Overview
Trip Highlights
- Explore Tsum Valley’s villages and living Buddhist heritage.
- Visit Mu Gompa in the upper valley, weather and access permitting.
- Discover Rachen Gompa and the area associated with Milarepa’s meditation cave.
- Walk past mani walls, chortens, prayer wheels, and traditional stone houses.
- Enjoy Himalayan scenery, river gorges, forests, and suspension bridges.
- Spend an additional night in Chhokang Paro for acclimatization and exploration.
- Stay in locally operated lodges and support mountain communities.
- Enjoy a dedicated Tsum journey without a high-pass crossing.
The Tsum Valley Trek takes you into the remote northeastern part of the Manaslu Conservation Area in Nepal’s Gorkha district. Set against the landscapes of Ganesh Himal and neighbouring Himalayan ranges, the valley offers a journey shaped by Tibetan-influenced culture, Buddhist traditions, and everyday village life.
Beginning with an overland journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the route follows the Budhi Gandaki corridor through Jagat and Philim before branching towards Lokpa and Tsum Valley. As you climb through Chumling and Chhokang Paro, forests and river gorges give way to open mountain landscapes, stone-built settlements, mani walls, and prayer flags. A dedicated exploration day in Chhokang Paro provides time to adjust to the altitude and discover the upper valley’s cultural sites. Continue to Nile and make a day hike to Mu Gompa, approximately 3,700 metres above sea level, before returning through the valley. Monastery visits depend on access, local schedules, and permission.
With Himalaya Kingdom Treks & Tours, this journey includes local guiding, porter support, basic mountain accommodation, and permit arrangements. It is well suited to active travellers who value cultural encounters and quieter trails, and are comfortable with simple facilities and several consecutive walking days.
Itinerary
Tsum Valley Trek – 16 Days Itinerary
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Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meet our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest after your flight and meet the team for an introduction to the journey. Enjoy a welcome dinner and discuss your trekking preparations.Meals: B,D -
Day 02
Trek Preparation and Permit Processing in Kathmandu
Review equipment with your guide, check your documents, and complete permit arrangements. There is time to rent or buy missing items in Thamel. Optional sightseeing can be arranged at additional cost. Permit processing depends on working days, so your arrival schedule may need adjustment around public holidays.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B -
Day 03
Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Travel through hill settlements and river valleys towards Machha Khola. The final road sections can be rough and slow. After arrival, settle into a local lodge and prepare for the first walking day.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 04
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Follow the Budhi Gandaki corridor through village paths, river crossings, and forested slopes. Pass through the Tatopani and Dovan area before reaching Jagat, an important entry checkpoint for the conservation area.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 05
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa
Continue through Sirdibas and Philim, passing cultivated hillsides and mountain villages. Leave the main Manaslu Circuit corridor at the Tsum Valley junction and climb towards Lokpa.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 06
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling
Enter the Tsum Valley along an undulating forest trail with descents, river crossings, and steep climbs. Reach Chumling and, if time permits, take a gentle village walk with your guide.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 07
Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro
Ascend towards Upper Tsum through settlements and mountain farmland. Chhokang Paro opens into a broader valley with stone houses and expansive scenery. Walk steadily and take regular breaks as you reach an overnight altitude above 3,000 metres.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 08
Acclimatization and Cultural Exploration in Chhokang Paro
Spend a second night at the same altitude. Depending on your energy, conditions, and access, explore nearby settlements and visit Rachen Gompa or the area of Milarepa’s cave. Your guide will choose a manageable outing; return to Chhokang Paro for the night.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 09
Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile
Follow the upper valley past agricultural land, chortens, and villages towards Chhule and Nile. Enjoy the change to a more open mountain setting and settle into your lodge for two nights.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 10
Hike to Mu Gompa and Return to Nile
Walk to Mu Gompa, the main high point of this itinerary. Explore the monastery surroundings and, where permitted, learn about local religious life. Return to Nile for a lower overnight stay. This day does not include a trek to the Tibetan border or a high mountain pass.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 11
Trek from Nile to Chumling
Retrace the upper valley through Chhokang Paro and descend towards Chumling. This is a longer walking day, with opportunities to see familiar villages from a different perspective. Additional cultural stops depend on time and energy.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 12
Trek from Chumling to Lokpa
Return along forested slopes and river crossings towards Lokpa. Although the overnight altitude is lower, the trail includes substantial uphill and downhill sections.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 13
Trek from Lokpa to Jagat
Rejoin the Budhi Gandaki corridor and continue through Philim and Sirdibas to Jagat. Enjoy the return to warmer lower-valley landscapes.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 14
Trek from Jagat to Machha Khola
Complete the final trekking stage through the river valley. Reach Machha Khola and enjoy a relaxed evening with your trekking team.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 15
Drive to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
Return overland to Kathmandu and check into your hotel. Join us for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B,L,D -
Day 16
Final Departure
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Extra nights or further travel in Nepal can be arranged on request.Accommodation: Hotel, Local LodgeMeals: B
Services
Tsum Valley Trek – 16 Days Services
Cost Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
- Three nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel on a twin-sharing basis, with breakfast.
- Twelve nights in basic mountain lodges/teahouses, generally twin-sharing where available.
- Return ground transport between Kathmandu and Machha Khola; shared transport as standard, with private jeep upgrade available.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Days 3–14; breakfast and lunch on Day 15.
- Welcome dinner on Day 1 and farewell dinner on Day 15.
- One standard serving of tea or coffee with included trekking breakfasts.
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porter support at one porter for every two trekkers, with a maximum combined load of 20 kg.
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, and staff insurance.
- Tsum Valley restricted-area permit and Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit for the agreed route and duration.
- Any additional mandatory route permits or local entry charges identified in your confirmed quotation.
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan for the trek, returned after the journey.
- Guide-carried first-aid kit and emergency coordination assistance.
- Applicable company service charges and government taxes included in the confirmed quotation.
Cost Excludes
- International flights and Nepal visa fees.
- Travel insurance, medical treatment, evacuation, and rescue expenses.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except the listed welcome and farewell dinners.
- Optional Kathmandu sightseeing, guides, and attraction entrance fees.
- Personal trekking clothing, footwear, and equipment.
- Single-room supplements and private transport upgrades.
- Alcohol, bottled drinks, extra tea/coffee, snacks, and food beyond included meals.
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, laundry, and other lodge extras.
- Optional monastery donations or special activities.
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
- Extra accommodation, transport, meals, or permit extensions arising from changes outside the agreed itinerary.
- Anything not listed under Cost Includes.
Date & Price
Tsum Valley Trek – 16 Days Dates & Price
Trip DATE
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Trip notes
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Faqs
Tsum Valley Trek – 16 Days Faqs
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Can the package be customized?
Yes. We can adjust walking stages, add nights, upgrade Kathmandu hotels, arrange private road transport, or combine the trek with other Nepal experiences.
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Are fixed departure dates available?
Ask for currently available group dates. Private or tailor-made departures can be arranged subject to permits, guide availability, and local conditions.
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Can I extend the trek to Gumba Lungdang or Ganesh Himal Base Camp?
Yes, an extension can be planned with extra days, suitable accommodation arrangements, and additional route assessment. Neither destination is included in this standard package.
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Can beginners join?
Fit first-time trekkers may find the journey suitable with preparation and a realistic understanding of the walking days. Discuss your fitness and hiking experience with us before booking.
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Are permits included?
Yes. The required Tsum Valley and conservation-area permits for the confirmed itinerary are included. Any other mandatory route charges are identified in your quotation.
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Can a solo traveller book?
Contact us to check current permit eligibility and arrange a guided departure. Independent unguided travel is not offered for this restricted-area trek. Availability and price depend on the applicable permit rules and staffing.
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What is the highest altitude?
The Mu Gompa day hike reaches approximately 3,700 m. The highest planned overnight stop is Nile at approximately 3,360 m.
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How difficult is the trek?
It is moderate to challenging, mainly because of long walking days, rough terrain, and altitude. Good fitness and comfort with simple accommodation are important. There is no technical climbing in the planned route.
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Is this the same as the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
No. This package explores Tsum Valley and returns along the access route. It does not cross Larkya La. A combined Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit journey requires a longer itinerary.
