Manaslu and Tsum · Treks
16 days · Moderate · up to 3,700 m
A journey into the hidden valley of Tsum, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist enclave opened to trekkers only in 2008, with its nunneries, monasteries and mani walls.
Tsum Valley is a 'beyul', a hidden valley of Buddhist tradition, tucked between the Ganesh Himal and the Tibetan border. Polyandry, ancient monasteries such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, and a ban on hunting have preserved a way of life seen almost nowhere else in Nepal.
The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki before turning east into Tsum, never going above 3,700 m, which makes it a cultural trek rather than a high-altitude one.
Moderate: long valley walking days but no high passes.
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening we brief you on the trek, check your gear and sort out any last purchases.
A long drive via Dhading Besi and Soti Khola along the Budhi Gandaki to Machha Khola.
Along the gorge past Tatopani hot springs to Jagat, where the restricted area begins.
Turn off the Manaslu trail at Philim into the Tsum side valley.
Through forest to Chumling, the first village of lower Tsum.
Into upper Tsum with views of Ganesh Himal, to the twin villages of Chhokangparo.
Past Piren Phu, the cave where the saint Milarepa meditated, to Nile.
A short climb to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in Tsum.
Down the valley to the Rachen nunnery.
Back down through upper Tsum to Dumje.
Out of the valley and back to the Budhi Gandaki at Philim.
Down the gorge to Machha Khola.
Drive back to Kathmandu.
A contingency day for flight delays. If unused, we take you on a guided tour of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Free time for souvenir shopping before we drop you at the airport three hours before your flight home.
Next departure Sat, 24 Oct 2026
From US$1,750 per person
6 dates through May 2027
Starts Sat, 24 Oct and ends Sun, 8 Nov 2026
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 17 Oct
US$1,750per person
Starts Sat, 21 Nov and ends Sun, 6 Dec 2026
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 14 Nov
US$1,750per person
Starts Sat, 19 Dec 2026 and ends Sun, 3 Jan 2027
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 12 Dec
US$1,750per person
Starts Sat, 20 Mar and ends Sun, 4 Apr 2027
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 13 Mar
US$1,750per person
Starts Sat, 17 Apr and ends Sun, 2 May 2027
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 10 Apr
US$1,750per person
Starts Sat, 15 May and ends Sun, 30 May 2027
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 8 May
US$1,750per person
Prefer your own dates? Ask for a private trip.
Choose your own datePermits we arrange: Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP)
You don't need technical skills, but you should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day with a light daypack. Regular hiking, running, cycling or stair-climbing for 6 to 8 weeks before the trip makes a big difference.
Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron forests in bloom; autumn (October to December) has the clearest mountain views. Winter is cold but quiet and still very doable on lower routes; June to September is monsoon.
Our itineraries climb gradually and include acclimatisation days. Your guide checks your oxygen saturation each evening. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your guide about any headache, nausea or dizziness straight away.
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest altitude of your trek is required. Please send us a copy before departure.
Carry Nepali rupees for the trail: ATMs are only in towns. Most teahouses sell Wi-Fi and charging; a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) works on much of the route.
Teahouses are simple, family-run lodges with twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Menus run from dal bhat to pasta and pancakes; dal bhat is the best value and comes with refills.
Yes. You need a special permit, a licensed guide and at least two trekkers. We handle the permits.
Yes. Every trip runs as a private trek on the dates you choose, as well as on our fixed group departures. Private trips cost the same per person for two or more travellers.
Our own government-licensed guides from the Annapurna and Everest regions. Most have more than ten years on the trails and speak good English.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and an oximeter and is trained to recognise altitude sickness. If you need to descend, we arrange it immediately, including a helicopter evacuation through your insurance if necessary.
Send an enquiry with your dates. We confirm availability, then take a 20% deposit to secure your place; the balance is paid on arrival in Nepal by card, bank transfer or cash.
Refunds are a share of the total trip price. Permit and flight costs already paid to third parties can't be refunded. You can transfer your booking to another date or person free of charge up to 30 days before departure.