Gokyo Lakes Trek
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Tsum Valley Trek
The sacred valley of the Tsumba people - a hidden Buddhist kingdom
Overview
The Tsum Valley - known locally as the 'Sacred Himalayan Valley' - is a hidden Buddhist valley in the remote north of the Manaslu region, branching off the main Manaslu Circuit trail. Opened to trekkers only in 2008, Tsum remains one of the most culturally intact Tibetan-Buddhist regions in Nepal, with ancient gompas, mani walls that stretch for kilometers, and a population of Tsumba people who have practiced their traditions unchanged for centuries.
The valley is steeped in Buddhist legend - it is said to be a beyul, a sacred hidden valley blessed by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in the 8th century as a refuge in times of crisis. The trail follows the Siyar Khola through traditional villages with their flat-roofed Tibetan houses, ancient chortens and water-driven prayer wheels, eventually reaching the Mu Gompa (3,700 m) at the head of the valley near the Tibetan border.
Rated Moderate, the Tsum Valley trek is suitable for fit trekkers with previous trekking experience. It can be done as a standalone trek or combined with the Manaslu Circuit for a 21-day grand trek. Our package includes all permits (including the special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit), a guide and porter team, teahouse accommodation and full meals.
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Max Altitude
3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2 - 12 trekkers
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Teahouse lodges (basic)
Trekking Style
Lodge-based
Start/End
Soti Khola / Soti Khola
Trip highlights
Visit Mu Gompa (3,700 m) at the head of the Tsum Valley near the Tibetan border
Ancient Buddhist gompas - Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa and Dephyudonma Gompa
Mani walls that stretch for kilometers along the trail
Culturally intact Tibetan-Buddhist Tsumba people, unchanged for centuries
Milarepa's Cave - meditation cave of the famous 11th-century yogi
Truly off-the-beaten-path - opened to trekkers only in 2008
Combine with the Manaslu Circuit for a 21-day grand trek
Itinerary
5 days1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation 1,400m
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your guide for a full trip briefing and permit processing. Welcome dinner in the evening.
Highlights
Briefing and welcome dinner
Restricted area permits require passport photos and 7 working days.
2
Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola and trek to Philim 1,570m
Drive about 8 hours from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, then begin walking up the Budhi Gandaki through subtropical forest and small villages. After two days of trekking, reach the village of Philim, where the trail splits - left for Manaslu Circuit, right for Tsum Valley.
Highlights
Budhi Gandaki valley, Philim permit checkpoint
Take the right branch at Philim to enter Tsum Valley.
3
Day 3: Trek into the Tsum Valley via Lokpa and Chhokang Paro 3,360m
Enter the Tsum Valley through the village of Lokpa, climb through forest to the traditional Tsumba village of Chhokang Paro (3,010 m). Continue up the valley through Burji, Chhule and Nile to the head of the valley near the Tibetan border.
Highlights
Tsumba villages, mani walls, Tibetan culture
Respect local customs - Tsum is a sacred valley.
4
Day 4: Visit Mu Gompa and Milarepa's Cave 3,700m
Visit Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the most important monastery in Tsum, founded in 1895. Optional hike further up to Dephyudonma Gompa. On the way down, visit Rachen Gompa (a large nunnery) and Milarepa's Cave, where the famous 11th-century yogi Milarepa is said to have meditated.
Highlights
Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Milarepa's Cave
Try to attend the morning puja at Mu Gompa.
5
Day 5: Return trek to Soti Khola and drive back to Kathmandu 1,400m
Retrace your steps back down the Tsum Valley and the Budhi Gandaki over five days, returning to Soti Khola. Drive back to Kathmandu, with a farewell dinner in the evening.
Highlights
Return trek, farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Long travel day on the return drive - bring snacks.
Elevation profile
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All accommodations during the trek on twin-share basis
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- One porter for every two trekkers (carries up to 12 kg)
- All required permits and TIMS card
- Domestic flights as per itinerary
- First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (covers Tsum Valley)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (return route)
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and laundry on trek
- Beverages, bottled water and snacks on trek
- Tips for guide and porter
Trip options
Choose the option that suits you best.
Extra services
Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.
Airport Pickup
Private vehicle airport transfer each way
$35
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Helicopter Rescue Fund
Pre-paid emergency helicopter evacuation coverage
$95
Down Jacket Rental
Premium 800-fill down jacket for the trek
$25
Meet your guides
👤
Tashi Lama
Lead Guide
<p>Tashi is from the Manaslu region and has been guiding the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley for over a decade. He speaks English, Tibetan and basic French, and is deeply versed in Tibetan Buddhism.</p>
Departure dates
Apr 15, 2026 Apr 28
Seats: 10/12
Guaranteed
$1,590
May 13, 2026 May 26
Seats: 8/12
Guaranteed
$1,590
Jun 10, 2026 Jun 23
Seats: 3/12
Guaranteed
$1,590
Pricing
Per person
$1,590
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$1,113
InfantsFree
Group discounts
Automatically applied at checkout:
5+ travelers
-5%
8+ travelers
-8%
10+ travelers
-10%
12+ travelers
-12%
Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.
Route map
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Map coordinates not set for this trip.
🟢 Start point: Soti Khola
🔴 End point: Soti Khola
🟠 Trek route
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Frequently asked questions
What is a beyul?
A beyul is a sacred hidden valley in Tibetan Buddhism, blessed by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in the 8th century as a refuge for Buddhists in times of crisis. Tsum Valley is one of the most famous beyuls, along with Khumbu and Kham. These valleys are said to be discoverable only to those with pure minds and the right karmic connection, and are believed to be protected by local deities.
How does Tsum compare to the Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley share the same lower trail along the Budhi Gandaki, then split at Philim. The Manaslu Circuit crosses the Larkya La pass (5,106 m) and is more strenuous. The Tsum Valley branches east into a culturally rich valley that does not require a high pass crossing - the maximum altitude is 3,700 m at Mu Gompa. The two can be combined into a 21-day 'Manaslu-Tsum' grand trek.
What is the accommodation like in Tsum Valley?
Tsum Valley is more remote than the Manaslu Circuit, and the teahouse lodges are basic - simple twin-share rooms with shared squat toilets, limited heating and basic food. Some lodges offer hot showers for an extra fee. The upside is a much more authentic experience of rural Tibetan-Buddhist life. Our package uses the best available lodges at each stop.
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Tsum Valley Trek
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