The remote Tsum Valley lies east of Manaslu, on the border with Tibet. Here, you’ll find a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture and stunning scenery. The high Ganesh Himal mountains rise over the landscape. Yet, beautiful forests blanket the valley floor. Because of the valley’s isolation, this unique Tibetan culture remains intact. As a result, you can explore local villages and ancient monasteries that have stood here for a very long time. In fact, the name Tsum comes from the Tibetan word “Tsombo,” which means vivid.
First, you travel to Macha Khola. From this local village, the Tsum Valley trek begins. The trail starts at a low altitude. Here, you pass through the lush green countryside and quaint villages. For the first days of your trek, you will follow the trail of the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Next, you are following the course of the Burhi Gandaki river. Continuously climbing and descending several ridges. Eventually, the river valley widens, and you follow an easy trail to Philim. From here, you slowly hike into the Lower Tsum Valley at Lokpa.
In the following days, you slowly climb up into the upper valley towards Chumling. After entering the Tsum Valley, you will soon find yourself in beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Heading east, the valley opens up to reveal beautiful landscapes and small Tibetan-style villages.
Above, the upper valley is relatively wide and flat at Chhokang Paro and Chhule-Nile. The gompa above Chule is notably fine and worth visiting, as it is also an excellent viewpoint. Further along the trail, Mu Gompa is located in a remote position. It is only a couple of hours of hiking beyond Nile. You will be able to visit the gompa and walk high above it to have some great views before returning there to spend the night. This is the biggest monastery in the valley, with a beautifully painted interior of Buddhist murals.
For a great exploration, an optional day hike towards Dupchet near the Tibetan border is a great way to see the valley. After you visit Mu Gompa, you trek back down the valley via Ripchet and rejoin the trail of the Manaslu Circuit. Finally, from Macha Khola you journey back to Kathmandu.
The Tsum Valley can be combined with the Manaslu Circuit for an extended adventure through both valleys.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu and finalizing the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola (930 m - 8 hrs.))
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1340 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Lokpa (2240 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Chumling (2385 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Chhokang Paro (3031 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Chhule Nile (3347 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Mu Gompa (3700 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 10: Optional day hike to Dupchet at Tibetan border
Day 11: Trek to Chhokang Paro (3031m – 6 hrs.)
Day 12: Trek to Ripchet (2470 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 13: Trek to Lokpa (2240 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Jagat (1340m – 5 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek to Macha Khola (930 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 16: Drive from Macha Khola to Kathmandu (8 hrs.)
Day 17: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size, and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 4 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return private drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Manaslu Concervation Area Permit, Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide and porters
