Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley Trek is a moderate-to-strenuous trek in northern-central Nepal, nestled within the Manaslu Conservation Area. Tsum Valley is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and remote villages that have preserved their traditions for centuries. The region is a hidden gem, offering breathtaking Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, and a sense of isolation away from crowded trekking routes.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, followed by a gradual ascent through terraced farmlands, subtropical forests, and traditional villages such as Machha Khola, Jagat, Lokpa, Chumling, Chekampar, Nile, Philim, and Dovan. Trekkers are treated to the warm hospitality of Tamang and Gurung communities, glimpses of ancient monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, and the opportunity to experience local festivals, rituals, and Buddhist culture.
The trek also includes high-altitude experiences at Chokhang Paro and Nile, with views of snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes. The journey is round-trip, gradually descending back through the same villages, offering trekkers a chance to appreciate the valley’s diverse flora and fauna, including red pandas, langurs, and Himalayan birds.
This trek is ideal for trekkers seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, and moderate adventure, suitable for those with basic to moderate trekking experience and good physical fitness.
Highlights
- Trek through remote Tsum Valley villages and experience traditional Tibetan culture
- Explore sacred monasteries, mani walls, and chortens
- Pass through lush forests, high ridges, and alpine meadows
- Enjoy panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and other Himalayan peaks
- Off-the-beaten-path trekking in untouched wilderness
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Tsum valley
- 12 Days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Lodges, tea houses, guesthouses
- Moderate
- 3360m
- -
- -
Best Season
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, ideal trekking conditions – best season Spring (Mar–May): Blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures – second best Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, snow possible – for experienced trekkers Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Wet trails and leeches – not recommended
Inclusions
- Private ground transportation from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and return to Kathmandu by well-maintained private jeep for a safe and scenic journey.
- All standard meals during the trek – including breakfast, lunch, and dinner – with a variety of nutritious local and continental dishes.
- Best available teahouse and lodge accommodation along the trekking route, typically in clean and comfortable twin-share rooms.
- Licensed and experienced English-speaking trekking guide, provided by Sherpa Expedition. For groups of 10 or more, an assistant guide is also included for added support.
- Reliable and friendly Sherpa porters to help carry your luggage (one porter for every two trekkers), equipped with proper trekking gear. Their wages, meals, accommodation, equipment, and insurance are fully covered.
- All guides and porters are arranged by Sherpa Expedition & Trekking, including their meals, insurance, salaries, lodging, local transport, and necessary equipment.
- Restricted area permit for Tsum Valley and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), allowing full access to the region's remote and protected zones.
- Complimentary use of quality trekking gear such as a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and trekking poles (to be returned after the trek if borrowed).
- All government taxes, local fees, and official administrative charges included—no hidden costs.
- Medical support equipment, including a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate twice daily. This is crucial for identifying symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) early.
- Full assistance in coordinating any emergency evacuation or rescue in the case of serious health issues (expenses covered by your travel insurance).
- Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions souvenir t-shirt as a token of appreciation.
- Certificate of trek completion and appreciation from Sherpa Expedition, celebrating your successful journey through the magical Tsum Valley.
- Additional assistant guide provided for groups of 8 or more trekkers, ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Exclusions
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Hotel accommodation, lunch, and dinner in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Nepal entry visa fee, which can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Fees are as follows: $30 USD for a 15-day visa, $50, USD for a 30-day visa, and USD 125 for a 90-day visa
- Any extra nights of accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
- All personal beverages during the trek, including: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Soups, teas, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, Bottled/mineral water and other cold or hot drinks purchased in tea houses
- All desserts and sweet items such as chocolate, cakes, pies, and puddings, which are not included in standard meals.
- Fees for hot showers and battery/electronics charging in tea houses along the trail.
- Travel insurance is not included but is mandatory. Your policy must cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.
- Tips for guides and porters, which are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary in Nepal and is a meaningful way to show appreciation for their hard work.
- Any additional costs or delays caused by unforeseen events beyond our control, such as: Natural disasters (landslides, heavy snow, floods) Adverse weather conditions, Changes to the itinerary due to health or safety concerns, Illness or injury during the trek and Political unrest, government restrictions, or strikes
- Any other services, activities, or expenses not explicitly mentioned under the “Costs Include” section will be considered as excluded.
Tour Plan
- Wake-up and breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu
- Drive Kathmandu → Soti Khola along hilly and riverside roads
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Scenic drive through terraced fields, rivers, and small villages
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge/Guest House in Soti Khola (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek along the Soti Khola River, passing local villages and farmland
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Forest trails, rural village life, first Himalayan views
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge/Guest House in Machha Khola (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek along river valley, suspension bridges, and small villages
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Hillside terraces, local culture, village settlements
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge/Guest House in Jagat (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Gradual ascent through forest trails and farmland
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Scenic terraced fields, Himalayan foothills
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge in Lokpa (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek along ridges and forest trails
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Mountain views, local villages, terraced landscapes
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge in Chumling (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek through dense forests, river valleys, and steep trails
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Increasing altitude, alpine scenery, first views of high peaks
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge/Tea House in Chhekampar (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek along high ridges with panoramic mountain views
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, glacier views in distance
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge/Tea House in Nile (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Descend via forested trails and riverside paths
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Reverse trek views, local settlements, terraced fields
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge in Chumling (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Gradual descent through farmland, villages, and forested trails
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Traditional villages, cultural interaction, lush landscapes
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge in Philim (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek along river valleys and small settlements
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Riverside trails, terraced fields, village scenery
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge in Dovan (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Trek along lower valley trails, descending to Soti Khola
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Scenic valleys, forested trails, final village encounters
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight: Lodge in Soti Khola (basic)
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Drive Soti Khola → Kathmandu
- Lunch en route
- Highlights: Last mountain views, rivers, terraced landscapes
- Dinner at hotel in Kathmandu
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu (3-star or similar)