The Tsum Valley trek is a 15-day journey into the sacred Beyul Kyimolung, the "hidden valley of happiness" in the northern Manaslu region. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge and then turns into a peaceful Himalayan valley of Tibetan Buddhist villages, long mani walls, the nunnery of Rachen Gompa, Milarepa's Cave and the remote monastery of Mu Gompa (3,700 m) near the Tibetan border.
Tsum opened to trekkers only in 2008, and its culture of non-violence (no animal slaughter) remains strong. The trek is a restricted area trek requiring a special permit, two trekkers and a guide. It is graded moderate to challenging and best from March–May and September–November. Permits, transport, guide, porters and lodges are included.
For centuries, the Tsum Valley was a pilgrimage destination known to Tibetan Buddhists as one of the hidden valleys blessed by Guru Rinpoche. The great yogi Milarepa is said to have meditated in a cave here. The people of Tsum, the Tsumba, speak their own Tibetan dialect and follow a tradition that forbids hunting and killing animals.
The trek begins with the lower Manaslu Circuit along the Budhi Gandaki, then climbs steeply at Lokpa into the Tsum Valley. Days are spent walking between villages such as Chumling, Chhokangparo and Nile, visiting monasteries and nunneries, with views of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal and the Boudha Himal range.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15 days from Kathmandu (12 days of trekking) |
| Highest point | Mu Gompa, 3,700 m |
| Grade | Moderate to challenging |
| Permits | Tsum Valley restricted area permit, MCAP and ACAP |
| Minimum group | 2 trekkers with a licensed guide |
| Accommodation | Teahouses, homestays and monastery guesthouses |
| Best time | March–May and September–November |
The altitude is modest, but the trek is long and the Budhi Gandaki trail is rough, with many ups and downs, suspension bridges and landslide sections. Expect 6–7 hours of walking a day. Previous hiking experience is helpful.
The Tsum Valley is a restricted area. You need a special permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and, if exiting through Annapurna, the ACAP. We arrange all permits; at least two trekkers and a licensed guide are required.
You should be comfortable walking 6–7 hours a day for many days in a row on rough trails with steep climbs and descents. Train for two to three months with long hill walks.
This trek reaches 3,700 m at Mu Gompa, with a possible hike higher. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you.
The lower gorge is warm and humid; the upper valley is dry, sunny by day and cold at night, especially from November.
The Tsum Valley restricted area permit and the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit are included. A minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are required.
Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money.
Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 4,000 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure.
Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
In the northern Manaslu region of Gorkha district, bordering Tibet.
Tsum is one of the "beyul", sacred hidden valleys blessed by Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan Buddhism.
Yes. A special permit, a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are required.
Moderate to challenging: the altitude is modest (3,700 m), but the trek is long and the trails are rough.
Mu Gompa, about 3,700 m.
Yes, the combined trek takes about 21 days and crosses the Larkya La (5,106 m).
March–May and September–November.
Basic teahouses, homestays and monastery guesthouses, a real part of the experience.
Yes: Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Dhephu Doma and Milarepa's Cave. Dress modestly and ask before photographing.
Most villages have electricity or solar power, but charging can be limited.
15 days from Kathmandu.
You pay per person, with a discount for groups (see the price box). Restricted area permits are included.
