Tsum Valley Trek
A hidden valley of peace beside Manaslu
Duration
16 Days
Max Altitude
3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Mu Gompa)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
Minimum 2 trekkers (restricted area regulation)
Overview
Tsum Valley branches north from the lower Manaslu Circuit trail toward the Tibetan border, and was only opened to trekkers in 2008. Historically known as a beyul — a hidden valley of peace in Tibetan Buddhist tradition — Tsum remains one of the most culturally intact regions in Nepal, with ancient gompas, chortens and mani walls found at nearly every turn. Unlike the Manaslu Circuit itself, Tsum Valley does not require crossing a high pass, making it a genuinely moderate alternative for trekkers who want deep restricted-area culture without the altitude and technical demands of Larkya La.
Trip Highlights
- A historic Buddhist "beyul" (hidden sacred valley) largely untouched by modern development
- Ancient monasteries including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa
- No high-pass crossing required — moderate difficulty for a restricted area
- Deeply preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture
- Can be combined with the full Manaslu Circuit for a longer trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Long scenic drive to the trailhead.
Day 2
Trek to Jagat
Follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge to Jagat.
Day 3
Trek to Lokpa
Branch off the main Manaslu trail toward the Tsum valley.
Day 4
Trek to Chumling
Enter Tsum Valley proper, first views of Ganesh Himal.
Day 5
Trek to Chhokangparo
Continue up-valley through traditional villages.
Day 6
Trek to Nile/Chhule
Walk past mani walls and chortens toward the upper valley.
Day 7
Trek to Mu Gompa
Reach Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the valley's highest and most significant monastery.
Day 8
Explore Mu Gompa and Dhephyudonma
Rest day exploring monasteries near the Tibet border.
Day 9
Trek to Rachen Gompa
Descend to visit the nunnery at Rachen Gompa.
Day 10
Trek to Chumling
Continue the descent back down the valley.
Day 11
Trek to Lokpa
Rejoin the main Budhi Gandaki trail.
Day 12
Trek to Jagat
Continue the descent.
Day 13
Trek to Machha Khola
Final trekking day.
Day 14
Drive to Kathmandu
Return drive to Kathmandu.
Day 15
Kathmandu leisure day
Buffer day for road delays.
Day 16
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Cost Includes
- All ground transport
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All permits
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Tsum Valley Trek — FAQs
Yes — Tsum Valley doesn't require crossing a high pass like Larkya La, making it noticeably less physically demanding while still requiring the same restricted-area permits and guide arrangements.
