Nepal · Trekking

16-Day Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal with Mu Gompa and Hidden Villages

16 Days Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek in a restricted and culturally preserved region of Nepal
02 Explore the hidden valley of Tsum, rich in ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions
03 Visit ancient monasteries, including Mu Gompa, the largest in the region
04 Experience the unique culture and warm hospitality of the local Tsumbas
05 Witness stunning close-up views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal
06 Walk through pristine rhododendron and pine forests along the mighty Budhi Gandaki river

Venture deep into the Himalayas on a 16-day trek into the sacred Tsum Valley, a hidden Himalayan pilgrimage valley that remained closed to outsiders until 2008. Branching off the main Manaslu circuit, this journey leads through ancient monasteries, culturally preserved villages, and a pristine sanctuary rich in Tibetan Buddhist tradition and the warm hospitality of the local Tsumbas. Following the roaring Budhi Gandaki river into the tranquil valley, you'll enjoy stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal. More than a trek, this is a spiritual and cultural journey back in time.

Venture deep into the Himalayas on a 16-day trek into the sacred Tsum Valley, a hidden Himalayan pilgrimage valley that remained closed to outsiders until 2008.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 16 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Manaslu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Transfer to your hotel and, after checking in, enjoy free time to rest or explore. A welcome dinner and trek briefing take place in the evening.

Day 02

Kathmandu Trek Preparation Day

Spend the day in Kathmandu making final trek preparations while your guide arranges the special restricted area permits. You can also use the day for an optional sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03

Scenic Drive to Machha Khola

Start early for a long and adventurous drive from Kathmandu to the trekking start point at Machha Khola. The journey follows scenic mountain roads.

Driving Time: 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola

Day 04

First Trek Along the Budhi Gandaki to Jagat

Your first day of trekking begins along the Budhi Gandaki river. The trail includes several ups and downs through subtropical forests.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat

Day 05

Cross Bridges and Villages to Lokpa

Continue along the river, crossing suspension bridges and passing through traditional Gurung villages. At Lokpa, the trail officially branches off toward the Tsum Valley.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lokpa

Day 06

Enter Hidden Tsum Valley and Trek to Chumling

Enter the hidden valley of Tsum. The trail descends through forests before climbing to Chumling, a beautiful village with stone houses and views of Shringi Himal.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chumling

Day 07

Valley Views on the Trek to Chhokang Paro

Cross the Serpu Khola and trek uphill to the large and prosperous village of Chhokang Paro. From here, the valley opens up, offering incredible views of Ganesh Himal.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08

Acclimatization Trek to Nile

This is a shorter trekking day to help with acclimatization. The trail passes through smaller settlements and yak pastures, with an optional side trip to Milarepa's Cave, a famous meditation spot.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Nile

Day 09

Trek to Mu Gompa and Monastery Exploration

Trek to Mu Gompa, the highest point of the trek and the largest monastery in the region. Check into a guesthouse and spend the afternoon exploring the ancient monastery and its stunning mountain surroundings.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Mu Gompa

Day 10

Return Down the Valley to Chhokang Paro

Begin the return journey, retracing your steps back down the valley with different views of the majestic landscape.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhokang Paro

Day 11

Side Trip to Gumba Lungdang Nunnery

Take a special side trip to visit the remote Gumba Lungdang nunnery, perched on a hillside with incredible views. This is a quiet and spiritual place.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Gumba Lungdang

Day 12

Long Descent Back to Lokpa

Enjoy a longer day of trekking as you descend further, making your way back toward the main Manaslu trail junction at Lokpa.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lokpa

Day 13

Rejoin the Main Trail to Jagat

Leaving the Tsum Valley behind, rejoin the main trail and trek back down to the familiar village of Jagat.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat

Day 14

Final Trek Back to Machha Khola

Your final day of trekking follows the river back to Machha Khola.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola

Day 15

Jeep Drive Back to Kathmandu

Take a jeep from Machha Khola and drive back to Kathmandu. Check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest. A farewell dinner is held in the evening.

Driving Time: 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 16

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa, Budhi Gandaki river, Ganesh Himal

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfers
All ground transportation (private/public jeep)
All required permits (RAP and MCAP)
Guesthouse accommodation during the trek
Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Licensed, English-speaking guide and a porter (one porter for two trekkers)
All government and local fees

What's Not Included

Nepal visa fee
Flights to and from Nepal
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and phone charging
Tips for the guide and porter

What to bring

Waterproof and windproof jacket, pants, and a down jacket.
Several warm layers of fleece and thermal clothes.
Walking shirts, pants, and strong, worn-in walking boots.
Sleeping bag (good for -10°C), walking sticks, and a small backpack (30-40L).
Charging places are few and cost money.
Headlamp, camera, extra batteries, and a universal travel adapter.
Passport, visa, and travel insurance papers.
Your own first-aid kit with any personal medicines, bandages for blisters, and water purification pills.

Know before you go

This trek requires a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which has a mandatory minimum of two trekkers and must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency. A licensed guide is also required.
This is a strenuous trek. It involves long walking days (6-8 hours), significant elevation gain, and rugged terrain. Previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude is highly recommended.
Accommodation is in basic teahouses (lodges). Rooms are typically simple twin-sharing with basic bedding. Toilets and bathrooms are often shared and may be outside the main building.
Tsum Valley is extremely remote. WiFi is rare and unreliable, and mobile phone service is mostly unavailable. Be prepared to be disconnected.
The journey to and from the trek's start point involves a long (8-10 hour) drive on very bumpy and adventurous mountain roads.

Logistics