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

Tsum Valley Trek takes us to the remote beautiful hidden valley, and the land of monasteries & hamlets with a population of the Tibetan descendant – lies on the northern part of Gorkha on the Nepal-Tibet border. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word “Tsombo” which means vivid. Traditionally, Tsum used to be a separate area different from both Nepal and Tibet, and this place used to be a famous salt trading route. It was a restricted area until 2008. The Tsum Valley region still receives very less number of tourists compared to other tourist areas, with relatively unexplored and off the beaten paths. It’s a great option for those trekkers who are looking for an alternative trekking route to the more popular and crowded Annapurna trek.

The people of the Tsum valley has a unique culture and tradition, which have been preserved heavily for a long time. The people of this place have their unique way of life, which may be quite unusual for outsiders. Like a practice called polyandry where all the brothers in the family are married to a single girl. The Tsum Valley trek is an amazing mixture of cultural and natural beauty like different ethnic villages, dense forests, mountains, deep gorges, hamlets, gompas, chortens, and mani walls.

The Tsum Valley treks offer a panoramic view of numerous marvelous mountains like the Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal. The ancient Buddhist Gompas in the region including the Milarepa's Cave, Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Nunnery Gompa are the places not to be missed. The trek starts from Sotikhola, continuing through the same route as of Manaslu circuit up to the place near Nyak. Then we leave the Manaslu circuit trail without crossing the river and continue for the Tsum valley. After reaching Mu Gompa, we return from the same route and end the trek at the same point, Sotikhola.

Highlights

  • Rich and unique culture of the Tsumbas people similar to the Tibetan 
  • Newly opened trekking route thus providing the opportunity to explore the pristine culture, flora, and fauna
  • Ancients Buddhists 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.