Overview
Have you wondered what the inner Himalayas, aka high mountain valleys, look like? Tsum Valley is a great example. Located in the northern Gorkha district in Nepal, off of the famous Manaslu Circuit, it is a hidden gem. Trekking here is an exhilarating trip to one of the most untouched and pristine parts of the Himalayas.
Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal every year to do various treks. Among them, not even 5% go to Tsum Valley. It is a non-touristy trekking route that takes you to Mu Gompa, which is located at 3,700 meters. The trail ascends via picturesque villages resided by the Tsumba community, the direct descendant of Tibetans. Everything about the Tsum Valley trek is special: no crowds, untainted vegetation, tranquility, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming locals. Traveling to this valley is like traveling back in time. The locals are happy with their simple lives and are unbothered by modernization. The mountain views are mesmerizing, and the hills are never-ending. Travelers who are looking to go beyond the commercial trekking routes in Nepal and want to explore exclusive destinations should consider our Tsum Valley trek 16 days. It is a life-changing journey packed with adventure, wilderness, and ecstasy.
What can you expect during the Tsum Valley trek in Nepal?
The Tsum Valley trail was opened in 2008 for foreigners. It is a restricted area in Nepal, so trekking with a guide is mandatory. You will travel close to the Tibetan border. On the way, explore ancient stupas and caves. The trek starts from Machha Khola.You will follow the Manaslu Circuit trail for a few days, which separates from Ekle Bhatti to Lokpa. From Lokpa onwards, the trail ascends to Chumling village and continues to Chhokang Paro. From here onwards, trek within the inner Himalayas and pass by Nile on the way to Mu Gompa.
The Milarepa Piren Phu Cave is one of the highlights of Tsum Valley. While returning from Mu Gompa, retrace the trail to Phurbe and follow a different route via Ranchen Gompa to Chumling. While descending from Chhokang Paro to Chumling, you can also extend the trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
On the way, you will walk through lush rhododendrons and pine forests, crossing several suspension and wooden bridges. You will also encounter diverse vegetation and climates. Landscapes change drastically as you gain elevation. You can see mountains like Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Himalchuli, Mt. Manaslu, Boudha Himal, and many others.
The Tsum Valley trek difficulty and altitude sickness
The Tsum Valley trek is considered challenging. Its offbeat nature and isolated location with bare minimum trekking infrastructure make it one of the most demanding treks in Nepal. Six hours of daily walking on steep, rugged terrain are a must.You will pass by several landslide areas and dense forests and continuously ascend and descend. The good news is that the Tsum Valley trek sees significantly less altitude, so the altitude sickness risk is lower than in famous treks like Everest Base Camp.
However, this doesn't make the trek any less easy. Because of the region's remoteness, this trek is recommended to experienced trekkers. You really have to be physically and mentally strong and ready to adjust to true mountain life. Starting the trek through lush forests, you will ascend to meadows and a high alpine zone. Even though there is less risk of altitude sickness, be aware of symptoms like headache, vomiting, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing.If you see these symptoms or feel uneasy, inform your guide. To complete the trek and enjoy it to the fullest, it is important that you stay in good shape throughout. Therefore, maintain your pace, get ample rest daily, drink lots of water, and have enough food.
Is the Tsum Valley trek suitable for you?
The Tsum Valley trek may or may not be suitable for you. It depends on your fitness and requirements. You have to consider factors like offbeat trails, lack of tourist facilities, and isolation in the region.This trek is not bustling like Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, or Ghorepani Poon Hill. You will be by yourself and your group. Similarly, the trek is physically and mentally demanding. If you want tranquil trails and mountains to yourself, Tsum Valley trekking is a great option. Doing this trek with kids can be very challenging, so bear that in mind.
How do you train for the Tsum Valley trek?
Regular walks and exercises focusing on improving your strength, stamina, and endurance are required. Whether you are an experienced trekker or not, you have to be physically fit to do this trek. So, we highly recommend you take 3 to 4 weeks to prepare for the journey.During this time, you should also check our packing list and see what you already have and what you need to buy. You can choose to buy the trekking gear and clothes in your country and bring them to Nepal or buy them upon landing in Nepal.
Note that there are many trekking gear and clothes outlets in Kathmandu where you can purchase or rent high-quality gear at a very good price. Another thing you should look for is to learn in-depth about the trekking region, which will help you set the right expectations.
Combine Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley trek
The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the famous circuit treks in Nepal. If you are not on a tight schedule and can extend your trek 5 to 7 days, you can complete the Manaslu Circuit as well. You are already on the trail, so why not do it?Hike to the lap of the eight-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu Base Camp, and explore Pun Gyen Gompa and Birendra Lake. Likewise, explore the Tibetan refugee village Samdo and the Nburi community.Experience the thrill of crossing a 5,000 mountain pass (Larkya La) and witness jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Your journey will get 10 times more adventurous.
Benefits of trekking with us
We assure a safe trek in the Himalayas. Our expert team of expert travel consultants will organize the trek for you and arrange the logistics including restricted area permits. You can customize the itinerary or make any changes to your trip with us. For the best trek service, choose us.
- A reliable Nepali trekking company
- Native guide and porter
- Flexible Tsum Valley trek itinerary
- Genuine Tsum Valley trek price and no hidden charges
- 24/7 support
- Duffel bag to use during the trek
- Company t-shirt and trek certificate
- Free airport pick up and drop off as per the itinerary
Tsum Valley Trek - Key Information
| No. | Heading | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What Makes the Tsum Valley Trek Unique? | This trek offers a unique combination of Tibetan culture, spiritual heritage, and remote Himalayan landscapes. |
| 2 | Cultural Highlights of the Tsum Valley Trek | Experience ancient monasteries, festivals, and traditional customs preserved in the Tsum Valley region. |
| 3 | Tsum Valley Trekking Route Overview | The trek follows a scenic route through the Manaslu region, exploring secluded valleys and mountain vistas. |
| 4 | Top Attractions Along the Tsum Valley Trek | Key attractions include Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. |
| 5 | Best Time to Visit Tsum Valley | The ideal time for this trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for clear skies and mild weather. |
| 6 | Difficulty Level of the Tsum Valley Trek | This is a moderately challenging trek suitable for trekkers with good fitness levels and some high-altitude experience. |
| 7 | Tsum Valley Trek Permits and Regulations | Special permits are required, including a Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. |
| 8 | Local Villages and Monasteries in Tsum Valley | Trekkers can visit traditional villages like Chhokangparo and learn about Tibetan-influenced local lifestyles. |
| 9 | Flora and Fauna in the Tsum Valley Region | The trek features diverse flora and fauna, including rhododendrons, Himalayan Thar, and rare snow leopards. |
| 10 | Packing List for the Tsum Valley Trek | Essential items include trekking boots, warm layers, a sleeping bag, water purifier, and snacks. |
| 11 | How to Reach the Tsum Valley Trek Starting Point | Trekkers typically begin the journey from Kathmandu, taking a bus or jeep to Soti Khola. |
| 12 | Tsum Valley Trek Accommodations and Food Options | Accommodation is in teahouses with simple meals like dal bhat, noodles, and Tibetan bread. |
| 13 | Why Choose the Tsum Valley Trek Over Other Treks in Nepal? | This trek provides a serene atmosphere with fewer trekkers and a unique cultural experience unlike popular routes. |
| 14 | Cost of the Tsum Valley Trek: A Budget Guide | The 16-day Tsum Valley Trek costs approximately $1400, covering permits, guide fees, and basic accommodation. |
| 15 | Tips for a Successful Tsum Valley Trek Experience | Prepare physically, pack light, and respect local customs for an enjoyable trekking experience. |
Cost and Duration
The Tsum Valley Trek spans 16 days and costs approximately $1400, including permits, guide fees, and basic accommodations.