Tsum Valleyचुम्लिङ
The first main village of lower Tsum, across the Shiar Khola from the trail from Lokpa.
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep), river crossings (Jun-Sep).
Chumling is the first sizeable village of the Tsum Valley, set among terraced fields above the Shiar Khola about a day's walk east of Lokpa. On the Tsum Valley trek it is the first night inside Tsum proper and often the last night on the way out.
The village has an old gompa, stone houses and orchards, and views of the Ganesh Himal peaks to the south-east. From Chumling the trail continues up the valley through Rainjam and Gho to Chhokang Paro.
Chumling is home to Tsumba people, of Tibetan culture and Buddhist faith, who speak a Tibetan dialect. Tsum has been treated as a beyul, a sacred hidden valley, and local tradition discourages the killing of animals. The valley was opened to trekkers in 2008, and the Department of Immigration lists Chumling within the Tsum restricted-permit area.
Visit Chumling Gompa
Ask the caretaker before entering; walk clockwise around it.
Continue to Chhokang Paro
About 5-6 hours up the valley via Rainjam and Gho.
Forecast for 2,386 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
A few lodges and homestays.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
On foot from Lokpa in about 4-6 hours.
Nearest hub: Machha Khola
Nearest hub: Machha Khola. Times are typical ranges, not schedules, and vary with roadworks, weather and the season.
On footfrom Lokpaabout 4-6 h4-6 h from Lokpa through forest along the Shiar Khola, with a steep descent and climb
On foot only, the first village of the lower Tsum Valley.
Restricted-area permit
This stop is on the Manaslu restricted-area route. Permits are issued only through a registered trekking agency, for trekkers with a licensed guide; a minimum group of two has long been required, so confirm the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Department of Immigration: Trekking route and permit fee.
On the Tsum Valley Trek, Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley.
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslideshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
The approach up the Budhi Gandaki and the forested lower Tsum trail are landslide-prone in the June to September monsoon; the upper valley is drier but the way in is the problem.
River crossingshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
The route crosses the Budhi Gandaki repeatedly on suspension bridges, and near Yaru a cantilever walkway carries the trail along the gorge wall. These are the most exposed sections when the river runs high in the monsoon.
Othermoderate in a typical yearJun-Aug
Leeches are common on the forested lower trail through the monsoon, which is one reason most trekkers avoid these months.
Coldmoderate in a typical yearDec-Feb
Midwinter is cold at about 2,390 m, with snow possible and some lodges shut.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
A restricted-area trek from the Budhi Gandaki into the Buddhist Tsum Valley in northern Gorkha, through Chumling, Chhokang Paro and Nile to Mu Gompa (about 3,700 m) near the Tibetan border. Often combined with the Manaslu Circuit.
About 4-6 hours on foot through forest.
Yes. Chumling is in the Tsum Valley restricted area, arranged only through a registered agency.
About 2,360-2,386 m.
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 3,700 m
The highest monastery of the Tsum Valley, set on a bare ridge near the Tibetan border at the head of the valley.
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 3,240 m
A Buddhist nunnery on a terrace of the upper Tsum Valley, near Milarepa's cave and the villages of Chhokang Paro.
Trek stop · 3,031 m
Twin farming villages on a broad terrace in the upper Tsum Valley, the base for Rachen Gompa and Milarepa's cave.
Trek stop · 2,240 m
A small village above the Budhi Gandaki where the trail turns east into the Tsum Valley.
Trek stop · 3,361 m
The last village of the upper Tsum Valley, a cluster of stone houses facing Chhule, a short climb from Mu Gompa.
Valley or region
A restricted Buddhist side valley of the Manaslu region, with monasteries, Milarepa's cave and villages near the Tibetan border.
Valley or region
A restricted trekking region around the world's eighth-highest mountain, from the Budhi Gandaki gorge to Tibetan-Buddhist villages and the Larkya La.