The Tsum Valley Trek is a journey into a sacred Himalayan sanctuary known as the "Beyul Kyimolung" (Valley of Happiness). Located in northern Gorkha near the Tibetan border, this region was restricted to foreigners until 2008. The valley is famous for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, distinct Tibetan culture, and a strictly enforced principle of non-violence (Shyagya), where the killing of animals is prohibited.
This 11-day itinerary is a "short and sweet" version of the classic trek. It utilizes jeep transport to cut down approach days, allowing you to focus on the cultural heart of the Upper Tsum Valley, majestic views of the Ganesh Himal, and the spiritual solitude of Mu Gompa.
The Hidden Valley: Explore a culturally preserved Tibetan-Buddhist region that remains off the beaten path.
Sacred Monasteries: Visit centuries-old gompas including Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave.
Mountain Vistas: Panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges.
Tibetan Culture: Experience the unique hospitality of the Tsumbas (local people) and their Polyandry tradition.
Non-Violent Zone: Walk through a sanctuary where hunting and fishing are banned, resulting in fearless wildlife like Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr.
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3,700m / 12,139ft (Mu Gompa)
Walking Hours: 5–7 hours per day
Best Season: Spring (March–May) & Autumn (Sept–Nov)
Permits Required: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) & Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
Private ground transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu
Comfortable vehicle with experienced driver, fuel, and parking included
Best available mountain lodge accommodation during the trek
Private room wherever available (shared only at high altitude if required)
Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Freshly cooked hygienic meals with multiple menu choices
Unlimited tea or coffee during breakfast and dinner
Boiled drinking water during the trek
Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide
Required number of strong, insured porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
All guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance
Tusm Valley Restricted Area Permit andMCAP permits
Government taxes, VAT, and service charges
Trekking map and detailed itinerary briefing
First-aid medical kit carried by the guide
Emergency assistance and coordination if needed
Duffel bag and trekking poles (on request)
Luggage storage at company office during the trek
Certificate of completion after the trek
International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fee
Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance
Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging fees during the trek
Alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, and snacks
Personal expenses (laundry, bar bills, phone calls)
Tips for guide, porter, and driver
Emergency evacuation costs (unless covered by insurance)
Additional nights caused by weather, health, or itinerary changes
Costs arising from natural disasters, strikes, or government policy changes
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Includes section
Trekking map and detailed itinerary briefing
Duffel bag for porter use (if requested)
Trekking poles (on request)
First-aid kit carried by the guide
Welcome drink or tea at starting lodge (Machha Khola)
Complimentary hot tea/coffee during breakfast and dinner on the trek
Certificate of completion after the trek
Seasonal trekking tips and packing list provided before departure
Luggage storage at company office in Kathmandu during the trek
Support from local office staff for any emergencies or coordination
The Terrain: Expect a dramatic transition. You start in the lush, subtropical lowlands of the Budhi Gandaki river gorge, crossing high suspension bridges over roaring waterfalls. As you enter the Tsum Valley, the path becomes narrower and more rugged, eventually opening up into wide, arid alpine plateaus that resemble the Tibetan highlands.
The Culture & Spirituality: Tsum Valley is a "Beyul" a sacred hidden valley. You will encounter the Tsumba people, who practice a unique form of Buddhism. You’ll see Mani walls (stone carvings), prayer flags, and ancient monasteries (Gompas) at every turn. Expect a profound sense of peace; the valley has a century-old tradition of non-violence where no animals are killed.
Accommodation & Food: Lodging is in traditional teahouses. They are simple but cozy, usually made of stone with twin-sharing rooms. In the Upper Tsum (Nile, Mu Gompa), facilities are basic. The food is mostly vegetarian, fresh, and organic. You must try the "Tibetan Salt Butter Tea" and local "Tsampa" (barley flour).
We begin with a scenic, albeit bumpy, drive from Kathmandu. Leaving the city, we wind along the Prithvi Highway before turning off-road through Dhading Besi and Arughat. The road follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing rice terraces and waterfalls until we reach Machha Khola.
Elevation: 930m / 3,051ft
Distance: 160 km (Drive)
Time: 8–9 hours drive
Accommodation: Teahouse
The trail follows the gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River. You will cross several suspension bridges and pass the village of Tatopani (famous for natural hot springs, though often washed out). The trail involves some ups and downs before reaching Jagat, a beautiful village with a paved stone street and the entry checkpoint for the restricted area.
Elevation: 1,340m / 4,396ft
Distance: 14 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
After checking permits, we trek to Salleri and Sirdibas, enjoying views of the Shringi Himal. We cross a long suspension bridge to Philim, a large Gurung village. From Ekle Bhatti, we leave the main Manaslu Circuit trail and turn right into a narrow gorge leading to Lokpa, the first village of the Tsum Valley.
Elevation: 2,240m / 7,349ft
Distance: 16 km
Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Today the valley opens up. We trek through dense rhododendron and pine forests. The trail involves a descent to the Lungwa River followed by a steep climb. We arrive at Chumling (Lower Tsum), where you get your first majestic view of the Ganesh Himal range. Visit the three old monasteries in the village.
Elevation: 2,386m / 7,828ft
Distance: 7 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Entering the Upper Tsum Valley, the landscape changes to arid, high-altitude fields growing barley and buckwheat. We pass the village of Domje and climb sharply to Chhokang Paro. This village is situated on a flat land offering incredible close-up views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.
Elevation: 3,031m / 9,944ft
Distance: 10 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
A pleasant walk through traditional Tibetan villages. We pass the Piren Phu Cave (Pigeon Cave), where the Tibetan saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated. We continue past the massive Rachen Gompa (nunnery) and trek upstream along the Shiar Khola to reach Nile, the last village with teahouse facilities.
Elevation: 3,361m / 11,026ft
Distance: 9 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Elevation: 3,700m / 12,139ft (Mu Gompa)
Time: 4–5 hours (Round trip)
Distance: 10 km
Overview: A spiritual journey to Mu Gompa near the Tibetan border. After exploring the monastery, return to Nile for the night.
Elevation: 2,386m / 7,828ft
Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 19 km
Overview: A long descent back through the valley, passing through Chhokang Paro again and arriving at the lower warmth of Chumling.
Elevation: 1,570m / 5,150ft
Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 13 km
Overview: Exit the inner Tsum Valley, descending through the forests and crossing the bridge back into the main Manaslu trail at Philim.
Elevation: 930m / 3,051ft
Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: 20 km
Overview: retracing your steps through Jagat and Tatopani. This is your final trekking day, ending back where you started the walk.
Elevation: 1,400m / 4,593ft
Time: 8–10 hours (Drive)
Distance: 160 km
Overview: An early morning departure by jeep/bus for the long drive back to the capital.
Physically, it is slightly easier because you do not cross a high pass like Larkya La (5,106m). However, the terrain is more remote, the trails are narrower, and the facilities are more basic, which adds a different kind of "wild" challenge.
This is due to the Shyagya tradition, a formal decree of non-violence established in 1920. Locals believe in the sanctity of all life. Bringing meat into the upper valley is considered highly disrespectful. We recommend embracing the high-protein vegetarian diet (lentils, beans, and eggs).
No. Government regulations for "Restricted Areas" require a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide. If you are traveling alone, we can help pair you with another trekker or arrange a "ghost permit" (though the cost is higher).
As of 2024, the Chumnubri Rural Municipality has implemented a local entry fee of NPR 1,000 (approx. $8 USD) per person, payable at the Jagat checkpoint. This is separate from your MCAP and RAP permits.
Although the max altitude is 3,700m, AMS can still occur. Our itinerary includes a gradual climb. We advise drinking 3-4 liters of water daily, avoiding alcohol, and "climbing high, sleeping low" (which we do on Day 07).
Also known as Piren Phu, it is one of the most sacred caves in the Himalayas. It is believed the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa meditated here in the 11th century. You can see his "footprint" in the rock and ancient murals inside.
