Tsum Valley Trek 25 Days

Tsum Valley Trek is a comprehensive 25 Days trip package into the Manaslu Conservation Area of Nepal. It is comparatively a challenging trek package with many high altitude hikes including the Larkya La Pass (5106 m / 16752 ft) itself. Thus, the journey begins from Kathmandu, passes through Jagat and hikes inside the Tsum Valley before taking a round trip to Manaslu Base Camp while passing via Manaslu Circuit. For those unaware, Mt. Manaslu (8163 m / 26781 ft) is the eighth highest peak in the world.

In brief, the trip begins by passing via many of the restricted areas with a special permit issued. Moreover, it allows you to explore ethnic Hindu and Buddhist culture through a diverse range of flora and fauna. Not to mention, the circuit passes into two conservation areas viz. Manaslu Conservation Area & Annapurna Conservation Area.

The trail therefore passes via many raging rivers, precarious bridges with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. In contrast to previous times, the trip is now considered to have been much easier than it used to be with greatly improved trails along the Budi Gandaki river gorge as well.

Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley within the Gorkha district of upper central Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 2000 to 3500 m, and has many small villages within. Moreover, the valley itself was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008.

Tsum meaning vivid, the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal with Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is justified for its name. Moreover, the valley is rich for its ancient art, culture and its religion. Additionally, the trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani stone walls. They are made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley, the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.

The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. However, hunting and fishing are restricted in the Tsum Valley. Moreover, the valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Mu Gompa which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley.

Former Tsum Kingdom

The Tsum Valley has a long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical area called ‘Tsum Tso Chuksum,’ which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. Thus, the ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Moreover, due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

The lower part of the valley is steep and has less settlement. Here, the Tsumba are considered to be the indigenous people of the valley. Additionally, they are mostly of Tibetan origin and practice both Bon and Buddhism.

Ganesh Himal

Ganesh Himal is a sub-range of the Himalayas located in north-central Nepal, but some peaks lie on the border with Tibet. The highest peak in the range is Yangra (Ganesh I), 7422 m (24350 ft). Moreover, there are three other peaks over 7000 meters plus some fourteen others over 6000 meters. Additionally, the name for the range comes from the Hindu deity Ganesha, usually depicted in the form of an elephant. In fact, the south face of Pabil (Ganesh IV) slightly resembles an elephant, with a ridge that is reminiscent of an elephant’s trunk.

Manaslu Conservation Area

Established in 1998, Manaslu Conservation Area is one of the protected regions of Nepal. It covers 1663 km2 in the Mansiri Himal range of the Himalayas in the Gorkha District. Moreover, the area comprises mountains, glaciers, and watercourses. In elevation, the area ranges from 1400 to 8156 m (4593 to 26759 ft), the highest point being the peak of Manaslu.

The region is home to 33 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr. There are over 110 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 1500–2000 species of flowering plants. At least four species of frogs are present: Amolops formosus, Nanorana liebigii, Ombrana sikimensis, and Duttaphrynus himalayanus.

Kathmandu Day Tour

The package also takes you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley. Here the visitors will get an insight into UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It includes Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Kathmandu Durbar Square among others.

Note: The trip requires a minimum of two or more members to have been registered with trekking guides accompanying the group in order to obtain the special permit slip.

Trek Map

Trip Video

Additional information on Tsum Valley Trek:

Booking your Tsum Valley Trek:

We are offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Manaslu region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 200 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 2498 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept all convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 25 Days Tsum Valley Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 25. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for Tsum Valley Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Tsum Valley Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight tickets, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.

Drive to Soti Khola and return:

Your trip begins with an early morning scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola on Day 3 of your arrival. The journey will be on a tour bus that might take 7-8 hours. The drive may include some off-road journeys as well. You may also have some tea and lunch breaks during the drive.

Regarding the return journey to Kathmandu, you will begin your day with a 3-4 hours thrilling jeep drive from Dharapani to Besisahar on Day 24. The travelers will then board a tour bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu. The journey might take 5-6 hours.

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 4 to Day 23. You’ll drive to Sotikhola on Day 3 to commence the trek and reach Dharapani on Day 23. On Day 24, you’ll take a bus ride back to Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. Expect to spend 21 nights and 22 days completing the Tsum Valley Trek.

You’ll begin your trek from Sotikhola to Mu Gompa, to Ganesh Himal Base Camp & Manaslu Base Camp and to Dharapani via Larkya La High Pass. The overnight stays will be in villages including Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Lokpa, Chumling, Domje, Chekampar, Nile, Gumba Lungden, Deng, Namrung, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamshala, Bimthang and Dharapani.

Moreover, each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 3 Star Category Hotels with twin / double sharing beds.

Accommodation during Tsum Valley Trek in the mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are teahouses and Gompas / homestay. Although basic, these tea houses and Gompas are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food during the trip:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style except on the day of your early morning drive to Soti Khola, when you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Luggage:

It is highly recommended that you do not carry your belongings that you may not need during the trek. You can leave them at Kathmandu hotel for storage at no additional cost. However, remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to Manaslu region and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 300 to 350 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 250-300 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Tsum Valley Trek:

1. A visit to restricted areas and hidden valleys of Nepal

2. A visit to historical Mu Gompa

3. A visit to Ganesh Himal Base Camp

4. A visit to Manaslu Conservation Area

5. A visit to Manaslu Base Camp

6. Trek via Larkya La High Pass

7. Explore cultural villages of Samagaun and Samdo

8. Experience a thrilling jeep ride from Dharapani to Besisahar

9. Get a glimpse of Tibetan culture