| Trip code | |
| Package name | Tsum Valley Trek |
| Duration | 13 |
| Max. elevation | m |
| Level | Moderate |
| Transportation | Private Vehicle |
| Accomodation | 3-star Hotel / Teahouses |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathamandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
The Tsum Valley Trek takes you deep into the isolated folds of northern Nepal, a place known to monks and mystics as the Hidden Valley of Happiness. Unlike the crowded Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit, this journey offers a raw, spiritual, and cultural experience few outsiders have witnessed. The trail winds through dramatic gorges, ancient stone villages, and centuries-old monasteries beneath the shadows of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and the towering walls of the Manaslu range.
With Majestic Trails Nepal, you're not just following a trail—you’re living an untold story of sacred valleys, smiling villagers, and deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Guided by experienced locals who know the region better than any map, you’ll feel safe, inspired, and connected every step of the way.
Whether you’ve trekked before or this is your first time stepping off the beaten path, the Tsum Valley Trek is where true Himalayan soul-searching begins. You can also combine this route with the Manaslu Circuit Trek for a longer adventure into remote Nepal.
| Trek Name | Duration | Difficulty | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 14 Days | Moderate | From USD 940 | Scenic Annapurna views with lush rhododendron forests |
| Mardi Himal Trek | 9 Days | Moderate | From USD 630 | Secluded trail with close-up Mardi Himalayan views |
| Pikey Peak Trek | 10 Days | Moderate | From USD 1,090 | Quiet trails, cultural villages, panoramic Everest region views |
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Majestic Trails Nepal will greet you with a warm smile and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Today is all about settling in, relaxing after your flight, and getting a full briefing on the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner as you prepare mentally for your adventure into the Hidden Valley of Happiness.
Leaving the chaos of Kathmandu behind, we drive west through the beautiful countryside, passing hills, rivers, and traditional villages. After crossing Dhading Besi and Arughat, the road becomes rough, offering a bumpy but scenic ride through Soti Khola and finally to Machha Khola. This riverside village, nestled beside the Budhi Gandaki River, marks the true beginning of your Tsum Valley Trek.
We start our trek early along a narrow trail beside the river. The path winds through forested ridges, crossing several suspension bridges and waterfalls. You’ll pass the hot springs of Tatopani and small settlements like Khorlabesi and Dovan. After a long climb past stone staircases, we reach Jagat, a stone-paved village that marks the official entry into the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.
This is a transformative day. After breakfast, we trek through lush forest trails and terraced fields toward Philim and Ekle Bhatti. At the intersection beyond Ekle Bhatti, we leave the Manaslu Circuit and veer right, officially entering the Tsum Valley region. The forest becomes denser and the trail quieter. Lokpa, a peaceful village surrounded by rhododendrons and pine, offers your first overnight stay inside the Hidden Valley of Happiness.
We descend briefly before climbing steeply along a narrow trail that opens to spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. The terrain alternates between thick pine forest and dramatic gorges. Several long suspension bridges carry us over deep canyons. After a steady final push, we reach Chumling, a quiet village with stone houses, Tibetan prayer wheels, and a welcoming local monastery.
Today we head higher into the sacred core of the Tsum Valley. The trail crosses a wooden bridge and winds through barley fields, mani walls, and isolated hamlets. As we gain altitude, the views expand to include Ganesh Himal’s snowy peaks. Eventually, we arrive at Chhokang Paro, a pair of villages on a broad plateau—surreal, silent, and surrounded by Himalayan grandeur.
The air is thinner, and the terrain more open. The trail moves past spiritual landmarks, ancient chortens, and cliffside murals. We walk through Lama Gaon and Pangdun, small settlements with deep Buddhist heritage. The path eventually leads us to Nile, the last permanent village before the Tibetan border, flanked by mountain views and endless silence.
Today is the spiritual highlight of your Tsum Valley Trek. We hike to Mu Gompa, the most sacred monastery in the valley, situated near the border with Tibet. The route is exposed and breathtaking, with panoramic views all around. At the monastery, meet resident monks, soak in centuries-old traditions, and enjoy unmatched peace. Return to Nile for the night or stay at a basic lodge near the monastery.
We descend along the same route but detour toward Rachen Gompa, a serene nunnery nestled in open meadows. Female Buddhist practitioners run this monastery and offer a different spiritual vibe. With beautifully painted interiors and fewer visitors, it’s a perfect place for quiet reflection and immersion in Buddhist life.
We retrace our steps back down the valley, passing through Chhokang Paro and smaller settlements. The trail now feels familiar, but with new angles and lighting. Return to Chumling, where you’ll rest beneath prayer flags fluttering in the wind and reflect on how far you’ve come.
Descending deeper into the forested section of Tsum Valley, you’ll retrace your way over suspension bridges and peaceful valleys until you reach Lokpa. This is your last night within the sacred zone of Tsum.
Rejoining the Manaslu trail, we descend through the forest trails and agricultural terraces, eventually returning to Jagat, where the familiar warmth of teahouse hospitality awaits.
A long descent through subtropical landscapes, waterfalls, and riverside trails takes us back to Machha Khola, where our adventure first began on foot.
We begin the day with an early breakfast and say goodbye to the Budhi Gandaki River. A long but scenic drive brings us back to Kathmandu, where your comfortable hotel and a hot shower await. Celebrate the successful completion of your Tsum Valley journey!
We’ll drop you at the airport as you head home with unforgettable memories of the sacred valleys, ancient monasteries, and incredible Himalayan hospitality that made your Tsum Valley Trek an experience of a lifetime.
The ideal seasons for the Tsum Valley Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is clear, temperatures are moderate, and mountain views are spectacular. Avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall and the winter (December to February) because of cold and snow.
The Tsum Valley Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves long trekking days, some steep ascents and descents, and high altitude reaching up to 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
Accommodation is primarily in basic teahouses and lodges along the trail. Facilities include simple rooms with shared bathrooms, hot showers where available, and communal dining areas. Expect rustic but comfortable lodging with warm hospitality from local hosts.
Meals during the trek typically include local Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, momos (dumplings), and soups. Vegetarian options are widely available. Drinking bottled or purified water is recommended to avoid illness.
The Tsum Valley lies within the Manaslu Restricted Area, requiring a special Restricted Area Permit and a Tsum Valley Special Permit. Majestic Trails Nepal will handle all permit arrangements for you.
The highest point on the trek is Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters. Proper acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness. The itinerary includes rest days and gradual ascents to help you adjust.
We recommend a minimum group size of 2 trekkers to maintain safety and cost efficiency, with a maximum of 12 to preserve the remote experience.
All treks include experienced, licensed guides and helpful porters to carry your heavy gear, allowing you to enjoy the trek comfortably and safely