Tsum Valley Trek

Overview

Tsum Valley Trek is an exciting journey into a remote and sacred area of Nepal. It is a unique trekking experience allowing the trekkers an opportunity to explore a less-traveled destination in the Nepalese Himalaya. Located near the Tibetan border in the beautiful Manaslu region, this secluded valley offers a peaceful and untouched wilderness. Those seeking a deep and spiritual adventure will be enchanted by Tsum Valley’s pristine environment, stunning views, and strong cultural ties to Tibetan Buddhism.

The Tsum Valley area was closed off to visitors until 2008 and still is a restricted area which can be visited with a special permit only. Being closed to outsiders for a long time helped Tsum Valley to keep its rich culture and traditions alive till the date. While trekking through the valley we can see ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and breathtaking views which are beyond explanation. The towering mountains, like Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal along the trekking trail, provide an amazing backdrop for the journey.

Trekking to Tsum Valley is an ideal option for those seeking to venture off the beaten path while engaging in tranquil and culturally rich scenery. The inhabitants of Tsum Valley adhere to Tibetan customs, allowing you to witness their traditional lifestyle. This trek transcends mere visual splendor, offering a spiritual journey through sacred sites that hold significant meaning for the local community.

The itinerary of Tsum Valley spans from 15 to 21 days depending upon the requirement and the routes. Our regular Tsum Valley adventure begins with a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and then to Soti Khola. From there, you will start hiking along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through villages like Machha Khola and then to Tatopani which is known for its natural hot spring. As you continue walking, the Tsum Valley trail will take you through bushy forests and terraced fields until you reach Philim, a lovely Gurung village. After leaving Philim, you will enter the secluded Tsum Valley by passing through Lokpa and Chumling.

As you go higher, the scenery changes along the trail from lush greenery to alpine level offering stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal along the way.  Moving forward, we will reach Chhokangparo, a village situated on a plateau that gives you a glimpse into the unique Tibetan culture and lifestyle of the valley. Moving ahead from Chhokangparo, you will hike to Mu Gompa, an ancient monastery situated at 3,700 meters above sea level that offers a special cultural experience and amazing mountain views. You will have plenty of time to explore the monastery and its surroundings before trekking to Rachen Gompa, another important monastery in the area where you can learn about the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Tsum people.

After visiting Mu and Rachen Gompas, you will retrace your steps back to Chumling and then descend to Philim. The return journey will follow the same route, guiding you through charming villages and breathtaking landscapes until you reach Soti Khola, where the trek ends. At the last part of the Tsum Valley Trek itinerary, we will take a drive from Soti Khola and will take you back to Kathmandu. However, it can also be adjoined with the popular Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit route on the prolonged version.

During our Tsum Valley Trek, we will be journeying through the Manaslu Conservation Area. Hence, the trail offers the opportunity to encounter the diverse wildlife endemic to the region. We might even get to see rare and extinct creatures such as Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and if you are fortunate, the elusive snow leopard too. This is why, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is mandatory for this trek because the Tsum Valley Trekking itinerary routes are bounded within the conservation area. MCAP is an essential permit for entry into the Manaslu region encompassing Tsum Valley. Additionally, a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is also necessary to trek Tsum Valley as the valley is designated as a restricted area by the Government of Nepal.  This permit can only be acquired through an authorized trekking agency and mandates the presence of a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide.  Therefore, solo trekking is not allowed in Tsum Valley. These permits serve to safeguard the environment and contribute to conservation initiatives in the locality. At the same time, these permits also play a crucial role in the preservation of Tsum Valley’s natural and cultural heritage.

The most favorable periods to explore Tsum Valley are during the spring and autumn months. Spring months from March to May offer moderate temperatures and vibrant blossoms of flora and fauna that add more beauty to this amazing trekking venture. Likewise, autumn from September to November presents another best time for Tsum Valley trekking as the skies are often clear post-monsoon season providing remarkable vistas of the mountains.

Although trekking during winter (December to February) is feasible, it can be quite chilly, particularly in the higher regions of the valley. However, it is not recommended to visit Tsum Valley during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall and the potential for landslides, which may complicate navigation along the trail.

Itinerary