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- Duration
- 16 Days
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- Transportation
- Car/Hiace & Tourist Bus
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate
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- Max-Altitude
- 3,700m/12,140ft
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- Accomodation
- Teahouse & Hotel
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- Primary Activity
- Trekking, Sightseeing
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- Meals
- All meals included during trek
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- Best Season
- Mar-May|Sept-Nov
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- Distance
- 120 km
Tsum Valley, a secluded valley in the northern reaches of Nepal, is one of the most remote areas of the country. The remoteness and inaccessibility of this place have kept it untouched by modernity. Located in the Manaslu region, Tsum Valley lies between Mount Manaslu to the south and the Tibetan border to its north. This region, once restricted to foreigners for political reasons, was opened for trekking in 2008. Often referred to as the “Hidden Valley,” Tsum Valley offers a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life. The valley’s ancient lifestyle, monasteries, and a blend of Bon and Buddhist religions make it feel as though time has stood still here.
This part of Nepal is one of the most spiritually significant regions, heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, where ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions are practiced alongside shamanism. The name “Tsum,” derived from the Tibetan word meaning “vivid” or “vibrant,” perfectly captures the vibrancy of both the culture and the surrounding landscapes of Tsum Valley. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek feels like walking through a living museum of Tibetan history and heritage, with remote villages, centuries-old gompas (monasteries), and stone-carved stupas adorning the valley.
Tsum Valley is culturally and spiritually rich, and the people who live here, known as Tsumbas, follow similar practices to those of Tibetans. The Tsumbas have their own unique dialect, called “Tsumke” or ”Tsumba,” which is also inspired by the Tibetan language. The region’s special title, Beyul, adds an extra layer of significance to Tsum Valley, as Beyul means a sacred refuge believed to protect the land and its people from chaos. It is considered a valley of non-violence, where it is a belief only people with pure souls can live.
The residents of Tsum Valley are primarily engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, with fertile lands producing high-quality barley, maize, and potatoes. Tsumbas are also involved in the seasonal harvesting of Yarsagumba, which has emerged as a major income source. Additionally, Tsumbas create fabrics for their clothing such as the “chu pas,” one of the few garments still made almost entirely by hand.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek itinerary offers an extraordinary experience for trekkers, with towering peaks, dense forests, and deep canyons. The trek is a paradise for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. The trail leading to Tsum Valley is especially interesting, with trekkers crossing cantilever or wall bridges constructed on the rock faces. The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek itinerary follows a route similar to the Manaslu Circuit Trek for the first few days, before branching off to the Tsum Valley itself. The journey leads trekkers along the historic salt-trading path on the bank of the Budhigandaki River, passing through small villages and rhododendron forests before reaching Tsum Valley. As the trail ascends, dramatic peaks like Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Sringi Himal come into view.
Given the remote nature of the region, travelers are required to hire a guide for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. The journey to Tsum Valley begins in Kathmandu covering the distance of about 364 km on the overall trip. The Tsum Valley trek map highlights the trail, which is both challenging and rewarding. The path offers trekkers a chance to discover the hidden corners of Nepal that few have explored.
Highlights of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
- Explore the Tibetan origin of the Tsumbas, their unique dialect, and the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism.
- A hidden and restricted Shangri-La till 2008, untouched by modernity.
- The region boasts several caves, one of which, Milarepa Cave, is a significant spiritual site where the Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated.
- Tsum Valley, bypassed by mainstream development, has preserved a unique culture, language, and religion for centuries.
- The Tsum Valley trek difficulty is moderate, with rugged terrain and remote locations requiring trekkers to be prepared for a challenging yet unforgettable experience.
- The Tsum Valley trek distance is significant but manageable, offering travelers a route through some of the most scenic and culturally rich parts of Nepal.
- The valley is considered a place of peace or nonviolence. The Tsumbas follow the Shyagya tradition, which focuses on nature conservation.
- The Shyagya tradition is based on six guiding principles of non-violence:
No hunting of wild animals.
No laying traps for animals.
No honey hunting.
No killing of any animals or living beings.
No selling domestic animals for slaughter.
No fires in pasture lands and forests.
Day 01Arrival Day in Kathmandu
Day 02Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation
Day 03Drive to Machha Khola via Arughat and Sothi Khola
Day 04Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Day 05Trek from Jagat to Lokpa
Day 06Trek from Lokpa to Chumling
Day 07Trek Chumling to Chhokang Paro
Day 08Trek to Nile via Rachen Gompa and Chule
Day 09Trek to Mu Gompa
Day 10Day Exploration at Mu Gompa
Day 11Trek to Rachen Gompa
Day 12Trek to Dumje
Day 13Trek to Philim
Day 14Trek to Machha Khola
Day 15Drive from Machha Khola to Kathmandu
Day 16Depart Kathmandu
- Airport arrival and departure transfer.
- Traditional Nepali-style welcome dinner (Day 1) and cultural performance in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing for a full day (Day 2) by a tour guide with private transportation.
- Twin-sharing 3-night (Days 1,2 & 15) accommodation with breakfast at 3-star Apsara Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Shared jeep drive transfer (Days 3 & 15) Kathmandu-Machha Khola- Kathmandu.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at a standard teahouse for 12 nights.
- Hot showers and attached toilet bathrooms at wherever available.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, seasonal fruits, and 3 cups of tea/coffee during the trek.
- Highly experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking, one trekking guide for six trekkers, with all required expenses covered.
- One Porter for two trekkers with all required expenses covered.
- Purified drinking water and chlorine tablets.
- Souvenir Access Nepal T-shirt, duffel bag, and trekking map.
- Upon request, we provide down jackets and sleeping bags.
- Adventure certificate.
- Basic first-aid kits with oximeter included.
- A Farewell dinner (Day 15) at the finest restaurant in Kathmandu.
- All applicable trekking permits and government charges.
- Nepal tourist visa.
- Meals in Kathmandu. (Welcome and Farewell dinner included)
- Tips for guides, porters, and other field staff.
- Travel insurance, internet, charging electric devices, and other personal expenses.
- Additional trips and stays in Nepal.
Our groups are small with maximum 14 people. We create groups of independent travelers, friends and families which maintains close interpersonal connection, engage more and get into depth of the journey. Choose a date from the calendar to reserve your spot.
Arrival & Welcome
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will greet you at the airport and guide you throughout the journey. From transfers to your accommodations and trek preparation, we’ll ensure a seamless and stress-free start to your Himalayan adventure.
Accommodation on Tsum Valley Trek
Throughout the trek, you’ll stay in comfortable teahouses. The rooms are well-equipped with comfortable mattresses, pillows, and blankets. In the lower-altitude villages, you’ll enjoy twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms. You can find Western-style toilets at the lower elevations but as you incline the facilities will be more basic. Regardless, the warmth and hospitality of the local people will make up for the simplicity of the facilities.
Food & Drinks
Tsum Valley and the people, Tsumbas are strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. So, meals on this trek consist of hearty Nepalese and Tibetan dishes and some foreign cuisine. However, the teahouses have a variety of food included in their menu. You can find traditional Nepali Dal Bhaat, regional food such as Gyuma, Tsampa, Yurla, Balep, Tibetan bread, Butter tea, etc, and some foreign cuisine like Pasta, and Spaghetti.
Our package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea or coffee per person. While on the trail, we strictly recommend you not consume any alcohol while you are on the trek as it can leave you dehydrated ruining your overall trekking experience.
Drinking Water on the Manaslu Circuit trek
Dehydration on the trail could be the worst experience while on trek. While on trek, please drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. So, carry a reusable water bottle along with purification tablets and electrolytes, and drink enough water in between. It is advisable to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day, mostly during the daytime. Please carry a water bottle along and some water purification pills which can be bought at the shops in Thamel. You can refill the bottle in the teahouse or at the natural resources that you can find on the trail, but make sure to consult with your guide. Please, only fill in places that your guide recommends as safe. Also, please make sure you purify it before drinking. If available, you can also buy bottled water at the lodges where you stay. But, please note that the cost of bottled water increases as you climb higher. It may cost from USD 1 to around USD 5 per 1-litre bottle.
How often to drink water?
Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. After you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 litres. As and when you feel tired or out of breath, take a short break and hydrate. When you reach your campsite, have a liter of water in small breaks.
Best Time for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Like every trekking destination in Nepal, the ideal seasons for trekking the Tsum Valley are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies, mild temperatures, and clear panoramic mountain views. The weather during these months is generally clear with bright sunny days making for an ideal trekking condition. The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop to as low as -15°C. However, the climate at higher elevations is highly unpredictable, and it can get quite cold and windy.
Spring provides a perfect time to observe the true picture of the Tsum Valley and its lifestyle. The overall route will be covered by different species of Rhododendron. But this ideal time attracts lots of tourists making the trail crowded. As this is the peak time for trekking, the price could be relatively expensive. Autumn is another best trekking season after Spring. Autumn brings changing shades of colors around the landscape and is the best time if you want to observe the festivals of Nepal. And because it is the season of festivals in Nepal, the availability of permits could be difficult. Summer in Nepal comes with heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides and floods making it difficult to get permits. Besides, rain also brings leeches on the trek and the views are often obscured by clouds and mist. Winter can be too cold leaving the trails with less crowd. This is not an ideal trekking season but it still is doable. The temperature can be freezing cold and the snow covered trails can make the trekking difficult. Also because of the cold the teahouses and their services could be closed for the season.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty and Preparation
The difficulty level of Tsum Valley is considered moderately challenging. It is one of the remote trekking areas in Nepal. Tsum Valley Trek does require a good level of fitness and strong mental preparedness. This trek involves walking around glacial valleys, steep routes, and high passes, which are common on this trail. Therefore, regular cardio and hiking practice will help you build the stamina you need for the trek. You can practice hiking with a backpack beforehand which helps you get accustomed to carrying some weight while on the route.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Though the highest point is about 3,700 meters at Mu Gompa, it’s still important to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can affect anyone with or without proper fitness. Therefore, acclimatization is very crucial while trekking anywhere above 2500 meters. With Access Nepal, this trek ascends gradually, allowing your body to adjust accordingly. You should stay hydrated and take enough rest to minimize the risks.
AMS DO’s
- Stay hydrated. Drink frequently in small quantities.
- Make sure you eat well, ensuring at least a light meal (soup or others) when you lose your appetite which is a common occurrence in high-altitude regions.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and monitor your body’s responses to the cold and altitude.
- Acclimatize properly and take rest days when necessary.
- Stay clear of smoking and alcohol consumption at all costs.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Take a first aid kit containing medication for altitude sickness and other common illnesses.
AMS DON’Ts
- Climbing up high too quickly can be risky. Avoid walking at a hurried pace and do not ignore your rhythm of breathing. Slow and steady with calm breathing is the way to go.
- Avoid overcommitting yourself which might risk altitude sickness or injury.
- You may be tempted to wander away, especially without your guide knowing. Please avoid this.
- Do not skip your meals.
Gear & Essentials for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
It is very crucial to pack your daily essentials but keeping it light. You will have your porter carry about 10 kgs of your load, the remaining weight, you will have to carry it yourself. So, it is very important you pack the right gear. If you are not sure what you should include in your packing, here is a simple list of gears. Be sure to bring sturdy boots, quick-drying clothes, layered clothing for temperature changes, trekking poles, and a 4-season sleeping bag. If you have a new pair of boots make sure to try and use them before your mountain adventure to keep them ready and comfortable for the long walks. A headlamp, sunscreen, a sunhat for walking, and warm hat for the night, and a water bottle with a purifier are also essentials for any trek. Add your daily based toiletries like, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, hand-wash, towel, etc. Also, don’t forget to pack all your documents like permits, passports, visas, travel insurance, and your passport-size photos. Additionally, if you are someone who is into journaling, it’s better to carry a pen and journal and a camera to capture the moments. Besides these don’t forget to add Granola Bar or Chocolate Bar and other healthy snacks for the road.
Passport & visa requirements for Tsum Valley Trek
All the trekkers and visitors (except Indian nationals) visiting Nepal needs to acquire the entry visa. You can also get on arrival visa meaning you can get your visa once you land in Nepal. However, some nationalities are required to obtain visa in advance. The cost for the visa depends on your visa type and duration of your visit. Keep in mind, your visa should covers the inter length of your trip, including your buffer days. Also make sure your passport is valid for 6 months post your arrival. It is also recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport separate from your passport in case you lost them.
On-Arrival Visa Fee:
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
Note: It is advisable to carry some cash (in US$ or, Nepalese Currency or, other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.
Please make sure the validity of your passport is 6 months post your arrival in Nepal. We recommend that you keep with you a photocopy of your passport separate from the original to help you in case you lose your passport. Furthermore, it is mandatory to carry your passport on the trek with you as it is required for internal flights.
Permits required for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
To explore on Manaslu Tsum Valley trek, you would require multiple permits:
1. Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit
The cost for Manaslu Conservation Area Project is:
NRP 1000 or, US $10 approx. for SAARC nationalities.
NRP 3000 or US $30 approx. for other nationalities.
2. Restricted Area Permit
The cost for the restricted area permit is:
September to November (Autumn Season): US$ 40 for the first week and then US$ 7 for each additional day spent in the restricted area.
December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer Seasons): US$ 30 for the first week, then US$ 7 for each additional day spent in the restricted area.
3. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
TIMS card costs NRP 2000 or, US $20 approx. for international trekkers and NRP 1000 or, US $10 approx. for trekkers from SAARC
Note: You would have to get entry permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area if you would cross the Larke La pass.
The permits can only be acquired by a government registered, licensed trekking agency in Nepal. So, Access Nepal would obtain all required permits for trekking on your behalf. Also, the costs of permits are already included in your package cost. Therefore, no extra payment is required to obtain them. The following information has been compiled for your understanding.
You can simply go through this link for your visa application. Stay updated with the visa informations and changes in rules and regulations.
Travel Insurance for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
It is mandatory to get travel insurance if you are traveling to Tsum Valley. While purchasing travel insurance make sure to get the one that covers all the activities planned on your visit. Your insurance should covers high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical expenses. While the Tsum Valley Trek is generally safe, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. Your insurance should also cover potential trip cancellations and loss of belongings. Make sure to verify the policy’s coverage before purchasing the insurance.
Costs and Booking for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
This 16 days Tsum Valley trek package costs US $1830 per person. For a limited time we are offering a discounted price of US $1630 per person. For more group discount, visit our booking page. To book the package you will be required to make advance payment of 10%.
If you want to explore more of the Manaslu Region you can go through our extended package which includes, Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu Circuit. You can also explore our regional packages like Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region for various trekking adventure in Nepal.
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