Tsum Valley Heli Return Trek

9 Days
Moderate

Max. Altitude

3,709m

Best Season

Mar-May/ Sep-Nov

Activity

Trekking/Tour

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Tsum Valley Heli Return Trek

Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley Heli return trek await to take you to the unexplored area of Manaslu, which locates to the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley. The peaceful environment and perfect ambiance of this region is the best feature of this trek.

Tsum Valley is located in the remote Manaslu area up in the highlands. The word “Tsum” originates from the Tibetan phrase “Beyul Kyimolung,” which means “valley of happiness.” The valley is rich with an indigenous deep culture that relates to Buddhism. The fact that so few tourists visit this location increases the trek’s uniqueness and adventure.

Enjoy a truly special Himalayan experience and learn about remote culture as you follow experienced local guides on this trip. Receive guidance on this Tsum Valley heli return trek while crossing stiff paths in this stunning region of Nepal. Along the way, we make sure you savor spectacular views of one of the highest mountain ranges of the Himalayas.

The breathtaking scenery of the highest mountains in the world, such as Mt. Manaslu, Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Nagdi Chuli, famous Ganesh Himal, Simnang Himal, Saula Himal, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and many more stunning peaks will be your surroundings on this journey.

The presence of Tibetan Buddhism culture, traditions, customs, and distinct lifestyles make this trek more interesting and adventurous. This trek is made even more appealing by the remote locations, breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, natural hot springs, lovely suspension bridges, untouched wildlife, compassionate people, Buddhist old monasteries, dense oak, and rhododendron forests, a variety of wildlife, waterfalls, and other picturesque features.

Why Choose this Tsum valley Heli return trek?

We know trekking is exciting, but what if we combine it with a helicopter flight to make it more cozy and engaging with nature? It certainly sounds nice. A tour may be started with a beautiful helicopter flight, and it can then continue into the shadow of Mount Manaslu and Tsum valley and again with the heli return.

Experience the stunning mountain views of Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley like never before with a breathtaking heli trek. Embark on this unforgettable journey as you traverse this majestic wilderness and have the pleasure of returning in ultimate comfort via helicopter.

Highlights of Tsum Valley Heli Return Trek

Explore the Tibetan border on the Manaslu region’s northern side.
Wander between the remote villages in Nepal populated by various ethnic groups.
Start with the Scenic Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Jagat.
See the distinctive wildlife and vegetation that have been preserved in the Manaslu Conservation area.
Take a memorable helicopter flight from the Historical Mu Gompa to Kathmandu to complete the journey.
Pass through the Manaslu region’s riverbanks, cliff-carved paths, and suspension bridges.
Explore the untouched historical chortens, gompas, and mani walls.
Views from up close to the Langtang Himal, the Annapurna Massif, and Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

Tsum Valley Heli Return Trek Itinerary

day 01 Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu

After your arrival, a representative of Life Himalaya Trekking Company will greet you and pick you up at the airport.

After that, we will drive you in a private vehicle to a 4-star hotel in the main city and finish the check-in process. There are no activities to perform on this first day. You can relax while exploring the neighborhood by strolling the vibrant streets. Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Accomodations

4 Star

Transportation

25 min drive

day 02 Sightseeing and Preparation Day at Kathmandu

On this day, we will embark on a fascinating sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. In Kathmandu and nearby places, you will see historical and artistic World Heritage Sites.

The tour includes stops at important cultural landmarks including Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. For your information, these historical sites are significant to both Hindus and Buddhists.

We will return to our hotel following the full-day visit to the historic sites. Then after we will hold a preparation meeting for the Tsum valley heli return trek, where you will meet your companion trekkers and your guide. After the briefing is over, you must get ready for the trek by checking your supplies and necessary documents. You may also visit a store to buy or rent the necessary clothing and equipment. Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Accomodations

4 Star

day 03 Helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Jagat and Trek to Chisopani

We depart the hotel in the morning and go to Kathmandu’s domestic airport in the best weather conditions. After a little while, we will board a chopper with a perfect lineup. After the chopper has taken off, you will briefly be able to glimpse the magnificent views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu Range.

As you go closer to your destination, you’ll get great views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the West facing Annapurna. The route follows the Budi Gandaki River before ultimately crossing it and arriving at Jagat in a short amount of time.

After the helicopter lands in an open field, your tour guide and crew will assist you in exiting it and take you for a little break before heading out to Chisopani. We eventually begin to advance from Jagat till we reach Salleri. Then we go down the path until we arrive at Sirdibas and Ghatta Khola.

Moving further in the direction of the north side will take us to Chisopani, where we will spend the night.

Maximum Altitude

1,660 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Transportation

35 minutes Heli Ride

day 04 Trek from Chisopani to Chumling

After 30 minutes of traveling from Chisopani, we can see a beautiful waterfall. Meanwhile, the terrain is rocky and steep on this day, it appears to be challenging. This trail continues to descend until it reaches the Rhododendron Forest, which leads to the Tsum Valley.

Reaching Loka village requires us to cross a jungle. It’s breathtaking to see Boudha and the Himalchuli peak from Loka. Further for a few hours, we proceed to Lungwa Khola. Finally, we reach Chumling after crossing the Lungwa Khola, where we will spend the night.

Maximum Altitude

2,386 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 05 Trek from Chumling to Chokhangparo

As we slowly make our way toward Tsum Valley, the altitude will continue to rise. Views of mountains like Ganesh Himal and Manaslu are becoming more broad and clear.

The settlements and surrounding areas change into a Tibetan barren landscape. We proceed and arrive at the settlement of Gho. Within a few hours, you will arrive at Chokhangparo to spend the night.

Maximum Altitude

3,010 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 06 Trek from Chokhangparo to Nile

On this way, there is a trail uphill, so we will gain some altitude. As soon as breakfast is over, we begin our journey through traditional Tsum settlements such as Lar Phurbe and Pangdun with the crossing of ShiarKhola. We also pass through Buddhist Monasteries and cross the bridge to finally reach to Nile.

Maximum Altitude

3,361 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 07 Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa

The Mu Gompa is going to be today’s big draw. As soon as the sun rises, the trail takes us on a trip through the desolate surroundings, which offer breathtaking views of towering peaks. We go through Tibetan sceneries to the west side of the valley and ascend there to reach Mu Gompa.

At 3700 meters above sea level, this Monastery is regarded as the trek’s highest point. This fascinating old Mu Gompa is filled with historical, antique idols, scrolls, monuments, and artifacts that are extremely important to the people and history of the Tsum Valley and the surrounding Manaslu region.

Earlier, this Monastery was founded by Drupa Rinpoche, a Bhutanese monk who meditated in the valley’s caves. Eventually, you get to observe a few monks performing their chores within the monastery. We’ll spend the night in Mu Gompa, which has a wonderful atmosphere, and we’ll learn about the monastery’s history from the monks who reside there. We see this as a genuine spiritual adventure.

Maximum Altitude

3,709 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 08 Flight from Mu Gompa to Kathmandu

In the early morning, after having a Breakfast and nice chat with the residents we bid farewell to Tsum valley and hop onto the helicopter. On the flight route, you will enjoy the wide Himalayan ranges. On the right side, you can see Manaslu, Pangboche, and Himalchuli peaks up close.

Similarly, on the left side, you can see Ganesh II and Langtang Himal range from a stunning angle. After 35 minutes of an eye-catching flight, we finally land at the domestic airport of Kathmandu. We will then transfer you to your respective hotel in our private vehicle. You can then rest or Explore as per your choice for the rest of the day.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodations

4 Star Hotel

Transportation

35 minutes Heli Ride

day 09 Departure from Kathmandu

It’s the last day of your Nepalese journey today! Trekkers and Life Himalaya members should exchange greetings and of course, the heartwarming pictures captured during the tour via emails and social profiles.

As soon as possible, one of our representatives will take you to the airport in time for your trip. You may plan your future journey with us in this lovely nation while you are on the way back to your home. Safe journey!

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Transportation

25 min Drive

What's Included

International and domestic Airport pick-up and drop service.
Private transportation picks up and drop off.
03-night 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Two-way helicopter trip from Kathmandu to Jagat and Mu Gompa to Kathmandu.
Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included and chosen from the lodge menu.
Twin-share lodge accommodation during the trek.
Depending on the size of the group: the trek guide with experience and a government license. (1 guide for 5 pax )
Porters with access to food, lodging, wages, equipment, and transportation. (01 porter for 02 pax)
Accidental, Medical and Health Insurance of guide, porters and involved staffs.
A warm Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag until the trekking period ends.
TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 03 passport-size photos for permits).
First Aid kits, for the staff and the groups including the oxi-meter.
Portable Oxygen Bottles
Satelite phone for emergency situations
Government taxes & office service charges.
Manaslu and Tsum valley Trek Map

What's Excluded

International airfare.
Insurance covering 6000 meters
Nepal entry visa charge.
All beverages and other personal expenses.
Snacks and other personal expenses.
Battery charge, hot showers, internet & international phone calls.
Tips for Guide, Porter, and Drivers.
Service not mentioned above.

Tsum Valley Heli Return Trek - Essential Information

Food and Accommodation For TSUM Valley Heli Trek

Accommodation in Tsum Valley is available in the form of tea houses, basic guesthouses, or camping. The accommodation is basic but comfortable and the food is homemade and fresh. Tea houses offer primitive accommodations with shared bathrooms and a menu of simple Nepali meal options such as dal bhat, momo, and local dishes.

Tea houses in the region also offer traditional Tibetan dishes like tsampa, Tibetan bread, momos (dumplings), egg frittata, and thukpa noodle soup. Guesthouses can provide more comfort with twin beds, often with attached bathrooms.

Likewise, they provide blankets and hot water bottles in cold weather. Some of them have Wi-Fi available as well. Most hotels also provide camping sites if necessary, so be sure to inquire about availability before setting out on your trek.

Best time for the trek

The weather and temperature in the area are the most crucial things to consider before undertaking a trip to Tsum Valley. We only execute helicopter rides in optimal weather conditions.

So to complete the trip without any delays and stoppage the best time must be chosen. The busiest and greatest times to trek this Manaslu valley is in the spring and autumn. Spring brings lush green landscapes due to the abundance of mountain flowers. Autumn brings colorful rhododendrons that enliven the region until late November. For that reason, this season is the best season to do a heli trek in the Himalayas.

Although the winter season is known for offering clear views of the Tsum Valley and its stunning peaks, it can be quite cold and dry. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing at higher elevations, making trekking difficult and dangerous. Additionally, snowy weather can make paths hard to navigate.

As a result, you should avoid trekking at Tsum Valley in the winter season. The Monsoon season brings heavy rains and can make for unpredictable weather in the Tsum Valley, making it unsafe for trekking. Furthermore, the rains may lead to landslides that can block routes or make certain areas inaccessible. For these reasons, we do not recommend trekking in the Tsum Valley during the Monsoon season.

Physical fitness

Since you must walk for more than 5 to 6 hours each day, the Tsum valley trek is not simple. However, you won’t have to trek all the way back, it won’t be as challenging as a regular trek but you’ll need to be physically fit. You can do some strength- and cardio-training exercises at home to get fit. It will be easier for you to trek as your stamina increases.

Tsum Valley Heli Return Trek - FAQs

Is Taking a Helicopter Ride to Manaslu Valley Safe?

Yes, helicopter rides to the Manaslu Valley are generally safe as long as all safety protocols are followed. Professional operators are licensed and trained in Nepal’s industry standards, and periodic inspections ensure that helicopters used for mountain sightseeing comply with regulations.

Is a helicopter ride to Tsum Valley worth it?

Since Tsum Valley is one of Nepal’s Manaslu valley’s most gorgeous and remote areas, many trekkers decide to do so despite the additional expense. The journey only lasts about an hour, and the scenery along the route is breathtaking, including high, snow-covered peaks, verdant valleys, and historic villages.

A helicopter journey to Tsum Valley might be undoubtedly worthwhile for individuals who wish to explore the beauty of this area without making a lengthy, difficult hike.

How safe is Tsum Valley trekking?

The Tsum Valley trek is considered to be very safe and hassle-free. The villages are inhabited by well-acquainted locals, who warmly welcome visitors. Furthermore, every village is equipped with an emergency response system that can offer on-the-spot assistance in case of any medical emergencies.

Can we trek the Tsum Valley alone?

Due to potential safety and security issues, it is recommended that you trek with a group or guide on the Manaslu Valley route. Trekking alone is not allowed in the Tsum Valley, so it would be best to join a group of fellow travelers for your journey.

Are ATMs accessible while trekking in Tsum Valley?

While there are no ATMs available in remote locations during the Tsum Valley trekking, you should always bring enough cash with you to cover all your expenses.

e sure to exchange currency beforehand just in case. You can also use debit or credit cards to pay for lodgings and meals at certain stops along the trek, but it’s best to prepare for any situation with cash just in case.

Starting from

$4,090

per person (in USD)

top rated - Based on 214 TripAdvisor & 107 Google Reviews

1 - people
US$ 4700
2 - 4 people
US$ 4550
5 - 9 people
US$ 4290
10 + people 9999
US$ 4090

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Tripadvisor Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 218 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Experience78263 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent Experience with Life Himalaya Trekking
Excellent Experience with Life Himalaya Trekking – Highly Recommended! A big thank you to the entire team at Life Himalaya Trekking Pvt Ltd for organising such a wonderful experience for us. We arrived in Kathmandu on 12 October 2026 and completed our 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp. Everything was organised very well from start to finish, and the team looked after us throughout the journey. A special thank you to our guide, Birsha Rai, who communicated with us so well. His English was excellent and easy to understand. He was friendly, professional and very flexible, making sure we were comfortable along the way. Our two Sherpa porters were also incredibly kind and helpful. We also appreciated the warm welcome and the lovely farewell ceremony with lunch. It was a beautiful way to finish our adventure. Thank you to Shiba, the Managing Director, and the whole Life Himalaya team for making our Everest Base Camp trek such a memorable experience. We are from Australia and would happily recommend Life Himalaya Trekking to anyone planning an adventure in Nepal. You can book with confidence! Thank you again for everything! 🇦🇺🏔️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lea M 
 
 
 
 Verified Stunning mountain views and adventurous trails
This is our second time booking with Life Himalaya Trekking and we were nothing but happy with the entire experience. Our two week trip started with the meetup in Kathmandu and travelling to Lukla for the meeting of our guide Pramod and our Porter Lilaraj - everything was organized perfectly. From then on we were in great hands throughout our tour, always well taken care of and always looked after. Pramod was full of knowledge and insight of the area and the surrounding mountains. Lilaraj helped us with our bags and made the trip feel a little lighter for us. We are so thankful to both of them for supporting us on our trip - it would not have been as much fun and as comfortable without both of them! We really enjoyed the EBC trail as well - the weather was fantastic and the views of the mountains on this trail are phenomenal. But be prepared for quite a busy trail and definitely some exhausting parts along the way. But with the support of Pramod and Lilaraj, we made it to our goal to reach the EBC and we are very proud of the achievement. It would not have been possible without all the help from Life Himalaya Trekking - we cannot wait to come back for our next tour!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lea M 
 
 
 
 Verified Big thanks to Life Himalaya Trekking for a wonderful EBC trek!
We went recently on the EBC trek for 14 days with Life Himalaya Trekking - and everything was organized perfectly. From the communication ahead of the trip to the hike itself - we were well taken care of. Shiba, the head of the company, made sure our trip started and ended smoothly. Our guide Pramod was so kind and very well informed, we got the best possible information while trekking. Our porter Lilaraj supported us along the whole trek. We have nothing to complain about and we look forward to visiting beautiful Nepal again. And we look forward to our next tour with Life Himalaya Trekking!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   peter m 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing
Amazing experience. Guide was knowledgeable and I always felt safe and well looked after.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jessica M 
 
 
 
 Verified An Incredible Trek with the Best Team!
I completed the Manaslu Circuit with Saugat and Aunil, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! The trek was breathtaking, the organization was perfect, and the views were simply stunning. Saugat’s knowledge, professionalism, and expertise as a guide, together with Aunil’s help, kindness, and support as a porter, made the whole experience even more special. I couldn’t have asked for a better team! I will definitely come back to Nepal, and I will choose this agency, Saugat, and Aunil again without hesitation. 10 stars for my new friends! Thank you both for making this adventure unforgettable!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Louis L 
 
 
 
 Verified Outstanding experience with Life Himalaya Trekking
We have just returned from a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp with Life Himalaya Trekking (plus 3 days in Katmandu). From start to finish, Shiba—the owner of this prestigious agency—delivered service that far exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Birsha Rai, provided exceptional support throughout what is a very demanding trek. We were consistently impressed by the quality of his guidance, his attitude, and his services; we truly appreciated how fortunate we were to have his support every step of the way. The trek turned into an exceptional human experience. Louis L.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Scott F 
 
 
 
 Verified Outstanding Everest base camp experience
Outstanding trekking company. Shiba was great to work with. He handled all our questions and changes in our itinerary with no problem. We had the best guide and porter anyone could ask for. We enjoyed all the places we stayed. I would highly highly recommend this trekking company. If you wanna trek to Everest Base camp.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Andrew T 
 
 
 
 Verified Mardi Himal Trek
A life changing experience! Milan and Bhim were the best guide and porter for our very first trek in the Himalayas. Although the weather wasn’t always on our side, we got to see the most spectacular views, stayed in the best hotels/ camps and definitely got to tick off an item on the bucket list. Thank you Milan, for your wealth of knowledge and for guiding us safely through some rather wet and rainy conditions. We will definitely be back!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stefano G 
 
 
 
 Verified Beautiful travel experience
Excellent, serious, and reliable agency. We did a private Upper Mustang trek combined with a visit to Kathmandu. Everything perfect. Fantastic guide Badri with experience and great professionalism. Porter Dan was very good. Furthermore, they always showed great empathy. Very good
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sharon D 
 
 
 
 Verified Dream EBC + exceptional visit to Kathmandu.
Thanks to Life Himalaya Trekking, my husband and I were able to realize a dream. From the moment of organizing from Italy, Shiba proved to be extremely available and quick in communications. And, once here, we were able to immediately verify how efficient the entire team that makes up the company is. Shiba is infinitely sweet and friendly; he pampered us, guiding us through all the organizational aspects of our trip, from the trek to Everest Base Camp to cultural visits in Kathmandu and surroundings, covering all types of transportation we needed. Thanks to him, we had the pleasure of spending our time in Nepal with unique people, who allowed us to get to know this wonderful country and its inhabitants up close. Tika was our guide during the hike to EBC, and thanks to him and our porter Podam, we experienced a wonderful and authentic adventure! Both very knowledgeable, they were excellent at taking care of us, thanks to their attention to even the small things, the advice and information they provided us, but especially due to their friendliness, which allowed us to approach even the most difficult situations with ease. Tika is an exceptional entertainer and a great photographer; he was our family for more than a week, and we are very grateful to him. The entire experience of reaching Everest Base Camp was all-encompassing; it captivated us in every aspect, both scenic and human. It was exciting to reach the destination after a journey that lasted about a week. But it was equally incredible and moving to fly by helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla, retracing from above every step taken and every place experienced during the previous days. We would like to thank Promot, Raj, Rajan, and especially our exceptional tour guide Ajya, who accompanied us through the most iconic places in Kathmandu, sharing their history and every cultural aspect. The passion and love for one's work allowed us to immerse ourselves in a world that, otherwise, we would have understood and experienced only halfway. Thanks also to all the other members who contributed to the success of our trip. This is a goodbye; we look forward to returning to Nepal!
  
 
  
  
 
 
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