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Gorkha District · Manaslu Region · Hidden Valley
Tsum Valley Trek
Nepal’s Most Sacred Hidden Valley — Ancient Culture Untouched by Time
Duration
18 Days Full Trek
Max Altitude
4,010m Mu Gompa Area
Valley Type
Sacred Hidden Beyul — Tibetan Buddhism
Difficulty
Moderate Remote & Cultural
Best Seasons
Spring & Autumn Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Route
Kathmandu → Arughat → Soti Khola → Machha Khola → Jagat → Lokpa → Chumling → Chhokang Paro → Nile → Mu Gompa → Rachen Gompa → Nile → Lokpa → Jagat → Arughat → Kathmandu
Trek Overview
Nepal’s Most Extraordinary Cultural & Spiritual Journey
The Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most extraordinary and rarely visited Himalayan experiences — a journey into a hidden sacred valley known in Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a “Beyul” (a hidden paradise). Tucked behind the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges in the Gorkha District, Tsum Valley has remained isolated and spiritually preserved for centuries.
The Tsum people maintain a deeply traditional Tibetan Buddhist way of life — ancient monasteries, prayer walls miles long, sky burials, and a culture untouched by modern tourism. Walking through Tsum Valley feels like stepping back five centuries in time.
The trek passes through the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge before turning north into the valley, visiting the famous Mu Gompa monastery (3,700m) and the Rachen Gompa nunnery — two of the most significant religious sites in the Nepal Himalayas. Spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Himalchuli, and the Manaslu range complete this deeply spiritual and visually stunning adventure.
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu1,400m▼
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, trek briefing. Permit processing for Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit and MCAP.
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 2Kathmandu – Arughat – Soti Khola700m▼
Long drive from Kathmandu to Arughat on the Budhi Gandaki River, then short trek to Soti Khola — the gateway to the restricted area.
Drive & Walk
- Approx. 7 hours drive + 1.5 hours walk
Overnight
- Soti Khola Lodge
Day 3Soti Khola – Machha Khola900m▼
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki through lush bamboo and subtropical jungle, crossing suspension bridges over dramatic rapids.
Walking Time
- Approx. 6–7 hours
Overnight
- Machha Khola Lodge
Day 4Machha Khola – Jagat1,340m▼
The gorge narrows with dramatic cliff faces and waterfalls. Jagat is the last checkpoint before the Tsum Valley junction.
Walking Time
- Approx. 6–7 hours
Overnight
- Jagat Lodge
Day 5Jagat – Lokpa2,080m▼
Branch north from the Budhi Gandaki into the Shiar Khola Valley — the entrance to the Tsum Valley. The landscape becomes quieter and more remote.
Walking Time
- Approx. 5–6 hours
Highlights
- Tsum Valley entry · Ganesh Himal first views · Tibetan chortens appear
Overnight
- Lokpa Lodge
Day 6Lokpa – Chumling2,386m▼
Enter deeper into Tsum Valley. Ancient prayer walls (mani walls) appear along the trail — some stretching for kilometers. Chumling is the first major Tsum village.
Walking Time
- Approx. 5–6 hours
Highlights
- Ancient mani walls and prayer stones
- Traditional Tsum architecture
- Ganesh Himal panorama
Overnight
- Chumling Lodge
Day 7Chumling – Chhokang Paro3,031m▼
The valley opens into a wide, flat upper basin. Chhokang Paro is a large Tsum village surrounded by ancient gompas and dramatic Himalayan scenery.
Walking Time
- Approx. 5 hours
Highlights
- Tsum Valley opens wide
- Local Tsum village life
- Sringi Himal & Ganesh Himal views
Overnight
- Chhokang Paro Lodge
Day 8Chhokang Paro – Nile3,361m▼
Trek to Nile — the highest permanent village in Tsum Valley and the base for visiting the upper valley monasteries.
Walking Time
- Approx. 4–5 hours
Highlights
- High alpine valley landscape
- Rachen Gompa nunnery visible
- Tibetan border peaks
Overnight
- Nile Lodge
Day 9Nile – Mu Gompa – Rachen Gompa3,700m ★▼
The spiritual heart of the trek. Visit the ancient Mu Gompa monastery — one of Nepal’s most significant Buddhist sites — then the Rachen Gompa nunnery. Extraordinary mountain views and cultural immersion.
Highlights
- Mu Gompa monastery (3,700m) — 600+ years old
- Rachen Gompa nunnery
- Himalchuli & Ganesh Himal panorama
- Ancient Buddhist artwork & rituals
- Deepest Tsum Valley cultural experience
Overnight
- Nile Lodge
Day 10Nile – Chhokang Paro3,031m▼
Begin the descent, retracing the valley southward. Different light and perspective on the return.
Walking Time
- Approx. 4–5 hours
Overnight
- Chhokang Paro Lodge
Day 11Chhokang Paro – Chumling2,386m▼
Continue descending through the Tsum Valley with time to revisit villages and interact with local communities.
Overnight
- Chumling Lodge
Day 12Chumling – Lokpa – Jagat1,340m▼
Descend back to the Budhi Gandaki River at Jagat, leaving the Tsum Valley restricted area.
Walking Time
- Approx. 7–8 hours
Overnight
- Jagat Lodge
Day 13Jagat – Machha Khola900m▼
Retrace the Budhi Gandaki gorge route southward through dramatic canyon scenery.
Overnight
- Machha Khola Lodge
Day 14Machha Khola – Soti Khola – Arughat500m▼
Final trekking day, returning to Arughat on the Budhi Gandaki River.
Overnight
- Arughat Lodge / Gorkha
Day 15Drive to Kathmandu1,400m▼
Scenic drive back to Kathmandu through the Nepal countryside. Celebration dinner.
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 16Kathmandu Free Day1,400m▼
Rest day and Kathmandu exploration — temples, shopping, cultural sightseeing.
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 17Contingency Day1,400m▼
Buffer day for any route or weather delays.
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 18International DepartureKathmandu▼
Transfer to airport for international departure. End of the Tsum Valley Trek.
What You’ll Experience
Trek Highlights
Mu Gompa — 600-year-old monastery (3,700m)
Rachen Gompa nunnery visit
Ganesh Himal & Sringi Himal panorama
Ancient mani walls & prayer stones
Authentic Tsum Buddhist village culture
Dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge
Restricted area — extremely few visitors
One of Nepal’s most spiritual journeys
Package Details
Cost Includes & Excludes
✓ Cost Includes
Airport transfers
Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
All ground transportation as per itinerary
Trekking lodge accommodation throughout
Full board meals during trek (B/L/D)
Tea and coffee during trekking
Experienced licensed trekking guide
Porter service
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
MCAP & TIMS permits
First aid kit & emergency support
Staff insurance & allowances
✕ Cost Excludes
International airfare
Nepal visa fee
Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
Emergency helicopter rescue costs
Personal expenses & drinks
Charging, Wi-Fi & laundry
Personal trekking equipment
Extra accommodation/meals due to delays
Tips for guide and porter
Monastery donation fees
Restricted Area — Mandatory Guide & Permit
Tsum Valley is a government-designated restricted area. A Special Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is required and trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed government-registered guide at all times. Solo trekking is not permitted. A minimum group of two is required.
As a deeply sacred Buddhist valley, visitors are expected to be respectful of local customs, dress modestly near monasteries, and ask permission before photographing people or religious sites. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory.
Enter One of the Himalayas’ Last Hidden Valleys
Tsum Valley is not just a trek — it is a journey into a living, breathing ancient culture that has remained unchanged for centuries. One of the most meaningful Himalayan experiences available to any traveler.