The Tsum Valley is a narrow side valley near the Tibetan border, long known as a sacred hidden valley. It is quieter than the main circuit and valued for its monasteries and traditions.
Extra time
Adding the valley usually takes about a week, depending on how far up you go and how many rest days you take. It branches from the main trail near Lokpa, and returns to the same point before the route continues to Philim and Deng.
Permit fees
The Tsum Valley has its own restricted-area fee. The figures supplied to us, per person, are:
- September to November: USD 40 for the first week, then USD 7 per day beyond one week.
- December to August: USD 30 for the first week, then USD 7 per day beyond one week.
This is in addition to the main Manaslu permit when you combine them. Fees can change, so confirm them before booking.
TIMS and guide
The Tsum Valley and the Manaslu-Tsum Valley route are on the list of routes where a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card are required.
What you will see
- Old monasteries and nunneries in a Tibetan Buddhist setting.
- Villages with stone houses, mani walls and prayer wheels.
- Terraced fields and high views of Ganesh Himal and other peaks.
Comfort level
Lodges are simple, and distances between villages can be long. The valley is more rustic than the circuit's main corridor. Respect local customs and dress modestly in religious places.
Ask us for a combined plan with a sensible number of days.
Why people add it
The valley's monasteries, nunneries and cave sites give a sense of Himalayan Buddhism that is less commercialised than in many areas. Villages like Chhekampar and Chhule have traditional houses and mani walls stretching along the trail, and the surrounding mountains are dramatic. If you are interested in culture, photography or quiet trails, the extra days are likely to be a highlight.
How it affects acclimatisation
Because Tsum is a side valley, it gives you a gentle introduction to altitude, with a rise that allows your body to adjust before the main circuit climbs higher. Many trekkers feel stronger on the pass after a week in the valley. Include rest days and avoid rushing, since the altitude is real.
Practical details
Lodges are simple, with limited menus and basic facilities. The paths can be rough, with narrow sections and landslide-prone slopes. Weather may disrupt the trail, so build in flexibility. Check with your operator about additional permits and fees for the valley, and the number of days they cover.
Good questions
- How many extra days are needed and what is the cost?
- Which villages will we stay in?
- What happens if landslides block the route?
Villages and monasteries
Highlights of Tsum Valley include Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, Chhule and Mu Gompa near the Tibetan border at around 3,700 m. Ancient monasteries and nunneries sit among barley fields and prayer walls. The valley is regarded as sacred, with customs such as no killing of animals and no unnecessary noise.
Respecting local customs
Walk clockwise around mani walls, remove shoes at monasteries, ask before photographing and avoid eating meat in sacred places. Dress modestly. These small gestures are appreciated by the local community.
