A sacred hidden valley trek through Tibetan Buddhist villages, monasteries and quiet Manaslu landscapes.
The 14-day Tsum Valley Trek is a culturally rich Himalayan journey into one of Nepal's most sacred and least crowded valleys. Located in the Manaslu region, Tsum Valley is known for Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, mani walls, dramatic river valleys, Ganesh Himal views and remote mountain settlements.
This itinerary follows the Budhi Gandaki valley from Machha Khola through Jagat and Lokpa before entering the quieter Tsum Valley trail to Chumling, Chhokang Paro, Nile and Mu Gompa.
The journey includes an acclimatization and exploration day around Mu Gompa, then descends gradually back through Chhokang Paro, Chumling, Philim and Machha Khola before the return drive.
Trail gallery
Drive: 8-9 hrs by jeep/bus | Altitude: 900 m | Overnight: Machha Khola
Begin with a long scenic road journey through the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki river valleys.
Trek: 6-7 hrs | Altitude: 1,340 m | Overnight: Jagat
Follow the Budhi Gandaki valley through suspension bridges, waterfalls and Gurung villages.
Trek: 6 hrs | Altitude: 2,240 m | Overnight: Lokpa
Continue through forested and terraced landscapes with the first views toward Tsum Valley.
Trek: 5-6 hrs | Altitude: 2,386 m | Overnight: Chumling
Walk through beautiful forest trails and cross into the lower Tsum Valley.
Trek: 5 hrs | Altitude: 3,010 m | Overnight: Chhokang Paro
Ascend into wider valley landscapes with strong Tibetan Buddhist influence.
Trek: 5-6 hrs | Altitude: 3,361 m | Overnight: Nile
Pass Milarepa Cave and continue through dramatic upper valley terrain.
Trek: 3-4 hrs | Altitude: 3,700 m | Overnight: Mu Gompa area
A short acclimatization-friendly day to the highest overnight point of the trek.
Exploration day around Mu Gompa | Overnight: Mu Gompa area
Use the extra day for rest and cultural exploration. Options may include Dhephu Doma, viewpoints toward Tibet, Rachen Gompa or shorter acclimatization walks depending on conditions.
Trek: 6 hrs descent | Overnight: Chhokang Paro
Descend gradually from the upper valley, revisiting villages and monasteries with easier walking compared with the ascent.
Trek: 5-6 hrs | Overnight: Chumling
Continue descending through the Tsum Valley, passing familiar mani walls, forests and village trails.
Trek: 6 hrs | Overnight: Philim
Leave the inner Tsum Valley trail and descend through the beautiful river valley toward Philim.
Trek: 6-7 hrs | Overnight: Machha Khola
Retrace the lower valley route through villages, bridges and river trails before returning to Machha Khola.
Long rough road journey | Overnight: Kathmandu
Return by local bus or vehicle along the rough mountain road and then back toward Kathmandu.
Rest day in Kathmandu
A buffer day is highly recommended because mountain roads often get delayed.
| Permit / Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | Required for trekking in the Manaslu region |
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | Required for the restricted Tsum Valley section |
| ACAP / Additional Permit if route requires | May apply depending on exact route extensions and current regulations |
| Passport Copies and Photos | Required for permit processing |
| Trek Duration | 14 Days / 13 Nights |
| Price From | USD $2100 per person |
| Trek Grade | Moderate to Challenging |
| Maximum Altitude | 3,700 m (Mu Gompa) |
| Trek Start | Kathmandu/Pokhara to Machha Khola |
| Trek End | Kathmandu |
| Accommodation | 12 nights in mountain teahouses |
| Meals on Trek | 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners |
| Required Permits | All necessary permits for the trek |
| Special Interest | Tibetan Buddhist culture, monasteries and remote villages |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
All necessary trekking permits are included in the package.
The road to and from Machha Khola can be rough and delays are common.
The itinerary may change due to weather, road conditions, landslides, health, lodge availability or permit rules.
Private jeep is not included but may be arranged separately on request.
Porter service is optional and costs USD $520 for 13 days.
