Starts: 

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal.

Please aim to arrive in Kathmandu by 4:00 PM (16:00) on Day 1 to attend the group briefing and welcome dinner.

Ends: 

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal.

You can depart at any time after your Trek.

We provide complimentary airport transfers for all arrivals and departures, regardless of your flight schedule. Provide us with your flight details in advance.

Food:

Breakfast: Included daily, from your arrival in Kathmandu until departure. Buffet breakfast in Kathmandu; choice from a local menu during the trek.

Lunch & Dinner (During Trek): At your own expense, allowing flexibility to choose from local teahouse menus.

Special Meals: Welcome dinner on Day 1 and farewell dinner on Day 14 are included.

You'll find a variety of options including Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, and some continental dishes in the teahouses.

Accommodation:

Kathmandu: Two nights in a comfortable hotel in Thamel, on a twin-sharing basis with en-suite facilities, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Solo travelers can request a private room upgrade for Kathmandu at an additional cost.

During the Trek: Stay in local teahouses, which are simple but provide essential comfort. Rooms are typically twin-sharing with beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets.

The Tsum Valley Trek with Ganesh Himal Base Camp is rated as Challenging.

The trek involves significant daily ascents and descents on established paths, though some sections can be slippery or snow-covered, requiring careful navigation, especially for novice trekkers.

Compared to other high-altitude treks in the region, this trek can feel more demanding for those new to trekking at higher elevations.

The altitude reaches over 4,200m/13,780ft, which can pose challenges related to acclimatization. A gradual pace and proper acclimatization are crucial.

Your previous trekking experience will influence how you perceive the difficulty. Those new to trekking may find it particularly demanding, while experienced trekkers will likely find it more manageable.

The best times for the Tsum Valley Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

Spring: Offers pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clear mountain views.

Autumn: Provides clear skies and excellent visibility, with comfortable trekking temperatures.

Winter (December to February) can be very cold with snow at higher altitudes, potentially making some sections difficult.

Monsoon (June to August) brings rain and can make trails slippery, with obscured mountain views.

Preparing physically for the Tsum Valley Trek is essential for an enjoyable experience.

• Cardiovascular Training: Focus on activities like hiking, running, cycling, or swimming to improve your stamina. Aim for at least 3-4 sessions per week.
• Strength Training: Strengthen your leg muscles with exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises. Core strength is also important.
• Hiking Practice: If possible, undertake hikes with a weighted backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
• Altitude Preparation: While you can't fully prepare for altitude at sea level, maintaining good hydration and physical fitness can help your body adjust.

Start your training several months before your trek to gradually build your fitness level.

Sleeping:

• Four-season sleeping bag (-20°C comfort rating).
• Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth and hygiene).
• (Optional: Inflatable pillow).

Your Essential Gear List

Bags:

• 1 duffel bag (70-80 liters, max 10-12 kg personal items) for porters.
• 1 daypack (40-45 liters) with hip belt, rain cover.

Clothing:

• Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms).
• Mid-layer (fleece jacket).
• Waterproof and windproof outer jacket and trousers.
• Trekking trousers and shorts.
• Trekking shirts (moisture-wicking).
• Down jacket (for colder evenings and higher altitudes).
• Gloves (warm and waterproof).
• Warm hat.
• Sun hat.
• Buff/neck gaiter.
• Underwear.
• Socks (trekking and warm).

Footwear:

• Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots (broken-in).
• Sandals or flip-flops (for evenings).
• Gaiters (optional, for dust and snow protection).
• Microspikes (recommended for potential icy sections, especially in spring and autumn).

Head:

• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries.

Toiletries:

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo.
• Quick-drying towel.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper.
• Personal medication.

Other Essentials:

• Water bottles or hydration reservoir (at least 2 liters capacity).
• Water purification tablets or filter.
• Basic first-aid kit.
• Trekking poles (optional but recommended).
• Camera and spare batteries.
• Power bank for electronics.
• Passport and necessary permits.
• Cash (for lunches, dinners, and personal expenses).

Gear Rental & Purchases:

Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu. Inquire with us for details.

Kathmandu has numerous outdoor gear shops where you can purchase any missing items. Quality can vary, so seek recommendations if needed.

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Tsum Valley and Ganesh Himal Base Camp, a trek that fuses untouched Himalayan wilderness with timeless Tibetan culture. Tucked within the northern reaches of the Manaslu region and bordering Tibet, the Tsum Valley—once a restricted area until 2008—has maintained its deep spiritual traditions and pristine landscapes.

This off-the-beaten-path trek invites trekkers to explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, remote highland villages, dense pine forests, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Whether you seek spiritual connection, cultural immersion, or alpine adventure, this trek offers a rare, raw experience few ever encounter.

Why Choose the Tsum Valley & Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek?

Cultural Sanctuary Unchanged by Time

The valley is home to the Tsumba people, who practice a unique form of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll visit centuries-old monasteries like Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Gumba Lungdang, interact with Buddhist nuns and monks, and witness rituals rarely seen elsewhere in Nepal. Local myths suggest the valley was once blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and was a meditative retreat for sages like Milarepa.

Scenic Majesty Beyond Imagination

This trek rewards you with close-up views of Ganesh Himal I (Yangra Peak, 7,422m), Himalchuli, Baudha Himal, and Sringi Himal, all dramatically rising above deep gorges and alpine plateaus. The journey to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m) offers a thrilling high-altitude extension surrounded by glaciers, steep ridges, and vast panoramas.

A Spiritual Pilgrimage

Visit sacred sites like Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave), an ancient meditation cave believed to have been used by Milarepa. The whole valley exudes a spiritual atmosphere, enhanced by the flapping of prayer flags, the spinning of mani wheels, and the steady rhythm of chanting monks.

Remote Adventure for the True Explorer

Unlike the crowded trails of Annapurna or Everest, this region remains delightfully quiet. You'll cross suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki, pass cascading waterfalls, and trek through dense rhododendron forests, all while encountering few other trekkers.

What to Expect on the Trail

Trekking Duration: 11–13 days of trekking, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs.

Daily Walking Hours: 5 to 8 hours over mixed terrain – riverside paths, stone staircases, and alpine meadows.

Starting Point: Machha Khola (890m), reached by a long drive from Kathmandu (8–10 hours by local/private transport).

Highest Points: Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m), Dhephyudonma Gompa (4,060m), and Mu Gompa (3,700m).

Accommodation: Rustic teahouses and lodges – basic rooms, shared toilets, and limited electricity.

Meals: Simple but hearty – dal bhat, noodles, Tibetan bread, potato dishes, and occasional yak butter tea.

Essential Facts Trekkers Should Know

Weather & Seasons

Spring (Mar–May): Ideal conditions, blooming rhododendrons, clear skies.

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp air, excellent visibility, cool nights.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Trekking is possible but cold and some lodges may be closed.

Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Not recommended due to landslides and trail washouts.

Acclimatization & Health

Altitudes above 3,000m require caution. It’s vital to stay hydrated, trek slowly, and recognize altitude sickness symptoms.

Consider Diamox or consult your doctor pre-trip.

Our itinerary includes acclimatization days to adjust naturally.

Permits Required

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Issued only through a registered agency.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

 Note: A minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are required to enter the region.

Facilities & Connectivity

Electricity and charging options are limited and sometimes solar-powered.

Wi-Fi is rare and slow; bring a local SIM card (NTC/NCell) if you need occasional connectivity.

Hot showers are available in some teahouses (usually for a small fee).

Responsible Trekking Tips

Respect local customs: Always walk clockwise around religious monuments.

Dress modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees.

Avoid plastic waste: Bring a reusable water bottle and purification tablets.

Tip your crew: Porters and guides often rely on tips—budget accordingly.

Who Is This Trek For?

Adventure seekers looking for a remote, authentic Himalayan experience.

Spiritual travelers interested in Tibetan Buddhism and meditation heritage.

Experienced trekkers who want to escape the crowds and explore off-grid Nepal.

Nature lovers and photographers eager to capture pristine mountain beauty and traditional village life.

Join the Journey

The Tsum Valley with Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek is not just a physical journey—it’s a deep cultural and spiritual encounter with one of the Himalayas’ most preserved enclaves. You’ll walk ancient pilgrimage trails, connect with heartfelt traditions, and stand in awe before some of the most majestic peaks in Nepal.

Let Places Nepal Pvt. Ltd. guide you through this sacred and stunning region. Our expert guides ensure your safety, comfort, and immersion every step of the way.