Side by side
| Nar Phu Valley Trek | Tsum Valley Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 10 | 14 |
| Highest point | 5,320 m | 3,700 m |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | |
| Total distance | 115 km | 100 km |
| Best months | March to May and September to November | March to May and September to November |
| Typical cost | $1,100 to $1,850 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Starts from | Koto (near Chame) | Soti Khola or Machha Khola |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Nar Phu Valley Trek if
The Nar Phu Valley trek is a 10 day restricted route north of the Annapurna Circuit reaching 5,320 m at Kang La Pass. It leads into medieval stone hamlets, ancient monasteries, and dramatic trans-Himalayan gorges near the Tibetan border, requiring special permits and a registered guide.
Remote trails chiseled out of vertical canyon cliffs, sustained altitude in Phu village, and an early morning pass crossing over Kang La at 5,320 m.
Choose the Tsum Valley Trek if
The Tsum Valley Trek is a cultural journey into a hidden Himalayan valley near the Tibetan border. Known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional stone villages, and sweeping views of the Ganesh Himal, this restricted area offers a tranquil, deeply spiritual alternative to the busier Manaslu Circuit nearby.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
