Tsum Valley is a hidden and rarely visited corner in the Manaslu region, situated higher up near the Tibetan border. Trekking to Tsum Valley is adventurous and offers offbeat trails. Trekkers get to explore untouched and pristine landscapes. The journey takes you deep into the rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage rooted amidst the towering Himalayan mountains.
Tsum Valley is surrounded by Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli in the west, Siring Himal in the north, and Ganesh Himal in the south. The valley has many ancient monasteries and caves, where some of the greatest sages have meditated, including Guru Rinpoche and the Tibetan philosopher Milarepa. The region presents ancient art, beliefs, and practices.
Tsum Valley trek offers an unforgettable trip in the western Himalayan range of Nepal. The journey is adventurous, culturally rich, and serene. It is a restricted area, so highly protected by the Nepal government and requires a special permit to enter. Very few trekkers know about this hidden Shangri La, and only a handful of them visit it, keeping the trail undiscovered.
Camping is not required for the Tsum Valley trekking, so you can do this trek without spending a lot of money!
Highlights of Tsum Vallet Trek
- An adventurous trek to a hidden and rarely visited corner in the Manaslu region
- Follow offbeat trails via lush rhododendron forests, alpine pastures, and picturesque villages
- Cross hanging bridges on the way and come across many streams and waterfalls
- Explores untouched and pristine landscapes amidst the towering Himalayan mountains
- Witness numerous snow-capped mountains and come across a wide variety of flora and fauna
- If you are lucky, you may get to spot a snow leopard
- Immerse into the rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage
- Explore ancient monasteries and caves where some of the greatest sages have mediated, including Guru Rinpoche
- An unforgettable, serene trip in the western Himalayan range of Nepal
What to expect during the Tsum Valley trek 13 days?
Tsum Valley is very remote, and as this trek is not that known, the trekking route lacks tourist infrastructure. There are tea houses in the major settlements along the Tsum Valley trek route, where trekkers spend the nights and have meals. However, unlike the popular EBC and ABC trek, you will not come across tea shops or other fellow trekkers on the way.
So, trekkers have to bring enough snacks and all the essentials for the trek. The Tsum Valley trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. From Machha Khola, you will trek for two days to reach Lokpa, from where the trail separates to Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. Most of the trekkers usually explore the Tsum Valley first and continue to Larkya La pass to complete the circuit.
The trail from Machha Khola follows lush rhododendron forests along the Budhi Gandaki river. You will spend a night in Jagat and trek to Lokpa via many small villages. The trail then goes further north to Chumling, where you will explore three old monasteries- Pango Gumba, Gurwa Gumba, and Mani Dhungyr. From Chumling, you will follow Shair Khola and pass by Domje village, the largest in the Tsum Valley.
The trail gradually ascends from sub-tropical forests and gives way to alpine pastures and high-mountain deserts on the way to Chhokagnparo. You will keep trekking northwards, passing Milarepa Prien Phu Cave (the most sacred cave in Tsum Valley). Trekking past the Nile settlement, you will follow a steep uphill route to Mu Gompa. It is the northernmost point of the trek.
From Mu Gompa, you will trek back to Chhokangparo, following the same route. You have the option to take a different route and visit Rachen Gompa on the way. Then the trail descends to Gumba Lungdang. You will trek along a glacier and hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. It is rarely visited by tourists and remains completely isolated.
After exploring the base camp, you will retrace the trail to Chumling. From here, descend to Salleri and further drop down to Machha Khola, where the trek ends. Following the same highway, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
Who can do the Tsum Valley trek?
The Tsum Valley trek is demanding in terms of terrain and remoteness of the region. This trek sees comparatively less altitude gain, so altitude sickness risk is low. However, trekkers still have to be careful. Physical and mental fitness is important for the Tsum Valley trekking.
We recommend the Tsum Valley trek 13 days to individuals who have previous trekking experience. It allows you to understand the limitations of the region and embrace it. Make sure your stamina and physical strength is good. If not, you can train 4 to 8 weeks before starting the trek.
Tsum Valley- opened in 2008 for foreign trekkers
The fact that the Tsum Valley was opened only in 2008 for foreign trekkers has kept it shielded from modernization. Not only that, but the strict rules and regulations and expensive permits keep the heavy flow of travelers away from this trek route. The locals still live quite an ancient life. They are still very attached to their roots.
During the Tsum Valley trek, you will meet Tsumbas, the residents of this remote area. Their culture, tradition, beliefs, language, and practices are a blend of Nepali and Tibetan heritage. You will be humbly welcomed in their homes during the journey. Feel free to interact with them. Our guide will help you with that.
Likewise, the Tsum Valley trail is dotted with several monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and stupas. The cultural richness is epic in this untouched part of the world. Moreover, this area is home to exotic flora and fauna. One of the famous animals is the snow leopard. It is hard to spot. However, you may get to see Himalayan pheasant, tahr, and blue sheep.
To make your expedition much more mesmerizing, mountains like Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), Himalchuli (7,893 m/25,895 ft), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Shringi Himal (7,155 m/23,474 ft), Simnang Himal (6,251 m/20,508 ft), and many others decorate the horizon.
Why do the Tsum Valley trek with Recreation Holidays?
We provide a native guide and porter for the Tsum Valley trek 13 days. So, you will trek with a local. Even though the trekking region is quite far, our extensive network allows us to well organize this trek and provide a hassle-free trip to our guests.
Likewise, we also have a genuine Tsum Valley trek price. You will get a lot in our package cost. Our Tsum Valley trek itinerary is also flexible. You can customize it as per your time, requirements, budget, and group size. Bookings are open for the Tsum Valley trek 2024/2025 departure.
We promise a safe and delightful trek experience in this remote part of the Himalayas. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding our Tsum Valley trek cost or package.
