Tsum Valley Trek
Thirteen days into Tsum, a restricted Tibetan-culture valley that branches off the Budhi Gandaki north of Manaslu. There is no high pass here: the route follows the river past mani walls, chortens and gompas, through the villages of Chumling, Chhokangparo and Nile, and up to Mu Gompa, close to the Tibet border. It's the gentlest altitude profile of the trails we run, with the same restricted-area quiet.
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Max Altitude
- 3,700m
- Grade
- Moderate
- Price
- On request
Photo: Tsephu, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Trip highlights
- Trek into Tsum, a restricted Tibetan-culture side valley of the Budhi Gandaki that lies off the main Manaslu route.
- Reach Mu Gompa, the valley's highest monastery, close to the Tibet border, at about 3,700m/12,139ft.
- Walk past Rachen Gompa, a nunnery near Chhokangparo, and the mani walls and chortens that line the trail.
- Stay in Chumling, Chhokangparo and Nile, villages where Tibetan Buddhist culture shapes daily life.
- Trek with no high pass: the route stays below about 3,700m, a gentler altitude profile than our other restricted-area treks.
- See Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal rising above the valley on clear days.
- Sleep in teahouses the whole way, with a hot meal and a bed every night.
- Travel a restricted region with a licensed guide and full permit paperwork handled for you from the first day.
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani on Day 3, on the stretch of trail shared with the Manaslu Circuit.
- Pair it with the Manaslu Circuit: the two routes share their first days along the Budhi Gandaki.
Overview
The Tsum Valley Trek is a 13-day walk into one of Nepal's least-visited Tibetan-culture valleys, a side valley of the upper Budhi Gandaki that runs north of the Manaslu region toward the Tibet border. Tsum is sometimes called a hidden valley, and it is known for its gompas, mani walls and chortens, and for villages such as Chumling, Chhokangparo, Lamagaon and Nile where Tibetan Buddhist life carries on much as it always has. Because Tsum is a restricted area, every trekker needs a Restricted Area Permit, which only a licensed trekking agency can arrange.
Unlike the Manaslu Circuit or Kanchanjunga, Tsum has no high pass. The route tops out at Mu Gompa, about 3,700m, so the challenge is less about altitude and more about steady days, steep sections and simple lodges. That makes it a good choice for trekkers who want a restricted-area trek with a gentler altitude profile, and it pairs naturally with the Manaslu Circuit, which shares the first days of the trail.
Accommodation is teahouse-style the entire way: simple twin rooms, shared bathrooms and hearty meals built around dal bhat, noodle soups and momos. Facilities get simpler as you go higher up the valley, but it is a real bed and a hot meal every night. A licensed guide accompanies the group for the full route, with porters carrying group gear.
What you'll remember afterward is the texture of the valley: mani walls lining the trail, prayer flags above the monasteries, and the point above Chhokangparo where the upper valley opens up ahead of you.
Permits & logistics
Permit Stack
- → Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Tsum Valley-specific, issued only through a licensed agency.
- → Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): required for the shared Budhi Gandaki approach and checked at Jagat.
Group & Guide
- → Minimum 2 trekkers per group, legally required for the RAP.
- → One licensed guide for the full route, plus porters for group gear.
Day-by-day itinerary
All 13 days, open by default, from the drive to Machha Khola up the Budhi Gandaki into Tsum, to Mu Gompa and back the same way.
- Max altitude
- 3,700m
- Trekking days
- 10
Detailed day-by-day
01 Arrival in Kathmandu
You'll land at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel, where our team meets you for a trip briefing covering the Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit paperwork we've already filed, a gear check, and a walk-through of the route ahead. The evening closes with a welcome dinner where you'll meet your guide.
1,400m · Overnight: Hotel
02 Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola
An early departure takes you west out of the Kathmandu Valley on a mountain road toward Arughat, then along the Budhi Gandaki to the trailhead village of Machha Khola. It's a long day in the vehicle, 8–9 hours including stops, and the first taste of the gorge you'll follow for the next few days.
869m · ▼ 531m net · Overnight: Teahouse
03 Machha Khola to Jagat
You'll follow the Budhi Gandaki through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where a stop at the natural hot springs is a welcome reward before the final climb into Jagat. This is also a Restricted Area Permit checkpoint, where officials log your paperwork before you continue deeper into the region.
1,340m · ▲ 471m · 6–7 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
04 Jagat to Lokpa
Past Philim, the trail leaves the main Manaslu route and turns into the Tsum side valley. The gorge narrows and the path climbs through forest to Lokpa, the gateway to Tsum.
2,240m · ▲ 900m · 6–7 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
05 Lokpa to Chumling
A shorter day, crossing suspension bridges and climbing steadily into Lower Tsum. Chumling is the first Tsum village, with mani walls, chortens and a gompa to explore in the afternoon.
2,386m · ▲ 146m · 4–5 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
06 Chumling to Chhokangparo
You'll walk through Tibetan-style villages and barley fields on the climb to Chhokangparo, the largest village in Upper Tsum, with views toward Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal on a clear day.
3,010m · ▲ 624m · 5–6 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
07 Chhokangparo to Nile
Continue up the valley past Rachen Gompa, a nunnery close to Chhokangparo, and through Lamagaon and Chhule to Nile. The valley opens up, and mani walls line the trail between the villages.
3,361m · ▲ 351m · 5–6 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
08 Nile to Mu Gompa, return to Chhokangparo
The trek's high point and its longest day. A steady climb takes you to Mu Gompa, the valley's highest monastery, close to the Tibet border, at about 3,700m. After time at the gompa you return down the valley to sleep lower at Chhokangparo, so you climb high and sleep low.
3,010m · high point 3,700m · 8–9 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
09 Chhokangparo to Chumling
A long, satisfying descent through the villages of Upper and Lower Tsum, with the chance to stop again at the gompas you passed on the way up.
2,386m · ▼ 624m · 5–6 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
10 Chumling to Lokpa
Retrace the route through Lower Tsum, crossing the suspension bridges and dropping back toward the main Budhi Gandaki valley.
2,240m · ▼ 146m · 4–5 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
11 Lokpa to Jagat
A full day back down through the forest to Jagat, rejoining the trail shared with the Manaslu Circuit.
1,340m · ▼ 900m · 6–7 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
12 Jagat to Machha Khola
The final trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki back to Machha Khola, where the trail ends.
869m · ▼ 471m · 5–6 hrs · Overnight: Teahouse
13 Drive Machha Khola to Kathmandu
A full driving day back to Kathmandu, with the afternoon free to rest or explore before your onward journey.
1,400m · Overnight: Hotel
Cost
Per person
Quote on request
Included
- → RAP and MCAP permit fees
- → Licensed guide and porters
- → Teahouse lodging, 11 nights on trek
- → All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- → Kathmandu–Machha Khola–Kathmandu ground transport
Not Included
- → International flights and Nepal visa
- → Kathmandu hotel nights (Day 1 and Day 13)
- → Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover
- → Guide/porter tips
We have not published a price for this route yet, because permit fees and porter rates are still to be confirmed. Request a quote and we will reply with a firm figure.
The trek in detail
Why choose this trek?
If you want a restricted-area trek without a high pass, Tsum is the natural fit: Tibetan-culture villages, gompas and mountain views on a route that stays below about 3,700m. It also pairs well with the Manaslu Circuit, which shares its first days along the Budhi Gandaki.
How long and difficult is the trek?
The Tsum Valley Trek runs 13 days door to door, with 10 trekking days. Daily walking time ranges from 4–5 hours on the shorter days to 8–9 hours on the day to Mu Gompa. The highest point is Mu Gompa at about 3,700m/12,139ft. This is rated Moderate: no technical skills are needed, but you do need steady multi-day trekking fitness.
Accommodation and food during the trek
Every night on the Tsum Valley Trek is spent in a teahouse, never a tent. Rooms are simple twin-share with shared bathrooms, and facilities get simpler higher up the valley. Meals are included and cooked fresh at each lodge: dal bhat (with refills), noodle soups, momos, porridge and Tibetan bread, with tea as a trail staple.
Best time to go
Autumn (September–November) is the most popular window: post-monsoon skies are clear and the days are stable. Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms through the lower forest and similarly stable weather. Permit dates depend on the Nepal government, so we confirm yours at booking.
Is this trek suitable for you?
Tsum suits trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience who are comfortable with steep, uneven trails, long days and basic teahouses. It is a good choice if you want a restricted-area trek with a gentler altitude profile than Manaslu, Kanchanjunga or Makalu, but it is not a first trek.
Safety measures and acclimatization approach
Your guide carries a first aid kit, a pulse oximeter and a standing evacuation protocol. The route gains altitude gradually, from Chumling at 2,386m to Chhokangparo at 3,010m and Nile at 3,361m, and the Mu Gompa day returns you to sleep lower. Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover is not included, so you arrange it yourself.
Equipment / packing list
7 groups · 31 items
Upper Body
4- →Moisture-wicking base layer tops (2–3)
- →Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
- →Down jacket for cold evenings
- →Waterproof, windproof outer shell jacket
Lower Body
4- →Moisture-wicking base layer bottoms
- →Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
- →Fleece or thermal trousers for the evenings
- →Waterproof, windproof outer shell pants
Footwear & Accessories
4- →Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- →Camp shoes or sandals
- →Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4–5 pairs)
- →Liner socks
Head & Sun Protection
4- →Sun hat and warm insulated hat
- →Buff or neck gaiter
- →UV-protective sunglasses
- →High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Personal & Medical
6- →Personal first aid kit and any personal medications
- →Diamox (consult your doctor before the trip)
- →Hand sanitizer and basic toiletries
- →Trekking poles
- →Headlamp with spare batteries
- →Reusable water bottle and purification tablets or filter
Documents
4- →Passport with at least 6 months' validity
- →Passport-sized photos (for permits)
- →Travel insurance documents
- →Printed or digital copies of flight and trip confirmations
Miscellaneous
5- →Duffel bag for porter-carried gear
- →Daypack (30–35L)
- →Sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C
- →Power bank and universal adapter
- →Snacks or energy bars from home
Frequently asked
Does Tsum Valley need a separate permit from Manaslu?
Yes. Tsum needs its own Restricted Area Permit (RAP) plus the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) for the shared Budhi Gandaki approach. Both can only be arranged through a licensed agency, and we file them before you land.
How is Tsum different from the Manaslu Circuit?
Both start at Machha Khola and follow the Budhi Gandaki, then part ways near Philim. The Manaslu Circuit continues to the 5,106m Larkya La; Tsum turns into a side valley and tops out at about 3,700m at Mu Gompa, with no high pass.
Is it teahouse trekking the whole way?
Yes. There is teahouse lodging on every night of the route, from Machha Khola through Chumling, Chhokangparo and Nile. No camping gear is required.
Can I combine Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit?
The two routes share their first days, so it is possible to walk both. Ask us for a combined itinerary and quote.
Request a quote for Tsum Valley
Tell us your target dates and group size. We'll reply with a firm price and the next open departure.