Highlights

  • Hike through restricted Manaslu Region
  • Get closed to less travelled, Tsum Valley
  • Exploration of chortens, monasteries and different Buddhist gompas
  • Understand something about Tibten Buddhism
  • Stunning view of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Huinchuli and others

About Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley is a Nepalese off-the-beaten-path journey on the east side of the renowned Manaslu Circuit Trek in the Manaslu region. It's also recognized as the Lost Valley Trek in Nepal, and it became quite famous due to its cultural and natural splendor!

Tsum derives its name out from Tibetan word 'Tsombo,' which meaning 'vivid' or 'lively.' Tsum was was one of 13 provinces known as the 'Tsum Tso Chucksums,' according to legend. The Buddhist Tsum people of Tsum Valley are known as Tsum.

Our adventure to Tsum Valley Trek begins in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city at an altitude of 1350 meters. From Kathmandu, we take a picturesque six - hour travel to SotiKhola, whence our genuine trek begins into the magnificent hidden valley of Tsum valley. We truly start our walk into Nepal's most unique location from SotiKhola, passing through thick pine woods, farming fields beside raging rivers, admiring the beautiful waterfalls that flow from the high alpine glacier ranges, and crossing lengthy suspension bridges over raging Mountain Rivers.

As you continued to walk, you will stumble across wonderful green woodlands featuring rhododendrons in bloom. The Buddhist culture is represented by fluttering prayer flags and mani walls along the trekking path. Within the valley, you will pass by gorgeous glacial rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and the grandeur of nature. We'll stop at PirenPhu cave, which is regarded a sacred cave in the valley, on the route.

The walk gives valuable overview into the diversity of flora and wildlife, in addition to cultural and natural grandeur. On the way, we could see Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr. As a result of the rules prohibiting any type of hunting or fishing in this safe refuge for a vulnerable ecology.

According to history, the Buddhist saint Milarepa stayed in the caves of these peaks.

Mu Gompa and RachenGompa, mani and prayer walls on a magnificent landscapes placed in the lap of the valley, and GompaLungdang, are just a few of the region’s amazing and old monasteries. The tribes here hold numerous Buddhist festivals, undertake ritual juniper-seed burnings to purify the air and Mother Nature, and erect prayer flags and Mani Walls to ensure the pleasure of all sentient living creatures.

Outline Itinerary

Detail itinerary
  • Day 1Arrival Kathmandu (1340m)
  • Day 2Drive to SotiKhola
  • Day 3Trek to MachhaKhola
  • Day 4Trek to Jagat
  • Day 5Trek to Lokpa
  • Day 6Trek to Chumling
  • Day 7Trek to Chhokangparo
  • Day 8Trek to Nile
  • Day 9Trek to Mu Gumba
  • Day 10Trek to Chhokangparo
  • Day 11Trek to LungdangGompa
  • Day 12Explore Ganesh Himal Base Camp and back to LungdangGompa
  • Day 13Trek back to Lokpa
  • Day 14Trek back to Jagat
  • Day 15Trek back to SotiKhola
  • Day 16Back to Kathmandu via bus

Tips & Ideas

Food and Accommodation

In Kathmandu, you will be served Indian Chinese Continental foods whereas there might be less chance of getting such food during your trek. Basically, you will be served Nepalese local foods and veggie but in some places you might get food according to your desire.

Next, basic room with two beds along with mattress, a pillow, and a blanket are provided to you and your room mate. Other than that, washrooms might not be attached during the trek. In Kathmandu and lower region of your trek, you will easily get attached bathroom.

Best Seasons to do Tsum Valley Trek

Nepal, like several other nations, has five seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Autumn as well as spring are the 2 key trekking seasons for Manaslu treks and every other area treks in Nepal. Pre-monsoon (Spring) – The months of February, March, April, and Could provide usually stable and dry weather with a moderate climate. The said time this year has been fantastic for trekking in the Manslu valley, with spectacular mountain scenery and vistas that seem to be crystal clear. Next, Autumn, the month of September, October, November and December. During this time the weather is usually clear. But the temperature at night ranges from 14-20 degree Celsius whereas decrease to -8/12 degree Celsius at night.

Permits required for this trek

Note down! Solo Travelers are not allowed in this region as it is restriction area. During your hike on entire route you should have your permits with you. Here are the two necessary permits required for trekking in Manaslu region.

  • Tsum Valley Restricted Permit
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)