Classical Whole Tsum Valley Trek - 18 Days

The Deep Journey into Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley reveals itself slowly. The 12-day trek shows you the postcard - the 18-day Classical Whole trek lets you live the story. Spanning three weeks of immersive walking, this itinerary visits not only the celebrated upper villages but also Gumba Lungtang, a remote nunnery where you can spend two full days in spiritual retreat alongside the resident nuns.

Tsum Valley's Sacred Landscape

Sitting in northern Gorkha at the Tibetan frontier, Tsum Valley was opened to outsiders only in 2008. The valley is shaped by three peaks - Ganesh Himal (eastern), Shringi Himal (western) and Baudha Himal (southern) - and is bisected by the Shyar Khola river. The 14 villages of Lower Tsum sit on terraced hillsides while the 13 villages of Upper Tsum spread across a high flat plateau just below the Tibetan plateau.

The local people, called Tsumpas, speak Tsum - a language about 75% related to Tibetan but with distinct tone. Their faith is unflinchingly Buddhist, and their commitment to non-violence, codified in 1920 under the Shyagya tradition, makes Tsum the only region on earth where animals are never killed.

What Makes the 18-Day Different

Where shorter Tsum treks loop back from Mu Gompa, this itinerary continues onward to Gumba Lungtang at 3,200m, a remote nunnery hidden in pine forests with Ganesh Himal directly framing the horizon. A full rest day inside the nunnery gives time for meditation, attending pujas with the nuns, and observing the rhythms of monastic life. The push to Ghala Viewpoint (3,800m) above the gompa rewards trekkers with one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in all of Nepal - Ganesh Himal east, Upper Tsum spread out west, and a sky so vast it feels limitless.

Permits and Logistics

You will need:
- Special Restricted Area Permit for Tsum Valley
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
- Minimum 2 trekkers and a licensed Nepali guide (mandatory by Nepali law)

All paperwork is handled by our office in Kathmandu.

Altitude Profile and Acclimatization

The trek climbs gradually from 730m at Sotikhola to a maximum of 3,800m at Ghala Viewpoint. The slow ascent with built-in rest days at Choekangparo and Gumba Lungtang dramatically reduces altitude-sickness risk. Our guides carry oximeters, Diamox and a fully stocked medical kit.

Seasons

• Spring (March to May): Rhododendron forests bloom red, pink and white. Days are warm, nights cool. Excellent visibility.
• Autumn (September to November): Crystal-clear skies, stable weather and the prime season for mountain photography.

Winter sees heavy snow above 3,000m; monsoon brings landslides. Both should be avoided for this itinerary.

Photography

The 18-day pace means you can shoot at dawn and dusk in light no day-trekker sees. Standout subjects: monks at Mu Gompa, prayer wheels at Rachen, the panorama from Ghala, and the suspension bridges of the Budhi Gandaki gorge.

Fitness and Preparation

Moderate fitness is essential. Train with hill walks (6+ hours), cardio (running, cycling) and core strength work for two to three months. There is no technical climbing, but you must be comfortable with full days of walking on uneven trails.

Clothing:
- Down jacket rated to -10°C
- Insulated mid-layer (fleece)
- Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- 3 quick-dry trekking shirts
- 2 trekking trousers (convertible)
- Thermal base layers
- 5 pairs merino wool socks
- Warm beanie, sun hat, buff
- Light and insulated gloves

Footwear:
- Sturdy waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Optional gaiters

Accessories:
- 50L daypack
- 70L duffel for porter
- Sleeping bag rated -10°C (rentable in Kathmandu)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- UV-protective sunglasses
- 2L water capacity (bottles or bladder)
- Water purification tablets / SteriPen
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Universal travel adapter

Documents:
- Passport with Nepal visa
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- 4 passport photos
- Cash in Nepali rupees

Medical:
- Personal first aid kit
- Diamox (consult your doctor)
- Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm with SPF
- Anti-diarrhoea, painkillers
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper