Tsum Valley Trek
Travellers drawn to a Buddhist valley long closed to outsiders, its monasteries and its pace of life.
The Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most spiritual, cultural and remote adventures you can experience in Nepal. Located in the north of Gorkha district, on the border with Tibet, the Tsum Valley remained closed to foreigners for a long time. This allowed it to keep an authentic Tibetan culture, unspoilt landscapes and a traditional pace of life.
Trek level: Moderate to demanding (good physical condition recommended)
Accommodation: Simple lodges, basic comfort
Duration: 12 days, 5 to 8 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 3,700 m
Highlights of this trek
- A sacred valley, off the beaten track
- Spirituality and authentic Tibetan culture
- Spectacular Himalayan panoramas
- Traditional villages and local hospitality
- A gradual, well-paced trek
- A peaceful, meditative atmosphere
- Option to extend to the Manaslu Circuit
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu – Machha Khola (930 m). Transport: public bus or private jeep (depending on the group). Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Day 02 : Machha Khola – Jagat (1,340 m). Walk: 6 to 7 hours
Day 03 : Jagat – Lokpa (2,040 m). Walk: 6 to 7 hours
Day 04 : Lokpa – Chumling (2,386 m). Walk: 5 to 6 hours
Day 05 : Chumling – Chekampar (3,010 m). Walk: 6 to 7 hours
Day 06 : Chekampar – Chule (3,340 m). Walk: 4 to 5 hours
Day 07 : Chule – Mu Gompa – Chekampar or Lamagaun (3,700 m max). Walk: 7 to 8 hours (round trip)
Day 08: Chekampar – Chumling (2,386 m). Walk: 6 to 7 hours
Day 09: Chumling – Lokpa. Walk: 5 to 6 hours
Day 10: Lokpa – Jagat. Walk: 5 to 6 hours. Option: possibility to continue on the Manaslu Circuit, depending on your programme
Day 11: Jagat – Machha Khola. Walk: 6 to 7 hours
Day 12 : Machha Khola – Kathmandu. Transport: public bus or private jeep. Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Tsum Valley Trek
Best time to go
October and November, then March to May. Winter is still possible on the lower sections.
Who is it for?
Travellers drawn to a Buddhist valley long closed to outsiders, its monasteries and its pace of life. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m.
What the price includes
- Airport welcome and return transfers by private vehicle
- All transport between Kathmandu and the start and end of the trek (local bus and 4x4 to Machha Khola, 4x4 Tilche – Dharapani – Besisahar then bus to Kathmandu)
- TIMS card, MCAP and ACAP permits, Tsum Valley restricted area permit and taxes
- Government-licensed French- or English-speaking guide and 1 porter for 2 participants (max. 25 kg): team wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- Nights in lodges, private room
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
- Hot shower (subject to availability)
What the price does not include
- International flight and Nepal visa
- Mandatory repatriation insurance
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Wi-Fi and battery charging during the trek
- Drinks outside meals (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol), snacks, personal expenses and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| MCAP permit (Manaslu Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
| Manaslu restricted area permit guide required | $100 for 7 days then $15/day (Sept–Nov); $75 then $10/day the rest of the year |
| Tsum Valley restricted area permit guide required | same rates as Manaslu |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Samagaon (3,530 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Tsum Valley Trek take?
Allow 12 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Challenging. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Tsum Valley Trek?
October and November, then March to May. Winter is still possible on the lower sections. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: MCAP permit (Manaslu Conservation Area) (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)), Manaslu restricted area permit ($100 for 7 days then $15/day (Sept–Nov); $75 then $10/day the rest of the year), Tsum Valley restricted area permit (same rates as Manaslu). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 3,700 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Tsum Valley Trek cost?
From €1,050 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.