culture and the village lifestyle. You will encounter people engaged in their diurnal activities, animal husbandry, and so on.
For a more scenic and pristine experience, you might want to hire a local guide who knows the area well.
No special training or climbing training is required for Tsum Valley Trek. But decent physical and mental stability is recommended.
This trek reaches up to an elevation of just 3700 meters, so there is not much climbing to be done. Nevertheless, you must be mentally prepared for the occurrences of altitude sickness or any other instances related to altitude.
Doing some cardio and leg training at least one month prior to trekking is advised. You can run, lunge, cycle, swim, etc., to build physical strength. You can also do yoga and meditation for mental stability and a peaceful mind.
Further, the trekker must consult with their physician before going out on a trek. Mainly, if you are asthmatic or pregnant, you should be extra careful.
The region of Tsum Valley is a restricted area that has been recently opened for trekkers. Due to its limited access to modern medical facilities, rescue might be difficult.
Therefore, it is compulsory to have medical insurance for this trek. The insurance should cover medical expenses; in the worst case, you might also need to evacuate by helicopter.
Additionally, you need to be extra careful, eat healthy, and stay hydrated to avoid any chance of altitude sickness or diarrhea. Furthermore, you need to listen to your guide at all times. The guides and porters can assist you in case of any injuries or help you avoid them.
Also, our team is equipped with the first case kit and instruments for measuring your body oxygen level, ensuring your health and providing immediate support.
Although trekking to Tsum Valley is not associated with high altitude, instances of altitude sickness and other dangers still exist. Likewise, due to the remoteness of the region, immediate medical help might not be possible.
So, travel insurance covering high-altitude trek rescue/evacuation and medical treatment is compulsory for this trek.
Along with your Nepal visa, you need three other permits for this trek. A tourist Visa to Nepal is available upon arrival at the airport and costs $50 for 30 days. Indian Manaslu trekkers do not need a visa, and a visa is free for citizens of SAARC.
Tsum Valley lies within the restricted region of Nepal, so you will need a restricted area permit. This permit is necessary to cross Jagat (there’s a check-post). This restricted area permit is only issued to group trekkers (more than two) accompanied by a licensed trek guide. The trekkers need to get this permit from the Department of Immigration, Kathmandu, and require a long list of documents. Your travel agency (Himalayan Masters) will assist you in getting the restricted area permit. The cost is:
The Manaslu conservation area starts at Philim. You can get this permit from Kathmandu or even at the entry point. Only your passport-size photo and passport are needed to issue the permit, and it costs about USD 30 (Rs 600 for people of SAARC country).
This permit is only needed if you take route three, as mentioned below. This permit is not needed for our Itinerary. The cost and rules are similar to those for the Manaslu Conservation area.
Route 1: Our Itinerary here is only 12 days long. This is a rather short route and goes via the places mentioned here in the Itinerary section.
Route 2: If you have a few more days in your holiday, you can take another route from Chhekampar (Day 08 in Itinerary) and then walk to Gumba Lundang and visit Ganesh Himal Base Camp. This gives you the true experience of the base camp trek. From Gumba Lundang, you walk to Lokpa and Jagat, joining the same route.
Route 3: You can also join the Annapurna Circuit Trek Route from the Domje village (above Chumling). For this, you first walk to Bihi, Namrung, and then to Sama Gaon. Joining Samdo and Larkya Phedi, you walk to Dharmsala, Bhimthang, and Dharapani. From Dharapani, you can drive to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu. This makes your Tsum Valley trek about 20 days.
The total cost for the Tsum Valley trekking can differ based on the trek route, number of days for trekking, season, and services that you take. The cost might range from $800 to $1500, depending on all those factors.
With Himalayan Masters, you can complete the trek in a 12-day itinerary at just $899. The trip package includes all the travel costs, permits, accommodation, food, etc.
Breakdown of trip cost:
Food: The food in Tsum Valley costs around $10-$15 per meal.
Accommodation: The accommodation costs around $10 per night.
Permits: You need to obtain a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Tsum Restricted Permit, which costs around $90 to $100 altogether.
Transport: If you travel in a public vehicle, it costs around $12-15 from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, and the same when returning.
Guide: Hiring a guide costs around $25-30 per day.
The additional cost includes all the additional services that you take, snacks, private transportation, tips for guides and porters, drinks, etc.
You can expect to spend around $10 per day for charges for Wi-Fi, hot water and shower, electronic charging, and many more at the teahouses. Additionally, snacks during the trek might cost around $10.
Further, transportation via private vehicle from Kathmandu to Machha Khola instead of public vehicle costs around $200. Additionally, tips for the guide and porter are not included in the trip, so tips can also add up to an additional fee for the trip.
Clothing
Accessories
Health and Safety
Miscellaneous
NOTE: The listed packing list for Tsum Valley can be customized according to your personal preferences.
For a long time, this region of Manaslu was a popular camping trek destination. The Tsum Valley Nepal trek has recently been upgraded as a teahouse trek destination. There are only a handful of teahouses, and you need to book them in advance—the cost of a room in teahouses is minimal, i.e. $5 to $6.
Teahouses are small hotels owned by the locals with centrally heated restaurants. The room has 2 to 3 single beds, a mattress, a pillow, and a small blanket. It’s not very luxurious, but it’s comfortable enough. The bathrooms are usually Indian style and available on a sharing basis. The hot shower is available for an extra cost ($2- $3).
Internet/ Wi-Fi in Tsum Trek: Most teahouses now have a wireless network connection, but the speed is prolonged. It cost an additional $2.
Electricity in TSUM trek route: The electronic devices can be charged in reception, which will also cost a few extra dollars. Having an extra battery, power banks, and a solar-powered charger is handy. We don’t suggest you carry a laptop.
During the Tsum Valley Trek, food options are generally basic but nourishing. The foods served in teahouses generally cost $5 to $7 per meal.
Typically, Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup), vegetable curries, noodles, potatoes, and fried rice, with seasonal green vegetables, are served in the teahouse.
The food in this region is mainly influenced by Tibet. So, trekkers can savour Nepali food with a bit of Tibetan flavour.
Fresh meat is limited, as the area is remote and does not have a refrigerator for food preservation. But the meals are hearty, providing energy for long days of trekking.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Foods
Packed Lunch
If you want to buy water bottles, they cost 1-3 USD per litter. However, buying water bottles at all times can be expensive. Therefore, you can carry your water bottle and fill it with natural taps. However, purify it with a water purification tablet provided by Himalayan Masters, or you can use water purifying bottles.
Recommendation: Staying hydrated during the trek is essential; do not drink spring water without consulting your guide. Drink at least 3 liters of water every day.
Tsum Valley lies in the remote section of the Manaslu region. Therefore, finding an ATM or money changer is not feasible. Also, every time you pay by ATM, you need to pay an additional 3.5% additional charge, which is not a wise choice.
Though there are banks in Arughat Bazaar and Philim, it is not always reliable. So, you are advised to exchange your money in Kathmandu.
For exchanging money, you will need to submit a copy of your passport and flight ticket.
Almost all the parts of the Tsum Valley have Wi-Fi and cellular network service. Although Wi-Fi is available in the teahouses, throughout the trek, it might be slow or for private use only.
Therefore, it is better to buy a Nepali SIM (NTC or NCELL) so that you can stay connected to the internet at all times. Again, you might not get a network at all places.
To buy a Nepali SIM, you need to submit a copy of your passport, passport-sized photo, and your temporary address or hotel’s address.
Of course, there are perks to travelling solo, like solitude, freedom, and so on. However, solo trekking also has its disadvantages. You will need to know about the trekking route, weather, villages, and their cultures, as well as manage accommodation and transport. Over that, you might also want to learn a few Nepali phrases.
Moreover, trekkers are not allowed to trek alone, without a licensed guide, in the restricted region of Tsum Valley. Additionally, you should have a group of at least two individuals, assisted by a guide for trekking in this region of Nepal.
Nevertheless, if you are single, Himalayan Masters can arrange a trekking package, along with a professional guide and porter.
Besides, all the arrangements, transport, accommodation, food, etc., are arranged by the guide so that you can travel freely and comfortably without worrying about anything.
Hiring a porter for the trek gives you the freedom to trek comfortably and freely without the burden of your luggage. Walking for about 5-6 hours daily for 10-12 days, covering almost 10-15 km with 20-25 kg luggage, could be really challenging. But if you have a porter, you need not worry about any weight, which allows you to enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Remember, trekking without a porter surely reduces the cost of the trip. But we recommend you hire a porter for the trek. If you are trekking with us, a porter and guide are included in the trip package itself.
The guides and porters are dedicated to making your trip as comfortable as possible and a successful journey. They will arrange everything necessary for the trip. Therefore, out of appreciation, you are expected to tip them for their hard work.
Normally, 10% of your trip is recommended as a tip. But you can tip them as much as you find fit. Also, the tip you give them goes directly to them, without any cut for the agency.
Further, by tipping guides and porters, you are not only helping them but also you are supporting their families.
You can easily book the Nepal Tsum Valley Trek with Himalayan Masters by reaching out to us via email, WhatsApp, phone call, SMS, or by filling out an online form on our website.
Then, we can discuss the trek customization (if needed) and provide you with the trip details. After that, you must pay 10% or $200 to confirm the booking.
Finally, you can visit Nepal anytime and visit our office for a trip briefing, or we can do it online. Now, you are all set to go out for trekking.
To book your trek at the last minute, you can reach out to us via email, WhatsApp, or phone call, or you can directly visit our office at Saat Ghumti Marg 3, Thamel, Kathmandu.
Moreover, you are required to contact us at least one day prior to trekking and pay the full payment for the trek.
NOTE: Bookings done 30 days before the trek are considered last-minute bookings.
Postponing or cancelling your trek with us is very simple. You can easily reschedule the trek as many times as you want by contacting us. However, the booking fee is non-refundable. Alternatively, you can recommend another trekker to use your booking amount.
Once you have completed your Tsum Valley Trek, remember to leave a review and feedback. Your reviews are crucial for us to know our strengths and weaknesses so that we can improve and make your trekking experience with Himalayan Masters even more comfortable and memorable.
