Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek is a spiritual journey that primarily focuses on the preserved culture of the Himalayas. Opened publicly just in 2008, Trekking to Tsum provides an exclusive trekking experience. Explore the untouched flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area along the Budhi Gandhaki River. Enjoy the views of stunning Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, and Shringi Himal. 

We recommend our Nepal Tsum Valley trekking for those who seek adventure outside the regular trekking trails. Discover the raw cultural essence of Tibetan Buddhism of the Tsum. Get an exciting opportunity to explore the valley's long-hidden sacred Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. The monasteries provide deep insights into the Himalayan way of living.  

Tsum Valley is located in the northern part of Gorkha district in Nepal, specifically in the Manaslu Conservation Area. It's situated east of Manaslu, on the border with Tibet. The valley is a sacred Himalayan Buddhist pilgrimage site known for its unique Tibetan culture and stunning natural beauty.

The Tsum Valley in Nepal has a rich history steeped in Buddhist traditions and a unique cultural identity. Traditionally known as "Tsum Tso Chuksum," meaning "thirteen provinces ruled as a single province," it was once a Buddhist enclave with significant religious and cultural importance.

Disconnect with the daily hustle of life and soak yourself in the calmness of nature. Create beautiful memories with the traditional Tsumba's warm home and hospitality. Challenge and reward yourself while enjoying the pristine beauty of Tsum Valley. 

Best Highlights Tsum Valley Trek Cost and Itinerary 

The Tsum Valley Trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it a highlight for adventurous travelers. Key highlights include visiting ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, exploring traditional Tibetan villages, and enjoying stunning views of the Manaslu range, including Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.

• Discover four UNESCO World Heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
• Explore the unspoiled flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Witness stunning Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Sringi Himal (5,226m)
• Immerse yourself in the authentic Tibetan lifestyle and culture.
• Learn about the famous Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu).
• Visit sacred monasteries and sites like Rachen Gompa (3,240m) and Mu Gompa (3,700m)
• Taste the Tibetan culinary delights of the Tsum Valley
• Traverse through the trails adorned with Mani walls, Suspension bridges, Chortens, and Kani gates
• Hike through the Lust forests, terraced fields, and rivers of the Himalayas.
• Submerge into the serene and mystical atmosphere.

Tsum Valley Trek Distance

The Tsum Valley trek, a popular alternative to the Manaslu Circuit, generally spans 15-17 days and involves a total trekking distance of around 130 km (80.8 miles) from Machha Khola, the trek's starting point. The total distance traveled from Kathmandu, including the bus ride to Machha Khola, is approximately 430 km (267 miles).

Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary - Route Overview

Our Tsum Valley Trekking journey starts upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. An initial guide welcomes you and assists you throughout your hotel procedure. This day guide provides a short description of the following day's tour.

Explore four famous UNESCO World Heritage sites before your thrilling adventure in Tsum begins. Learn about Nepal's rich art and history in brief. The following day, a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola starts your journey towards Tsum.

The leg journey starts from Macchakhola, your first village stop in Manaslu. Pass by the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani before Jagat, the entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Continue the trek, passing through Salleri, Sirdibas, Philim, and Elkle Bhatti before Lokpa. Lokpa is the first village stop in the divine valley of the Tsum.

As your journey deepens into the heavenly Tsum Valley, you visit the picturesque villages of Chumling and Chokang Paro. Pass through the nunnery Rachen Gompa and a village near the Tibetan border, Nile. After that, a short hike takes you to the trek's highest point, Mu Gompa (3700m). Enjoy the dynamic panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas.

Retrace your steps back to the Nile village, Rachen Gompa, Chokang Paro, and the last village stop of the Tsum, Lokpa. Continue your descent through the villages of Ekle Bhatti, Philim, Sirdibas, Salleri, and then Jagat. Make your way back to Macchakhola as you pass by the Tatopani and Khorlabesi villages.

Our Tsum Valley Trekking journey ends with a final drive from Macchakhola to Kathmandu. 

The Nepal Hiking Team provides the best-customized itineraries that meet traveler’s requirements and interests. Feel free to email us for further modifications and the trek booking procedures!

Difficulty of Tsum Valley Trekking

The Tsum Valley trek is generally considered a moderate challenge, suitable for those with a decent level of fitness. It involves long days of hiking, with some sections being steep and rocky.  Expect to walk for 5-8 hours a day, with some days potentially longer. While the maximum altitude reached is 3,700 meters (Mu Gompa), there's a small chance of altitude sickness. The trek is less strenuous than other popular Nepalese treks, making it suitable for various age groups. Some parts of the trail can be rough and uneven.

Best Season

The best time to trek in the Tsum Valley in Nepal is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, including clear skies, dry trails, and pleasant temperatures, ideal for trekking and enjoying the scenery.

Spring (March-May): Temperatures gradually increase, leading to clear skies and favorable conditions for trekking. You can witness vibrant rhododendrons in bloom and enjoy the best views of the snow-capped mountains while the snow is still intact. By the end of March, some snow might fade away.  

Autumn (September-November):  The monsoon season ends, and temperatures drop to a comfortable range, making the weather ideal for trekking. Enjoy crystal-clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayas. Dry and stable weather ensures excellent trekking conditions with fewer obstacles. Witness Nepal's biggest Hindu festivals, Dashain and Tihar, with vibrant cultural celebrations.

Why Avoid Summer and Winter:

• Summer (June-August): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, making trails slippery and views obscured.
• Winter (December-February): Extreme cold and heavy snowfall make trekking difficult and dangerous, with many villages and tea houses closed.

Stunning Views

The Tsum Valley trek offers stunning scenic views, including towering mountains like Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Himchuli, lush forests, and glimpses of Tibetan culture. You'll pass through small villages, ancient monasteries, and sacred caves, all while enjoying panoramic vistas of the Himalayas.

The trek provides incredible views of the Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. You'll also see Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and other peaks in the region. As you trek through the valley, you'll encounter rhododendron forests, pine forests, and terraced fields, adding to the natural beauty of the landscape. The Tsum Valley is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with traditional villages, monasteries, and ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Dephyu Doma Gompa. The trek takes you past Milarepa's Cave, a sacred site, and other Buddhist monasteries, like Rachen and Gumba Lungdang, where you can experience the local culture and traditions. The valley is home to wildlife like the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep, adding another layer of natural beauty to the trek.

Highest point

The highest point in the Tsum Valley, a valley in the Gorkha district of Nepal, is Mu Gompa, located at an elevation of 3,700 meters (12,174 feet). Mu Gompa is the largest and most important monastery in the valley and is a significant center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Cultural Encounter - Tibetian Culture

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-violence traditions like Shayagya. The valley is a spiritual sanctuary with numerous monasteries, chortens, and prayer wheels, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist faith. 

• Shayagya Tradition: The practice of non-violence, including the prohibition of killing animals or destroying the environment, is a significant part of the local culture, starting with the Mahaguru Dukpa Lama Serap Dorje in 1977.
• Polyandry: Some traditional practices like polyandry (where multiple brothers marry one wife) are still found in the valley.
• Unique Dialects: The local people speak their own distinct Tibetan dialects, Tsumke and Tsumba.
• Traditional Houses and Stone-Paved Streets: Villages like Chumling offer glimpses into the region's ancient culture with Tibetan-style houses and stone-paved streets.
• Festivals: The trek allows for experiencing local festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year).

Suspension Bridges

The Tsum Valley trek is known for crossing numerous suspension bridges, especially over the Budhi Gandaki River and its tributaries. These bridges are a key part of the trek's experience, offering stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. The trek often involves crossing several bridges in a single day, like the 6+ bridges crossed between Khorlabesi and Dobhan. These bridges are a defining feature of the trek, providing a unique way to cross the river and offering views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Another river crossed on a suspension bridge during the trek, specifically near the village of Dobhan, before reaching Jagat.

What Are The Alternative Adventures?

We provide exclusive Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek of 20 days for trekkers who want to travel for an extended time. It combines two popular trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. Conquer incredible journeys through the remote and unspoiled landscapes of the Himalayas. Get a chance to explore the beautiful Manaslu region's natural and cultural insights.

We provide circuit trekking to Manaslu for 15 days for those with less time. This adventure takes you on a circular turn around the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m). It offers breathtaking mountain vistas at every turn. One of the high mountain passes, Larkya La (5,106m), enhances the thrill of trekking.

Regarding the itineraries, we fulfill every client's requirements regarding the changes. We are pleased to modify trekking to fit your needs and time limitations. Please feel free to email us anytime!