About This Tour
About This Tour
The Tsum Valley Trek is a 16-day journey into one of Nepal's most culturally distinct hidden valleys — a restricted-area trek into a region near the Tibetan border that remained closed to foreigners until 2008. Tsum (which means "vivid" in the local Tibetan dialect) is a sacred Buddhist valley where the community has pledged a vow of non-violence against hunting and harming animals.
The trail starts from Soti Khola in the Manaslu region and climbs through riverside forests into Tsum, passing ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan-Buddhist villages, and the dramatic Mu Gompa (a centuries-old monastery) at the head of the valley. You sleep in simple village teahouses run by Tsumba families, eat traditional Tsum food, and walk in a region where mass tourism has not yet reached.
This is a serious cultural and physical trek for travelers wanting depth, solitude and Buddhist cultural immersion. Required permits make it one of the more expensive treks, but the experience is exceptional.
Tour Highlights
- Trek into one of Nepal's most culturally preserved hidden valleys
- Visit Mu Gompa, Rachen Nunnery and Milarepa's Cave
- Walk through Tsumba villages with deep Tibetan Buddhist heritage
- Witness the sacred non-violence pledge of the Tsum community
- Dramatic views of Ganesh Himal and Boudha Himal
- Restricted area permit — limited foreign visitors per year
- Sleep in simple village lodges with traditional Tsum food
What's Included
- Ground transport from Kathmandu
- 14 nights teahouse/lodge accommodation on trek
- 1 night hotel in Kathmandu before/after
- 3 meals per day on trek
- Licensed Manaslu/Tsum trekking guide
- Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trip briefing and 24/7 in-country support
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees and personal travel insurance (mandatory, must cover trekking)
- Domestic flights unless listed in Included
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket — rental available in Kathmandu)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless mentioned
- Tips for your guide, porter and support team
- Emergency helicopter rescue (covered by your insurance)
- Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
Tour Factsheet
Community Impact of This Trip
Tsum Valley's Restricted Area Permit fees go to the Nepal government and Manaslu Conservation Area for protection of the region and its culture. By visiting in small numbers, your trek directly contributes to keeping Tsum protected from over-tourism.
Our guides and porters are from the Manaslu region. Tsumba families running teahouses see direct income from each guest stay. We do not eat meat in Tsum out of respect for the valley's non-violence vow.
Responsible Travel Notes
- Respect local culture, dress modestly at temples and ask before photographing people
- Avoid single-use plastic — carry a refillable water bottle on tour
- Follow your guide's instructions at heritage sites, monasteries and protected areas
- Support local businesses — buy at family-run shops, eat at local restaurants
- Respect sacred sites and community customs
- Follow Nepal permit and conservation rules in protected areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tsum Valley restricted?
What is the non-violence vow?
How fit do I need to be?
Can I do this as a solo trekker?
How does this compare to Manaslu Circuit?
Are teahouses comfortable?
Permit rules and fees may change?
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Plan Your Tsum Valley Trek
Tell us your dates and group size. Tsum Valley needs minimum 2 trekkers and 2-week advance permit lead time — book early.
Highlights
What’s Included
Factsheet
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