Several days of hiking at a moderate level of effort.
Trekking involves altitude, weather, and trail risks. A planned itinerary, acclimatization days, and guide support cannot guarantee safety or reaching the planned destination. Conditions may require changes to the route.
Getting around
Private car & Public bus
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Your trip planning kit
Tsum Valley Trek
Get a copy of the itinerary, prices, and advice on preparing for your trip.
The Tsum Valley, according to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, is a valley blessed by Padmasambhava as one of his retreats. It's a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley set against the backdrop of Ganesh Himal (south), Sringi Himal (north), Himal Chuli, and the Boudha Range (west) in northern Gorkha.
The valley is divided into two remote villages: Chumchet (lower Tsum) and Chhekampar (upper Tsum). It is one of the most remote Himalayan valleys in the world, preserving a long history of Buddhism as well as ancient art, culture, and a very distinct dialect. Both geographically and culturally, the place is unique.
Few adventurers have made it to this high and mysterious valley, which was off-limits until 2008. Those who haven't yet planned a trip to the Tsum Valley will definitely miss the wilderness trek to the Hidden Valley, accompanied by artistic chortens and mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and inscribed with prayers; ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom; living Buddhist culture; centuries-old nunneries; ancient monasteries such as Rachhen Gumba, Mu Gumba, Lungdang; Kiymu Lung pilgrimage; intact Tibetan culture and tradition; remoteness and inaccessibility untouched for centuries; rich wildlife including Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep; unique Tsumba festivals such as Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa and Fanning and the variation in altitude within the valley (lowest point Lhokpa-1905m and highest point Ngala Dhojhag Pass- over 5093m on the Tibetan border).
Interesting facts: i) hunting and fishing are prohibited, ii) people still practice polyandry, and iii) the existence of 'Yeti' (as claimed by many locals).
The valley is like a paradise that can only be reached by extreme hardship. After struggling along the Manaslu Circuit Trail to the junction of the Ghap and Tsum Valley trails, we enter a beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons, which opens up to reveal a small Tibetan-style village nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Tsum Valley. If you are looking forward to this trek, spring, and autumn are more rewarding and supportive.
Tsum Valley Trek 16 days is a standard trekking package designed by Amigo Treks and Expedition. It includes full board (basic meals + accommodation) during the trek and 3-star standard bed and breakfast in Kathmandu, all ground transportation, and an English-speaking, knowledgeable, licensed, and experienced guide.
The Tsum Valley, according to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, is a valley blessed by Padmasambhava as one of his retreats. It's a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley set against the backdrop of Ganesh Himal (south), Sringi Himal (north), Himal Chuli, and the Boudha Range (west) in northern Gorkha.
The valley is divided into two remote villages: Chumchet (lower Tsum) and Chhekampar (upper Tsum). It is one of the most remote Himalayan valleys in the world, preserving a long history of Buddhism as well as ancient art, culture, and a very distinct dialect. Both geographically and culturally, the place is unique.
Read full trip overviewShow less
Few adventurers have made it to this high and mysterious valley, which was off-limits until 2008. Those who haven't yet planned a trip to the Tsum Valley will definitely miss the wilderness trek to the Hidden Valley, accompanied by artistic chortens and mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and inscribed with prayers; ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom; living Buddhist culture; centuries-old nunneries; ancient monasteries such as Rachhen Gumba, Mu Gumba, Lungdang; Kiymu Lung pilgrimage; intact Tibetan culture and tradition; remoteness and inaccessibility untouched for centuries; rich wildlife including Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep; unique Tsumba festivals such as Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa and Fanning and the variation in altitude within the valley (lowest point Lhokpa-1905m and highest point Ngala Dhojhag Pass- over 5093m on the Tibetan border).
Interesting facts: i) hunting and fishing are prohibited, ii) people still practice polyandry, and iii) the existence of 'Yeti' (as claimed by many locals).
The valley is like a paradise that can only be reached by extreme hardship. After struggling along the Manaslu Circuit Trail to the junction of the Ghap and Tsum Valley trails, we enter a beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons, which opens up to reveal a small Tibetan-style village nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Tsum Valley. If you are looking forward to this trek, spring, and autumn are more rewarding and supportive.
Tsum Valley Trek 16 days is a standard trekking package designed by Amigo Treks and Expedition. It includes full board (basic meals + accommodation) during the trek and 3-star standard bed and breakfast in Kathmandu, all ground transportation, and an English-speaking, knowledgeable, licensed, and experienced guide.
The package is fully customizable and any customized package comes with a special group discount. You can customize your departure date (100% guaranteed departure) or join our upcoming departure at your convenience.
Moreover, Nepal's other best remote trekking includes the Upper Mustang Trek, Manaslu Trek, and even the Lower Dolpo Trek.
Day-by-day route outline
16Days outlined
Review the route day by day, or expand all days to compare the details.
Altitude & distance by day
Published altitudes and walking distances for each day. Road and flight transfers are listed separately in the daily route data.
Altitude (m)
Swipe the chart to see every day.
Dots mark the altitudes listed in the itinerary, and bars show how far youβll walk each day. If a day has no altitude listed, we keep the line at the last known height. For a distance range like 8β10 km, we show 9 km.
View daily route data
Published itinerary measurements. A dash means the measurement is not published.
Day
Route
Altitude
Published distance
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
1,300m/4,264ft
β
Day 2
Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft)
1,300m/4,264ft
β
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m)
870m
β
Day 4
Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat
β
β
Day 5
Trek from Jagat to Chisopani (1,660m)
1,660m
β
Day 6
Trek from Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m)
2,386m
β
Day 7
Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,010m)
3,010m
β
Day 8
Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361m)
3,361m
β
Day 9
Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
3,700m
β
Day 10
Explore Mu Gompa (3,700m)
3,700m
β
Day 11
Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m)
3,245m
β
Day 12
Trek from Burgi Village to Chumling (2,386m)
2,386m
β
Day 13
Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,570m)
1,570m
β
Day 14
Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (970m)
970m
β
Day 15
Trek to Machhakhola and drive to Kathmandu
β
β
Day 16
Departure from Kathmandu
β
β
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
(1,300m/4,264ft)
Day details
Welcome to Kathmandu β the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition. Therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to a 3 star standard hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office for the briefing regarding the trek, which is followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and dinner can be scheduled for the following day.
Meals included: Dinner
(Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music and Ethnic dance)
Day 2
Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation
(1,300m/4,264ft)
Day details
The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hour tours to the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gears (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast
(Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath β (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia).Β
Optional site: Another World Heritage site βPatan Durbar Squareβ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola
(870m)
Day details
We drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, the starting point for the trek. The journey takes approximately 6β7 hours, depending on road conditions.
Day 4
Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat
Day details
We follow the Budhi Gandaki valley through Khorlabesi, Tatopani and Dobhan, crossing suspension bridges on the way to Jagat. Allow approximately 6β7 hours.
Day 5
Trek from Jagat to Chisopani
(1,660m)
Day details
After the permit formalities at Jagat, we walk through Salleri and Philim toward Chisopani. Allow approximately 4β5 hours.
Day 6
Trek from Chisopani to Chumling
(2,386m)
Day details
We leave the main Budhi Gandaki trail and enter Tsum Valley, walking through forest and crossing rivers toward Chumling. Allow approximately 6β7 hours.
Day 7
Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro
(3,010m)
Day details
We walk through cultivated land and villages, then climb toward Chhokang Paro, with views of Ganesh Himal along the way. Allow approximately 4β5 hours.
Day 8
Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile
(3,361m)
Day details
The trail continues through the upper valley and its villages toward Nile. Allow approximately 5β6 hours and tell your guide if you feel unwell at altitude.
Day 9
Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa
(3,700m)
Day details
We walk north from Nile, passing chortens and mani walls as we climb toward Mu Gompa. Allow approximately 3β4 hours.
Day 10
Explore Mu Gompa
(3,700m)
Day details
We spend the day around Mu Gompa, with time to visit the monastery and explore the surrounding valley.
Day 11
Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village
(3,245m)
Day details
We descend through the upper valley toward Burgi Village. The walk takes approximately five hours.
Day 12
Trek from Burgi Village to Chumling
(2,386m)
Day details
We retrace the trail through Chhokang Paro and descend to Chumling. Allow approximately 5β6 hours.
Day 13
Trek from Chumling to Philim
(1,570m)
Day details
We leave Tsum Valley and return toward the Budhi Gandaki, continuing to Philim. Allow approximately 6β7 hours.
Day 14
Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi
(970m)
Day details
We descend through the Budhi Gandaki valley, passing Jagat and Tatopani on the way to Khorlabesi. Allow approximately 6β7 hours.
Day 15
Trek to Machhakhola and drive to Kathmandu
Day details
We walk from Khorlabesi to Machhakhola and continue by road to Kathmandu. The combined journey takes approximately 7β8 hours, depending on road conditions.
Day 16
Departure from Kathmandu
Day details
After breakfast, we arrange the airport transfer according to your flight time.
What is included in the trip price
19items
The essentials and support items that are already built into the package.
β
Trip Include
β
Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle
β
3 nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu at a 3-star tourist hotel with breakfast
β
One full-day guided city tour by private vehicle
β
Farewell Dinner
β
All accommodations during the trek (lodge/tea house/Homestay)
β
Manaslu trekking permits (MCAP) and Tims permits
β
Tsum valley special permit
β
Private transportation from Kathmandu-machha khola-Kathmandu (bus in case of single pax)
β
All breakfast in Kathmandu
β
All mealsΒ (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)Β during the trek
β
Purified drinking water (medicated proof and safe) for the whole trip
β
Seasonable fresh fruits for the whole trekking trip
β
Gov. licensed and well-trained English-speaking guide and his entire expenses
β
A porter (One porter for every 2 members) and his entire expenses
β
Insurance of Guide and Porter
β
All required local tax and Gov tax
β
Down jackets and sleeping bags
β
Trekking route Map
What to budget for separately
7items
Items travelers usually pay for separately, depending on style, spending habits, and optional upgrades.
β
Trip Exclude
β
Nepal arrival visa
β
Meals in the city except for breakfast and above mentioned special dinner
β
Monument entrance fees while on city tour only (USD26 per person)
β
Your nature expenses eg. Mineral water, Beer, Coke and entire beverage, etc
β
Travel insurance that covers trip cancelation and Helicopter evacuation
β
Tips (As an appreciation) and any other extending trips and extra accommodation.
Group rates by party size
Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.
2-10 travelers
US$ 1,550
per person
Choose your dates and check the price
Choose a preferred date within the available travel months. We will confirm all trip services before you book.
Guaranteed departure: Once confirmed, it goes ahead even if youβre the only traveler.
Calendar view
Select a date below. Discounted departures are marked with a dot.
Nov 2026
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Dec 2026
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Guest feedback from recent departures
Read what guests say about the walking pace, guides, accommodation and support on their trips.
This trip rating
5.0
Review volume
2
published reviews
Guest sentiment
β β β β β
based on published reviews
Fiona L
AU
β β β β β
With 3 friends we trek up the Tsum Valley supported by our guide Dawa and porters Shambu and Anilβ¦ a fantastic trip. Beautiful, fascinating, great food and lodgingβ¦. From Kathmandu to the Valley. My Gong is more basic but sitting in with the monks at prayer time and glimpsing life and devotion is extraordinary. Dawa was excellent from the safe crossing of old landslides to making us nettle soup and it helped us understand where the valley came from and what is happening now. Amigo travel, get again, a superb experience. Thanks, Tika.
This was my first trek in Nepal though not for my three friends who had trekked in Nepal before and used Amigo Treks. I cannot fault Tika or his business; he is personable and likable and thorough in his preparation and communications. Everything went as planned From when we met at Tribhuvan Airport until we were farewelled. We chose Tsum Valley ('Grade 3') partly because of my age (mid-seventies) and because of the Valley's isolation, varied landscapes, and traditional culture of its people. Our actual trek time (excluding a couple of days at Katmandu and driving time) was an unhurried 13 days - we started each day by 0800hrs and aimed to be at our destination village by mid-afternoon. The trek culminated at MuGumba - a monastery where we overnighted. Amigo Treks provided us with an excellent Guide who interacted with all of us, knew the tracks, and chose good tea houses. The two porters trekked with us and were good company. All in all a wonderful (if occasionally tough) experience.
These route questions cover Nepal, remote trek planning, and the logistics travelers usually want clarified before they commit.
7Answers ready
This trek suits fit walkers who want a quieter valley route with villages, monasteries and several days of mountain walking. Previous multi-day trekking experience is useful, especially for the longer days and basic accommodation.
Spring and autumn are common times for the Tsum Valley. Spring brings milder conditions and flowers at lower elevations; autumn often offers clearer views. Winter is colder at Mu Gompa and snow can affect the trail, so we can discuss your dates before booking.
The itinerary is 16 days from arrival to departure. It includes the drive to Machhakhola, a walk through Chumling and Chhokang Paro to Mu Gompa, an exploration day there and the return to Kathmandu.
Expect several days of walking, often four to seven hours, with climbs, descents and uneven trails. The itinerary reaches Mu Gompa at about 3,700 m. Build up your fitness with hill walks and let your guide know immediately if you develop altitude symptoms.
The package lists a 3-star tourist hotel in Kathmandu and lodges, teahouses or homestays during the trek. Rooms and facilities become more basic in the upper valley, including around Mu Gompa.
We travel by road from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and return from Machhakhola to Kathmandu. The package lists private transport, with a bus for a single traveller; road conditions can affect journey times.
The package lists the Tsum Valley special permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permit and a licensed guide. You will need a valid passport and any Nepal visa required. We will confirm the current permit documents and rules before your departure.
Useful trip information
Read travel and preparation advice
Travel Insurance:
This piece of information is for everyone planning the Tsum Valley Trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Please get a travel insurance that covers all the added expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries or accidents (together with air ambulance, helicopter rescue and other treatment cost). Also, make sure that your insurance policy covers all extra activities that you are planning to accomplish throughout your stay in Nepal. In addition to this, the policy should also cover death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations, medical treatment (counting hospital charges, cost of the medicine, doctorβs fees) as well as repatriation cost.
Health, fitness and experience requirements:
The Tsum Valley Trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal is considered moderate and anyone with average physical fitness level and sound health can plan this trek.
However, it is highly suggested to seek advice, medication and permission from your doctor before scheduling your trek. It is also recommended to take expert guidance from your local General Practitioner regarding the necessary guide walks prior to this trek.Β In the absence of GP, seeking advice from travelΒ clinic is also considered as a very good idea.
Moreover, no technical skill is required to plan your trek or any other exploratory trips in Nepal. Nevertheless, your prior hiking or camping experience will definitely be considered as a plus point. Also, a few weeks of regular exercise and jogging is recommended before the trip to build up the required stamina.
Note:
We kindly request you to inform us regarding your present health condition, medical situation, preceding illnesses and the medications you are taking. We expect you to be honest regarding these issues, so that we can get prepared for emergencies.
Food and Accommodation:
Amigo family always makes sure that our customers get the right value for their money. Therefore, we always attempt to make some of the best arrangementsΒ for our customers. To ensure a comfortable stay, we book a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu before and after your trek. Normally, the rooms are twin share, where you will have to share your room with another member of your group. However, this totally depends on the size of your group and the availability of rooms in the hotel. On request, triple share can also be arranged. However, if you are looking for a single supplement room, extra charges will be applicable.
During the trek, your accommodation is arranged in local guest houses, lodges or accommodations provided by the Gompas. These lodges and guest houses provide clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
A full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea & coffee) will be provided during the entire trek. You can enjoy western food (subject to availability) as well as Nepali and Tibetan food. The food is usually served from a teahouse menu during the trek. The food provided during the trek is simply great.
Our attempt while you are on a trek:
Most of the trekking trails in Nepal take you to the remote Himalayan and Hilly region of Nepal, whereΒ communication facilities are very less. Therefore, Amigo Treks and Expedition takes all the responsibility and makes attempts to deliver your message to your family, friend, relatives or the concerned person. However, in this trek, telephone services are available up till Nile. So, communication wonβt be a problem here. Moreover, our guides are provided with a cell phone and are contacted on a regular basis. In any kind of emergency, you can use the cell phone provided to our guides to send your message to us, which will further be delivered to the respected person.
Also, our guides will make every possible attempt to follow the planned itinerary; however, it is kindly requested to be flexible in case of changes in the itinerary caused by extreme weather conditions or bad health condition of a group member. Moreover, we can also help you reschedule your international flight (extra charges applicable) if you need any additional days to complete your trek. We will make every possible attempt to make your trek βa grand successβ.
WhyΒ trek with us?
Amigo Treks & Expedition offer a wonderful opportunity to help you visit those areas, culture and tradition of Nepal that have never been explored before. Your trip itineraries are fully customized in order to meet the individual needs and interests of travelers. We also partner with local people and leaders to help you get the maximum out of the trip. We are highly dedicated and offer years of experience to plan an outstanding adventure trip for you. Customer service is our top priority; therefore, we cater to every possible need of yours during your stay in Nepal, be it the food, accommodation, varied destination or your communication needs. Despite all these facilities, our best packages are offered at a very competitive rate.
When should I plan this trek?
Though Nepal can be visited any time of the year, the best season to plan the Tsum Valley Trek is spring and autumn.
Spring - Mid-March, April and May, perfect months to plan the Tsum Valley Trek. These months support us with warm weather, clear skies, good temperature and the best visibility.
Autumn β Mid September, October and November, perfect months to plan the Tsum Valley Β Trek. These months support us with better visibility, clear blue skies and excellent trail.
Winter β December, January and February are good months to plan the Tsum Valley Trek, provided you can stand the extreme cold temperature.
Summer β Mid June, July and August are not the best months to plan the Tsum Valley Trek as the monsoon rain affects everything, that is, trail, weather, temperature as well as visibility.
What should I bring?
Along with warm clothes you will also need other equipment for the sufficient protection of your body. Below is the list of necessary items that you need to pack before commencing your trek.
Head- Hat (with a wide brim), Sunglasses (with UV protection), Sunscreen lotion and Lip balm
Upper body- T-shirts (2), light and expedition weight thermal tops, Fleece jacket and pullover, Fleece wind-stopper jacket (Optional), waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, down vest/jacket (included)
Hands - Lightweight gloves, heavy-weight gloves/mittens with a waterproof outer shell
Lower body - Underwear (4), hiking shorts (2), lightweight cotton long pants, light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, Fleece or wool pants, waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet - Thin, light-wear inner socks (4), thick, warm wool hiking socks (4), hiking boots with spare laces, camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals), gaiters.
AccessoriesΒ - Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F (included), headlamp with spare bulb and batteries, small padlock or combination lock, basic first aid kit, large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag), day pack, water bottles (2), hiking pole/walking sticks, small ear plugs
Toiletries β Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, small wash towel
Extras - Cameras with extra batteries and cards, binoculars, light balaclava or warm fleece hat, reading books, trip map/guide book, journal & pen, iPod & travel games (like cards, chess, and backgammon)
Our legal documents:
Registered under the government of Nepal, Amigo Treks & Expedition is a fully licensed and certified company. Therefore, this company holds complete authority to operate treks, tours, expedition, hiking and many other tourism related services in the Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. In addition to this, we are also a very active member of the following organizations.
Nepal Tourism board (NTB)
Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP)
Ministry of Finance, Department of Taxation
Company Registration Office, Pvt. Ltd.
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism Industry
Passport and Visa Information:
It is very easy to obtain Nepalβs visa. You may either apply for a visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/Consulate or Mission offices in your own country or you can buy this upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. To apply for a visa, you need 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US dollars and your passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the trip. However, nationals of SAARC countries (India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan) and China do not require any visa to visit Nepal. Transit visa for foreign nationalities is only provided for 3 days. Therefore, visa is required for longer stays. However, for the convenience or foreign nationals, a visa is also provided from the borders listed below:
Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border of Nepal)
Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Western Nepal)
Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadhi (Far Western Nepal)
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Far Western Nepal)
Tourist Visa Fees:
Transit visa (3 days) β Free of cost
Multiple entry (15 days) β 25 USD or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry (30 days) β 40 USD or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry (90 days) β 100 USD or equivalent convertible currency
(For more information, please contact the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu.
Tel: 00977-1-4433934 / 4429660 / 4438862 / 4438868.)
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