Tsum Valley Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost

The Tsum Valley is a hidden Tibetan-Buddhist valley beneath Ganesh Himal. It sits behind the Budhi Gandaki gorge, north of the Manaslu region, and was closed to visitors until the 2000s. The Tsumba people keep much of Tibetan culture, from stone houses and long mani walls to monasteries and festivals. Our plan is 16 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with a rest day at Mu Gompa and a slightly different route back through Rachen Gompa and Domje.

The short version

• Highest point: Mu Gompa, about 3,700 m
• Our trip: 16 days from Kathmandu, including arrival and departure days
• Distance: roughly 100 to 150 km on foot, about 4 to 7 hours of walking a day
• Difficulty: moderate. Trails are steep and rough with some long days, but there are no technical sections
• Best seasons: March to May and September to November
• Permits: usually a Tsum Valley restricted-area permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area permit. A licensed guide and normally at least 2 travellers are required, and we arrange the permits
• Our price: from US$1,695 per person, with a 20% deposit to secure the booking

Our 16-day route, day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 2: Permits and trek preparation.

Day 3: Drive to Machha Khola (about 900 m).

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (about 1,340 to 1,410 m).

Day 5: Jagat to Lokpa (about 2,240 m). After Lokpa you enter the valley itself.

Day 6: Lokpa to Chumling (about 2,400 m).

Day 7: Chumling to Chhokangparo (about 3,010 m).

Day 8: Chhokangparo to Nile (about 3,360 m).

Day 9: Nile to Mu Gompa (about 3,700 m), the highest point of the trek.

Day 10: Rest and exploration at Mu Gompa. Time to visit monasteries or take a short hike.

Day 11: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (about 3,240 m).

Day 12: Rachen Gompa to Domje (about 2,460 m).

Day 13: Domje to Philim (about 1,600 m).

Day 14: Philim to Machha Khola (about 900 m).

Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 16: Departure.

Altitudes and walking times vary between sources and with trail conditions. Landslides can delay the drive, so please keep a spare day or two before your international flight.

What you will see

• Mu Gompa: a quiet monastery at the head of the valley, close to the Tibetan border
• Rachen Gompa and Dhephyudonma: nunneries and monasteries built into the hillside, with a living tradition of prayer
• A sacred hidden valley: known to Tibetans as a beyul, a refuge for meditation. Pilgrims still walk it
• Milarepa cave: linked with the Tibetan saint Milarepa, reached near the upper villages
• Tsumba villages: long mani walls, chortens and prayer wheels. Lodge meals are mostly vegetarian
• Views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi above terraces and barley fields
• The Budhi Gandaki gorge: the first part of the walk follows the same dramatic canyon as the Manaslu route

Who is it for?

Walkers who want culture and a remote feel more than a high pass. The valley stays mostly below 3,800 m, so the profile is gentler than on higher treks, but it is far from roads and the trails are steep and rough, so a good level of fitness is needed.

What is included

Airport pick-up and drop-off, Kathmandu hotel nights with breakfast, a guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour, welcome and farewell dinners, road transport in the itinerary, a licensed English-speaking guide, one porter for every two trekkers, the required permits, taxes, twin-share teahouse rooms and three meals a day on trail days.

Not included: Nepal visa, international flights, most city meals, Kathmandu entrance fees, travel insurance (it should cover trekking, cancellation and emergency helicopter evacuation), drinks, hot showers, charging and wifi on the trail, tips and personal expenses.

For more on permits, see Nepal trekking permits explained. For timing, see the best time to trek in Nepal.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permits and a guide?

Yes. A Tsum Valley restricted-area permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area permit are usually needed. A licensed guide and normally at least 2 travellers are required. We arrange the permits.

When is the best time to go?

March to May and September to November.

Can I trek on a private basis?

Yes. Trips run privately or in small groups.

What if the road is delayed?

Landslides can delay the drive, so keep a spare day or two before your international flight.

Ready to plan it? See the Tsum Valley Trek package, tell us your dates on WhatsApp, and we will reply with a clear itinerary and price.