16 Days
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The Tsum Valley Trek combines rich culture and stunning mountain beauty in one of Nepal's most remote Himalayan regions. This trek covers 198 kilometers and takes 16 days. It starts and ends at Machhakhola, beginning on easy trails that become harder as the path goes up the mountains. People call Tsum Valley the "hidden valley" because few tourists visit compared to other popular hiking areas. This means visitors can enjoy quiet, untouched nature and experience the local Tibetan culture without crowds. The best part of the trek is visiting Mu Gompa monastery at 3,700 meters high. From there, hikers can see amazing views of Ganesh Himal and the Himalchuli mountains around the old Buddhist temples.
Tsum Valley follows a special belief called Shyagya, which strictly forbids killing any living creature within its borders. Villages like Chumling, Chhokang Paro, and Nile give visitors a look at how the Tsumba people live every day. Their customs and beliefs have not changed much over hundreds of years. The walking path goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected place where red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and lots of different birds live in the wild, untouched forests and mountains.
Trekkers sleep each night in simple but friendly teahouses, where local families serve filling mountain food and provide comfortable rooms with real warmth. Spring months from March to May and autumn time between September and November are the best times for the Tsum Valley trek, though ready explorers can visit here all year long. The Tsum Valley trek package includes all necessary permits, so trekkers can focus entirely on their journey through the mountains.
The Tsum Valley Trek takes travellers on a 16-day journey through Nepal's most isolated and pristine mountain regions. The journey begins in Kathmandu with airport pickup and hotel accommodation, followed by a day exploring the valley's historic landmarks. Travelers visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath Temple.
The real mountain adventure begins with a scenic drive to Macchakhola, where Nepal's countryside reveals terraced hillsides, flowing rivers, and peaceful villages. Trekkers follow the Budhi Gandaki River from Macchakhola, slowly climbing through thick forests and local hillside villages. The path to Jagat crosses strong bridges and enters the Manaslu Conservation Area, which serves as the entrance to the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley.
Beyond Jagat, the route winds through Lokpa and Chumling, passing bamboo forest and colorful rhododendron forests. Local people can be seen weaving traditional baskets along the trail. The terrain varies between steady climbs and gentle descents, with narrow mountain ridges and wooden bridges creating an ever-changing landscape experience.
From Chokangparo to Nile, the trail climbs higher into mountain territory where snow-peaked summits dominate the horizon. Tibetan Buddhist traditions can be seen clearly through carved stone walls, old stupas, and decorated Kani gates that mark holy places. Villages display traditional mountain life, while important spiritual places like Milarepa Cave and Rachen Gompa show the valley's religious importance. Mountain foods such as churpi cheese and creamy yak butter give real tastes of high-mountain living.
Mu Gompa is the trek's highest point at 3,700 meters, where an old monastery sits quietly among tall peaks. Local monks carry out daily morning and evening prayers, creating a deeply spiritual feeling for visitors. The mountain views from this holy place are truly amazing, showing wide scenes that spread across many Himalayan mountain ranges.
The return trip follows the same path downward, passing Rachen Gompa, Chumling, and Lokpa while giving chances for quiet thinking about the valley experience. Trekkers walk back through their earlier steps to Jagat and then Macchakhola, crossing known rivers, forests, and village areas. A final easy drive brings everyone back to Kathmandu, ending the trek with lasting memories of Tsum Valley and its wonderful people.
This trek mixes physical challenge with slow altitude gain, keeping trekkers safe while they experience the local culture. Thick forests, fast-flowing rivers, huge mountains, holy monasteries, and traditional villages work together to give visitors a full taste of both the landscape and how people live here. The Tsum Valley Trek is a rare mountain adventure that very few travelers get to experience.
Explore the Tsum Valley alternatives that pass through Nepal’s stunning and remote mountain landscapes.
The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek takes trekkers through Nepal's most sacred and untouched mountain territory. This trek includes travelling to Tsum Valley, famous for its old isolated villages, with the impressive Manaslu Circuit.
The standard Tsum Valley Trek runs about 16 days, focusing on the valley's monasteries, villages, and cultural treasures. Moreover, Tsum Valley with Manaslu trek includes 20 days, covering the entire Manaslu Circuit. Trekkers climb over higher mountain passes and witness sweeping views of nearby peaks.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek provides an extraordinary 14-day journey in the Manaslu region. Trekkers experience breathtaking panoramas of Mount Manaslu and visit isolated villages in authentic Tibetan heritage.
This adventure blends manageable physical demands with remarkably varied terrain, spanning dense green forests and ancient terraced farmlands to stark high-altitude valleys. Trekkers get to discover centuries-old monasteries where monks maintain daily rituals unchanged for generations.
At Nepal Hiking Team, our Tsum Valley Trek package is designed to provide an exceptional journey through the sacred Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
When you book the Tsum Valley Trek with Nepal Hiking Team, you receive professional leadership, reliable transport services, and experienced local guides. They share captivating tales while leading you to the area's most treasured locations.
Our Tsum Valley Trek holiday with Nepal Hiking Team features accommodations in welcoming teahouses that deliver genuine high-altitude living experiences.
Our Tsum Valley treks combine expert safety planning with authentic cultural experiences through knowledgeable local guides from mountain communities. Travelers consistently give us five-star ratings on TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot because we create personalized journeys featuring hidden monasteries.
Each of our treks adapts to weather and group interests, delivering unique mountain experiences that connect you deeply with Tibetan culture.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will complete immigration procedures and get your luggage before exiting the arrival hall. A Nepal Hiking Team member will be standing outside holding a welcome sign and will guide you directly to your 3-star hotel.
This journey provides you an initial taste of Kathmandu's busy roads and vibrant atmosphere. After hotel check-in, you will have free time to rest and refresh. You can also enjoy a walk around the nearby area to get familiar with your new surroundings.
You'll explore Nepal's cultural riches, where four UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer incredible discoveries. You can turn prayer wheels at the historic Swayambhunath temple while observing playful monkeys in their natural setting.
You can walk around the huge circular Boudhanath stupa and watch devoted pilgrims making their sacred rounds. At Pashupatinath temple, you'll get to see the holy ceremonies of life and death happening beside the sacred Bagmati River.
During these spiritual visits, trekkers can explore old royal palaces, each one full of interesting stories about past kings and their kingdoms.
You'll escape Kathmandu's busy streets for a scenic drive to Machha Khola. Your route switches between paved roads and rough patches.
Trekkers will witness beautiful terraced farmland, cross suspension bridges spanning mountain streams, and visit local markets like Aroghat bazaar and Soti Khola village.
You'll rest tonight in Machha Khola village directly beside the flowing Budhi Gandaki River. Urban sounds fade away, replaced by rushing water and fresh highland air. Your actual mountain trekking adventure starts tomorrow as you enter the Himalayas.
Your genuine mountain adventure begins after breakfast in Machha Khola. You'll quickly understand why the Himalayas command such respect. The path climbs steadily, dips down, then rises again toward Khorla Besi village. The magnificent Ganesh Himal peaks proudly display their snow-covered summits in the distance.
You'll discover the beloved Tatopani hot springs, where local people have been healing their tired bodies for countless years. The route then follows the Budhi Gandaki River banks before entering thick forest. This green tunnel wraps around you completely as you walk deeper into the mountains.
The trail becomes narrower as you pass through tiny mountain settlements like Doba. You'll gradually climb toward Lauri as the day progresses. Tonight brings well-earned rest in the welcoming village of Jagat, where mountain hospitality awaits tired trekkers.
Today brings excitement as you officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and cross suspension bridges. You'll walk through charming Gurung villages that showcase traditional mountain life. The morning hike reveals stunning waterfalls running down the cliffs.
The trails offer a perfect mix of uphill climbs and downhill trek. You'll pass golden wheat fields and walk through narrow paths along rocky ridges in the suitable season. Along the way, you might encounter mule trains and local people carrying bundles of firewood on their backs.
Your route takes you through the villages of Salleri, Sirdibas, Philim, and Ekle Bhatti. Just before reaching Lokpa Village, you'll discover the special welcome gate of Tsum Valley. This magical moment marks the beginning of your Tsum Valley adventure as you leave the main Manaslu region trail behind.
You'll see a huge, beautiful waterfall that amazes you after leaving Lokpa. This day is hard because you climb uphill most of the time.
Your path goes through sweet-smelling pine trees and bright rhododendron flowers before going down into the special Tsum Valley. You'll keep walking and pass through the nice small village of Lokpa on this old mountain path.
From Lokpa, you'll walk down for thirty minutes to Lungwa Khola, then climb a twisting uphill path for two hours. The trail goes north through thick pine trees and colorful flowers until you reach Gumlung. After crossing the fast-flowing Siyar Khola, you finally get to Chumling in the lower Tsum Valley.
Chumling sits nicely on the south side of Shringi Himal, giving amazing mountain views that make your hard work worth it. You'll visit the old Chumling Gompa and walk through the village's stone paths.
After breakfast in Chumling, you begin your walk toward Chokhangparo by crossing a suspension bridge to the river's other side. You'll pass through green farmland where local people grow corn and potatoes in neat rows.
The houses look like traditional Tibetan homes with wood piles stacked on their roofs, though they have sloped roofs because of rain and snow here. You'll cross a large area where landslides and floods destroyed everything in 1999, sadly taking five lives. However, now young trees have grown back to cover the whole place.
Your path takes you through Rainjam village and across the Serpu Khola stream. Then you climb for more than two hours on a clear but open trail toward upper Tsum and the twin villages of Chokhangparo.
Chokhangparo sits on level ground and has two parts called Chokhang and Paro. When the weather stays nice, you'll see amazing views of the Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal peaks. Some families here still follow old marriage customs where one woman marries several brothers. This special area is well-known for its deep Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Climbing up from Chokhangparo, you may begin to feel the effects of the higher altitude. Remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body strong. You'll walk east through tiny villages and pass a small local school that serves mountain children.
Slowly rising over a mountain ridge, you pass through Lama Gaon across level fields. You'll look over large farming areas and the river toward Rachen Gompa monastery. Wild Himalayan Tahr often appear near this spot, delighting trekkers with their graceful movements.
The warm local people speak Tsumba, which sounds similar to Tibetan, but they know little Nepali and rarely meet outside visitors.
You'll leave behind an ancient Buddha stupa as you walk through Chhule village. All the children here wear beautiful traditional Tibetan robes called chubas, creating a colorful sight.
Yaks roam freely around the village, adding to the authentic mountain atmosphere. You head upstream to cross a sturdy bridge and climb upward to reach the Nile.
Nile stands as the final village heading north in Upper Tsum Valley. This remote area has few remaining trees and rests beside the flowing Shiar Khola river.
This marks your final climbing day in the Tsum Valley Trek. You're walking to Mu Gompa, the highest point of the Tsum Valley trek at 3700 meters. This stands as the largest monastery in the region, and the entire place feels sacred and calm.
Amazing mountain views spread out before you from this special height. The spiritual atmosphere at Mu Gompa touches your heart in a wonderful way.
You won't find fancy hotels here, just simple rooms and monastery guest quarters. The monastery welcomes visitors to stay inside its walls for a truly authentic experience.
The resident monks perform daily prayers each morning and evening for the valley's well-being. Around twelve monks call this monastery home, and they bring skilled cooks from nearby villages to prepare meals for hungry trekkers. This creates a warm community feeling that makes your stay truly memorable.
Your day starts with beautiful prayer chanting at Mu Gompa, where monks come together for their morning worship. As you begin walking, the path leads you downhill through dry mountain areas and past stone prayer monuments, offering wonderful views of Ganesh Himal and other snow peaks.
In the afternoon, you reach Rachen Gompa, one of the biggest women's monasteries in the valley. Here, trekkers can discover Buddhist ways of life, admire colorful wall art, and experience the calm daily routine of the nuns. Staying overnight in this holy place offers a special opportunity to feel the deep spiritual soul of Tsum Valley.
The peaceful atmosphere here touches your heart and creates memories that will stay with you long after you return home.
Your day starts with a goodbye to the calm grounds of Rachen Gompa before the path takes you downhill. As you walk, you pass through tiny villages like Phurbe and Chhokang Paro, where stone homes, prayer walls, and colorful prayer flags show the rich Tibetan culture of Tsum Valley.
The trail moves along green fields and thick forests, with the Syar Khola river flowing peacefully beside you for most of the journey. You cross swinging bridges and walk past prayer monuments and decorated gates, slowly coming back to lower places. When you reach Chumling, you'll notice the air feels warmer while your heart holds the quiet memories of the upper valley.
The change from the thin mountain air to the thicker valley air reminds you how far you've traveled on this amazing adventure.
Today, you leave Chumling and walk downhill toward Lokpa. The trail is long but beautiful, and you’ll pass through forests full of pine, rhododendron, and oak trees. You walk beside the Syar Khola for a while, crossing swinging bridges and listening to the calming sounds of flowing water.
Along the way, you pass tiny traditional villages like Dumje and Gho, where local people live their simple mountain lives. Prayer walls, spinning prayer wheels, and stone monuments remind you of the strong Buddhist beliefs in this valley.
As you walk further, you'll feel the air getting warmer and see the land change from high, rocky areas to thick green hills. Lokpa is the last village before you completely leave the Tsum Valley.
Getting here feels happy and sad at the same time, as your heart holds the peaceful feeling of the valley, while your eyes look ahead to new paths. The village welcomes you warmly, with stepped farming fields and quiet beauty, making it a perfect place to sleep tonight.
This moment marks the end of your sacred valley experience, leaving you with memories that will warm your heart for years to come.
The path ahead is long but worth every step. Pine trees tower over you, and if you're lucky enough to be here in spring, red rhododendrons bloom everywhere. The Budhi Gandaki River flows through rocks far below, its wild sound never leaving you.
One moment you're climbing stone steps that someone built decades ago, the next you're walking narrow ridges where you can see forever. Your feet find their rhythm on dirt paths that thousands of other trekkers have walked.
Finally, after hours of walking, Jagat appears ahead in your Tsum Valley Trek. Stone buildings line the main path, and carved stone walls stretch along the trail. This is it, the official gate to the Manaslu Conservation Area. The teahouses here know exactly what tired trekkers need: hot tea, warm food, and beds that feel like luxury after a long day walking.
You can sit outside as the sun gets lower, planning tomorrow's route with other travelers who have that same happy exhaustion in their eyes.
Your last morning in Jagat feels different. The Budhi Gandaki River will be flowing alongside the trail. It's been your companion for two weeks now, and today it's walking you home. Everything looks familiar but somehow new.
You pass through Salleri and Sirdibas again, seeing the same terraced fields. While crossing the suspension bridge at Philim, this time you don't grip the cables so tightly. Your legs know what they're doing now.
Then comes Tatopani and those hot springs where you can slip off your boots and soak your feet in the warm water. By evening, you're back in Macchakhola. The same riverside village where this whole thing started. You can sit outside a teahouse with a cup of tea, watching the river flow past.
Two weeks ago, you were nervous and excited, wondering if you could handle the altitude and the long days. Now you're here with stories that will last forever. You've seen monks chanting in monasteries and walked under peaks so massive they made you feel like an ant. The trek is over, but somehow it feels like everything is just beginning.
Your dusty backpack will be loaded into the jeep, and you take one last look at Macchakhola. The road bumps and passes through tiny villages. Through Soti Khola and Arughat, the scenery starts changing. Those massive peaks disappear behind you, replaced by hills and farm fields.
Once you reach roads near Dhading, things smooth out. You join the Prithvi Highway, and suddenly you're part of the real world again.
By the time Kathmandu's lights appear in the distance, everything feels surreal. Two weeks ago, you left this busy city feeling nervous about what lay ahead. Now you're coming back with muddy boots, a face tanned by mountain sun, and a head full of memories.
You've stood under peaks that scrape the sky, slept in villages where electricity is still new, and walked trails that traders have used for hundreds of years. You actually did it!
You are taken to Tribhuvan International Airport, and your Tsum Valley trek is really over. Our team helps with your bags and gets you to check in with three hours to spare. While you wait, you might look at other travelers and wonder if they just finished their own mountain trip.
You're going home with more than just photos and prayer flags in your bag. Something changed up there in those mountains and the Tsum Valley. Maybe it was the sunrises over peaks most people never see, or sharing tea with families who live far from everything.
You walked through restricted areas of Tsum Valley that don't let many people in. Now you're one of the few who can say they've been there.
If you're already thinking about your next trip, we understand. Mountains call you back. Whether it's Nepal again, Bhutan, or Tibet, we'll be here when you're ready. For now, enjoy your flight home and that hot shower waiting for you.
We've earned our reputation as the top trekking company through our skilled local guides and attention to each client. We create journeys that blend authentic cultural experiences with spectacular mountain views. Our smooth operations and proven track record make us the go-to choice for the incredible Tsum Valley Trek.
The Tsum Valley trek offers a unique immersion in Tibetan culture, as the region is situated on the border with Tibet and features a population of Tibetan origin with strong Buddhist roots. Trekkers can experience distinct Tibetan customs, language (including Tsumke and Tsumba dialects), and religious practices, including the preservation of non-violent traditions like Shayagya. The valley is a spiritual sanctuary with numerous monasteries, chortens, and prayer wheels, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist faith.
One of the most underrated and interesting facts about the Tsum Valley, Nepal, is it is a non-sacrificial area. The culture of non-sacrificial is the pride of the Tsumbas (people of the Tsum Valley). They do not believe in animal sacrifices.
Tsumba strongly depends upon animal husbandry and farming, and they are closely connected with Buddhism, peace, love, and compassion. Trek Tsum Valley seeds the realization of purity and the value of life.
Understanding Tsum Valley Trek pricing involves you recognizing the factors that shape this remote Himalayan adventure. Group size, service level, and overall service all influence costs, while special Restricted Area permits protect the region's pristine culture, which makes your journey extraordinary.
Our Tsum Valley Trek package takes care of everything, no guesswork needed. We cover airport transfers, permits, government taxes, and mountain transportation. Fresh meals every day and hot drinks in the evening keep you going strong. Our experienced team provides emergency backup and helps you adjust to the altitude.
This approach delivers exceptional value because you're investing in peace of mind and authentic experiences without hidden fees or logistical surprises.
The Tsum Valley Trek ranks as a moderate to challenging adventure because of its isolated location and extended duration. This journey covers roughly 198 kilometers across 16 days, beginning at Machhakhola and reaching ancient Tibetan settlements toward Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters.
This route stands apart from popular trails by remaining genuinely untouched. The paths here stay undeveloped, frequently narrow and rocky, featuring numerous suspension bridge crossings and demanding walking days that stretch 6 to 8 hours.
Though the trek avoids extremely high mountain passes, altitude still presents real challenges. Trekkers need gradual adjustment while ascending from the lower river valleys into the elevated areas surrounding the sacred monasteries of Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.
Choosing the right season for your Tsum Valley adventure can make the difference between a challenging journey and an unforgettable experience. This remote Himalayan valley offers distinct seasonal characteristics that cater to different trekking preferences.
Spring (March to May): Spring stands out as the most rewarding season for you to discover Tsum Valley's hidden wonders. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F), while nights cool down to -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Clear skies and stable weather create perfect conditions for you to capture stunning photographs of snow-capped peaks.
Autumn (September to November): After the monsoon, ideal trekking weather arrives with daytime temperatures around 20°C and nighttime lows of 5°C. The autumn period brings crystal-clear mountain views and amazing weather that trekkers dream about. Fresh vegetation from recent rains creates a lush, green backdrop that makes the ancient monasteries look even more mystical. Many experienced trekkers consider autumn the golden season for Tsum Valley because of its reliable weather and spectacular visibility.
Winter (December to February): Winter offers you a more secluded trekking experience with fewer crowds. Daytime temperatures sit between 5°C and -5°C, while nights can drop below -15°C at higher spots like Mu Gompa. If you trek in winter, you'll need top-quality cold-weather gear, lots of mountain experience, and careful planning since many teahouses close at altitude and trails get dangerously icy.
Monsoon (June to August): Summer transforms the valley you travel into a lush green paradise, but it comes with serious risks, including frequent landslides. The daytime temperature is 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), which drops to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at night. Heavy rains make trails slippery and dangerous, while thick clouds hide those amazing mountain views you came to see. Most experienced trekkers skip this season because of safety risks and poor visibility, even though the valley turns incredibly green.
If you want an unforgettable Tsum Valley Trek adventure, time your journey during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). These are the best months that separate incredible treks from mediocre ones.
You'll be able to experience perfect hiking temperatures, rock-solid weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and trails in prime condition. These seasons give you everything this hidden valley has to offer without battling extreme cold, dangerous monsoons, or disappointing cloudy skies.
Tsum Valley is Nepal's best-kept secret that feels like stepping into another world. This hidden valley, whose name means "Vivid," is the Manaslu region treasure waiting to be discovered. For hundreds of years, this sacred place has been home to Tibetan saints and monks who came here to find peace among the towering peaks and endless sky.
The respected Buddhist saint Milarepa supposedly meditated in the caves of these mountains, and his spirit can still be felt throughout the valley. The local people, called Tsumba, come from Tibetan families who settled here long ago. They speak their own language and welcome visitors with the kind of real warmth that makes you feel like family.
Ancient monasteries called gompas stand like guardians throughout the valley you travel. Mu Gompa watches over the higher reaches, while Rachen Gompa offers you peaceful spots for reflection and wonder.
Tsum Valley is truly extraordinary as it's a place where no living creature can be harmed. Since 1920, the entire valley has followed a sacred rule called "Shyagya" which means complete non-violence.
The local Buddhist community decided long ago that no animals should be killed here, not even for food. This protection goes beyond large animals to include every tiny insect, every crawling creature, every flying bug.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.
Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.
The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!
I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!
I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews.
Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.
Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.
He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.
- Guided by Bibek Dhamala
We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.
Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.
We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.
On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!
We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.
Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.
We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.
We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.
I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.
Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.
Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.
- Guided By Nim Dahal
Our Tsum Valley trek works best with eight people in each group, but we're happy to take anywhere from two to ten trekkers. Your trip will definitely happen, no matter how many people sign up with you. Once you book your spot, it's yours for sure. If something unexpected comes up, like political problems or bad weather, we'll find safe backup plans to make sure your mountain adventure still happens. We're committed to giving you the amazing experience you came for.
We set up personalized Tsum Valley trek 16-day packages that work perfectly for families or groups of close friends who want to travel together. These treks go at whatever speed feels right for your group and only need two people to get going. You don't have to worry about finding more people to join because we focus completely on taking care of everyone in your group from the very beginning to the very end.
The Tsum Valley Trek takes 16 days and lets you explore the beautiful valley at a comfortable pace. If you want more adventure, the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek lasts 20 days and covers more area by adding the full Manaslu Circuit during those extra four days. The regular Tsum Valley Trek reaches its highest point at Mu Gompa, which sits at 3,700 meters. But if you choose the longer trek with Manaslu, you'll climb all the way up to Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters.
No, you cannot trek Tsum Valley alone. The Nepal government has strict rules that require all trekkers to be in a group of at least two people with a licensed guide. Solo trekkers are not allowed in this restricted area, and only licensed trekking companies can get the special permits you need. The mountains here are very remote and can be dangerous for people traveling alone.
The government also wants to protect the local communities from too many uncontrolled visitors. These permit rules help control how many people visit while making sure everyone has proper help in these isolated places, where rescue can take days to reach you.
Most travelers from other countries can get their visa right when they land at Tribhuvan International Airport for the Tsum Valley trek. To make your arrival go smoothly, fill out the online form before you travel and bring cash or a credit card for the visa fee. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from when you arrive, plus have one blank page for the official stamp.
For complete visa details and current costs, check Nepal's official immigration website, where you can find everything you need for easy entry.
Yes, we pick you up and drop you off as part of every 16-day Tsum Valley trek package. When you arrive in Kathmandu, look for our team member just outside the arrivals area holding a "Nepal Hiking Team" sign.
After your Manaslu region trek ends, we'll take you to the airport at least three hours before your flight leaves. If you want to arrive a day early or stay extra days, no problem. We'll change our pickup and drop-off times to match your travel plans.
Our 16-day Tsum Valley trek package includes your stay at a good 3-star hotel in Thamel, like the Woodapple Hotel & Spa. We can also book you a nicer 4- or 5-star hotel if you want one. Your extra cost changes based on which hotel you pick, and we'll tell you the prices after you share what you're looking for.
Hotel rooms cost USD 45 per night for one person or USD 50 per night for two people sharing. Breakfast and all taxes are already included in these prices. If you want to arrive in Nepal early or stay longer after your Tsum Valley trek ends, just tell us and we'll book those extra hotel nights for you.
Before starting your off-the-beaten-path Tsum Valley trek in Nepal, we'll meet for a detailed planning session. You'll meet your guide in person, go over the full trek schedule, and give us copies of your passport and travel insurance papers. Any money you still owe for your Tsum Valley trek gets paid during this meeting.
Your guide will check your gear to make sure you have everything you need. We give you a warm jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag, and Tsum Valley trek map as part of your package. This meeting is a great time to ask any questions or talk about anything that worries you before you leave.
Booking your Tsum Valley trek only takes a few minutes. You need to fill out the trip form with your personal details. You can send your flight and insurance information later. We need a 20% deposit to save your spot, and your booking becomes confirmed once we receive that payment.
You can pay the rest of the money for your Tsum Valley Trek package with cash or card when you get to Kathmandu. Moreover, the card payment service includes a service charge.
The 20% down payment for any Tsum Valley trek cannot be refunded if you have to cancel because of injury, illness, or unexpected problems. But we care about our travelers, so we give you full credit toward any future trips with our company. This credit never expires, and you can use it anytime.
The Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate to challenging hiking trip, good for people who are reasonably fit. The trek covers about 198 kilometers over 16 days, starting from Machhakhola at 869 meters and going up to the highest point at Mu Gompa (3,700 meters).
The trail goes through remote areas that few people visit, with narrow, rocky paths, hanging bridges, and long walking days of 6 to 8 hours, which can be tough for some people. There are no set fitness rules, but getting your body and mind ready ahead of time really helps. This way, you won't have a hard time with some parts of the Manaslu region and can truly enjoy this amazing mountain trip.
The Tsum Valley trek with guide and porter covers about 198 kilometres (123 miles), starting and finishing at Machhakhola. The highest spot is at Mu Gompa (3,700 meters) in the upper Tsum Valley. During the trek, hikers walk through beautiful villages and places like Macchakhola, Jagat, Lokpa, Chumling, Chokangparo, Nile, Mu Gompa, and Rachen Gompa.
There are no set age limits for this trek. We've taken hikers from 12 years old up to people in their seventies and older. Your health and how fit you are matter more than your age for both young and old hikers. For safety, children under 16 must have their parents with them during the Tsum Valley trek in Nepal.
Start getting ready 4 to 6 weeks before you leave with regular cardio exercise like running, climbing stairs, and long walks. All of these build the energy you'll need later in your Manaslu region trek. Plan one weekly hike lasting 5-6 hours while carrying a full backpack to get your body used to trail challenges. Break in your hiking boots early to stop blisters at high places.
Don't forget to get your mind ready, too, because when you get tired and breathing gets harder, having the right attitude and staying positive often decides who keeps going and who gives up.
The 16-day Tsum Valley trek doesn't include rock climbing, but it still makes your body work hard. You'll walk through old villages, thick forests, and tough mountain trails.
You must have travel insurance for the Tsum Valley trek. Moreover, your insurance needs to cover high-altitude activities up to 4,000 meters, plus emergency rescue and helicopter pickup. We suggest using well-known companies like Genki Traveler, AXA, Allianz, or World Nomads. Our past hikers have told us about different insurance companies, so we have listed down the top companies for your convenience.
Our trained guides have worked at high places for many years and know how to see problems before they become serious. They bring first aid supplies and a pulse oximeter to check your oxygen levels during the trek, finding altitude sickness early.
If someone starts feeling unwell, the guides move quickly by making the group go slower, taking more rest stops, or going to lower areas if needed. We choose guesthouses that are clean and serve safe food, avoiding places that might make you sick with poor meals. Helicopter rescue comes for serious emergencies. We use these safety steps on every Tsum Valley trek we run.
Spring and fall are the best times for the Tsum Valley trek. Spring brings very clear skies that let you see amazing views of Tsum Valley and Manaslu. The weather stays nice and comfortable, and all the guesthouses along the trail are open and working well. Fall has the same good weather with warm days and cool nights, but you'll meet more hikers on the trails since these are the busy times of year.
We don't suggest the Tsum Valley trek during winter because of the bad weather. Heavy snow often blocks trails, making some parts impossible to walk through. Most high-up guesthouses close for the season, and very cold weather can be dangerous for your health.
Summer rains bring their own troubles with heavy rainfall causing landslides, washing away parts of the trail, and making it hard to see. Paths become muddy and slippery, while blood-sucking leeches become annoying hiking partners in the lower areas.
Planning your trip during spring or fall gives you safer conditions and a much better mountain experience.
Nepal doesn't require any vaccines for entry or the Tsum Valley trek. However, you should think seriously about getting a rabies vaccine because there are many stray dogs (Bhote Kukur) in the mountain villages of the Manaslu region. These dogs can bite, which becomes a serious health problem when you're days away from good medical care at high altitudes.
Talk with your doctor or a travel health expert before you leave. They can look at your personal health and give you advice based on your medical history and the tough conditions you'll face in remote mountain areas.
Good height management on the 16-day Tsum Valley trek greatly lowers your chance of getting mountain sickness. Keep a steady walking pace without trying too hard, drink 2 to 4 liters of water each day to stay hydrated, and eat healthy meals to keep your body strong. Don't drink alcohol at all, as it stops your body from getting used to thin air.
Our Tsum Valley trek schedule includes rest days so your body can slowly get used to going higher. Tell your guide right away if you feel bad, before small problems turn into big ones. Our guides check oxygen levels and look for mountain sickness signs during the whole trip. When health emergencies happen, a helicopter rescue can take you to good hospitals quickly.
Not at all! You might actually start liking those suspension bridges after a while during the Tsum Valley trek. Our skilled guides stay right with you, giving you encouragement and steady help as you cross. After walking over a few bridges, you'll feel more confident, and you'll probably stop to take some photos of the river valleys and mountains.
Yes! One porter carries shared bags for every two hikers, carrying up to 25 kilograms combined. During the 16-day Tsum Valley trek, you'll walk with just a light daypack holding your daily needs.
Since porters usually walk ahead of the group, put your water bottle, phone, camera, and snacks in your daypack. This way, you can reach these things easily during each walking day until you get to your evening guesthouse.
Yes! Your extra bags can be stored safely for free in the hotel's secure storage room in Kathmandu. When you come back from the mountains, your things will be waiting right where you left them. This lets you pack light for the Tsum Valley trek and focus on the trail ahead without worrying about extra weight slowing you down.
Yes, we provide all the essential gear for your Manaslu region adventure, including a warm jacket and a quality sleeping bag that handles cold weather down to -15°C. You'll also get a sturdy duffel bag, a detailed Tsum Valley trek map, and a free Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt and cap as part of your complete kit. Everything is designed to keep you comfortable and prepared for the challenging mountain terrain.
Yes! You'll get a completion certificate that shows your success after finishing the Tsum Valley trek. It works as a keepsake of the hard work and determination it took to complete this tough mountain trip.
Yes, you can stay connected during your Tsum Valley trek with local SIM cards from NTC and Ncell work in lower places like Machhakhola to Philim. However, there is no good network in Upper Tsum (Chhokang Paro, Mu Gompa), so hikers should expect only some phone service rather than full coverage.
Yes, most guesthouses along the Tsum Valley trek trail offer device charging for a small fee of NPR 200 to 500 per device. However, the availability decreases at higher altitudes, so in Upper Tsum, charging facilities can be unreliable or even unavailable. Since higher places use solar power that depends on daily weather, bringing a power bank is a smart idea as backup power to keep your electronics working well throughout the trek.
Our basic package includes shared rooms throughout the Tsum Valley Trek. If you want your own room, single room upgrades are available for extra money, though there are fewer choices at higher places where guesthouses have fewer rooms.
Along the remote 16-day Tsum Valley trail, guesthouses provide limited meal options that reflect local and traditional cuisine. Your meals include dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), Tibetan bread, momos, noodles, soups, potatoes, omelets, and pancakes. You will also find tsampa, dhido, and other potato-based dishes, as well as products made from yak milk and cheese.
These meals are designed to keep trekkers nourished and energized throughout the trek while offering a taste of the region’s authentic flavors. All meals are made fresh to give you energy for the next day's hike. The menu lets you choose whatever looks good based on what you like and how hungry you are.
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food choices are available throughout the Tsum Valley trek. Tell us about any food allergies or special food needs you have, and we'll make sure the guesthouses along the way are ready for you. Our guides will know about your needs and make sure you get the right and safe meals every day of your mountain trip.
Several ways help you stay hydrated during the Tsum Valley Trek. The best choice is drinking natural spring water, cleaned with purification tablets that our guides give you. You can bring a filtered water bottle, or guesthouses also sell boiled water for a small fee. Using purified or boiled water protects the mountain environment and makes your trek better for nature. Don't buy bottled water because it leaves behind plastic waste that doesn't belong in these beautiful mountains.
When your Tsum Valley trek ends, you can thank your guides and porters by giving them tips. The amount is completely up to you, based on what you can afford, how well they helped you, and how much their help meant to your trip. This kind act shows you appreciate their hard work during your mountain adventure.
Bring plenty of cash for extras like Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging phones, and snacks on the trail. ATMs get hard to find and don't work well once you leave the big cities, so grab enough money in Kathmandu first to avoid trouble in the mountains.
