Tsum Valley Restricted Area Trek
- 12 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Dec)
We guide you through the hidden Tibetan Buddhist valley of Tsum inside the Manaslu region, visiting remote monasteries and ancient villages up to 3360 m.
At a glance
Trip overview
We operate this specialized trek into the hidden valley of Tsum, nestled within the broader Manaslu region of Nepal. This itinerary suits hikers interested in remote Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monastic sites, and less-traveled mountain trails away from the main commercial routes. Our teams lead you through deep gorges, pine forests, and traditional settlements where Tibetan dialects and customs remain entirely intact.
The route requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with daily walking durations between five and eight hours over rugged stone steps and suspension bridges. While the maximum elevation of 3360 m at Nile is lower than many major Himalayan passes, the continuous ascents and descents demand sturdy knees and steady pacing. We ensure proper acclimatisation as we ascend gradually along the Budi Gandaki river valley and into the inner Tsum sanctuary.
Throughout the journey, we stay in basic local teahouses run by resident families, offering an authentic window into high-altitude rural life. Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits and coordinate closely with local support staff born and raised in the valleys we traverse. We handle all restricted area permits, conservation fees, and logistical arrangements from our base in Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Hidden Valley Landscapes
We explore the secluded gorges and lush green hills of the inner Tsum basin, shielded by high Himalayan peaks.
Ancient Monasteries
We visit sacred religious sites including Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, which shelter centuries of Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Tsum & Nubri Culture
We interact with local residents who preserve distinct Tibetan-influenced traditions, dress, and daily rituals.
Restricted Trail Experience
We navigate a strictly regulated border region that requires specialized permits and mandatory licensed guides.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1400 m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1400 m)
Meals: B
Our team welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to our hotel in Thamel. We sit down to review your equipment, complete necessary permit paperwork, and introduce your lead trekking guide over dinner.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (930 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (930 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We depart early by local vehicle, driving west and north out of the Kathmandu valley through winding hill highways. The road follows rural river corridors before reaching our starting trailhead at Machhakhola.
Day 3
Machhakhola to Jagat (1400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Machhakhola to Jagat (1400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail heads north along the Budi Gandaki river, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small settlements like Khorlabesi. We climb stone staircases toward the restricted area checkpoint at Jagat.
Day 4
Jagat to Lokpa (2250 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Jagat to Lokpa (2250 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We continue ascending past Philim, leaving the main Manaslu circuit trail to branch east toward the hidden Tsum Valley. The path climbs steeply through dense pine and rhododendron forests up to the cliffside village of Lokpa.
Day 5
Lokpa to Chumling (2390 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Lokpa to Chumling (2390 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today we descend slightly before crossing the Lungdang Khola on a suspension bridge, then climb through wooded terrain facing distant valley walls. We arrive in Chumling, where traditional stone houses feature stacked firewood against their facades.
Day 6
Chumling to Chekampar (3030 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Chumling to Chekampar (3030 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our route crosses the Syar Khola and traverses open fields and scattered hamlets as the landscape opens up into the wide upper valley. We reach Chekampar, taking time to observe local chortens and mani walls inscribed with Buddhist mantras.
Day 7
Chekampar to Nile (3360 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chekampar to Nile (3360 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We push deeper into the high Tibetan enclave, passing historic gompas and small agricultural settlements engaged in potato and barley farming. We settle into Nile, our highest overnight stop on this itinerary.
Day 8
Nile to Chumling (2390 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Nile to Chumling (2390 m)
Meals: B / L / D
After exploring the upper ridges, we retrace our steps down the valley, enjoying descending gradients alongside the roaring river. We make good time back to the stone walls and hospitality of Chumling.
Day 9
Chumling to Philim (1550 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Chumling to Philim (1550 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We continue our return journey southward, dropping below the pine line and descending through narrow river gorges. We reach the administrative hub of Philim for our final night in the mountains.
Day 10
Philim to Machhakhola (930 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Philim to Machhakhola (930 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our final day of walking retraces the lower Budi Gandaki path past terraced fields and subtropical waterfalls. We complete our trek back at the roadside settlement of Machhakhola.
Day 11
Drive from Machhakhola to Kathmandu (1400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Drive from Machhakhola to Kathmandu (1400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We board our return vehicle for the overland journey back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and gather in the evening for a farewell dinner with our guides.
Day 12
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 12
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our representative transfers you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your return flight home, concluding our services.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- Tsum Valley Special Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on the trek
- Government-licensed, English-speaking local guide and necessary porters
- Ground transportation between Kathmandu and Machhakhola
Not included
- Nepal entry visa and international airfare
- Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue
- Personal expenses such as battery charging, hot showers, and bottled water
- Tips for guide, porters, and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Permits & Regulations
Because Tsum Valley is a restricted border region, solo trekking is strictly prohibited. You must travel with a government-licensed guide and at least one other companion, operating through a registered local agency like ours to secure your special entry permits.
Accommodation on Trek
Lodges along this route are family-run and modest, providing twin-share wooden rooms with basic foam mattresses and blankets. Dining areas are heated by central stoves, but individual bedrooms are unheated.
Altitude Considerations
While reaching a maximum altitude of 3360 m at Nile is moderate compared to higher Himalayan passes, proper hydration and steady walking paces remain essential. Our guides monitor all team members daily for any early signs of discomfort.
Packing & Equipment
Nights drop below freezing at higher elevations, so a warm down jacket and a quality sleeping bag rated to -15°C are necessary. We provide these items if needed, along with duffle bags and trekking poles.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Sleeping bag (-15°C rated)Essential
Camping
Provided by us if requested.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for safe drinking water along the trail.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for knee protection during long descents.
Passport and passport photosEssential
Documents
Required for restricted area permit issuance.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning starts.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tsum Valley Special Restricted Area Permit
PermitMandatory government permit required for all visitors entering the restricted Tsum Valley sector.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
PermitRequired entry permit for conservation area management within the Manaslu region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I trek to Tsum Valley solo?
No. Tsum Valley is a restricted trekking region, and independent solo trekking is illegal. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide and have at least two trekkers in your party.
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
The highest elevation on this itinerary is 3360 m at Nile village.
How difficult is the Tsum Valley Trek?
It is rated as moderate. You should be prepared for 5 to 8 hours of walking daily over stone staircases, suspension bridges, and uneven mountain paths.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trail?
You will stay in local teahouses offering twin-share rooms with basic beds, shared bathrooms, and communal dining rooms.
What permits are required for this trek?
You need a Tsum Valley Special Restricted Area Entry Permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, which we arrange for you.
What is the best season for the Tsum Valley Trek?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) offer the most stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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