Tsum Valley Trek
A hidden Buddhist sanctuary sealed off from the outside world until 2008
Tsum Valley Trek overview
Tsum Valley — the 'Hidden Valley of Happiness' — was closed to outsiders until 2008 and remains one of the least-visited restricted areas in Nepal. Branching off the Manaslu trail at Lokpa, the valley was historically an independent Buddhist enclave, and its culture reflects centuries of isolation: whitewashed gompas, chortens, and mani walls line the trail, and pilgrimage sites tied to the Tibetan yogi Milarepa dot the upper valley. The trek climbs gradually alongside the Shiar Khola to the high village of Chhokangparo, then on to Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the valley's principal monastery, with side visits to the Milarepa meditation cave and the nuns of Rachen Gompa. Because the valley is a dead-end rather than a pass-crossing route, the trekking is gentler than Manaslu proper, while the Restricted Area status keeps visitor numbers remarkably low.
Country
Nepal
Duration
14 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Moderate
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Evening trek briefing and permit paperwork check.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Machha Khola–Soti Khola–Kathmandu ground transport
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Tea house / lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- First aid kit carried by guide
- Emergency rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
- Monastery entry donations at Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa
- Wi-Fi, battery charging, and hot showers at tea houses
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
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