Trekking Partners NepalTsum Valley Trek
A sacred, hidden valley near the Tibetan border with ancient gompas, mani walls and traditional villages.
- Duration12–16 days
- Highest point3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
- DifficultyModerate
- Best seasonMar–May, Sep–Nov
Trekkers looking for partners
No open partner posts for Tsum Valley yet. Be the first – post your dates and others heading this way will find you.
Post a tripWho the Tsum Valley trek suits
Tsum is a sacred Buddhist valley near the Tibetan border, branching off the Manaslu trail. Villages like Chhokangparo and Nile sit among long mani walls and chortens, and the trek reaches Mu Gompa at about 3,700 m. Rachen Gompa, a nunnery, is one of the highlights. There's no high pass, which makes it gentler than the Manaslu Circuit.
It's moderate. Most of the challenge is the long approach up the Budhi Gandaki gorge. It suits trekkers who want culture and peace more than summits, and those combining it with the Manaslu Circuit.
Do you need a guide or permit?
Yes, Tsum is a restricted area. You need a restricted-area permit through a registered agency, a licensed guide, and the Manaslu Conservation Area permit. TIMS is not required.
Since 2026, a single trekker can apply through an agency. See Restricted Area Treks in Nepal.
Best months, and when it's easiest to find a partner
Late September–November and March–May are best. Tsum is lower than Manaslu, so it's a little more forgiving at the edges of the season, but the approach gorge has landslide risk in the monsoon.
Many Tsum trekkers also do Manaslu, so you can look for partners for either. Post your dates early so you can share a permit.
Doing Tsum with a partner
- Why it matters here: you're paying for a guide either way, so a partner halves that cost and the jeep to the trailhead.
- Where to meet: Kathmandu, where the agency hands over permits, then drive together towards Soti Khola or Machha Khola.
- Plan the whole route together: Tsum on its own, or Tsum plus the Manaslu Circuit. The permit and guide days depend on this, so agree before you apply.
- Respect local customs: walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens, and ask before photographing people or monasteries.
Trek Tsum Valley with a local guide
Tsum Valley is a restricted area, so a licensed guide is required. Choosing the right one matters as much as the permit.
An experienced guide isn't only there to show you the way. They know the families who run the teahouses and homestays, explain the villages, monasteries, festivals and food you'd otherwise walk straight past, help you talk with local people, watch for altitude sickness and changing weather, and handle rooms, permits and transport so you can simply enjoy the walk. Many trekkers say their guide was the best part of the trip.
Discover Parbat is a licensed local trekking company from Parbat, near Pokhara, with experienced guides who know these trails and the people along them. Trekking with a partner? Share one guide and split the cost.
Tsum Valley: frequently asked questions
Can I trek Tsum Valley solo?
You can now get the restricted-area permit as a single trekker through a registered agency, but a licensed guide must go with you.
Can I combine Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes. Tsum branches off the Manaslu trail, so many trekkers do Tsum first and then continue around Manaslu over the Larkya La.
How high is Tsum Valley?
The highest usual point is Mu Gompa at about 3,700 m. There is no high pass on the Tsum-only route.
Heading to Tsum Valley? Post your dates and find someone to trek with. It's free.
Questions about Tsum Valley
Trail conditions, permits and gear, answered by trekkers who were just there and our local team.
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