A hidden Tibetan Buddhist valley on the edge of the Manaslu region, with ancient monasteries, nunneries and villages that only opened to trekkers in 2008. Restricted area: licensed guide and agency required.
The route
Tsum Valley feels like a secret. It is a side valley off the Manaslu trail, close to the Tibetan border, and was opened to foreign trekkers only in 2008. Here you find barley fields, long mani walls, monasteries clinging to cliffs and people who still live much as they have for centuries.
Trekkers who care more about culture and quiet than about high passes. It is a good choice if you have done the classic treks and want to go somewhere truly different. Because it is restricted, you will need an agency and guide, which keeps numbers low.
The trek starts on the Manaslu Circuit route up the Budhi Gandaki gorge. Near Lokpa, the trail turns east into Tsum. Lower Tsum is forest and small farming villages around Chumling. Upper Tsum opens out at Chhokangparo, with Ganesh Himal views and wide fields.
Further up is Rachen Gompa, a large nunnery, and the village of Nile. A day trip takes you to Mu Gompa, the highest monastery in the valley at about 3,700 m. You return the same way, which gives you a second chance to visit the villages.
Late September to November and March to May. Winter is cold but beautiful, and some lodges close. Avoid monsoon because of landslides in the gorge.
Moderate. You never sleep higher than about 3,360 m, so altitude is rarely a big problem. The gorge days are long, and the trail is rough in places.
You need the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: US$40 a week and then US$7 per day from September to November, or US$30 a week from December to August (Nepal Tourism Board). You also need MCAP (NPR 3,000) and usually TIMS (NPR 2,000).
Permits must be arranged through a registered agency. Food and lodging are a little more expensive than in the Annapurna region. The price on this page is a typical starting price for a guided trip; message us for a quote.
Since March 2026, solo trekkers can get restricted area permits, as long as they book through a registered agency and go with a licensed guide. Before that you needed at least two trekkers. One guide can lead up to seven trekkers.
The trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. Stay in Thamel while your agency sorts the permit: see our Kathmandu hostels, including Alobar1000.
Lodges are simple and often family-run. Walk clockwise around mani walls and stupas, ask before taking photos of people, and dress modestly at monasteries. Small donations at gompas are welcome.
Combine with the Manaslu Circuit Trek for an epic three weeks.
Day by day
A long drive via Arughat.
Up the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
The trail splits from the Manaslu Circuit at Ekle Bhatti into the Tsum Valley.
Through forest into lower Tsum.
The valley opens out into barley fields with views of Ganesh Himal.
Past Rachen Gompa nunnery and the Milarepa cave area.
Visit the valley's highest monastery near the Tibetan border.
Start the walk back down the valley.
Long descent to the junction.
Back into the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
Last walking day.
Drive back to Thamel.
Good to know
It is close to the Tibetan border, and the government limits access to protect the local culture and environment.
Since March 2026 solo trekkers can get the permit, but only through a registered agency and with a licensed guide.
Usually 12 to 15 days from Kathmandu, or about 20 if combined with the Manaslu Circuit.
Moderate. The highest sleeping point is about 3,360 m in Nile, so altitude is manageable, but days are long.
The Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, MCAP and usually a TIMS card. Add the Manaslu RAP and ACAP if you continue on the circuit.
It is a living Tibetan Buddhist valley, with monasteries such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, and a tradition of non-violence that has seen local people avoid killing animals.
Yes, simple teahouses and homestays in the main villages.
Late September to November and March to May.
With guide, permits and transport, expect about US$900–1,300.
Yes, it is a popular combination of about 18–22 days.
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