The Tsum Valley Trek is a remote and less-crowded trekking destination in Nepal that takes hikers through the Tsum Valley, which is located in the northern central part of Nepal, in the Gorkha district. The trek typically takes 8-12 days to complete, depending on the pace of the group and the itinerary. The trek starts and ends in the town of Arughat, and the route passes through the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Conservation Area.
The trek takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including subtropical forests, high-altitude deserts, and glacial valleys. Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life of the Tsum people, who are of Tibetan origin. The trek passes through many small villages and stops at local teahouses for accommodation and meals.
One of the highlights of the trek is the visit to the Tsum Valley, which offers a glimpse into the culture and way of life of the Tsum people, and the opportunity to explore the ancient monasteries and the traditional villages. The trek also includes a visit to the Milarepa Cave, which is believed to be the meditation cave of the famous Tibetan Saint Milarepa. The trek offers stunning views of the peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
It is important to have a proper physical and acclimatization preparation before the trek, also hiring a guide or a porter and checking the weather conditions are highly recommended to make the trek safe and enjoyable. Additionally, special permits are required to enter the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Conservation Area, which can be obtained in Kathmandu.