Tsum Valley Trek Highlights
- Off-beat trail offering an authentic wilderness experience and adventure.
- Deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture in the communities and their people.
- Big and small monasteries, stupas, and chortens draped with prayer flags, as well as stone mani walls, make the trail a spiritual path.
- Traditional villages with their own unique architecture influenced by Tibetan culture.
- Entering the Manaslu Conservation Area, get the chance to immerse yourself in the pristine ecosystem and landscape full of different flora and fauna.
- Magnificent views of the stellar peaks, including the Ganesh Himal range (Ganesh I, II, III, IV), Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, and potential glimpses of Manaslu.
- Warm local interaction with kind hospitality.
- Tsum Valley offers the most authentic glimpse into the village livelihood, which has remained untouched by outside influences.
Trip Overview
Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s true hidden gems among many trekking destinations. Located within the Manaslu region, the trail is considered to be off the beaten path, so there aren’t many people who know about the captivating mountains and intriguing cultures of this particular trek.
When deciding on a trek destination in Nepal, more often than not, people choose the route of either the Everest region, the Annapurna region, or the Langtang region. But like any route of Everest, Annapurna, or Langtang, the Tsum Valley Trek is equally beautiful and fulfilling for those who seek to delve into the natural and cultural aspects of the destination.
As already stated above, the Tsum Valley Trek is part of the Manaslu Region; in fact, it falls within the boundary of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Often referred to as “the hidden valley,” the Tsum Valley was restricted to most of the outsiders until officially opening for trekkers in 2008. Which is why this trail offers an immersion in some of the most preserved unique traditions, ancient monasteries, and pristine landscapes.
Villages with a strong Tibetan influence, undisturbed and untouched natural heritage, panoramic views of the mountains and villages with rich culture and unique architecture are some of the highlight experiences of this trek. So, choosing this destination will be one of your best decisions if you want to explore a place in Nepal that is not crowded by other trekkers but the views and cultural experiences are one of a kind.
The trek will be nothing short of beautiful mountain views, including the Ganesh Himal Range, Ganesh I (Yangra), Ganesh II (Ganesh NW), Ganesh III (Salasungo), Ganesh IV (Pabil), Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu (glimpses), Churke Himal Range, Kipu Himal Range, Tara Himal Range, Pashuwo Himal, Kiyong Peak, Sar Peak, and other unnamed snow-capped peaks.
Comprehensive Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary Overview (15 Days)
The 15-day journey of the Tsum Valley Trek begins with a very scenic but long bus ride from Kathmandu, with the first day coming to a conclusion at Soti Khola. From here on out, you will follow the sacred river of Budhi Gandaki, surrounded by lush green alpine forests and diverse landscapes. The second day, putting those sturdy feet to use, you hike from Soti Khola to Machha Khola. The hike presents a peaceful and serene environment filled with the joys of appreciating nature and culture.
From Machha Khola, you will hike to Jagat but not before stopping at a place called Tatopani, where there is a natural spring. Then we pass through the village of Lokpa, experiencing the authentic culture of the Manaslu region. The Tibetan-influenced Buddhism, culture, and heritage are an extraordinary experience.
As the days pass by, you will continue the trek that leads you through the routes that go up and down hill to the quaint villages that look straight out of a photocard. From Jagat, you will reach Lokpa village, then Chumling village on the fifth day. And along the way, you will pass through different ancient monasteries such as Pango Gumba, Gurwa Gumba, and Mani Dhungyr.
The higher you ascend, the closer you are to the mountains, and you get panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal Range, Ganesh I (Yangra), Ganesh II, and many more. From Chumling, which is known as Lower Tsum, to Chokkangparo, which is known as Upper Tsum, to Nile village, the trekking route offers an up-and-downhill hike along the Budhi Gandaki River and very warm hospitality from the local communities.
On the seventh day, the trek gets even more exciting as we leave the Nile village and hike to Mu Gumba, where you will spend the night and the next day explore the Gumba along with Dephyudonma Gumba and then hike back to Chokkangparo, the Upper Tsum village, on the ninth day. Then the following day, trek to Lungdang. And on the eleventh day you will find yourself in the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, where you can get the absolute best views of the Ganesh Himal Range.
The entire journey is an adventurous experience with spirituality engraved in every step. After exploring the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, you will begin your descent and arrive at the small village of Lokpa by retracing our steps. We continue our descent and make our way to Lapubesi on the thirteenth day. Our trekking adventure is almost complete, which is filled with joys of conquering villages at high elevations and witnessing some of the best mountain views that Nepal has to offer. Then the following day you will hike one last time back to Soti Khola or Arughat. And finally, on the final, fifteenth day, you will get on a bus back to Kathmandu Valley, taking all the photos as memories. The 15 days of trekking to the Tsum Valley are completed successfully.
Why should you do the 15 days Tsum Valley Trek? (2025/2026)
There are a myriad of options to choose from when it comes to trekking in Nepal. So, why should one choose Tsum Valley out of all the other popular options? What makes Tsum Valley so special? Let’s discuss all the reasons why choosing Tsum Valley as your trekking destination will be the best decision you will ever make!
Off-Beaten Trekking Route
While there are many trekking destinations in the Annapurna and Everest regions that are swarming with trekkers every peak season, the Manaslu region is somewhat of a hidden gem. And Tsum Valley even more so. The trails are peaceful and quaint, leading to humble villages filled with the flair of Tibetan influences, unique landscapes, and mesmerizing views of the majestic snow capped mountain ranges.
Unlike EBC or ABC, which are very crowded during spring and autumn, when it is the best time to trek with nice weather and moderate temperature, Tsum Valley offers a less crowded journey into the Himalayas. Get the most exclusive chance to immerse yourself in the authenticity of what the mountain communities have to offer in terms of nature and culture.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Well, it is a no-brainer that you will see mountain views when you go to the mountain region. But what makes this trek truly special is that you get to experience a whole other part of the Himalayas that many people are not aware of. The following are the prominent mountains you can get breathtaking views of: Ganesh I (Yangra) (7,422 meters); Ganesh II (Ganesh NW) (7,118 meters); Ganesh III (Salasungo) (7,043 meters); Ganesh IV (Pabil) (7,104 meters); Sringi Himal (7,165 meters); Boudha Himal (Peak 6672) (approximately 6,672 meters); Himalchuli (7,893 meters); Manaslu (glimpses possible) (8,163 meters); Pashuwo Himal (6,177 meters); Kiyong Peak (5,232 meters); and Sar Peak (5,266 meters).
The above-mentioned peaks are truly a sight to behold and have great significance in terms of natural integrity as well as cultural sacredness. It is truly a spiritual experience to be amidst some of the highest mountains on the planet.
Well Preserved Culture, Traditions, and Architecture
Since the trial for both the Tsum Valley Trek and the Manaslu Circuit only opened to the public for visitation not too long ago, the biodiversity and the communities there have remained untouched. Even more so, the establishment of the Manaslu Conservation Area along with the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, which has acted as the biggest conservation and preservation effort for both nature and culture.
So, being a region that was largely isolated until recently, you will get what you see in its full authentic form. The Tibetan-influenced villages, practicing Tibetan Buddhism, have houses built with unique architecture and livelihood practices that have been unchanged for hundreds of years.
Spiritual Connection and Significance
The Tsum Valley is considered to be a spiritually strong location. The mountains have always been connected to the religious aspect of Buddhism and Hinduism. Mountains have always represented freedom, serenity, a sacred place that offers Nirvana, and a path that offers enlightenment in the afterlife.
The Ganesh Himal Range, named after the Hindu god Lord Ganesh, is a very significant deity among the Hindu followers, while the entire valley of Tsum is considered a sacred place in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Tsum Village itself is known as "Beyul," which means a sacred hidden valley. The vibrating spiritual energy surrounding the route is a true testament to how the region was once blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The Tsum Valley Trek is where many go to find or get the spiritual blessing and connect with their inner selves.
Authentic Interaction with the Local Communities
As we have already established, the Tsum Valley was only discovered and opened to the trekkers not too long ago, which means the local communities on the trail have remained isolated from the influences of the outside world. The local people still go about their everyday lives as they used to do centuries before. The overwhelming majority of the community practices Tibetan Buddhism.
The interaction with the locals will be some of the most humbling moments of this entire journey. Their villages remain far from the efficiency that you have in cities, with no infrastructure to make people’s lives easier, but even so, the humility, kindness, and hospitality people here show will show you that even in a remote village like Tsum, love and respect persevere.
Tsum Valley Trek 15 Days Distance
The total distance of the Tsum Valley Trek can differ depending on the routes and itinerary you choose but for a typical 15-day trek, the approximate trekking distance can range from 100 to 130 kilometers (approximately 60 to 80 miles). This distance only covers the area from Soti Khola, the beginning point of the trek, to the same place where it ends. So, to add on to the total distance of the driving, it is approximately 160 km or miles from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. Which makes the total distance of the trek, including the one-way drive, approximately 260 to 390 km.
Tsum Valley Trek Elevation—15 Days
Trekking to the mountains means that you are going to be hiking through high elevations, and for many, the highest elevation of this trek might be their highest record. But for this particular trek of Tsum Valley of 15 days, the highest elevation is considered to be the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, which is around 3,700m to 4,200m depending on the location chosen as the “base camp.” The lowest elevation on this trek is Soti Khola at 710 meters above sea level, which is the beginning point of the trek.
How difficult is the Tsum Valley 15 Days Trek?
The Tsum Valley Trek is generally considered a moderately difficult trek. But overall, the difficulty of the trekking destination is an entirely subjective matter, because people who have good trekking experience might find it easier compared to beginners, but even so, considering this trek as moderately difficult is the right label.
But when it comes to the difficulty of a trek, there are numerous things that need to be taken into account, such as high altitude, acclimatization, personal fitness, mental strength, and overall willingness to stay out of your own comfort zone. The trek begins from an elevation that is lower than 1000 meters and reaches its peak at 4200 meters, which is a significant gain. Thus, having your body properly acclimate is extremely crucial.
Permits Required for the Tsum Valley Trek (15 Days)
The Tsum Valley falls within the area of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is categorized as a restricted area by the Nepal government. So, to enter the premises of the Tsum Valley, a special permit is required with other regular permits. There are two permits required for this trek and they are
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
As you will be entering the Manaslu Conservation Area, an entrance permit is required. It costs approximately NPR 3,000 (around USD 25) per person.
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Apart from the permit to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, you also require a specific permit to enter the restricted area of Tsum Valley, which is known as the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit. And the cost of this permit depends on time and they are mentioned below:
- September to November: USD 40 per week per person
- December to August: USD 30 per week per person
Do you need a guide and porter for the 15 days Tsum Valley Trek?
Yes, you do need a licensed trekking guide to do the Tsum Valley Trek of 15 days. As the Tsum Valley falls within the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is known as the restricted area and requires a special permit to enter, it is absolutely mandatory you hire a guide for your trek. Solo trekking is banned in this region. And while hiring porters is definitely optional, given the challenging trail, it is highly recommended you hire one. If you are going through a company, they most likely already cover guide and porter costs for this trek.
Tsum Valley Trek Guide and Porter Cost
The cost for guides is $35 to $45 per day, while porter fees are generally between $25 and $30 per day. This is excluding the tip for both, as it is generally expected to tip both the guide and porters separately for 20% of the package cost for the guide and 15% for the porters.
When is the best time to do the 15 days Tsum Valley Trek?
The ultimate best time to trek to Tsum Valley is considered to be either spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). These two seasons are known as peak season in Nepal and see a heavy influx of tourists who are looking to do some mountain trekking. And among many destinations, a few tourists choose the Manaslu region.
One of the main reasons for spring and autumn being the best times to trek is because these times provide the best weather with the clearest views and moderate temperatures, a very pleasant trekking experience. And even between spring and autumn, most people prefer the latter one because it falls right after monsoon season, making the chances of getting clear views even higher.
While monsoon (June-August) is trekkable, it requires a lot of caution and preparation, as there will be heavy rainfall during this time. Road blockage due to landslides, slippery paths, heavy rain, and delays in transportation are some of the problems faced during this time. So, keeping your safety as the first priority, a trek during this time is generally not recommended, and if you plan to do it anyway, always be aware of the risks and prepare accordingly.
The winter (December-February) season, while cold, can be a good time to trek, as you get some of the clearest mountain views during this time. There are a lot of variables that need to be accounted for before you decide on winter as your option. The mountains are already cold to begin with but winter means extreme cold, where the temperatures in higher elevations can drop to -20°C or lower. The heavy snow can cause trail blockage and if not prepared for extreme cold situations, hypothermia and altitude sickness can be a very big issue, which can be fatal. Thus, make sure you have good equipment to withstand the cold and knee-deep snow.
Food and Accommodation during the 15 Days Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Region is one of the most isolated places in Nepal and has only been accessible to trekkers since 2008. So, in the past few years, there have been attempts to make services available but there still lacks stable infrastructure that helps make all these facilities available. That being said, the accommodation during the Tsum Valley Trek is very basic, with small tea houses offering rooms with twin beds and a common bathroom. You will have limited teahouses in each location and the services get more basic the higher you ascend.
And because of the lack of road accessibility, transportation of goods is very difficult, which is the main reason why the services on this trek are very limited. So, if you are looking for a luxury experience, this might be the wrong destination; however, if you are looking for some of the most authentic local experiences, then this trek is just right for you.
Talking about food during the Tsum Valley Trek, the options are limited but are nutritious. You can either choose Nepali food like dal bhat, which is an all-round meal that will give you the required energy for the entire trek or you can choose Western options like pasta. Having dal bhat once a day is recommended as it covers all dietary aspects. Also, carrying your own light, dry snacks like dried nuts, protein bars, energy biscuits, etc., can be a big help during the trek.
Food and Accommodation Cost
The cost for food and accommodation during the Tsum Valley Trek will vary per location, as the higher you ascend, the more expensive it gets. Generally speaking, the cost for three standard meals and accommodation will be covered by the package. However, for anything extra, such as hot or mineral water, wifi facilities, or food outside of standard meals, you will have to pay by yourself. Thus, you will spend 20-40 USD per day depending on your spending habits.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization
When you are trekking to the mountains, it is common to reach elevations that you are not used to. So that means our body is highly susceptible to altitude sickness. And especially on this trek, where you begin at 710 meters, which is even lower than Kathmandu Valley and reach 4200 meters. That is a significant gain in elevation and can lead to a bad case of acute mountain sickness if not acclimated properly.
At the higher altitude, the oxygen level is lower, which is why our body has a hard time breathing, but if we do proper acclimatization, we can smoothly complete our trek. Which is why our itinerary has gradual ascent and acclimatization days to make the trek easier and increase the chances of success.
Transportation Cost During the Tsum Valley Trek of 15 Days (2025/2026)
For transportation, you can either choose a local bus or hire a private jeep to reach the beginning point of the trek, which is Soti Khola, and drive back to Kathmandu after the trek ends. There are no flights connecting on this trail, so your main mode of transportation is by road. Taking the local bus will be much more affordable compared to hiring a private jeep.
Cost of Transportation on Different Means
The approximate costs of transportation during the 15 days of the Tsum Valley Trek are as follows.
- Local Bus: $15-$20 per person.
- Private Jeep: $250-$300 per jeep