SnapTrip
ModerateManaslu, Nepal
Tsum Valley Trek
A sacred, restricted valley on the Tibetan border — Buddhist monasteries, Milarepa's meditation caves, and a culture untouched by modernity. One of Nepal's least-visited gems.
Quick Answer
The Tsum Valley trek takes 14–18 days, reaches a maximum altitude of 3,700m, and costs $1200–$2000 total (permits included). It is rated moderate and best done in spring or fall.
Duration
14–18
days
Max Altitude
3,700m
12,139 ft
Total Cost
$1200–$2000
USD per person
Best Seasons
spring
fall
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🔥 Popular this season
Trek Highlights
- Sacred Himalayan valley
- Ancient Buddhist monasteries
- Tibetan border culture
- Milarepa's meditation caves
- Almost zero Western tourists
Permits & Documents Required
Restricted Area Permit
$100/week (Sep-Nov), $75/week (Dec-Aug)Tsum Valley is a restricted area — same as Manaslu permit
Department of Immigration, Kathmandu (via agency)Processing: 3-5 business days
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
$30Conservation area entry permit
Conservation officeProcessing: On the spot
TIMS Card
$20Trekkers' Information Management System card
Nepal Tourism BoardProcessing: Same day
Tip: Get your TIMS card and permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. Bring passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
Complete Equipment Checklist
🧥Clothing(11 items)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece mid-layer jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking trousers (zip-off)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat & sun hat
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Wool/synthetic hiking socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters
- Light down jacket
- Comfortable trekking boots (broken in)
🎒Gear(6 items)
- 60–70L trekking backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10C rated)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottles (2× 1L)
- Waterproof stuff sacks
🩺Essentials(7 items)
- Passport + permit photocopies
- First aid kit
- Diamox (altitude sickness prevention)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ & lip balm
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Cash in NPR (ATMs unreliable on trail)
📷Optional(7 items)
- Kindle / book
- Playing cards
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Portable charger (10000mAh+)
- Camera
- Lightweight tripod
📖 In-depth guide available
Read our complete day-by-day Tsum Valley guide with permit costs, teahouse tips, and altitude acclimatization advice.
Required Permits
- •Restricted Area Permit ($100/week)
- •Manaslu Conservation Permit ($30)
- •TIMS Card ($20)
Requirements
FitnessAverage fitness
Difficultymoderate
Acclimatization1 day
Max altitude3,700m (12,139 ft)
🤔
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