Trip Facts

Duration

15 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

3,700m

Group Size

2–12

Starts

Machha Khola

Ends

Machha Khola

Activities

Trekking, Culture

Best Time

Spring, Autumn

Highlights

  • Explore the secluded Tsum Valley – once a restricted region in Nepal
  • Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries including Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa
  • Walk through culturally rich Tibetan villages like Chhokangparo and Nile
  • Encounter breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Sringi Himal
  • In homestay-style teahouses, you can experience real Himalayan kindness.
  • Follow paths that aren’t used by many people through untouched forests and mountainous areas.
  • Tibetan Buddhism has had an effect on the Tsumba society.
  • Enjoy quiet hiking with fewer people than on other routes

Overview

Hidden in the northern Gorkha region of Nepal, in the Manaslu area as a whole, is the Tsum Valley Trek. This peaceful and emotionally rich valley has been open to trekkers only since 2008. It is full of Tibetan Buddhist culture and untouched landscapes. The journey takes you close to the Tibetan border, where you’ll witness centuries-old monasteries, spinning prayer wheels, mani walls, and chortens that line the trails.

This 15-day trekking package is ideal for adventurers looking for solitude and cultural immersion. You’ll trek through alpine forests, river gorges, and remote villages like Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa—some of the last Tibetan-speaking communities in Nepal. Along the way, panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal ranges create a dramatic backdrop to your cultural experience.

The carefully planned schedule by Eco Himalaya makes sure that you get used to the altitude slowly, stay in comfortable teahouses, and have deep conversations with the Tsumba people. The trek is fairly difficult, but you don’t need to have done mountaineering before. This makes it a great choice for both experienced hikers and people who want to learn about different cultures.

Itinerary

The journey begins with a long drive from Kathmandu, heading northwest through Dhading and Arughat. You’ll pass scenic riverbanks, waterfalls, and terraced villages. The road may be bumpy after Arughat but offers the first taste of rural Nepal. You’ll arrive at Machha Khola, a riverside village where the trek officially begins. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

Your trek starts on a narrow trail alongside the Budi Gandaki River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and walk through forested trails and small settlements like Tatopani (hot spring). After some ups and downs, you reach Jagat, a traditional Gurung village with stone houses and beautiful views. Dinner and teahouse stay.

You officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area today. The trail winds through villages like Salleri and Philim, where you'll see cascading waterfalls and millet fields. From Philim, you take a northwest trail into the restricted Tsum Valley and ascend to the remote village of Lokpa. Dinner and overnight at a teahouse.

Cross a few ridges and descend into deep forest before climbing up to Chumling. This village marks the first real glimpse of Tsumba culture. You’ll see traditional stone homes, barley fields, and local monasteries. The view of Shringi Himal from Chumling is breathtaking. Dinner and teahouse accommodation.

A relatively moderate day with several river crossings and gradual ascents. You’ll pass beautiful gompas and mani walls before reaching Chhokangparo, one of the largest villages in Tsum Valley. From here, views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli are spectacular. Dinner and overnight at a local teahouse.

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the upper Tsum Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit Piren Phu (Milarepa Cave), a sacred Buddhist site. Continue trekking along the Siyar Khola to reach Nile, the last major settlement before Tibet. Dinner and overnight stay.

The biggest monastery in the area is Mu Gompa, which is reached by a short but steep walk. It was built in the 1800s and is set in a harsh but beautiful environment close to the border with Tibet. The area really feels alone. Spend the night at a simple teahouse close to the church.

Today is a rest and exploration day. You can hike to Dhephu Doma Gompa, a nunnery above Mu Gompa, or take an easy walk towards the Tibetan border for expansive views. Use this day to acclimatize properly. Dinner and overnight at Mu Gompa.

You’ll return the same way, with new perspectives of the valley. Descending gradually, you'll stop again at Chhokangparo for another night of warm hospitality. Dinner included.

Descend to Dumje and begin your climb up a steep ridge to reach Gumba Lungdang. This remote nunnery has stunning views of Ganesh Himal and offers a unique spiritual atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at a monastery guesthouse.

This is one of the most adventurous days. Start early for a challenging hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, passing through glacial moraines and yak pastures. The base camp rewards you with magnificent views of Ganesh I and the surrounding peaks. Return to Gumba Lungdang for the night. Dinner and rest.

Make your way down from Gumba Lungdang to Dumje and continue through forested trails to the village of Ripchet. It’s less visited and still very traditional, offering a glimpse of authentic Himalayan life. Dinner and teahouse stay.

Trek down along the Budi Gandaki River, retracing your path through Philim and other settlements before reaching Dobhan. The air gets warmer, and the landscape shifts to subtropical forest. Dinner and overnight in a teahouse.

This final day of trekking is easier, descending through small farms and riverbanks. You’ll reach Soti Khola by afternoon for your last night in the hills. Farewell dinner and teahouse overnight.

Enjoy a scenic countryside drive back to the capital. Transfer to your hotel. The trek ends with memories of one of Nepal’s most sacred and serene journeys.

Cost Details

Included

  • Arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
  • Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Soti Khola to Kathmandu by local/private transport
  • Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and porter
  • 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Special restricted area permit for Tsum Valley
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and TIMS card
  • First-aid kit and necessary safety gear
  • All government taxes and Eco Himalaya service charge

Excluded

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Extra meals and beverages in Kathmandu
  • Tips for the guide and porter
  • Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi (where available)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment

Useful Information

Must Have Permits:

To go to Tsum Valley, you need a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, an MCAP for Manaslu Conservation Area, and a TIMS card for Trekkers. You can only book these through a licensed trekking business. You can’t go trekking by yourself; you need at least two other people and an approved guide.

Best Trekking Seasons:

  • Spring (March to May): Rhododendrons in bloom, warm weather, and clear skies make this season ideal.
  • Autumn (September to November): Crystal-clear mountain views, stable weather, and peak trekking conditions.
  • Winter (December to February): Snowfall may block the higher trails. Fewer trekkers, but very cold nights.
  • Monsoon (June to August): Risk of landslides and leeches. Not recommended.

Trek Difficulty & Preparation:

The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to tough, and you will have to walk for 5 to 7 hours every day, including steep uphill sections and crossing rivers.  Technical skills aren’t necessary, but you do need to be fit and able to keep going for a long time.  Do regular exercise or hiking workouts before you go on your trip.

Altitude & Acclimatization:

The highest point is Mu Gompa, which is 3,700 meters high.  Our plan includes days for getting used to the altitude.  It’s less likely that you’ll get altitude sickness, but it can still happen. Stay hydrated, eat well, and move slowly.

Food and lodging: 

Teahouse cabins will be simple but clean.  Most rooms have two twin beds and a shared bathroom.  Dal bhat, Tibetan bread, noodles, soups, and sometimes yak cheese are eaten for dinner.  Keep some snacks with you for extra energy.

Electricity, Charging, and Connectivity: 

Some towns have electricity (solar or micro-hydro), but it costs extra to charge.  Bring a power bank with you. There aren’t many mobile networks (NTC or NCell).  There may be a data signal in Chumling and Chhokangparo, but it is not stable.

Health and Insurance: 

You must have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations at high altitudes.  Bring a simple first aid kit, tablets to clean water, and your own medicines.

Cultural norms: 

The Tsumba people are very religious.  Do not touch prayer flags, spin prayer wheels the wrong way (always clockwise), or go into gompas without being allowed to.  Respect the local norms and dress modestly. 

FAQs

It’s considered a moderate trek. There are some steep ascents and remote paths, but no high-altitude passes. Reasonable fitness is enough.

Yes, there are limits on the area. You need to go on the walk with a qualified guide, at least one other person, and a special permit. You also need to have MCAP.

Tsum Valley has a lot of history and spiritual significance. Its Tibetan Buddhist history, quiet trails, and beauty in the middle of nowhere make it stand out from other hikes.

There are basic teahouses in all major overnight stops. While simpler than other routes, accommodation and meals are readily available.

Yes, many trekkers extend their journey to include the Manaslu Circuit. It adds about 7–8 days and crosses Larke Pass (5,160m).