⇀ Starts

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Arrive by 16:00 on Day 1

↼ Ends

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Any time on Day 13

Arrival – Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu

Departure – Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu

Airport Transfers

How to Get to the Tsum Valley Trek

Kathmandu to Maccha Khola by Local Bus (Included)

Optional Upgrade: Private Jeep
For a more comfortable and flexible ride, you can upgrade to a private jeep transfer. Check our Optional Extras section for pricing and details.

Food on the Tsum Valley Trek

Meals are hearty and designed to keep you energized throughout your trek.

In Kathmandu:
Your package includes daily breakfast at your hotel, plus a traditional Nepali welcome dinner on Day 1 and a farewell dinner on Day 12 to celebrate your journey. Kathmandu also offers a rich variety of dining options if you want to explore independently, including Nepali, Newari, Indian, Tibetan, and international cuisines.

During Transfers (Day 2 and Day 12):
Lunch is provided on travel days between Kathmandu and Maccha Khola, with stops at local eateries offering authentic Nepali roadside meals.

On the Trek:
Breakfast is included every morning before trekking to fuel your day. Lunch and dinner are not included, allowing you to enjoy meals at teahouses along the route and experience authentic Himalayan flavors.

Estimated Costs:
Trekkers should budget around $10–$15 USD per meal for lunch and dinner. Prices vary slightly depending on location and season.

Typical Menu Items:

• Dal Bhat Tarkari: Nepal’s classic lentil soup with rice and vegetable curry (unlimited refills)
  

• Vegetable or egg fried rice
  

• Noodles, chow mein, or Tibetan thukpa (noodle soup)
  

• Pasta, spaghetti, or macaroni dishes
  

• Tibetan bread with jam or honey
  

• Soups such as garlic, vegetable, or chicken
  

• Snacks like spring rolls, boiled potatoes, and pancakes
  

• Hot drinks including tea, coffee, and herbal infusions
  

Accommodation on the Tsum Valley Trek

In Kathmandu:
Stay comfortably in a 3-star hotel located in Thamel or similar areas with:

• Clean, twin-sharing rooms
  

• En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
  

• Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
  

• 24-hour front desk and room service
  

• On-site dining and luggage storage
  

During the Trek:
Enjoy authentic Himalayan hospitality in basic but cozy teahouses or guesthouses. Expect:

• Twin-sharing rooms with beds, blankets, and pillows
  

• Shared bathrooms with squat or western-style toilets
  

• Hot showers available for a small fee
  

• Limited Wi-Fi and mobile network access
  

• Communal dining areas with a warm fireplace
  

While simple, these accommodations provide an authentic cultural experience and a restful environment after each trekking day.

ⓘ Note: There are no ATMs along the trek. We recommend carrying at least $300–$350 USD in cash (Nepalese Rupees preferred in small denominations) to cover meals, snacks, drinks, tips, hot showers, device charging, and Wi-Fi.

The Tsum Valley Trek is rated as Challenging.

The Tsum Valley Trek is a demanding and deeply rewarding Himalayan journey, best suited for seasoned trekkers looking to escape Nepal’s mainstream trails. Tucked away in the remote northern Gorkha region, near the Tibetan border, this trek offers a rare glimpse into one of the most culturally preserved and spiritually rich regions of the Himalayas.

Expect 6 to 8 hours of trekking per day, often on steep ascents, narrow ridgelines, and rugged paths. The trail climbs to Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft), where the effects of high altitude can be felt. There are no dedicated acclimatization days, so prior experience at elevation and strong physical conditioning are essential.

Accommodations are basic—rustic teahouses with shared rooms, limited amenities, and occasional hot showers or electricity available at extra cost. You'll be trekking through isolated terrain with little to no phone or internet connectivity, adding to the raw, immersive nature of the experience.

While daily breakfasts are included, you’ll need to cover your own lunches and dinners at local teahouses along the way. Typical meals include hearty, traditional Himalayan staples such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), Tibetan bread, momos, thukpa, and fried noodles.

This trek is not for the faint of heart. It requires:

• Excellent cardiovascular fitness

• Regular hill training and strength preparation

• Experience with multi-day hikes at altitude

What it offers in return is unparalleled: serene landscapes, ancient monasteries, Tibetan-influenced culture, and far fewer trekkers than routes like the Manaslu Circuit. For those ready to embrace the physical and mental challenges, the Tsum Valley Trek delivers an unforgettable adventure into one of Nepal’s last hidden Himalayan sanctuaries.

The weather on the Tsum Valley Trek is shaped by its location in the Himalayan rain shadow, which results in drier conditions compared to other trekking regions in Nepal. Still, seasonal changes can be dramatic, influencing visibility, trail conditions, and overall trekking experience.

Best Seasons to Trek

Off-Season Conditions

Weather Considerations

When to Go

Physical preparation is key to enjoying and completing the Tsum Valley Trek, which involves multiple days of trekking through rugged Himalayan terrain, steep climbs, and high altitudes above 3,700 meters (12,000 feet).

Start Training Early

Strengthen Your Legs and Core

Simulate Trekking Conditions

Altitude Awareness

Mental Preparation

Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful and safe experience on the Tsum Valley Trek, where weather and terrain vary widely. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what you’ll need:

Clothing

• 2–3 moisture-wicking base layers
• Fleece/down jacket for warmth
• Waterproof shell jacket and pants
• Trekking pants (2–3 pairs)
• Warm hat, sun hat, gloves
• 3–4 pairs trekking socks & underwear

Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals

Bags & Sleeping

• 30–40L daypack
• Duffle bag (carried by porter)
• 4-season sleeping bag

Personal Items

• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Toothbrush & toiletries
• Toilet paper, wet wipes
• Basic first aid kit
• Water purification tablets

Trekking Essentials

• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with batteries
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Water bottles (2L total)
• Power bank or solar charger

Documents

• Passport & copies
• Travel insurance
• TIMS & Tsum Valley permits
• Extra passport photos
• Sufficient cash in NPR

The Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most secluded and spiritually enriching trekking adventures. Tucked away in the northern Gorkha district near the Tibetan border, this sacred Himalayan valley remained off-limits to outsiders until 2008.

Known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness”, it offers a rare opportunity to explore a land untouched by time, steeped in Tibetan Buddhism, and surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

Unlike the busier trails of Everest or Annapurna, the Tsum Valley offers a quieter, more intimate experience—ideal for trekkers looking for solitude, cultural immersion, and raw natural beauty. 

This is not just a trek; it’s a cultural pilgrimage through an ancient landscape shaped by faith, isolation, and harmony with nature.

What to Expect on the Tsum Valley Trek

1. Remote Trails and Authentic Villages

Your journey begins with a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (930m), the trek’s trailhead. From there, you follow the Budhi Gandaki River through lush forests, suspension bridges, and terraced hillsides before branching off the Manaslu Circuit at Lokpa, entering the sacred Tsum Valley.

The trail leads through picturesque villages like Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and finally Mu Gompa (3,700m), the spiritual pinnacle of the region. 

These remote settlements are home to the Tsumbas, an indigenous Tibetan-descended people who preserve their ancient customs and language in this isolated mountain sanctuary.

Expect 6–8 hours of trekking per day across varied terrain: rocky trails, narrow ridges, river crossings, and forested paths. The trek gradually gains altitude, reaching its highest point at Mu Gompa, but does not include a technical summit.

2. Cultural and Spiritual Richness

The Tsum Valley is deeply connected to Tibetan Buddhism. It’s believed that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here during the 8th century, making it a revered pilgrimage site.

The landscape is adorned with mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and age-old monasteries that serve as active centers of spiritual life.

Key religious sites include:

• Mu Gompa – the largest monastery in the valley, set against dramatic Himalayan backdrops
  

• Rachen Nunnery – a peaceful and culturally rich retreat for Buddhist nuns
  

• Milarepa’s Cave – said to be where the great saint meditated
  
  

You’ll witness monastic rituals, interact with locals living in centuries-old ways, and feel immersed in a lifestyle shaped by devotion and harmony with nature.

3. Stunning Himalayan Views

Throughout the trek, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, Sringi Himal, and Himalchuli. Unlike popular treks with crowds and commercial teahouses, Tsum Valley’s landscapes remain pristine, offering a more untouched, serene experience of the mountains.

4. Rich Biodiversity and Pristine Nature

Located within the Manaslu Conservation Area, the Tsum Valley is a biodiversity hotspot. The lower regions are covered in dense forests of rhododendron, pine, oak, and bamboo, while higher elevations are marked by alpine meadows and rare Himalayan herbs.

Wildlife you may encounter includes:

• Himalayan Thar
  

• Blue Sheep
  

• Musk Deer
  

• Pikas and Marmots
  

• If lucky, signs of the elusive Snow Leopard
  
  

Birdlife is equally vibrant, with sightings of Himalayan Monals, lammergeiers, snow pigeons, and griffon vultures common along the trail.

5. Basic Yet Cozy Teahouse Accommodation

While Kathmandu offers hotel comfort, the trek itself involves staying in basic teahouses. These lodges provide simple twin-sharing rooms, hearty meals (dal bhat, noodles, Tibetan bread), and limited facilities—some with hot showers and electricity at an extra cost. Expect rustic conditions, but warm hospitality from the locals.

6. Permits and Trekking Requirements

The Tsum Valley is a restricted region, and special permits are required:

• Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
  

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  
  

Solo trekking is not permitted. You must trek with a licensed guide through a registered agency like Places Nepal Treks and Expedition. This ensures safety, navigation support, and cultural sensitivity.

Why Choose the Tsum Valley Trek?

• Off-the-beaten-path experience far from crowds
  

• Deep cultural immersion in authentic Tibetan Buddhist communities
  

• Dramatic Himalayan scenery with fewer tourists
  

• Spiritual pilgrimage sites and ancient monasteries
  

• Rare wildlife sightings and rich biodiversity
  

• Genuine local encounters in one of Nepal’s most untouched areas
  

If you’re an experienced trekker seeking cultural depth, remote wilderness, and spiritual discovery, the Tsum Valley Trek is an unforgettable alternative to Nepal’s mainstream routes.