Trek Short Profile
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12 days, 11 nights (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
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10 walking days and 2 driving days
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At Mu Gompa 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (day hike from Nile)
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Tsum Valley, Gorkha district, Gandaki Province, Nepal
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Tsum Valley special permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
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September to November and March to May
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek
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Local bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and back
Tsum Valley Trek Nepal Highlights
- Walk into Tsum Valley, a hidden Tibetan Buddhist valley that opened to trekkers only in 2008
- Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) near the Tibet border
- Visit the cave where the saint Milarepa is said to have meditated
- See Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and the Manaslu range from the upper valley
- Soak in the Tatopani hot spring and follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge over suspension bridges
- Local bus and lodge travel with a licensed guide: the real valley on a lean budget
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Online nowOverview
The Budget Tsum Valley Trek takes you into Tsum, a hidden valley tucked behind Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu range, in 12 days from Kathmandu. You follow the Budhi Gandaki River to Jagat, turn east at Lokpa, and climb through Chumling, Chokang Paro and Nile to Mu Gompa at 3,700 m.
Local people call it Beyul Kyimolung, a hidden valley of happiness. The Tsumba people here follow Tibetan Buddhism, and the valley only opened to trekkers in 2008, so it still sees far fewer walkers than the Manaslu Circuit.
Tsum is a restricted area, so every trekker needs a licensed guide and the right permits. We arrange all of it. See the Tsum Valley permit guide for details.
This trip suits travellers who want culture and mountain views on a low budget, without a high pass. If you want more time in the valley, look at the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. To add the Manaslu Circuit and Larkya La, see the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek.
This budget Tsum Valley trek keeps costs low with local buses and jeeps and simple village lodges. We handle the permits and your licensed guide. You get one of Nepal’s quietest trekking valleys.
What Is the Budget Tsum Valley Trek?
The Budget Tsum Valley Trek is a 12-day guided trek, Kathmandu to Kathmandu, into a remote Tibetan Buddhist valley near the Tibet border. You travel by local bus or jeep, sleep in simple lodges and hike up to Mu Gompa (3,700 m). It is moderate, with no high pass. Go in spring or autumn.
Why Choose the Budget Tsum Valley Trek
- A hidden valley, not a busy circuit. Tsum opened to trekkers in 2008, and you often have the trail to yourself.
- Living Tibetan Buddhist culture. Monasteries, nunneries, chortens and long mani walls fill every village above Chumling.
- Mu Gompa and the Milarepa cave. Visit the cave where the poet-saint Milarepa is said to have meditated, then hike to Mu Gompa near the Tibet border.
- No high pass. The highest point is Mu Gompa at 3,700 m, and you sleep no higher than Nile.
- Local transport. Buses and jeeps cut the biggest fixed cost of the trip.
- A hot spring on the way. Stop at the natural hot spring at Tatopani, between Machha Khola and Jagat.
Budget Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary: 12 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola by local bus or jeep | 930 m | About 7 hours |
| 2 | Machha Khola to Jagat via Tatopani | 1,345 m | About 6 hours |
| 3 | Jagat to Chisapani via Philim | 1,660 m | About 5 hours |
| 4 | Chisapani to Chumling (enter Tsum Valley) | 2,386 m | About 6 hours |
| 5 | Chumling to Chokang Paro | 3,010 m | About 5 hours |
| 6 | Chokang Paro to Nile via the Milarepa cave | 3,361 m | About 6 hours |
| 7 | Day hike to Mu Gompa (3,700 m), back to Nile | 3,361 m | About 7 hours |
| 8 | Nile to Chumling | 2,386 m | About 6 hours |
| 9 | Chumling to Philim | 1,570 m | About 6 hours |
| 10 | Philim to Khorla Besi | 970 m | About 5 hours |
| 11 | Khorla Besi to Machha Khola | 930 m | About 4 hours |
| 12 | Drive Machha Khola to Kathmandu | 1,340 m | About 7 hours |
Altitude and Acclimatization on the Tsum Valley Trek
Altitude is lower here than on the Manaslu Circuit. You sleep above 3,000 m for three nights: Chokang Paro and two nights at Nile. The day hike to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) follows the climb-high, sleep-low rule, because you walk up and come back down to Nile for the night.
Watch for these signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of appetite. Mild symptoms often ease with rest and water. Worsening symptoms mean going down. Your guide checks on you each evening and adjusts the plan if needed.
How Difficult Is the Budget Tsum Valley Trek?
It is moderate. You need no climbing skills and there is no high pass, but the days are long and the trail climbs and drops a lot along the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
- Longest days: Day 7, the Mu Gompa hike, about 7 hours both ways, and the two 7-hour drive days.
- Steepest walking: the climb from Chisapani into Tsum Valley on Day 4.
- Best preparation: six to eight weeks of long hikes with a loaded daypack, stair climbing and leg strength work. Break in your boots before you fly.
- Talk to your doctor first if you have a heart, lung or blood pressure condition, or any condition that high altitude can make worse.
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Online nowTsum Valley Trek Itinerary
Written & checked by Nim Bhatta
Licensed by the Nepal Department of Tourism, Nim has led treks on the Manaslu Circuit since 2009 and is trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness response. He last walked the full Manaslu Circuit in spring 2025 to check lodges and trail conditions.
Last updated:
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Machha Khola 930 m / 3,051 ft 7 hrs- 7 hours drive
- Distance: Approx. 160 km / 100 miles
- Accommodation: Guesthouse / local lodge
Depart for wonderful adventure to Tsum Valley Budget trekking, taking a local vehicle, either in bus, or coach. Traveling the local ways, the drive from the Kathmandu bus park, heads beyond the city towards Gorkha district. Located Nepal Mid-West around Gandaki Zone, a country of low and mid-hills, heavily cultivated farm areas. The drive follows Nepal’s main busy highway for some hours and then diverts heading north to Arughat town.
Arughat town is situated on low farm areas close to the raging Buri Gandaki River. Following the river upstream to Soti-Khola, from here another short hour drive with slow uphill to Machha Khola for overnight. A moderate size farm village with a number of simple and basic lodges for an overnight stop. The name Machha Khola means a Fishing stream.
Day 02: Trek to Jagat
Jagat 1,345 m / 4,413 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse / local lodge
From Machha Khola, after a pleasant overnight stop, the second-day walks lead to cooler hills. On leaving the low sub-tropical heavily farmed areas, the route follows slow ups and downs. Walking through a patch of forest reaching Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring, enjoy the refreshing bathing as time permits.
Walk to Khola Besi and then to Dovan, a nice farm village for a short refreshing stop and continue the climb. As the day ends reach a nice moderate size hill village at Jagat for an overnight halt.
At Jagat, with time a short walk around to observe the local cultures, a blend of Hindu and Buddhism religions.
Day 03: Trek to Chisapani
Chisapani 1,660 m / 5,446 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse / local lodge
After a pleasant time at Jagat, from here onwards starts the Restricted Area of Tsum Valley & Upper Manaslu. After Jagat all foreign visitors need to obtain a special permit to enter Tsum Valley & Upper Manaslu.
The walk leads to climbing and then crossing a bridge to Nagjet and Philim villages, a lovely farm area. As route leads past the neatly tended farm terraces reaching a cool shade of the forest on reaching Deng. From here onwards into strong Buddhism culture, as walk follows higher area, past Deng. Slowly the long day trek comes to an end on reaching at a small farm village of Chisapani for an overnight stop.
Day 04: Trek to Chumling
Chumling 2,386 m / 7,828 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
From here onwards entering the hidden valley of Tsum, morning walk to a narrow river gorge. Leads to a short descent, and then with steep up reaching a forested path lined with rhododendron and pine trees. The walk continues past smaller farm villages. Then to a gradual uphill as walk heads east above a stream then reaching at first village of Tsum in Chumling overnight halt.
Day 05: Trek to Chokang-Paro
Chokang-Paro 3,010 m / 9,875 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
After first overnight around Tsum region, having breakfast morning walk leads
further east. Adventure continues through cultivated farm terraces villages facing
views of Ganesh, Sringi and Manaslu Himal. Walk then heads downhill to cross a
bridge above Smatiking Khola / stream to reach at Chokang-Paro for overnight
stop. A nice moderate traditional farm village facing views of stunning landscapes with snow-capped peaks.
Enjoy the afternoon exploring the village of strong Buddhism culture and custom
adorned with prayer monuments.
Day 06: Trek to Nile via Milarepa meditation holy cave
Nile 3,361 m / 11,027 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse / local lodge
Start the morning overlooking great scenery of dramatic landscapes, after a
pleasant overnight. From this nice village walk leads closer to our main highlight
destination around Tsum Valley towards Nile and Mu Gompa. Following on
windswept terrain, then reaching into a wide open scenic valley.
Enjoy a side trip to an interesting cave of 11th saint and guru Milarepa of Tibet, who stayed here for mediation. Milarepa a renowned Buddhist saint lived his whole life as a hermit meditating and staying in caves. From here into dry, arid landscapes similar like Tibetan terrains, where green vegetation and tall trees fades for smaller juniper bush. Walk continues along with grand views of Ganesh and Manaslu Himal. Finally, the long day walk completes reaching Nile for overnight stop in a nice simple lodge. Probably the best overnight accommodation and food provided around Tsum area.
Day 07: Trek to Mu Gompa and return to Nile
Nile 3,700 m / 12,139 ft 7 hrs- 7 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Enjoying a pleasant time and overnight in Nile village, morning from Nile a short
day hike to Mu Gompa. Reaching our final destination at the end of Tsum Valley
morning walk leads with gradual climb on a dry windswept terrain.
As walk continues facing dramatic scenery of surrounding beautiful landscapes
and of snow peaks. After hours of exciting trek, then finally ending the walk on
reaching Mu Gompa the highest spot of the trip. Having rest, explore the scenic
surroundings and visit the monastery interior of cultural and religious interest.
The monastery adorned with statue of Lord Buddha and idols of famous saints
and Gurus with vibrant religious paintings. Explore around Mu Gompa the highest
and remote areas of Tsum Valley. Interested people can take a short visit of
Dhephu Doma Gompa, a nunnery. Having simple lunch at Mu Gompa simple
restaurants of the monastery, then head back to Nile for overnight stop.
Day 08: Trek to Chumling
Chumling 2,386 m / 7,828 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
After an exciting visit of Mu Gompa, Nile and Burgi villages walk towards Chumling, return route heading south to cross a bridge on the west bank.
Walk leads through Chokang Paro, and then downhill to join the main trail at Chumling for last overnight stop around Tsum Valley area.
Day 09: Trek to Philim village
Philim village 1,570 m / 5,151 ft 6 hrs- 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Morning walk to Lokpa and then downhill to Philim nice farm village, the route leads to gradual ups and down. Then reaching on the main trail of Manaslu trail as walk continues heading further down leaving Tsum valley area.
The trail follows past Deng then at Philim village for an overnight stop, where the climate is mild. A lovely spread out village with neat tended farm terraces.
Day 10: Trek to Khorla Besi
Khorla Besi 970 m / 3,182 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
From Philim down to Jagat village for possible lunch stop, after a refreshing break walk continues on downhill. As altitude drops along with change of vegetation and landscapes, reaching warmer low farm areas at Khorla Besi.
A small farm village for overnight stop, before ending our walk at Machha-Khola.
Day 11: Trek to Machha Khola
Machha Khola 930 m / 3,051 ft 4 hrs- 4 hours walk
- Accommodation: Simple guesthouse / local lodge
Enjoy the last day walk of the adventure, as route leads into a cool shade of forest
to Tatopani. A place with natural hot-spring, time permitting enjoy the hot bathe
relaxing the muscles after a long downhill walk. From Tatopani another few hours
of pleasant walk to Machha-Khola for last overnight in the comfort of a nice
simple lodge.
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu via Arughat
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft 7 hrs- 7 hours drive by shared jeep or bus
- Distance: Approx. 160 km / 100 miles
- Accommodation: Hotel
Final day around the Himalayan remote farm villages of Gorkha district, leaving Machha-Khola, after breakfast. Depending upon the size of a group and types of local public vehicles. A long overland journey but interesting on winding road through farm areas of Gorkha and Dhading districts. As drive leads past Arughat towns and farm village and then joining the main Kathmandu highway.
Drive continuers with last uphill on the outskirt of Kathmandu valley, then finally reaching Kathmandu city and back to your hotel. Arriving by late afternoon or evening time. After a most mesmerizing adventure of a lifetime experience on Tsum Valley Budget Trek.
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Online now930 m3,051 ftDay 02 Trek to Jagat
1,345 m4,413 ftDay 03 Trek to Chisapani
1,660 m5,446 ftDay 04 Trek to Chumling
2,386 m7,828 ftDay 05 Trek to Chokang-Paro
3,010 m9,875 ftDay 06 Trek to Nile via Milarepa meditation holy cave
3,361 m11,027 ftDay 07 Trek to Mu Gompa and return to Nile
3,700 m12,139 ft3,700 m12,139 ftDay 08 Trek to Chumling
2,386 m7,828 ftDay 09 Trek to Philim village
1,570 m5,151 ftDay 10 Trek to Khorla Besi
970 m3,182 ftDay 11 Trek to Machha Khola
930 m3,051 ftDay 12 Drive to Kathmandu via Arughat
1,340 m4,396 ft123456789101112
High 17°C63°F · Low 6°C43°FJanFeb Machha Khola
High 19°C66°F · Low 8°C46°FFebMar Machha Khola
High 23°C73°F · Low 11°C52°FMarApr Machha Khola
High 26°C79°F · Low 14°C57°FAprMay Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 18°C64°FMayJun Machha Khola
High 28°C82°F · Low 22°C72°FJunJul Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 23°C73°FJulAug Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 23°C73°FAugSep Machha Khola
High 27°C81°F · Low 21°C70°FSepOct Machha Khola
High 25°C77°F · Low 17°C63°FOctNov Machha Khola
High 22°C72°F · Low 12°C54°FNovDec Machha Khola
High 18°C64°F · Low 8°C46°FDec
High -4°C25°F · Low -13°C9°FJanFeb Mu Gompa
High -3°C27°F · Low -11°C12°FFebMar Mu Gompa
High 0°C32°F · Low -7°C19°FMarApr Mu Gompa
High 5°C41°F · Low -3°C27°FAprMay Mu Gompa
High 10°C50°F · Low 3°C37°FMayJun Mu Gompa
High 15°C59°F · Low 8°C46°FJunJul Mu Gompa
High 17°C63°F · Low 10°C50°FJulAug Mu Gompa
High 17°C63°F · Low 10°C50°FAugSep Mu Gompa
High 15°C59°F · Low 8°C46°FSepOct Mu Gompa
High 10°C50°F · Low 2°C36°FOctNov Mu Gompa
High 5°C41°F · Low -4°C25°FNovDec Mu Gompa
High 0°C32°F · Low -10°C14°FDec
Average temperatures (approx.), 2015 to 2024. Source: Open-Meteo, adjusted to each village's altitude.
Culture of Tsum Valley
The people of upper Tsum are called Tsumba. Their language, religion and customs are close to Tibetan culture, and the valley once sat on a trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Barter still happens on a small scale.
Most villages have a gompa, prayer walls and spinning prayer wheels. Mu Gompa and the Rachen Gompa nunnery are the best known. For festivals and more background, see the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek page.
Best Time to Trek Tsum Valley
| Season | Months | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September to November | Clear skies, cold mornings, short days | Best overall |
| Spring | March to May | Rhododendrons in bloom, longer days, afternoon cloud, cheaper permit rate | Best value |
| Winter | December to February | Very cold, snow in the upper valley, some lodges closed | Experienced trekkers only |
| Monsoon | June to August | Heavy rain, leeches, landslide risk, roads can close | Not recommended |
- Autumn: the best views and dry trails. Nights at Nile are cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag.
- Spring: warmer days and blooming forests on the lower trail. Afternoon cloud can hide the peaks.
- Winter: snow can make the trail above Chumling hard going, and some lodges near Mu Gompa close.
- Monsoon: local buses and jeeps to Machha Khola may be cancelled when roads wash out.
Required Permits for the Budget Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley is a restricted area. You cannot walk in without permits and a licensed guide. The restricted section starts after Jagat. We apply for the permits, so you only send your passport copy, visa details, passport-size photos and insurance information.
| Permit | Where it applies | Fee for foreign trekkers |
|---|---|---|
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | Lokpa, Chumling, Chokang Paro, Nile, Mu Gompa and the rest of Tsum | September to November: USD 40 for the first 7 days, then USD 7 per extra day. December to August: USD 30 for the first 7 days, then USD 7 per extra day. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | The protected Manaslu area, from Jagat | NPR 3,000 |
Rules to know:
- A licensed guide is required for every trekker.
- Only a registered trekking agency can apply for the restricted area permit. You cannot apply yourself.
- Solo travellers can now apply alone. The old two-trekker rule was removed on 22 March 2026. The guide and agency rules did not change.
- This trek stays in Tsum, so you do not need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit or ACAP. You need them only if you continue onto the Manaslu Circuit.
- Fees are set by the government and can change. We confirm the current figures before you travel.
Last checked: October 2026. Read our full Tsum Valley permit guide.
Budget Tsum Valley Trek Packing List
| Head and hands | Sun hat, warm fleece hat or beanie, UV sunglasses, liner gloves and warm gloves |
|---|---|
| Upper body | Quick-dry T-shirts, thermal base layer, fleece jacket, waterproof shell jacket, down jacket |
| Lower body | Trekking pants, thermal base layer pants, waterproof shell pants |
| Feet | Broken-in waterproof boots, liner and wool socks, camp shoes or sandals |
| Gear | Warm sleeping bag, headlamp, trekking poles, daypack (30 to 40 L if you carry your own bag), water bottles plus a filter or purification tablets, power bank, swimsuit for the Tatopani hot spring |
| Documents and money | Passport with visa, insurance with helicopter evacuation cover, passport-size photos for permits, enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek |
For a full list, see what to carry for the Manaslu region.
Accommodation & Food
Lodges (guesthouses): Rooms are simple, with twin beds and shared bathrooms in most villages. Lodges in upper Tsum are small family homes, so expect basic comfort. Hot showers cost extra where they exist.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek are part of this trip. Expect dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, eggs, Tibetan bread and local tsampa in the upper valley.
Drinking water: Lodges sell boiled or filtered water. Bring a filter or purification tablets and refill from taps.
Power and Wi-Fi: Charging costs a small fee and is often solar. Wi-Fi and phone signal are weak or missing in upper Tsum.
There are no ATMs after Kathmandu. Carry enough Nepali rupees for drinks, showers, charging, snacks and tips.
Safety & Guide Information
Guides: Your guide is licensed and government registered, trained in altitude awareness and basic medical response, and knows the trail, the lodges and the villages. English-speaking guides are standard.
Emergencies: If someone has serious AMS, an injury or an illness, we organize a descent. If needed, we arrange a helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu. Evacuation costs are your responsibility, so travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is essential. Make sure it covers you up to at least 4,000 m.
Communication: Mobile coverage is patchy along the Budhi Gandaki and often absent in upper Tsum.
Respect local customs: Tsum is a sacred valley where killing animals has long been forbidden. Walk to the left of mani walls and chortens, and dress modestly in monasteries.
Seasons to avoid: Heavy monsoon rain from June to August brings landslides and road closures in the lower Budhi Gandaki valley.
- Lower Cost, Same ValleyA lean 12-day plan that keeps costs down without cutting the walk into Tsum Valley.
- Only the Fees You Must PayThe main fixed costs are the Tsum restricted area permit and Manaslu conservation fee, and we arrange both.
- Licensed Local GuideA licensed guide is required in Tsum, and ours knows the villages and teahouse owners well.
- Quiet Buddhist VillagesWalk past prayer walls and old gompas in a valley that sees few trekkers.
- Simple Teahouse StaysSleep in local lodges with warm meals and real hospitality, not crowds.
- 24/7 SupportOur team stays on call for your whole trek, including emergency evacuation coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes 12 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu: 10 walking days and 2 driving days to and from Machha Khola.
It is moderate. There is no high pass and the highest point is Mu Gompa at 3,700 m, but most days are 5 to 7 hours of walking with lots of up and down.
This budget trip is shorter and uses local buses, jeeps and simple lodges. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is 17 days, with more time in the valley and Kathmandu hotel nights.
No. This trek stays in Tsum, so you need the Tsum Valley restricted area permit and the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and ACAP are only for the Manaslu Circuit.
Yes. Since 22 March 2026 you can apply for the restricted area permit as one person. You still need a registered agency and a licensed guide.
Mu Gompa at 3,700 m (12,139 ft), reached on a day hike from Nile. The highest place you sleep is Nile at 3,361 m.
The risk is lower than on the Manaslu Circuit, but it is still real above 3,000 m. You climb to Mu Gompa and sleep lower at Nile, and your guide checks on you each evening.
September to November and March to May. Autumn has the clearest skies. Spring has blooming forests and a cheaper permit rate. Avoid the June to August monsoon.
Simple family-run guesthouses with twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Upper Tsum lodges are basic, so a warm sleeping bag helps.
Only in a few lower villages, and it is slow. In upper Tsum you are often without signal, so tell family before you go.
Carry enough Nepali rupees for drinks, showers, charging, snacks and tips for the whole trek. There are no ATMs after Kathmandu and lodges do not take cards.
Budget Tsum Valley Trek Map
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