Main Info
TRIP FACTS
Located east of Manaslu, near the border with Tibet, the Tsum Valley is home to the Tsumbas, a people who trace their ancestry back to the Tibetan people who first settled the region. Tsum Valley trek delivers heaven for those who are interested in Tibetan culture, nature, and the Himalayas in a pilgrimage-like trip into this undiscovered valley.
Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is a fantastic vacation spot for those who find comfort in the presence of unspoiled natural recreation. Ancient settlements and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries still stand remarkably unchanged. Averaging between five to eight hours of walking every day, the climb concludes four thousand meters above the valley’s greatest monastery, Mu Gompa.
Because the Tsum Valley has not yet been affected by modern developments and still represents its beautiful ancient tradition, you will frequently encounter local “homestays” along your trek route. During our frequent stays in homestays, you will meet the friendliest and most generous people you will ever meet on this trip.
In addition, the tsum valley trail leads across pine forests, along roaring rivers with cascading waterfalls and spectacular suspension bridges, unique villages, and a number of gompas, monasteries, mani walls, and stupas, including Milarepa’s Cave.
You will have a view of mountain ranges such as Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,140 meters), Manaslu (8,163 meters), Churke Himal, and the Poshyop Glacier. Following your interests, we will direct you on a Tsum Valley trekking that will fulfill your need for recreation. Our tsum valley package is meant as recommendations, so if you’d want to make any adjustments, feel free to get in touch with us.
Tsum Valley Trek Highlights
- Panoramic views of Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,140 meters), Manaslu (8,163 meters), Churke Himal, and the Poshyop Glacier
- In-depth understanding of the mystical Tsum Valley, it is necessary to take a route that is not frequently traveled and is located in the Manaslu region
- Go around to the numerous chortens, monasteries, and Gompas
- Learn about the lamas who live in the area and their distinct way of life as you explore the region
Tsum Valley Trek Route Map
The Tsum Valley Trek distance is 10 days, starting with the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The total length of the Tsum valley trek is about 78.29 miles, i.e., 126 kilometers. However, the distance between the start point and the distance between the days of the itinerary differs. Our trek starts ahead to Machha Khola, Jagat, Chumling, Chhekampar, Ekali Bhatti, and finally to Mu gompa. We then descend from the same route to reach Kathmandu. On the map, you will also see the extension route. Upon your interest, we can also extend the route to Manalsu Circuit for more exciting views.
Seeking an explanation of the Tsum Valley trail’s layout? In order to learn more about the route, please click on the infographic picture that follows.
Is Tsum Valley Trek difficult?
The difficulty level of Tsum Valley is moderate to adventurous because of the touch in high latitude reaching above 3700m. The trail of Tsum valley is not that difficult but because of the high altitude and some steep descent, Tsum Valley is graded as a moderate to strenuous trek.
This trek takes you to the hidden remote village in the Himalayan region near the Tibet border. You will pass through numerous steep trails and vertical descend in the trail. During this trek, you will experience winding ups starting with some areas a gradual climb, and a few sections of a steep climb. Returning back from the top is somehow easy because of the downhill, low altitude with a warm sub-tropical area.
Moreover, trek difficulty will also depend on your physical fitness, backpack, trail condition, gear, food choice and acclimatization process, and so on. So, make a proper plan for all those before trekking to Tsum Valley.
Tsum Valley Trek Permit
For the Tsum Valley trek, you need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Pass. Entry permits are only valid for one entry, are nonrefundable, and cannot be transferred.
For more info; please visit: Trekking Route and Permit Fee
Note: In most cases, while preparing official paperwork, you will be required to submit passport-size photos and a copy of your passport. So, be sure to bring at least 8–10 passport-size photos. We will complete all legal requirements and acquire all required permits for your trip.
Tsum Valley Trek Cost Details
Price Includes
- Bus Fare during the trek
- Permit Cards Expenses
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 9 days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for seven days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for 9 nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary.
- Staff insurance
- 9 x set breakfasts, 9 x set lunches, and 8 x set dinners while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
Price Excludes
- Accommodation in Kathmandu since there are many possibilities available.
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Itinerary
The 14 days of the Tsum Valley Trekking itinerary is only for guidelines. You can customize the trek according to your own taste. However, this does not apply to fixed departures. Fixed departures orient as the team suggests.
The above trekking hours are also estimated for general ideas only. The itinerary also depends upon traffic and weather conditions on your activity date.
Your trek to Tsum Valley begins from Kathmandu. We will start driving a direct bus from Gongabu Bus Park either at 6 or 8 AM. After 7 hours of driving through a dusty and bumpy road will take you to Machha Khola.
Although the road is quite dusty, you will catch the best green landscape, fields, and fast-flowing rivers from your window. During the ride, the bus will stop for short break and meals someplace.
After the early morning breakfast at your teahouse hotel, we will start our walk of the day. The initial trail is quite rocky and uneven. The stunning countryside view, green hills, and rivers will keep you engaged through the trail.
During the trek, you will pass through Sal forests, waterfalls, towering cliffs, and a few settlements of Gurung and Ghale of the region. Following the river trail, we will pass through several ups and downs to reach Jagat.
The next day, you will head towards Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. At this point, you will start to notice several Buddhist prayer flags and gompas. After some additional walking, you will finally reach Phillim. You will have to verify your permit here and then continue along the western bank of the river.
As you walk ahead, pass through the forests of rhododendron, Himalayan pine, and overhanging ricks on towering peaks. These highlights during the trek will beautify your moments. On walking further you will cross the Siyar Khola bridge and the trail separates to Tsum valley on the right.
After Lokpa, we will then get down to Lungwa river. The trails will get narrow and a little confusing for a short period of time. As we walk further, the trail incline slightly to reach Gumlung. Ahead, the trail will be easier until you reach the beautiful village of Chumling.
After early morning breakfast, we will start our walk appreciating the glorious vies of Ganesh Himal as our backdrop. As we walk ahead, we will cross the Shiar river and a small Tibetan monastery along the path. You will notice a stone Tibetan influence in this valley. Today's walk ends after you will reach Chhekampari.
As we walk further with tributaries still acting as our guide, the trail goes way deeper and higher into the valley. The trail follows the ancient trade route to Tibet as we pass through the chorten, mani walls, monasteries, stupas, and nunneries. This reminds us of the close cultural and historical bonds.
You will also get a chance to visit the Burji village and Milarepa Cave. The cave sits on the slope of Mt. Langju. After crossing the southeast bank of the Siyar river we will reach Phurbe. After some hours of walking, you will reach Pangdun. You will also notice numerous gompas and large prayer wheels until reaching the Nile.
The trail will take you near the boarder of Tibet. From the Nile, you will head west side to reach Mu Gompa. It will not take much time to reach Mu Gompa from the Nile.
Mu Gompa is the highest point in this whole trek. You will reach up to 3700 meters above sea level and the gompa is about 77 yrs old. You will get an opportunity to view the mesmerizing view of the surrounding mountains and the Lungdang glacier.
You will then follow the same route getting back to Siyar river towards Milarepa's cave. After additional descent, you will then reach Burji village. From there we will then reach Lama village and then Chhekampar.
After the early morning breakfast, we will continue our trek back to lower Tsum Valley. You will then descend ahead to Chumling then Lokpa and finally to Eklei Bhatti.
Further, we will walk ahead to Philim village where you will be able to witness an amazing view of Mt. Shangrila. You will cross several ups and downs to reach Jagat village. You will then pass through a narrow route towards Thari Khola today. The route is comparatively easy and leads you to the Khorlabesi. You will then cross to suspension bridge before you reach Khorlabesi.
You will then walk keeping the Budi Gandaki River on your side to reach Khanibesi. The trails get a bit rocky here and you will also cross numerous waterfalls, cliffs, and terrace fields. After some hours of additional walking, you will reach Lapu Besi which is also an attractive Gurung village.
After the early morning breakfast, we will head toward the Khursane and cross the suspension bridge over Soti Khola. After then, we will follow the trail to Machha Khola which is around 14km away from Soti Khola.
Maps
