Tsum Valley, also known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness,” is a remote Himalayan region located in northern Nepal. It is a sacred valley situated in the Gorkha district, close to the border with Tibet. The region remained isolated from mainstream tourism until recent years, allowing its ancient culture, traditions, and natural beauty to remain relatively untouched.
Quick Facts
| Location | Gorkha district |
| Altitude | 1,900 meters (6,230 feet) to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) |
| Major Inhabitats | Tsumba people |
| Best time to visit | Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) |
| Trek difficulty | Moderately Challenging |
| Time | 14 to 21 days |
| Permits | -Manaslu Conservation Area Permit -Restricted Area Permit” |
Major Attraction
Buddhist Heritage: Tsum Valley is renowned for its strong ties to Tibetan Buddhism. The valley houses many ancient Buddhist monasteries, chortens (stupas), and mani walls adorned with carved stones inscribed with prayers. The region is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture, and you can experience various religious practices and festivals here.
Unique Treks: The valley offers fantastic trekking opportunities. The most popular trek is the “Tsum Valley Trek” which generally takes around 2-3 weeks to complete. It is a scenic journey that takes you through picturesque landscapes, lush forests, terraced fields, and remote villages. The trail also offers spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal and the Sringi Himal ranges.
Local Villages: The Tsum Valley is inhabited by the Tsumba people, who have their own distinct language, culture, and customs. They are warm and welcoming to visitors and have preserved their traditional lifestyle for centuries. The region is known for its authentic homestay experiences, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the local way of life.
Conservation and Protection: Tsum Valley is also home to the “Tsum Valley Conservation Area,” established in 1998 to preserve the unique biodiversity, culture, and natural resources of the region. The conservation area helps to maintain the delicate ecological balance of the valley and protects endangered wildlife such as the snow leopard and red panda.
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How to Reach Tsum Valley
Kathmandu to Soti Khola: Start by traveling to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. From Kathmandu, you can take a local bus or hire a private vehicle to reach the town of Soti Khola. This is usually the starting point of the Tsum Valley trek.
Trek to Tsum Valley: The actual trek to Tsum Valley begins from Soti Khola. You will pass through various villages and beautiful landscapes during your trek.
Permits: To enter the Tsum Valley region, you need a special permit. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, you must get at least two permits:
(a) the “Restricted Area Permit” issued by the Nepal Tourism Board
(b) the “Manaslu Conservation Area Permit” issued by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Please check with the appropriate authorities or your travel agency for the most current information regarding permits and regulations.
