-
16 days
-
Manaslu
-
Moderate
-
3,700 m
-
From 2 people
-
Trekking
Highlights
- The Tsum Valley, a sacred Buddhist valley known as the Hidden Valley of Happiness
- Mu Gompa (3,700 m), close to the Tibetan border
- Ancient monasteries, chortens and mani walls
- Traditional villages where daily life has changed little
- A restricted area that sees very few trekkers
- The Budhi Gandaki gorge on the way in
Overview
The Tsum Valley Trek leads into a sacred Buddhist valley in northern Gorkha, close to the Tibetan border. Known as the Hidden Valley of Happiness, Tsum was closed to foreigners until 2008 and is still a restricted area with very few trekkers. From Machha Khola the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge to Jagat and Philim, then turns into the side valley at Lokpa.
In upper Tsum you walk past chortens, mani walls and the Rachen nunnery to Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the largest monastery in the valley, with a full day to explore. On the way back you spend a night at Rachen Gompa, one of the largest nunneries in the valley, before returning down the Budhi Gandaki to Machha Khola.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days. The high point is Mu Gompa (3,700 m), reached gradually, and the trail up the Budhi Gandaki has many ups and downs.
No technical skills are needed, and the trek suits beginners with good general fitness. Lodges in the valley are simple, and in some villages you stay in homestays.
Permits
You need a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). Restricted area permits are only issued to groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We arrange the restricted area permit for the Tsum Valley, and later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing and checks your equipment. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long drive of 8–10 hours takes you out of Kathmandu via Arughat and Soti Khola, with the final section on rough, unpaved road. You arrive at the riverside settlement of Machha Khola in the Budhi Gandaki valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Machha Khola (869 m).
The trail follows the narrow Budhi Gandaki gorge upstream, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls along the way. You reach the stone-paved village of Jagat, where permits are checked. Overnight in a teahouse in Jagat (1,340 m).
Beyond the village of Philim, you leave the main Manaslu trail and climb into the Tsum side valley. The path offers fine views down the gorge and towards the surrounding peaks. Overnight in a teahouse in Lokpa (2,240 m).
A steep forest trail follows the Siyar Khola, with several ascents and descents through pine and rhododendron. You reach Chumling, the first village of lower Tsum, set among terraced fields. Overnight in a teahouse in Chumling (2,386 m).
The trail climbs through the valley to Chhokangparo, the main village of upper Tsum, with views of Ganesh Himal on clear days. The local culture here is strongly Tibetan Buddhist. Overnight in a teahouse in Chhokangparo (3,031 m).
You walk past chortens, mani walls and the Rachen nunnery as the valley widens. The trail continues to Nile, one of the last villages before the Tibetan border. Overnight in a teahouse in Nile (3,361 m).
A short climb brings you to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the valley, set on a hilltop close to the Tibetan border. The short day helps with acclimatization and leaves time to settle in. Overnight in Mu Gompa (3,700 m).
A full day to explore Mu Gompa and the nearby Dhephyudonma Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Tsum, as well as the surrounding high pastures. It is also a good day for acclimatization and quiet reflection. Overnight in Mu Gompa (3,700 m).
The trail descends through dry, open terrain past chortens and mani walls, with views of Ganesh Himal on clear days. You spend the night at Rachen Gompa, one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Rachen Gompa (3,240 m).
The descent follows the Siyar Khola back through Chhokangparo and the villages of lower Tsum, crossing suspension bridges through forest and farmland. It is a long day of six to seven hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Chumling (2,386 m).
You continue down beside the Siyar Khola through pine, rhododendron and oak forest, passing prayer walls and chortens. Lokpa is the last village before you leave the Tsum Valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Lokpa (2,240 m).
Leaving the Tsum Valley, you descend to the Budhi Gandaki trail and continue past Philim to the stone-paved village of Jagat. Stone steps and climbs along the ridges above the river make this a long day. Overnight in a teahouse in Jagat (1,340 m).
Following the gorge downstream, you retrace the outward route past waterfalls and suspension bridges to Machha Khola and the road. The afternoon is free to rest and celebrate the end of the trek with your crew. Overnight in a teahouse in Machha Khola (869 m).
A long drive via Soti Khola and Arughat brings you back to Kathmandu, with the first section on rough road. It is a long travel day, and the evening is free to rest. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
