Tsum Valley Trek

The Tsum Valley Trek is a hidden valley hike. It is located in the northern territory of Nepal and reaches the border with Tibet. Buddha Himal and Himalchuli are to the west. Ganesh Himal is located to the south, while Sringi Himal is situated to the north. Tsum Valley is rich in ancient culture and religion. It has recently opened for trekkers. Trek through the beautiful village in the heart of a cultural and traditional hub.

You can find the real and true image of ancient inhabitants still untouched by another world. This trek requires more than two weeks with teahouse facilities. It is abundant in natural beauty, cultural sites, old structures, Gumbas, monasteries, and religious sites. The people living there are largely Tibetans who speak their dialect and dress in unique fashions.

Similarly, the undisturbed beauty of nature, including some of the world’s highest mountains such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Boudha Himal, enhances your vacation and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tsum Valley Trekking starts at Machha Khola. After driving by private vehicle from Kathmandu, I followed the Budhi Gandaki River valley. Our journey passed through a lovely and traditional Gurung village with its unique culture. From Jagat, you enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and have to check in for the Manaslu Trek Special Permit.

Trek Highlights

• Spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu, Sringi Himal (7187 m), Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal.
• Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa visited this beautiful secret place for meditation in various caves.
• Geographically stunning as well as culturally fascinating,
• Tibetan customs predominate, with numerous Buddhist Mani walls and old artifacts.
• Picture-perfect communities with ancient dwellings, Buddhist monasteries, and nunneries.
• The arduous off-the-beaten-path trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp

What makes the Tsum Valley Trek special in 2026?

The trend in Himalayan trekking is moving toward sustainability and solitude in 2026. The Tsum Valley is an ideal destination that embodies both sustainability and solitude.

The Shyagya Non-Violence Zone: The valley has had a strict no-killing rule for hundreds of years. There is no hunting or killing of animals here, so it is a safe place for rare animals like the snow leopard and Himalayan blue sheep.

The Tsumba people have a culture that is more Tibetan than Nepali. In 2026, people can still see the unusual practice of polyandry and take part in the lively Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations.

Spiritual Anchors: The old monasteries along the trek are what make it special. The spiritual heart of the area is Mu Gompa (3,700m) and Rachen Gompa (a famous nunnery), which have murals and holy texts that are hundreds of years old

The Syar River Gorge: To get to the valley, you have to hike through a narrow gorge that suddenly opens up into a wide, fertile area. The trail is still rough and “raw” in 2026, giving modern travelers the real “off-the-beaten-path” feel they want.

Tsum Valley Trek 2026 Permit & Regulations Guide

The Tsum Valley is a restricted area; individual trekking is strictly prohibited. To protect the cultural and environmental integrity of the region, the Nepal government requires:

• Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Costs vary by season
• Mandatory Guide: You must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide.
• The Manaslu Circuit Trek Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required only if you continue your trek to the Manaslu Circuit.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) if you continue your trek to the Manaslu Circuit only.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Mandatory Guide: You must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide.
• Group Size: A minimum of two trekkers is required to issue the permit.

Tsum Valley Trek Guide and Porters

We at Himalaya Darshan Treks provide experienced and professional trekking guides and porters for your travel/trekking in Nepal.

• For your trekking team of 2–4 people, we provide 1 trekking guide and 1 porter for 2 trekkers.
• For your trekking group of 5 to 8 people, we provide 1 trekking guide, 1 assistant guide, and 1 porter for 2 trekkers.
• We offer one trekking guide, two assistant guides, and one porter for two trekkers for your 8–12 person group.

Best Time to Tsum Valley Trek

Autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May) are the finest seasons for Tsum Valley trekking. The days are sunny and mild throughout this time, with spectacular views. Mainly, the daytime temperature is between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. The nights are frequently frigid, with temperatures ranging from 5 to -15 degrees Celsius.

Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty

The Tsum Valley Trek is rated moderate to adventurous because of the high altitude, reaching above 3,700 m. The hike is not challenging, although it does include a steep climb and a few gradual walking paths.

Finally, we customize your Tsum Valley Trek itinerary to fit your vacation time in Nepal or to meet your specific needs. If you have enough time, you can continue your journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Larke La Pass.

Are you ready to book this tour?

To book this trip or for more inquiries, you can click Book this trip on our web page. Likewise, we have many different trekking and tour packages, so you can choose your most suitable trek/tour with us. We suggest early booking, and then you have enough time to prepare for the trek. We are ready to organize your trek based on your travel bucket list. You can also contact us by WhatsApp at +977 9841073239 for quick inquiries.

Booking Procedure

Himalaya Darshan Treks makes it easy and safe to book your trek to Tsum Valley. HD Treks is a fully government-registered company with more than ten years of experience trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas of Nepal. We are also proud members of NMA and TAAN. We guarantee professional service from the beginning to the end of your trip. To confirm your reservation, just send a 20% deposit by bank or wire transfer to our official bank account. Thereafter, we’ll send you an email with the final confirmation.

Please send us a copy of your passport, travel insurance information, and flight information within a week of making your reservation. You can pay the rest of your balance in cash at your hotel in Kathmandu or by bank transfer a week before your flight to Nepal.

FAQs for the Tsum Valley trek

How difficult is the Tsum Valley Trek?

It is considered moderate to challenging. While you don’t cross any 5,000 m+ passes (unless you combine it with the Manaslu Circuit), the days involve 6–8 hours of walking on steep, rocky terrain and narrow trails.

Can I do this trek solo in 2026?

No. Due to its status as a restricted zone, solo trekking is not allowed. You must book through a registered agency and have at least two people in your group. You can contact Himalaya Darshan Treks.

What is the food like?

You will enjoy organic, local meals. The staples are Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), Tsampa (barley flour), Tibetan bread, and various potato dishes. Meat is rarely available due to the valley’s nonviolent traditions.

Is tipping necessary for the guide and porter?

Tipping is NOT mandatory, but it is highly customary and expected in the trekking industry. Tipping your trekking guide and porter is an important way to show appreciation for their hard work—especially on treks in Nepal, where tips constitute a significant part of their income. The amount depends on the trek length, difficulty, and your satisfaction with their service.

How much tipping should I budget?

The amount for tipping depends on the trek’s length, difficulty, and your satisfaction with their service. Basically, you can tip them for the guide, 12 to 15%, and for the porter, 10 to 12% of your full payment for your trekking package.

You can tip more if you like your guide and porter’s service, but this is just a suggestion. Nepal’s tourism sector always expects tips.

What do I need to pack for the Tsum Valley Trek?

For the trekking gear and packing list, you can visit this: Trekking Gear.