Tsum Valley Trek

Duration: 17 Days
Photo Gallery A typical Gurung woman, Tatopani Lama Gaun Lifestyle of the people of Tsum Valley, Nile Way to Tsum Valley. The way over the next hill is the Manaslu Circuit trail.      Map Tsum Valley Trek map     

About Tsum Valley Trek

The Tsum Valley Trek is 17 days of an epic journey deep into the beautiful sacred Himalayan Valley of northern Gorkha. The valley stretches far north, up to the Nepal-Tibet border. It was opened for foreigners recently in 2008. As a result, the number of tourists is low compared to other regions.

The Tsum Valley Trek is a wonderful display of cultural and natural beauty. This region was cut off from the outside world for a long time due to its remote location and the restrictions imposed by the government of Nepal on foreigners. Hence, the local people have been able to preserve and keep their ancient art, culture, and tradition in pristine condition. The relatively unexplored and isolated trails consist of quiet hamlets, captivating forests, mountains, deep gorges, gompas, chortens, and mani walls. The valley is surrounded by Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal range from three sides, providing spectacular mountain sceneries during the trek. We can add a short hike to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp for more awesome mountain scenery.

The people of this valley practice Tibetan Buddhism. The culture and tradition are also like the Tibetan people. They practice polyandry tradition, in which two or more brothers are married to the same spouse. Nowadays, it is not in much practice as it used to be in the past days. Sacrificing or killing animals is restricted throughout the entire valley because of their Buddhist belief in Ahimsa (Non-violence). The region has many ancient Buddhist Gompas like the Milarepa's Cave, Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Nunnery Gompa which are not to be missed. For enthusiasts of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and splendid mountain sceneries, the Tsum Valley Trek is a must-do trek.

Our 17 days Tsum Valley Trek Itinireray starts from Sotikhola, a usual place from where the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail begins. We will follow the same trail up to a place ahead of Nyak. From there, we will the Manaslu circuit trail and continue our trek to the Tsum Valley. After reaching Mu Gompa, we return from the same route and end our trek at the same place: Sotikhola. 

Our program’s itineraries are well crafted with proper planning. If you would like to customize the itinerary according to your desire, physical fitness level, time frame, etc, our experts will help you create a perfect itinerary that provides a top-notch experience with safety.

Highlights

  • Rich and unique culture of the Tsumbas people similar to the Tibetan 
  • A newly opened trekking route with the opportunity to explore the pristine culture, flora, and fauna
  • Ancients Buddhist monasteries like Mu Gumba, Nunnery Gumpa, Rachen Gumpa, and Milarepa Cave with an amazing footprint
  • Stunning views of Manaslu (8163 M), Shringi Himal (7161 M), Ganesh Himal ranges, and other snowcapped mountains

 

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of our team members will wait for you at the airport to welcome you and take you to the hotel. He will also brief you about the day program. 

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After having breakfast, we will begin sightseeing in Kathmandu. we will visit places like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square. All of these places are part of world heritage sites. In the evening, you along with your guide will prepare for the trip and arrange all the gears.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After a quick breakfast, we will begin your drive towards Sotikhola. The route passes by Arughat via Dhading Besi, headquarter of the Dhading district. From Dhadingbesi, we will drive on a dirt road and reach Arughat. From here, the path will take you to Sotikhola.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Soti Khola
  • 700 M
  • 7-8 hours

After having breakfast, we will cross a bridge and continue walking on the dirt road alongside Budigandaki river and through a small forest on the way. we will reach Labubesi, a small Gurung village and continue until reaching Machakhola.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Machha Khola
  • 870 M
  • 4:30 hours

After crossing the bridge over Machha Khola then we will have to walk on a rugged vehicle road until Tatopani. Here, we can take a short break and spend some time enjoying the natural hot spring. The trail then ascends and cross Budhi Gandaki. we will reach Dobhan, and From Dobhan, we will walk gradually ascend through the landslide area reach Thulo Dhungga, Yaruphant, cross bailey bridge, and a suspension bridge and reach Jagat. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Jagat
  • 1340 M
  • 6-7 hours

Today, we will register our permits and ascend along a rocky ridge to Salleri. From here, we will descend towards Sirdibas and continue trekking to Ghatta Khola. Crossing a long hanging bridge, you will ascend to Philim. Further, trekking through the forest will reach Chisopani. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chisopani
  • 1660 M
  • 4 hours

After taking breakfast, we will trek for 1-1:30 hours on a straight cliffside route via a beautiful waterfall until reaching a point where we will leave the Manaslu Circuit Trail. From here, we will take the trail on the right which ascends uphill through the forest of pine and rhododendrons. We will get to see the stunning views of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. Leaving Lokpa behind, we will descend to Lungwa Khola and ascend to reach Gumlung. Crossing Siyar Khola, we will reach Chumling.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chumling
  • 2386 M
  • 6 hours

Crossing a suspension bridge, we will trek enjoying captivating views of Ganesh Himal. the trail then passes by Rainjam to Serpu Khola and cross a bridge that will take us to Gho village. From here, we will trek for another 2 hours and ascend to Chokhangparo that will welcome you to beautiful views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chokhangparo
  • 3010 M
  • 4-5 hours

After having breakfast, we will trek mostly on flatlands passing through the middle of beautiful buckwheat, wheat, potato, and barley fields. Trekking through a couple of small and beautiful Tsombo villages, mani walls, Chortens, caves, Monasteries, and crossing several bridges we will arrive at the Nile. In the middle of the way, we will visit the Milarepa Cave, where it is believed that the Buddhist saint, 'Milarepa' meditated.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Nile
  • 3361 M
  • 4-5 hours
Today is our day of a rest day. You will explore the villages and its nearby areas. we will go on a short hike to visit Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in this region. After that, we will visit Dhephu Doma Gompa. And Nunnery Gompa,


  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Nile
  • 3361 M
  • 4 hours,

After having breakfast, we will begin trekking towards Chhekam Paro. The trail will pass by small villages and present you with scenic views. we will visit Rachen Gompa on the way. After visiting Rachen Gompa, we will cross a suspension bridge from where we will rejoin the same route that we took from Chekamparo to the Nile.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chokhangparo
  • 3010 M
  • 4 hours

The trail descends to Chhokang Paro. From here, we will further descend to Gho and continuing trekking down to Sarpu Khola. we will then trek along the lower Tsum Valley and reach Chumling.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chumling
  • 2386 M
  • 4 hours
The trail will take you to Lokpa. On the way, we will get to see gorgeous views of waterfalls. The trail then takes you Philim where you will spend the night. 


  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Philim
  • 1570 M
  • 5-6 hours
From Philim, we will descent down through crossing several suspension bridges and several small villages and reach Khorla Besi. On the way, we will descent through the forested rocky steep narrow trail.


  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Khorla Besi
  • 970 M
  • 5-6 hours

After crossing the suspension bridge we will have to walk on a rugged vehicle road until Soti Khola. along the Budi Gandaki river bank.  we will cross several suspension bridges and small Gurung villages along the way. today gradually descent dirt off-road till the end to Sotikhola. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Soti Khola
  • 700 M
  • 6 hours

After having breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu passing by Arkhet and Arughat and cross Arkhet Khola. Then after leaving Arughat Bazar behind, we will leave Budhi Gandaki Valley and head to Malekhu via Dhading Besi. Finally, we will join the Prithvi Highway continuing to Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 8-9 hours

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

  • B&B
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What’s Included

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • 3 nights accommodation in 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on BB basis (A single supplement room will be served on request with an additional cost).
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Trekking Lodge/ Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and their insurance.
  • English speaking guide (French-speaking guide available with an extra additional cost if needed).
  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and assistant guide for group size above 4 people.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork needed for the trek.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu-Sotikhola-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International airfare.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Laundry, telephone, personal trekking equipment, hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
  • Medical evacuation (In case of emergency)

Useful Information

We will have to walk on a rugged vehicle road from Soti Khola to Machha Khola as there is no other alternative route. The construction work for the vehicle road is still going on and recently it has reached near to Jagat. We have an alternative route for it but the construction work may disturb a little bit.