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
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)