"The Tsum Valley trek is a trip through the remotest part of the Manaslu region. If you want to explore beyond the famous trekking routes of Nepal, try the Tsum Valley trek!"
Tucked between Shringi Himal in the north, Ganesh Himal in the south, and Boudha Himal and Himalchuli in the west, Tsum is a hidden valley. This trek route was introduced in 2008.
It remains as one of the untouched trekking regions in Nepal and presents pristine beauty and a raw Himalayan experience. Trekking to Tsum Valley is not very difficult.
With decent fitness, good health, and determination, trekkers of all ages can complete the Tsum Valley trek 13 days. The trail follows the famous Manaslu Circuit route for the first few days and diverts from Lokpa village.
You can combine the Tsum Valley trek with the Manaslu Circuit if you want to do both treks.
The population in Tsum Valley is very low, and the locals are very attached to their roots. Though trekking has brought some modern changes to the valley, the villagers still follow their ancient lifestyle and beliefs.
Because of the secluded location of Tsum Valley, traveling here is an adventure, but at the same time, the region also boasts rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. You can see many chortens, prayer flags, mani walls, and stupas all over the trail.
As per the locals, the renowned sage Guru Rinpoche and the Tibetan philosopher Milarepa are believed to have meditated in caves in Tsum Valley. You will visit the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave during the trek.
Mu Gompa is the highest point you will hike to in Tsum Valley. It is a centuries-old monastery and offers a breathtaking mountain panorama. Ranchen Gompa is another significant monastery in Tsum Valley that you can visit while returning from the Nile to Chumling.
Instead of retracing the same trail, you have to take a different route that goes through the Ranchen Gompa. Like the valley and its locals, the landscapes and mountain vistas are also mysterious on this trek.
With the progress of the trail, lush hills open up to arid valleys, glaciers, and tall mountains. During trekking, you can see outstanding views of mountains like Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal, etc.
If you have 2-3 days extra in your hands and want to touch even the remotest corner, consider hiking to the isolated Ganesh Himal Base Camp. It will be an incredibly adventurous side excursion.
On this 13 days trek, you will not take any domestic flight. The trail's starting and ending points are accessible via roadways.
Highlights
- An adventurous and culturally enriching trip through the remotest part of the Manaslu region
- Explore the hidden Tsum Valley on this trek, which was only opened to foreigners in 2008
- An untouched trekking route with pristine beauty and raw Himalayan experience
- Ideal for trekkers of all ages with decent fitness, good health, and determination
- Comparatively low altitude gain (up to 3,700 meters), but the terrain is offbeat
- Meet the Tsumba community and see their ancient lifestyle and beliefs
- Explore many chortens, mani walls, prayer flags, and stupas along the trail
- Mu Gompa and Ranchen Gompa are two crucial religious places you will visit during the trek
- Explore the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, where the famous safe Milarepa is believed to have meditated
- Incredible side excursion option to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, but you have to extend the itinerary to at least 2 to 3 days
- Witness stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal, etc
- Explore a diverse ecosystem, plants, birds, and wildlife
Is Tsum Valley a restricted area in Nepal?
You will travel close to the Nepal-Tibet border during the Tsum Valley trek, so the region is a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners. Trekkers must secure the restricted area permit for the Manaslu region and trek in a group of at least two trekkers.
The Base Camp Trip will help you obtain the necessary permits for the Tsum Valley trek. Likewise, if you are a solo traveler, we will also find another trekker or a group to join you on the Tsum Valley trekking adventure.
What about the vegetation and wildlife experience during the Tsum Valley trek 13 days?
You will be trekking within the Manaslu Conservation Area during the Tsum Valley trek 13 days. The area has a fragile but diverse ecosystem. The conservation area has over 2000 plants, 201 species of birds, 11 types of forests, and many wildlife.
During the Tsum Valley trek, it is rare to spot wildlife, but sometimes lucky travelers get to see a snow leopard and a red panda. If you love exploring vegetation and different ecosystems, you will enjoy the Tsum Valley trek even more.
Fitness for the Tsum Valley trek
Preparation is the key to successfully completing the trek and enjoying it to the fullest. The better your condition is, the better you will enjoy the trek. So, it is important that you prepare for the trek before starting it.
Though you do not need any advanced preparation plan for the Tsum Valley trek, a consistent workout plan is required to improve your strength, stamina, and endurance.
Start preparing for the trek a few weeks before you fly to Kathmandu. Cardio workouts are highly recommended as they are the best way to improve your stamina. You can aim for 30 to 45 minutes of cardio exercise daily. Activities like swimming, cycling, running, and jogging are great.
With cardio, you also have to incorporate strength training in your routine. It will strengthen your core and leg muscles. Similarly, consider daily long walks with a backpack weighing at least 5 kg and join some day hiking programs around your city.
Prevent altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is something that can happen to trekkers of all ages. It doesn't matter whether you are a fit or not. You may suffer from altitude sickness if you do not have previous high altitude experience and follow a well-planned itinerary.
Follow our tips below to prevent altitude sickness during the Tsum Valley trek. We have also shared tips on how to manage it in case you see symptoms of altitude sickness during the trek.
- Acclimatization: Acclimatization is one of the most effective ways to avoid altitude sickness during any trek in the Himalayas. It allows your body to gradually get used to the high-altitude environment and ultimately avoid altitude sickness. Our Tsum Valley trek itinerary has one acclimatization day.
- Maintain your pace: Hike slowly and allow your body to get used to the changing altitude. Do not rush while hiking and do not overexert yourself. Take frequent breaks to catch your breath and listen to your body.
- Hydration: Hydration is also a very important part in avoiding altitude sickness. You must stay hydrated during the trek. Drink lots of water every day and combine soups and teas in your meals. Carry a hydration bladder during the trek. It makes drinking water easy.
- Diet: High carbohydrate meals are necessary to hold your energy during long hiking hours. Dal bhat is an excellent meal option. It is a well-balanced meal, cost-effective, and tastes excellent.
- Altitude sickness symptoms: The early signs of altitude sickness are feeling uneasy, persistent headache, vomiting, nausea, insomnia, difficulty breathing, and loss of appetite. Look out for these signs and reach out for help if you see them.
- What to do if you see symptoms: Informing your guide should be your first step. Do not take any medicine without your guide's knowledge. Our guides are trained to provide first aid for altitude sickness. They also have firsthand experience. Inform your guide and follow his instructions.
Guide and porter
Trekking with a guide is mandatory during the Tsum Valley trek. In the restricted areas like Tsum Valley, foreigners are not allowed to enter without a guide.
Base Camp Trip will provide a professional mountain guide for the Tsum Valley trek. Likewise, our package also includes porters. You have the option to remove the porter. However, note that you have to carry all your luggage without a porter.
Trekking on steep, rugged terrain with heavy bags is not easy unless you are fit and experienced. So, kindly choose the best option for you.
How much should you tip your guide and porter? Is it necessary?
Tipping the guide and porter is customary in Nepal. It is expected of the trekkers. We do not include tips in our trek package. Trekkers can budget it according to their needs. There is no fixed amount for a tip.
A 15% to 20% of the package cost is a decent tip. Note that the porter does not return to Kathmandu with you, so you can tip them separately or ask your guide to tip the porter appropriately.
What is it like trekking with the Base Camp Trip?
Base Camp Trip is one of Nepal/s top trekking companies. With numerous years of expertise, a strong team, and an excellent network throughout the Himalayas, the Base Camp Trip offers some of the best trekking programs in Nepal.
Trekking with us makes your trip hassle-free and safe. Our management team handles the logistics of your trip while the on-field crew ensures your safety and comfort in the mountains.
Likewise, our Tsum Valley trek itinerary is well tested and strategically planned to provide acclimatization opportunities. Along with the best mountain guides and porters, we also provide updated tech like a satellite phone and an oximeter to maximize our trip's success and safety.
We are flexible with our trekking programs. You can customize the Tsum Valley trek or join our proposed program. Travel solo or with your friends and family, we will be your trusted and reliable travel partner in Nepal.
Our Tsum Valley trek cost is also genuine. We provide the best trekking service in the market. You will not encounter any hidden expenses with us. Bookings are open for the Tsum Valley trek 2025/2026 departures.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
