Tsum Valley
In Nepali: चुम उपत्यका
Tsum is a beyul, a hidden valley blessed by Guru Rinpoche, branching off the Manaslu trail. Its people, the Tsumba, have their own dialect and customs, and in 1920 the valley declared itself a 'zone of peace' where killing animals is banned.
The trek passes Milarepa's cave, the Rachen and Mu gompas and villages like Chhokangparo. Opened to trekkers only in 2008, it remains restricted and requires a special permit, guide and good fitness.
What to see and do
Visit Milarepa's cave (Piren Phu), the Rachen nunnery, and the Mu Gompa near the Tibetan border, and walk through Chhokangparo and Nile, with views of Ganesh Himal and the Sringi range. Local festivals such as Dhacyhang (horse festival) and Saka Dawa are highlights if you can time them.
Good to know
Tsum requires a restricted-area permit and a licensed guide, plus the Manaslu Conservation Area permit. Lodges and homestays are simple; monastery guesthouses are available. Respect the valley's ban on killing animals — meat is rarely served.
Quick answers
- Where is Tsum Valley?
- Tsum Valley is in Gorkha district, Gandaki Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Tsum Valley?
- About 3,240 m (10,630 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Tsum Valley?
- For a 18-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 129,000 (≈ US$955) per person on a budget, or NPR 168,000 (≈ US$1,245) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, permits, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 55,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Tsum Valley?
- Plan 16 nights there for the trek; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 18 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Tsum Valley?
- Yes. Foreign visitors need a restricted-area permit of about US$40 per person per week, issued only through a licensed trekking agency. You also pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Tsum Valley?
- Yes. Restricted areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two.
- When is the best time to visit Tsum Valley?
- March–May; September–November
- How do I get to Tsum Valley?
- Branch from the Manaslu Circuit at Lokpa, about 2–3 weeks in all. It is about 102 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Tsum Valley called in Nepali?
- चुम उपत्यका
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