Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek

18Days
5,093mMax altitude
MediumDifficulty
$2,180per person

Overview

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek is a trek to one of the most hidden valleys in the Manaslu region. The area is filled with Tibetan Buddhists and is pretty close to the Tibetan border. As Tsum Valley was relatively un-trekked by hikers before it was restricted till 2008, the area remains one of the less traveled areas. A fairly good level of fitness with 5-7 hours of trekking every day is enough for the trek.

Tsum Valley Trek Trip Introduction:

The trekking trail of the trek passes through multiple pine forests along with raging rivers, cascading waterfalls, incredible suspension bridges, fascinating villages, monasteries, mani walls, and stupas. The trails also take us to Milarepa's Cave which is a major attraction in the trek. The mesmerizing view of the mountain ranges of Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal(7,140m), Manaslu(8,163m), and Churke Himal is seen throughout the trek. 

The trek offers a great opportunity to witness the Tibetan culture with a blend of nature. The word "Tsum" came from the Tibetan word asomboa which means vivid. As the name suggests, you'll experience the unique culture, and lifestyle of the Buddhist people, monks, and nuns in their respective religions. The trek into the hidden valley takes you through the spectacular views of the Himalayas. 

Itinerary Outline:

1st Day: Arrive day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

2nd Day: Sightseeing tour and permit preparation day

3rd Day: Drive from Kathmandu drive to SotiKhola (730m/2,395ft), 7-8 hours

4th Day: Trek from SotiKhola to MachhaKhola(900m/2,953ft ), 6-7 hours

5th Day: Trek from Machha Khola to Doban (1,070m/3,510ft),6-7 hours

6th Day: Trek from Doban to Philim (1,550m/5,085ft), 6 hours

7th Day: Trek from Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum)(2,386m/7,828ft), 7 hours

8th Day: Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum)(3,031m/9,944ft), 5-6 hours

9th Day: Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule(3,361m/11,026ft), 5-6 hours

10th Day: Trek from Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3600 m/ 11,808ft), 4hrs

11th Day: Extra day for excursion

12th Day: Trek from Mu Gompa to RachenGompa (3,240m/10,629ft),5 hours

13th Day: Trek from Rachen Gompa to Dumje 6-7 hours

14th Day: Trek from Dumje to Philim 6-7 hours

15th Day: Trek from Philim to Tatopani 6-7 hours

16th Day: Trek from Tatopani to Soti Khola 6-7 hours

17th Day: Drive from Soti Khola to Kathmandu 7-8 hours

18th Day: Departure from Kathmandu

Duration18 days
DifficultyMedium
Max altitude5,093m
Start / EndKathmandu
AccommodationHotel & Teahouse
Tsum Valley Trek photo
Tsum Valley Trek photo Tsum Valley Trek photo Tsum Valley Trek photo Tsum Valley Trek photo

Best Season for this trip

Mar - May & Sep to Dec

Spring: Mar-May Monsoon: Jun-Aug Autumn: Sep-Nov Winter: Dec-Feb

Day by day

Unfold your journey

Tsum Valley Trek Map

Kathmandu → Kathmandu

Tsum Valley Trek route map
day
1

Arrive day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

20 Minutes Hotel Kathmandu Welcome Dinner
Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Our representative will be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome and assist you with the transfer to your Kathmandu Hotel. After getting refreshed, you will be invited to a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu in the evening. You will also receive a trip briefing before retiring for the night at the hotel.
day
2

Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Hotel Kathmandu Breakfast
After breakfast, the day will start with our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley that includes the pilgrimage sites of the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the world's biggest Bouddhanath stupa, and the monkey temple Swoyambhunath Stupa. After exploring the surrounding areas, we will visit the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square to explore its temples, unique architecture, and Kumari (living goddess). In the evening, we will have a pre-trip discussion and introduction with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip.
day
3

Drive from Kathmandu drive to Soti Khola (730m/2,395ft) 7-8 hours

7-8 Hrs Tea House Sotikhola 3 Meals
We will take an early start by taking a 6-7 hours drive in a private transfer to Arughat Bazaar in the Gorkha district. As you follow the Budi Gandaki River, you will notice on arrival that the town is located on both sides of the riverbank. Arughat Bazaar is a pleasant town with many shops selling any last-minute supplies that you may need for your journey. After the tea break at Arughat, we will continue to drive to Soti Khola. Overnight at Sotikhola.
day
4

Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola(6-7 900m/ 2,953ft ) 6-7 hours

6-7 Hrs Tea House Machha Khola 3 Meals
We will trek to Machha Khola on this day. The lake is also translated as Fish River in English. There is a village named ‘Machha Khola’ above the river with the same name. This village is also the joining point for the Great Himalayan Trail as it heads up the East bank of the river and goes in the direction of the Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Machha Khola.
day
5

Trek from MachhaKhola to Doban(1,070m/3,510ft) 6-7 hours

6-7 Hrs Tea House Dovan 3 Meals
The trail from Macha Khola involves some steep ascents and descents often dropping down to the gravel bars beside the river. After crossing the TharuKhola, we will reach a valley that contains many fields of wheat and buckwheat on either side. After two hours on the trail, you will get to the small village of Tatopani which has a natural spring in which you can clean yourself a little. A further climb across a well-crafted staircase will bring you further to Doban. This village lies at the confluence of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpukhola, which flows from the west. Overnight at Doban.
day
6

Trek from Doban to Philim (1550m/ 5,085ft) 6 hours

6 Hours Tea House Philim 3 Meals
The route will climb further across rugged rocky terrain, up and down ravines, and notched trees. We will pass Jagot, which is where the official Police check post is located. The village is exceptionally clean and well-organized. We will also get good views of Sringrihimal as we continue up to the village of Philim at 1550m. This is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. Overnight at Philim.
day
7

Trek from Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum)(2,386m/7,828ft) 7 hours

7 Hrs Tea House Chumling 3 Meals
We will continue along the river for about one hour until we get to diverge in the river system. Taking the left hand, the trail will cross the suspension bridge and will take you to the Larke pass on the Manaslu route. We will stay to the right, which will take us into the lower Tsum Valley. In Philim, the landscape was very spread out but in this region, you will be trekking through a canyon with some exceptionally tall pine trees and beautiful grasslands hugging the mountainside. Overnight at Chumling.
day
8

Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum)(3,031m/9,944ft) 5-6 hours

5-6 Hrs Tea House Chhokangparo 3 Meals
We will continue our trek up the valley to Dumje where we will be stopping for lunch. There is a trail that leads off South Easterly that will take you to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. From here we will see spectacular views of the Baudha and Himalchuli peaks to the southwest. Chhokangparo, which is part of the Upper Tsum Valley. The Upper Tsum Valley is a part of the Inner Himalaya and a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. Some households in this village still practice polyandry. Overnight at Chhokangparo.
day
9

Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule(3,361m/11,026ft) 5-6 hours

5-6 Hrs Tea House Nile 3 Meals
From Chhokangparo, we will continue northeast as we make our way to Nile/ Chulle. We will visit the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave after walking for two more hours. PirenPhu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. The great Buddhist Yogi Chyuchin Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rock cave which houses the life-size statues of Avaloketishvara, Budhha, Tara, and Milarepa. You'll also find richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts that make this cave one of the most important cultural assets in the valley. You can also get beautiful views that can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains, and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. After trekking further up the valley, the trail will bring you to Nile / Chulle. Chulle is on the eastern side of the ShiarKhola while 20 minutes further upstream is the Nile. These are the last villages heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Overnight at Nile/Chhule.
day
10

Trek from Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3600 m/ 11,808ft), 4hrs

3-4 Hrs Monastery Mu Gumpa 3 Meals
We will reach Mu Gompa after walking for two hours further along the old Nepal-Tibet caravan path. The oldest monastery in the valley “Dephyudonma Gumba (4060m)” is situated here. It was found about 700 years ago. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. The landscape is dotted with mani walls, chortens, and katanas (gateway chortens). Chortens are Buddhist religious monuments, also known as stupas, which are distinct features in Tsum Valley. They are erected to ward off evil spirits from places that are identified as thresholds such as confluences and bridges or to commemorate the visit or death of historic figures, lamas, or even relatives. Kaanis are also called gateway chortens placed before the entry of any village which travelers are supposed to walk through. Mani walls are long walls made of mani stones i.e. stones with carved mantras. The main purpose of these mani walls is to ask for the help of the gods for the well-being of travelers. Overnight at Mu Gompa.
day
11

Extra day for excursion

Monastery Mu Gumpa 3 Meals
Upper Tsum Valley is a separate world where nature, people, and spirit coexist in harmony. The people here never slaughter animals, not even as a sacrifice to the gods, which is customary in many parts of the world. Every single family sends a child to the local monastery to become a monk or a nun. Heading back down the valley, we will arrive at Rachen Gompa, the biggest nunnery/monastery in the valley which houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect. It was established in the year 1905 AD and houses one thousand clay-molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, Guru Padmasambhava, Tara, and Buddha Amitabha. The interiors of this monastery are richly painted with murals depicting Buddhism and its history as well as a brightly colored carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. Overnight at Rachen Gompa.
day
12

Trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (3,240m/10,629ft)5 hours

5 Hrs Monastery Rachen Gompa 3 Meals
Upper Tsum Valley is a separate world where nature, people, and spirit coexist in harmony. The people here never slaughter animals, not even as a sacrifice to the gods, which is customary in many parts of the world. Every single family sends a child to the local monastery to become a monk or a nun. Heading back down the valley, we will arrive at Rachen Gompa, the biggest nunnery/monastery in the valley which houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect. It was established in the year 1905 AD and houses one thousand clay-molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, Guru Padmasambhava, Tara, and Buddha Amitabha. The interiors of this monastery are richly painted with murals depicting Buddhism and its history as well as a brightly colored carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. Overnight at Rachen Gompa.
day
13

Trek from Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hours)

6-7 Hrs Tea House Dumje 3 Meals
We will be taking an easy walk with plenty of time for Photography as we proceed down the valley. There are many small villages worth exploring along the way. We will reach finally our destination at Dunje which is also small with about eight houses and some adjoining cattle sheds. Overnight at Dumje.
day
14

Trek from Dumje to Philim (6-7 hours)

6-7 Hrs Tea House Philim 3 Meals
From Dumje, we will trek down to Philimbut. We will take a small alternative path via Ripchet. Here, we will pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley named 'Samba Tingding Chhupyang'. Overnight at Philim.
day
15

Trek from Philim to Tatopani (6-7 hours)

6-7 Hrs Tea House Tatopani 3 Meals
From Phillim, we will trek to Tatopani where once again you may freshen up a little with very hot water. After two weeks of camping, your excitement surely will build knowing that you can visit this hot spring once more. Tatopani has four or five houses only with the majority being lodgings. We will pass through Jagat once more and have our permits checked and stamped as we will be leaving the Manaslu Conservation area. Overnight at Tatopani.
day
16

Trek from Tatopani to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)

6-7 Hrs Tea House Sotikhola 3 Meals
For the next two days, we will stay on this side of the river passing through many terraced fields of crops grown by local villagers and walking past tropical waterfalls. Overnight at Soti Khola.
day
17

Trek from Soti Khola to Kathmandu (7-8hours)

7-8 Hrs Hotel Kathmandu 3 Meals
We will now take the trek to an end. Our last leg of the journey is the drive back down to Arughat Bazaar. We will continue to drive back to Kathmandu.
day
18

Departure day from Kathmandu

20 Minutes Breakfast
Today is usually a day spent for last-minute souvenir and gift shopping. A representative is also interested in meeting one last time to understand how your trek went if there were any problems along the way and or whether we are in any way able to provide you with further service or assistance. That may be with onward transport arrangements, traveling information, and or maybe further interest in joining one of our other treks or tours available to you. We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!

Tsum Valley Trek Altitude Chart

Metres above sea level

Tsum Valley Trek altitude chart

What's covered

Inclusions & exclusions

Trip includes

  • All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu per the suggested itinerary.
  • Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
  • Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
  • Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
  • Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
  • Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
  • All necessary paper works, Entry fees, and permits & TIMS card
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
  • First aid exclusive medical kit bag
  • All government and local taxes

Trip excludes

  • Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
  • Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
  • Travel and rescue insurance

Dates & Prices

Upcoming Departures

departure

status

from

19 Oct - 5 Nov 2026

Guaranteed

5/5 seats remaining

$2,180

join us

25 Oct - 11 Nov 2026

Guaranteed

5/5 seats remaining

$2,180

join us

29 Oct - 15 Nov 2026

Guaranteed

5/5 seats remaining

$2,180

join us

Dates don’t fit? Every trip also runs privately on the date of your choice. Book a private departure.

FAQ’s

What travelers often ask

How long is Tsum Valley Trek?
Tsum Valley Trek is a 16-day long trek that starts from Soti Khola and ends at the same place. The time may differ as per the trekker.
Is Tsum Valley Trekked often?
Tsum Valley Trek is a 16-day long trek that starts from Soti Khola and ends at the same place. The time may differ as per the trekker.
What is the main attraction of Tsum Valley Trek?
Tsum Valley offers them the opportunity to witness Tibetan Buddhist people in their villages, monks, and nuns in their respective religious orders, and the spectacular views of the Himalayas in an almost pilgrimage-like trek into this hidden valley.
Do you need a guide for Tsum Valley Trek?
Yes, a guide is mandatory for the Tsum Valley Trek. This is because the trail follows the area from Jagat to Bimthang, which is declared a restricted region.

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