Tsum Valley Trek in April
5 Nov 2026 Mr. Ramesh Gurung
April is probably the most suitable month for the Tsum Valley Trek. Clear mornings prevail, rhododendrons bloom in the lower forest, and village activities resume following the long winter season. The nights in Mu Gompa are still cold enough to reach near-freezing temperatures, but afternoon clouds usually cover the mountains; therefore, you should leave early and take warm clothes with you.
Have you seen the photos? Stone villages, prayer flags, monks going towards Mu Gompa with snowy mountains behind them. And the real questions now arise. Will it really be looking like this during your trip?
The honest answer to this question regarding Tsum Valley trek in April would be a yes as it falls in middle of spring season, & although winter cold is over, monsoons will not come for few weeks. And all the families who were staying in Kathmandu for winter return to their villages.
However, April is not always ideal, and no one will make you believe that it is. Clouds form on most afternoons. The nights are still cool at higher altitudes. Since October 2026 floods, it’s necessary to have new information about the trails before making any bookings.
All this info is provided here in this guide: weather in particular villages, which flowers bloom when and where, cost of permits for the spring season, as well as how our 12-day trek program will unfold in April. We have organized treks in the Manaslu region for more than 20 years, and some of our guides were born in these valleys.
Ready to make a reservation for April? Let’s organize your Tsum valley trek now!
Is April a Good Time for the Tsum Valley Trek?
Sure. April is considered to be among the two best periods of the year alongside October. It is simply because it offers you stable spring weather without experiencing the freezing winter weather of March and the pre-monsoon weather of late May.
Here is what April looks like at a glance.
| What you care about | What April gives you |
|---|---|
| Daytime weather | Mild and mostly sunny, warm in the lower valleys |
| Nights at Nile and Mu Gompa | Around freezing, sometimes a few degrees below |
| Mountain views | Clear in the morning, cloudy most afternoons |
| Rain | Light showers possible, more likely late in the month |
| Flowers | Rhododendrons in bloom around Lokpa and Philim |
| Crowds | Moderate, busier than winter but quiet next to Everest |
| Restricted permit | Off-season rate, USD 30 for the first week |
There is one aspect which makes the trail of Tsum Valley easy compared to many other spring trails. This trail does not have any high pass along the way. The highest altitude on the trail is Mu Gompa at 3,700 m.
Tsum Valley Trek Weather in April
The climate in spring season in Tsum varies greatly with altitude. At the beginning of the trekking route from Machha Khola, the elevation is about 870 m and at the end reaches 3,700 m. Thus, the difference between elevations is almost 3,000 m.
Day and Night Temperatures by Village
The figures below are typical April ranges. Treat them as a guide, not a promise, because one cold front can drop them fast.
| Stop | Altitude | Day (approx.) | Night (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machha Khola | 869 m | 22 to 27°C | 12 to 16°C |
| Lokpa | 2,240 m | 15 to 20°C | 4 to 8°C |
| Chumling | 2,386 m | 15 to 19°C | 3 to 7°C |
| Chhekampar | 3,031 m | 11 to 16°C | 0 to 4°C |
| Nile and Mu Gompa | 3,500 to 3,700 m | 8 to 13°C | -5 to 0°C |
See that gap up there? You may be walking in a T-shirt at midday near Nile and require a down jacket by 6 pm. It is a wide range that will surprise many newcomers.
Just pack your down jacket in your backpack; don’t leave it at the bottom of your duffel bag. In our package, we have included a down jacket and sleeping bag for you.
Clear Mornings, Afternoon Cloud
April mornings tend to be sunny. You can watch from the heights above Nile as the rising sun strikes Ganesh and Sringi Himal ranges before breakfast.
By late morning, clouds form on the southern horizon. It is the effect of warm air from the plains and the cooler air from the mountains. This phenomenon makes the mountains disappear at 2 pm daily.
The remedy to the problem lies within easy reach: start walking early to get to your lodge in time for lunch, while you use the afternoon for tea at the village.
Early April vs Late April
All April weeks do not share a similar feel. The first two weeks of April are cool, and things are relatively quiet on the trail. The last week in April is warm, but it is cloudier, with an increased possibility of rain showers.
In case your priority is having clear sight, the first few weeks are the best option. Should you dislike cold weather, then the last week is perfect for you. In any case, you will have an excellent hike with the added bonus of a hot butter tea at the lodge.
Rhododendrons and Spring Colour on the Trail
Where else would you be able to walk through red rhododendron blooms on one day and the old mani walls on another? April provides both of these sights on this trek.
The best place for blooming flowers is located low on the trail between Lokpa and Philim. The forests here are dense, and red and pink flowers can be seen hanging above the path. You will smell the freshness and moisture of the forest after the dusty drive.
Higher up the trail, the forests become less dense. Above Chhekampar you will find yourself walking through fields where farmers work the soil for planting potatoes and barley. This is not about flowers anymore, but it is also fascinating to watch the people working the land.
A little advice for those who have pollen allergies: bring your medications, as the low forests are in full bloom at the moment.
Village and Monastery Life During a Tsum Valley Trek in April
This is what makes April unique. During the winter season, many Tsum families migrate to Kathmandu or other lower settlements. By April, they return and make the valley vibrant again.
There will be children going to school, yaks and naks migrating from pasture to pasture, and women weaving outside their stone houses. Kitchen will have the smell of smoke, tsampa, and yak butter. Tsumba people speak a distinct dialect and practice Tibetan Buddhism which was secluded from the outside world until 2008.
Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa in Spring
Mu Gompa is at 3,700 m and is the highest place on the trek route. We have allocated Day 7 for your visit to this monastery. Join the monks for the morning prayer and the sounds of the horn and prayer in the chilly morning air linger in your mind forever.
The Rachen Gompa is a convent located at 3,240 m. In April the courtyard is warm enough that you could sit and observe life for some time. Nearby is the Milarepa Cave where the Buddhist poet, yogi, Milarepa spent many years in meditation.
We request you to dress appropriately in these monasteries and always seek permission from people before photographing them. Leaving some donations at the prayer hall will be a courteous gesture.
Festivals In and Around April
There are many websites that claim to organize monastery festivals in April. This should be taken with caution since the major festivals in Tsum, like Lhosar, happen in winter, while Saka Dawa happens in late May or June.
The festival you can witness in April is the Nepali New Year on 14th April. Should your trek begin or end in this period, expect Kathmandu to be vibrant due to the family celebrations.
There are also small monastic pujas held throughout the year. Your guide will inform you about any puja happening during your dates, which will be an incredible experience with the drum beats echoing from the valley.
Trail and Road Conditions in April
Most trekkers worry about the trail. In Tsum, the drive in and recent flood damage deserve just as much attention.
The Drive to Machha Khola
Day 1 is a full road day. On Day 1, you take public transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, about 8 to 9 hours. The early part of the journey will be on a highway, while the remaining part beyond Arughat will be very bumpy and dusty.
The roads are fairly dry during the month of April; therefore, that makes it relatively easy. In summer, the road will become slippery with monsoon mud and landslides. Pack a few snacks and buff because it will get pretty dusty.
Trail Status After the 2026 Floods
This is the truth. On 11th October 2026, there was a flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki valley. According to reports, a landslide between Lokpa and Chumling had blocked the river, which subsequently burst, leading to debris flow.
However, the Manaslu Circuit trek had been re-opened by that month. On the other hand, the Tsum Valley trek near Lokpa remained closed for a longer period due to the destruction of a bridge and some sections of the trail. The locals started constructing a temporary wooden bridge in late October.
Several months are left until April 2027, but the repairs take place quickly after the rain. However, do not believe any old blog post on this issue, even this one. We update ourselves about the trail status through our contacts in the valley before booking.
Crowds and Teahouses in April Tsum Valley Trek
April is an eventful month for Tsum region. However, Tsum standards are quite minimal compared to other destinations. One should not expect queues of hikers on trails and full houses in restaurants like they occur in the Everest route.
The only spot where there are no spare beds during a crowded April week is Lokpa. There is only one lodge in the forest for trekkers. So it is very important to use our services when travelling in such areas, as our local team always reserves rooms beforehand. Otherwise, you might end up having nowhere to stay at night after the sun goes down. Moving further, Chumling, Chhekampar and Nile offer some options too, from simple twin-bed rooms, comfortable beds to dal bhat served as much as you want.
Cost of Permits for a Tsum Valley Trek in April
Good news here. April falls in the off-season permit period, so you pay less than in autumn.
| Permits for Tsum Valley Trek | April rate | Autumn rate (Sep to Nov) |
|---|---|---|
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | USD 30 for the first week, then USD 7 per day | USD 40 for the first week, then USD 7 per day |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit | NPR 3,000 | NPR 3,000 |
| Local municipality fee | Collected near Jagat | Same |
Why the price gap? Nepal sets restricted permit fees by season. Autumn is peak trekking time, so the fee is higher.
You are not able to acquire the restricted permit individually. You have to go through a registered agency like ours. Our Tsum Valley package includes all three permits, and your guide will do the inspection on Day 3 in Jagat. Tsum Valley Permit Guide will definitely help you budget and plan your permit processing accordingly.
Can You Trek Tsum Valley Solo in April?
Yes. It is a relatively recent addition, but many websites are making the mistake.
Prior to March 2026, Nepal was issuing restricted permits for groups of minimum two foreign trekkers. If you were travelling solo, then you had to make arrangements of finding someone or joining a group of trekkers. On 22 March 2026, the Department of Immigration removed this condition.
Now an individual can apply for the Tsum permit in his/her own name. A guide and a travel agency are mandatory and it is quite sensible in such an isolated valley. We offer this 12-day trip with solo rates of USD 945. Group of two to four individuals will pay USD 825 per person.
So if April is the only month when you have time, but not your companions, go ahead and book. Many of our solo trekkers found the evenings spent around the fire sharing stories with their guides their favorite part.
Our 12-Day Tsum Valley Itinerary in April
Here is how our standard route plays out in spring. The April notes come from what our guides see on the trail each year.
| Day | Route | April note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m), 8 to 9 hrs by bus | Dry, dusty road. Warm evening by the river. |
| 2 | Machha Khola to Jagat (1,400 m) | Hot in the lower valley. Hot springs at Tatopani on the way. |
| 3 | Jagat to Lokpa (2,240 m) | Permit check at Jagat. Rhododendron forest starts. Single lodge at Lokpa. |
| 4 | Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m) | Best flower stretch of the trek. Short day. |
| 5 | Chumling to Chhekampar (3,031 m) | Fields being ploughed. Nights start to feel cold. |
| 6 | Chhekampar to Nile (3,500 m) | Milarepa cave area. Clear mornings over the valley. |
| 7 | Mu Gompa exploration, back to Nile | Join morning prayers. Go early before cloud rolls in. |
| 8 | Nile to Rachen Gompa (3,240 m) | Short, easy descent. Time to sit with the nuns’ courtyard view. |
| 9 | Rachen Gompa to Dumje (2,460 m) | Warmer again as you drop. |
| 10 | Dumje to Philim (1,570 m) | Back through the forest. Check flood repair detours here. |
| 11 | Philim to Machha Khola (869 m) | Long downhill day. Hot meal and a proper wash at the end. |
| 12 | Machha Khola to Kathmandu, 9 to 10 hrs | Dry road home. |
This route does not include any passes or technical parts. Walking time varies from 4 to 7 hours per day. If you are an active beginner, then this route will suit you well, due to the gradual ascent allowing your body to adapt.
Do you need some rest days or slow walking pace? Just let us know at the moment of your inquiry.
What to Pack for Tsum Valley in April
You’re packing for two seasons in one bag. Warm days low down, freezing nights up high. Here are the items people most often forget or regret.
- A light rain shell, because late April can bring short showers
- A warm hat and gloves for evenings at Nile and Mu Gompa
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, as spring sun at 3,500 m burns fast
- A buff or mask for the dusty drive on Day 1
- Water purification tablets or a filter bottle, since tap water varies by village
- Comfortable trekking boots you have already broken in
We provide the down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag. Keep your main bag under 15 kg so the load stays fair for your porter.
April vs March, May and October Tsum Valley Trek
Still torn between months? This quick comparison should help you decide.
| Month | Weather | Views | Village life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | Cold nights, some lodges still opening | Good, often very clear | Families still returning | Quiet trails, if you handle cold |
| April | Mild days, cold nights | Clear mornings, cloudy afternoons | Fully active | Flowers and culture |
| May | Warmest month | Hazier, more cloud | Fully active | Warm-weather trekkers |
| October | Cool, dry and stable | The clearest of the year | Active, festival season in Nepal | Mountain views and photos |
So what’s the right pick? If mountain photos come first, choose October. If you want flowers, warmer days and a lively valley, April wins.
Tips for Trekking Tsum Valley in April
Always start walking early, usually around 7 am, since you will see the best views and arrive at the lodge before the afternoon clouds and winds come.
Stay hydrated and drink more water than you would normally do. The dry climate and altitude make you dehydrated much faster than at home, and it is one of the easiest ways not to have headaches while being up there.
Bring some money in Nepalese rupees because there are no ATMs after the road, and you will have to pay for various small things like showers, recharging, and snacks.
Lastly, be nice with your camera and ask before taking pictures of people, especially monks and elder villagers. A smile and “Tashi delek” help much more than your camera.
What People Want To Know About the Tsum Valley Trek in April
Q: Is April a good month for the Tsum Valley trek?
A: Yes. April brings mild days, clear mornings, rhododendron blooms and full village life. It’s one of the two best months, together with October.
Q: How cold does it get in Tsum Valley in April?
A: Days in the lower valley reach the low to mid 20s °C. Near Nile and Mu Gompa, nights drop to around 0°C or a few degrees below. Pack a warm layer for every evening.
Q: Does it rain in Tsum Valley in April?
A: Usually not much. Short showers can happen, mainly in late April, as the monsoon starts to build in the south. A light rain jacket is enough.
Q: How much is the Tsum Valley permit in April?
A: The restricted permit costs USD 30 for the first week, plus USD 7 per extra day. You also need the conservation area permit at NPR 3,000. Our package includes all of them.
Q: Can I trek Tsum Valley alone in April?
A: Yes. Since 22 March 2026, solo trekkers can get the restricted permit. You still need a licensed guide through a registered agency.
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