Tsum Valley Trek
Duration15 Days
CategoryIconic's Trek
GuideLed by Tashi R. GhaleSeasonspring · autumnHighlights
- Exploration of the remote and sacred Tsum Valley, a restricted area only opened to trekkers since 2008
- Visit to Mu Gompa (3700m), one of the valley's most revered monasteries
- Immersion in Tibetan Buddhist culture: chortens, mani walls and prayer wheels at every turn
- Traditional villages of Chumling, Chhekampar and Nile, largely untouched by modern tourism
- Trek through the lower Manaslu region along the Budhi Gandaki River
- Two full days discovering Kathmandu's cultural heritage before the trek begins
Overview
Discover the hidden Tsum Valley, a remote and sacred Buddhist sanctuary tucked away in the Manaslu region, long closed to outsiders and only opened to trekkers in 2008. This 15-day journey combines two full days of cultural immersion in Kathmandu with a deep exploration of one of Nepal's most spiritually rich and least-visited valleys — home to ancient monasteries, mani walls, chortens and a way of life shaped by centuries of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. A true off-the-beaten-path adventure for trekkers seeking authenticity over crowds.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste! Warm welcome upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel in the lively Thamel district. Time to rest and soak in the atmosphere of Nepal's capital before the adventure begins.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste! Warm welcome upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel in the lively Thamel district. Time to rest and soak in the atmosphere of Nepal's capital before the adventure begins.
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing
A full day discovering Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites: Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square, offering a rich introduction to Nepali culture before heading into the mountains.
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing
A full day discovering Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites: Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square, offering a rich introduction to Nepali culture before heading into the mountains.
Day 03 : Drive to Soti Khola
A long, scenic drive west out of the Kathmandu Valley, through terraced rice fields and traditional villages, following the Trishuli River toward Arughat Bazar and on to Soti Khola on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, where your trek officially begins.
Day 03 : Drive to Soti Khola
A long, scenic drive west out of the Kathmandu Valley, through terraced rice fields and traditional villages, following the Trishuli River toward Arughat Bazar and on to Soti Khola on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, where your trek officially begins.
Day 04 : Trek to Machha Khola or Dovan
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through lush subtropical forest, crossing suspension bridges and narrow gorges, passing small villages before reaching Machha Khola.
Day 04 : Trek to Machha Khola or Dovan
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through lush subtropical forest, crossing suspension bridges and narrow gorges, passing small villages before reaching Machha Khola.
Day 05 : Trek to Philim
Continuing along the Budhi Gandaki through narrowing gorges and cliffside trails, passing Khorlabesi and Tatopani's hot springs, before climbing to the terraced village of Philim, gateway to the Tsum Valley.
Day 05 : Trek to Philim
Continuing along the Budhi Gandaki through narrowing gorges and cliffside trails, passing Khorlabesi and Tatopani's hot springs, before climbing to the terraced village of Philim, gateway to the Tsum Valley.
Interactive Map
Trek Route
This Expedition Is Led By Tashi R. Ghale
Tashi R. Ghale
Wildlife Photographer & Naturalist
Based in Manang in the heart of the Himalayas, Tashi R. Ghale is a renowned wildlife photographer and naturalist recognized as the first Nepali photographer to capture images of the elusive snow leopa...
Know More →What's Included
Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Kathmandu sightseeing with licensed guide
- All permits (Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, MCAP)
- Experienced trekking guide and porter(s)
- Private vehicle Kathmandu–Soti Khola and Soti Khola–Kathmandu
- Lodge accommodation during the trek
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (nights 1, 2, 15)
Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu (outside of trek)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
- Personal expenses
✓ Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
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