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TripAdvisor · Travelers’ Choice 2026

Tsum Valley Trek Guide

Duration
16 Days
15 nights
Max Altitude
3700m
Highest point
Difficulty
Strenuous
3 out of 5
Group Size
2–14
people
Best Season
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec
Activity / Day
5 - 6 Hours Walking

Trip Overview

 

Highlights of Tsum Valley Trek Guide:

  • Enjoy a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola.
  • Explore the Tibetan arid region for a unique cultural experience.
  • Discover Buddhist monasteries and Gompas dotted along the trails.
  • Witness stunning waterfalls en route, adding to the beauty of the journey.
  • Picturesque views of the Himalayas throughout the trip
  • Visit iconic landmarks such as Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Milarepa cave.
  • Cross Nepal's first Cantilever Bridge for an adventurous highlight.
  • Immerse yourself in Tibetan and Buddhist lifestyle, culture, art, and religion.

Overview  

Tsum valley, unknown and undiscovered to most and finally hatched with exploration under initiation from TAAN (Trekking Agent Association of Nepal). Derived from the Tibetan word Tsombo, Tsum holds many passes over 5000m extending from the northern part of Nepal to the border with Tibet. 

This beautiful, panoramic landscape can be found in Gorkha District, which has a rich history dating back to the Shah Dynasty of Nepal. It is defined by mountains, culture, traditions, landscape and adventure. Beautiful routes have just become available for exploring. 

Crossing through beautiful villages, entering into the restricted area with special permit takes you to the heart of cultural and traditional hub, where you will see the real and true image of ancient habitant, untouched by many.

The altitude varies from 1905m till 5093m at Ngula Dhojhyang Pass on the Tibetan border. Traditionally Tsum valley was culturally district geographical area called ‘Tsum Tso Chucksums’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. This hidden valley is surrounded by Mountains called, Boudha Himal, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. Tsum valley includes two remote VDCs, Chhekampar (Upper Tsum) and Chumchet (Lower Tsum).

Tsum Valley Trek Journey 

Tsum is a holy Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in the trans-Himalayan zone of the Gorkha, Nepal. Arughat, a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu, is the beginning and finishing point of the trek.

In the first part of the tour, Budhi Gandaki Valley is climbed through good roads through a mixture of dense forest, terraced fields and mountain villages. As we exit the central Manaslu trail in the Tsum canyon, we immediately get the feeling that we are really entering the secret valley.

During the ride, pass past alpine trees, glacier flowers, and indigenous peoples' warm hospitality. We go through the Buri, Machhakhola, Jagat and Philim lower Budhi Gandaki districts. The old Gombas of the city, such as Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, Dephyudonma Gompa, are visited as well.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

16 days
1
Day 1

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport, extend a warm welcome, and transfer to your hotel. Take advantage of this day to adjust to the new time zone and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu. Orientation Program will be at 5 PM. After orientation program welcome Dinner with guide.

Meals Dinner included
2
Day 2

4-5 hrs
Meals Breakfast included
3
Day 3

Drive 8 - 9 hrs
Meals Breakfast
4
Day 4

6 - 7hrs
Meals Breakfast
5
Day 5

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
6
Day 6

5-6 hrs
Meals Breakfast
7
Day 7

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
8
Day 8

4-5 hrs
Meals Breakfast
9
Day 9

4-5 hrs
Meals Breakfast
10
Day 10

3 - 4 hrs
Meals Breakfast
11
Day 11

5 - 6 hrs
Meals Breakfast
12
Day 12

5 hrs
Meals Breakfast
13
Day 13

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
14
Day 14

7-8 hrs
Meals Breakfast
15
Day 15

Drive 9 -10 hrs
Meals Breakfast
16
Day 16

Meals Breakfast

Route & altitude

16 days

View Map
Starts
Himalayan Suite Hotel
Ends
Tribhuvan International Airport
16 stops

What’s Included

Included
All surface transfers as per itinerary
Three star catagory hotel in Kathmandu (Himalayan Suite Hotel or similar category) in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
All Meals, accommodation ,insurance and other expenses of trekking crew
Necessary permit, TIMS and national park fees
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by car
All necessary equipment ( Sleeping bag and duffel bag ) during the trek.
Accommodation in lodge with breakfast during the trek
Breakfast during trekking days
Not Included
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and trekking days. (Meal costs about 5$ - 8$ dollar per item depending on the place where you eat)
Personal equipment and clothing
City sightseeing entry fees ( NRS entrance fee cost Rs 400+250+1000)
Cold and alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses and tips to the crew
Your Insurance (compulsory)

Departure dates

16 days · fixed departures or your own dates
1traveller
No scheduled departures right now. Contact us to arrange a private departure →

Recommended Gear

Warm jacket (down or insulated)
Thermal layers (top & bottom)
Trekking pants & hiking shirts
Warm hat or cap
Gloves
Vest or fleece layer
Hiking boots (comfortable and broken-in)
Lightweight sandals or camp shoes
Warm trekking socks
Daypack with rain cover
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag –15°C (provided by HSJ)
Head torch or flashlight
Power bank
Water bottle
Water purification tablets
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, soap, sanitizer)
Basic first-aid and personal medicines
Lip balm and moisturizer
Camera
Mobile phone
Energy bars or dry snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The monsoon that is almost everywhere in Nepal is in the fall (October-Nember) between the mid-June and the end of September, the most popular season is the summer, where the skies are washed and the wetter looks are superior, springs (March-May) are another common time for trekkers. Likewise, most people are unwilling to walk during the winter when the temperature in high elevation is too cold and snow can block high passes. The trail is unworkable and dangerous during the summer / mountain season.

 

You need some previous trekking activities and good health. Climbing and descending are quite common walking experiences and you may also need to cross little glaciers. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes, however, the pace of the trek will vary in compensation. If you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have strong determination, you will complete this trek successfully. Exercising, particularly jogging and climbing stairs regularly for some weeks prior to your arrival is recommended to enhance your strength and fitness. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required. This kind of trip gives you a lifetime experience, a breathtaking stroll around the mountains. 

 

All accommodations are on twin-sharing room BB basis. Single room will be served on request with paying the supplementary. During the trek at Lodges/Tea houses the room will be sharing basis usually with attached bath room in lower altitude but note that it might be difficult to find with attached bath room at higher altitude.
Mostly during lodge trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese fresh produce (Dal bhat, vegetation, curry ...) rice, lentil, along with more widely accepted cuisineYou may select from the menu of the lodge according to your preferences and at the moment our guide would be present with you to help you taste the food and decide what to eat if you have if you find the meals difficult to choose. From the teahouse, or from the lodge table, breakfast and dinner is served, while lunch is provided on the way to the next stop.

 

The internet service is available at lodges with an extra cost. You can contact your family and friends via lodges, but communication at high altitudes is via the safety phone. For any assistance during the trek, you will always be linked to Kathmandu's HSJ office. Often, the signal may be not very good before the high altitude, depending on the type of network you use. On your request, a separate local sim card can be issued for your good access to the connection (most of the places now have wireless internet services at extra costs).

 

Electricity for the camera and the handheld battery charge is accessible in the lodges. However extra cost shall incure. Most lodges are equipped with hydropower and some have solar panels.You can charge all your devices staying overnight in one of chosen lodges or tea houses.

 

The Tap water supplied along the trails are considered safe for drinking and local people drink it without treating, however for the foreigners, it is best that the tap water be only drunk after purification. There are two good options for having proper drinking water during the trek. You can bring water purification tablets or fill your bottle for a nominal fee from the recognized and regulated "pure water" stations along the trek. As the last alternative, you can also purchase bottled water at the lodges but this is not recommended. It is very important that you drink at least 3 liters of pure water daily during the trek

 

You need Manaslu special permit with Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees, Himalayan Social Journey will take care of all the necessary paperwork.

Please dont forget to bring your 4 PP sized photos for the TIMS and Permits.

 

We suggest taking out an insurance plan for your individual accountability, accidents and illnesses during the service. Regarding the type of activity, you may be asked to show a certificate of insurance for help and support, sanitation and search. This service is private and not free in Nepal, the helicopter will not take off until it is convinced to pay for the insurance.

 

There will be two people accommodated in each room for the duration of the tour. If you prefer private accommodation, you'll find the option for "single supplement" of USD 250. Important:  Please note that during the trek there are some lodges which won't have sufficient rooms to provide private accommodation. So, even if you purchase single supplement you will end up sharing a room for some days of the trek.

 

Yes, Himalayan Social Journey is flexible travel partner. It is possible to organize the private trip or private group trip to Tsum Valley Trek. The minimum people for the group is 2 however supplementary charge will be applicable for the solo traveler wanting to do private trip.

 

In the average, you will be walking for 6-7 hours each day during the Tsum Valley Trek

 

No, there is no age limit to do the trek. If the person is healthy and physically fit, they can do the trek.

 

No, the company does not provide trekking poles, you will have to manage it on your own or our guide can help you buy it when you are in Nepal. The pair of trekking poles cost from $10-$15.

 

Yes, we do provide sleeping bags. The sleeping bags we provide are of good quality. They help you sustain the colder climate in Nepali mountains up to -25 degree Celsius of temperature. However if you need the one of your own, you can buy one here. Your guide shall assist you to get it here. Keep the track of the weather forecast of the area and pack your clothes accordingly. This would help you be prepared for the type of weather Nepali Mountains are accustomed to.

 

List of Equipments you will need for trek

Clothing

  • Trekking boots
  • Short-sleeved Trekking shirts
  • Trekking pants and jackets
  • Thermals underwear
  • Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
  • Insulating down jackets
  • Woolen cap
  • Trekking Gloves
  • Raincoats

First Aid

  •  Diamox tablets
  • Sanitary pads / Tampons
  • Anti-nausea Medicines
  •  Band-aids
  • Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

  •  Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  •  Shampoo
  • Sunscreen
  •  Moisturizer 
  • Hand sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cameras
  • Batteries
  • Water Bottle
  • Solar Chargers
  • Hot water Thermos

Important Documents

  •  Passport
  • Travel Permits
  • 4 PP size photos

 

Generally, plan on spending around USD 15 to 20 per person each day. This covers expenses like water, tea or coffee, snacks, and hot showers in the mountains, as well as meals in Kathmandu. If you plan to shop for souvenirs or local Nepali goods, it's a good idea to bring some extra cash.

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Total$1,1951 × $1,195
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Traveler Reviews

Overall rating
4.9/5
Across 28 reviews of HSJ trips
Jenny P
Verified booking · Manaslu Circuit Trek — 15 Days
4.0

We had an amazing experience on the Manaslu trek. Our guide Deepap changed the itiniery when my friend sprained her ankle to give her shorter days. Also he nursed me over the larke pass when I was running out of energy. He treated up with respect and dignity,…

Read more
Daydream573927
Verified booking · Manaslu Circuit Trek — 15 Days
4.0

Our Guide Deepak and our Porter Dilip were very professional and made our experience. What it was. I suffered an injury on day three, and Deepak quickly amended the itinerary to ensure that I rested and was safe, and ultimately was able to complete the very to…

Read more
BackpackerNat
Verified booking · Manaslu Circuit Trek — 15 Days
5.0

We were a two person group that had a fantastic and smooth trekking experience in the manaslu region. Our guide Dipak was very attentive and on point the whole trip. He had a great sense of humour and ability to engage with us and other trekkers on the journey…

Read more
Kim H
Verified booking · Manaslu Circuit Trek — 15 Days
5.0

Originally booked as a family trekking tour for 4 people. Unfortunately, due to illness our sister and her husband has to cancel with 3 days of flying out. Refund was done promptly within the term and conditions of the company. Our itinerary was delayed by on…

Read more