Tsum Valley Trek

Duration: 16 Days
Photo Gallery Chameleon sitting on a rock Chumling Village Morning view of Boudha Himal as seen from Chokang Paro      Map Tsum Valley Trek map     

About Tsum Valley Trek

The Tsum Valley Trek is 16 days of an epic journey deep into northern Gorkha's beautiful sacred Himalayan Valley. The valley stretches far north, up to the Nepal-Tibet border. It was opened to 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 it was restricted by the government of Nepal for 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 similar to those of the Tibetan people. The practice of polyandry tradition, in which two or more brothers are married to the same spouse can be found in few numbers. 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 16-day Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary starts from Machhakhola, a usual place from where the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail begins. We will follow the same trail up to a place ahead of Nyak 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: Machhakhola.

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

Highlights

  • 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
  • A newly opened trekking route with the opportunity to explore the pristine culture, flora, and fauna
  • Rich and unique culture of the Tsumbas people similar to the Tibetan 

 

Itinerary

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

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the tour guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on the day 2 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 trek guide will prepare for the trip and arrange all the gear.

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

After a quick breakfast, you will begin our drive toward Machhakhola. The route passes by Arughat and Sotikhola. You will drive on the blacktopped road until a little ahead of Arughat and from there you will go on a dirt road till Machhakhola. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Machhakhola
  • 869 M
  • 8-9 hours

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

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

Today, you will register your permits and ascend along a rocky ridge to Salleri. From here, you 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 you will reach Chisopani. 

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

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

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

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

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

After having breakfast, you 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 Tsumba villages, mani walls, Chortens, caves, Monasteries, and crossing several bridges you will arrive at the Nile. In the middle of the way, you 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 your day of a rest day. You will explore the villages and its nearby areas. You will go on a short hike to visit Mu Gompa which is the largest monastery in this region. After that, you will visit Dhephu Doma Gompa and Nunnery Gompa. 


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

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

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

The trail descends to Chhokang Paro. From here, you will further descend to Gho and continue trekking down to Sarpu Khola. You 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, you will get to see gorgeous views of waterfalls. The trail then takes you to Chisopani where you will spend the night. 


  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chisapani
  • 1660 M
  • 5 hours
From Chisopani, you will pass by a couple of villages, descend down and cross suspension bridges. You will walk through the trail along the river, cross yet another suspension bridge and finally reach Jagat. 


  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Jagat
  • 1340 M
  • 4 hours

After breakfast, you will head out to Machhakhola. The majority of the trail passes alongside the river. You will pass by several small villages like Yaruphant, Dovan, Tatopani, Khorlabesi, etc, and cross numerous suspension bridges. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Machhakhola
  • 869 M
  • 6 hours

After having breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu passing by Arkhet and Arughat, and cross Arkhet Khola. Then after leaving Arughat Bazar behind, you will leave Budhi Gandaki Valley and head to Malekhu via Dhading Besi. Finally, you 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

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • 3-night accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Lodge/ Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu-Machhakhola-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Airport pick-up and drop.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • International airfare.

Useful Information

The construction work for the vehicle road is still going on and recently it has reached the hill across Philim. We have an alternative but will need to walk on those roads on several occasions.