Tsum Valley Trek - 18 Days

Welcome to the city of temples!

Upon the arrival, our representatives will be there to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Then, they will take you to your hotel and briefly explain our plans and detailed route for the trek. You will also meet with your guides and other traveling fellows.

Make sure you carry your important documents like passports, photos, travel insurance paper. You need these documents for the permits and a TIMS card.

After finishing this program, you are free to explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu.

After the breakfast, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley commences. You will go in our private vehicle with our professional tour guide. There are so much to explore in this amazing city. You might know that among 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, seven are solely located in Kathmandu. You might not be able to visit them all but you will visit most of them.

Some of the heritages you will go through are:

Durbar Squares (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square)

In Nepali, the word ‘durbar’ means big palace and as the name suggests these ancient places used to be the residence of ancient kings. You will visit the nearby temples and museum. You will see the preference for artistic culture during the Malla period. All of the durbars are of Pagoda styled. All of them has awe-striking temples of many god and goddess. Moreover, the historical story behind every single monument will amaze you.

Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath(Monkey Temple)

Both of them are the sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Built in the 5th century, these stupas signify the prevalence of Buddhism from ancient times. You will find a peaceful environment and serenity there.

Pashupatinath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples, Pashupatinath is another serene place to visit. Along the eastern riverbank of Bagmati, you will have the pictures of the temple. The pagoda styled temple is the shrine of Lord Shiva. Also, the famous ‘aarti’ here in the evening is something you must see.

After all of these activities, you will have some free time. You can use it by yourself for further exploration and last-minute trek preparation. Thamel is the best place for your essentials.

Altitude: 730m (Sotikhola), 940m (Arughat)

Travel Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Teahouse

After the breakfast, you will leave for Soti Khola via private jeep. Soti Khola is the starting point of the trek. You will drive via Dhading Besi. But the journey after that could be bumpy and dusty towards Soti Khola. Within 6-7 hours, you will reach Soti Khola.

Along the way, you will enjoy viewing green hills and forests. Crossing the bridge of Budi Gandaki river, you will reach Arughat at first. There is a hydroelectric power plant. Also, from Arughat to Soti Khola, you will see wide fields of rice, millet, and other forests. You might have to walk a little downhill to reach Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola!

Altitude: 930m, Machha Khola

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

The actual trek of your journey begins on this day. You will go through the moderate trail on the way to Machha Khola. The distance difference between these places is 14.1 kilometers/8.7 miles.

You will go into the land of gigantic mountains and unspoiled nature. You will encounter the villages like Armala, Lapubesi, Nauli Khola, Khanibesi along with uphill along Budhi Gandaki River.

You will start with the terraced field and see the landscape as you attain the altitude. The remote and wild vistas are naturally alluring. Upon reaching Machha Khola, the view of mount ridges and unique landscapes will soak you up. You will stay in a teahouse with good food and accommodation service.

Altitude: 1400m, Jagat

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Teahouse

Leaving Machha Khola, you will pass through a place called Khorla Besi. You will see a hot spring called ‘Tatopani’ there. You can spend some time relaxing. The hot water will refresh and re-energize you for your upcoming journey.

Afterward, you will cross a dense forest that will lead you to Dovan. This is another unique place that you will pass by. You will be walking along the riverbank of towering Budi Gandaki. You will achieve substantial altitude this day. As you gain the elevation, the scene gets better and more beautiful.

Finally crossing the saggy suspension bridge, you will arrive Jagat. Jagat is also the gateway of Tsum valley where you will go through permit checking. Jagat is also the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Besides, it is a beautiful village of Gurung ethnicity.

Altitude: 2,240m, Lokpa

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

This day will be another adventure to you as you will be walking through narrow alleys and climbing the rocky ridges. First of all, you will have to climb Salleri, a rocky hill. You will cross a whole single hill as you again descend towards Sirdibas.

Continuing the walk, your journey widens up with a Gurung village; Philim through Ghatte Khola. This could be a good point to have lunch and rest for a while. Taking the northern route, you will reach the vantage point of Chisapani. Chisapani leads you to a gorge and a beautiful waterfall eventually.

Then again, you will walk through the dense forest full of pine and colorful rhododendrons. Descending from the forest, you will reach Lokpa; a magical village of Tsum. The majestic Shringi Himal looks spectacular.

Altitude: 2,385m, Chumling

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

Despite the short elevation gain, today could be a little hard day for you as the trails are uphill ascents. The panoramic view of high Himalayas will accompany you all the way. Also, you will walk along the rhododendron-lined path.

First, you will reach the valley of Sardi Khola by passing through a long bridge and a deep gorge. Not only them but on the way, the glorious gompa and chorten will welcome you. Then, you will pass the village alongside Lugwa Khola and also the pine forest of Gumlung. You will see the green fields of barley and a handful of farmhouses along the steep slopes.

Crossing Siyar Khola, you will finally reach Chumling. Chumling indicates the lower Tsum Valley. There is a famous Chumling Gompa (Gumba) where you can visit. You will have fun wandering off these stone paved streets.

Altitude: 3030m, Chhokang Paro

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

This day would be easier for you than other days. You will start by crossing the long suspension bridge and reach the farms of maize of potatoes. Side by side you can enjoy a superb view of Ganesh Himal.

First, you will be walking at Rainjam towards Serpu Khola. You will again pass other bridges along the way. After some hours, you will get into Gho village. Gho village is the junction trail of Gumba Lungdang and Chhumling.

On the way, you also will get to enjoy Tibetan tea, tsampa, rice and veggies (arak and chhang). Again, you can visit the ancient-styled homes and school along the way to Upper Tsum Valley. Plus, the views of mountain ranges are mind-blowing. Enjoy the view of Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal!

You have to walk more further to reach your destination for the day, Chhokang Paro. Chhokang Paro is an outstanding spot of green landscapes and waterfalls. The village has houses made of stone, mud, and clay. Also, the early morning sunrise at Chhokang Paro is quite precious.

Altitude: 3,361m, Nile

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

Today, you will face a significant rise in elevation along the trail. So, you have to be prepared for it. There are many things to witness along the way at Nile. On the trail, you first encounter Lama Gaon. Lama Gaon is the place where there is the famous Milarepa Cave.

The main attraction for the day is a visit to Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu). This ancient spot was the meditating place of Tibetan Gurus.

Next, comes the suspension bridge towards Rachen Gompa. Rachen Gompa is also called Nunnery Gompa. You will visit the Gompa and spend some time along the border with Tibet. At the place called Lar, you can see a micro hydropower plant.

Then you will pass through Shiar Khola, Phurbe, and Pangdun village. There are many other Buddhist monasteries you can visit. The main walking trail is mostly dry and stoned fields.

Following the upstream and crossing the final bridge, you will reach the day-destination Nile. There is a monastery at Chule at the top. You will see two dramatic waterfalls and the remains of the destroyed hydro-electric power system. That was by the recent avalanche. Churke and Kipu Himal looks amazing and glorious at sunset.

Altitude: 3,700m, Mu Gompa

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse or Gompa

Today is a magical day of your trek as you will reach the vantage point- Mu Gompa. You will head along the bank of the Tsum chu river. You will walk closer to the Tibetan border along the west bank through Tibetan landscapes. After 3 to 4 hours of the steep and slippery climb, you will reach Mu Gompa at the end.

Mu Gompa, at 3700m, is the largest monastery and is the highest point of the trek. There are lots of mani walls and chortens at Mu Gompa. You will see the immense life-sized statue of Avalokiteshvara and Guru Padmasambhava and Tara.

Also, you get to visit the Dhephu Doma Gompa. The weather is truly beautiful here. The high paved terraces, narrow alleys along with a stunning view of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal!

Longnang Glacier, Fuchun Khola and the peaks of Taya Himal and Pashuwo are other attractions. You will love them all!

You should be aware as after this you will exceed the elevation of 3,500m. The possibility of getting AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) is high at this condition. Thus, to avoid AMS, the designed itinerary will help you with enough time to acclimatize.

Another trick is to go slow at your own pace. You must listen to what your body says and if you feel any of the symptoms, take immediate actions.

Altitude: 3700m, Mu Gompa

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse or Gompa

As you are at a significant altitude, a day break is necessary. Plus, an extra day will let you explore Mu Gompa better. This day, you will visit other Tibetan landscapes and other remote places.

Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. You explore every nook and corner of the monastery. After exploration at Mu Gompa, you can walk along the base of the Pika Himal (4,865m). You can mark the white path of Thapla Bhanjyang towards the northern side. This vantage point provides brilliant views of mountains as well as Tsum valley.

Along the quiet and remote trail, your morning at Mu Gompa will be magical too. The breathtaking view of Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal are the sole reason for it.

Altitude: 3,245m, Burgi Village

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

After reaching the vantage point, you will walk back the trail to Chule and Phurbe. Walking on the east bank of Shiar Khola, you will arrive at Burgi village. You will love this small yet beautiful village. There, you will climb up the Milarepa cave. From this point, you can get the mesmerizing view of the Kipu Himal, Churke Himal, and Poshyop glacier.

Altitude: 2,385m, Chumling

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

You will retrace your steps enjoying the dense pine and rhododendron forests, descending down to Chokhangparo and then walk towards the lower Tsum Valley- Chumling.

The way to Chumling will be via Val, Namgyal and remote communities like Gho, Renjam, and Domje. You will encounter the same terraced fields and suspension bridges over the Sarpu Khola. Then, the path is complete descent.

Altitude: 1700m, Philim

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

Descending down to Lokpa, you will walk for about 6-7 hours. The trail heads towards Lokpa. Following the blue skies and colored fields, you will reach the Lower Tsum Valley beside the Budi Gandaki River. You will witness the diverse flora and fauna making their way across the river. You will enjoy the gorgeous Samba Fall and then reach Philim. Philim is also a common trail for exploring the Ganesh Himal Base Camp as well.

Altitude: 970m, Khorlabesi

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

Leaving the cultivated land of Philim, you will descend along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. This day you will retrace your way back towards Sirdibas then reach Jagat and further descend down to Yaruphant. The climate is arid as the region is Tibetan.

Also, while returning to your destination, you will see the gradual change from alpine to subtropical greenery. The descent does not end there. You will have to move further towards Dovan and also reach Tatopani. As there is a hot spring, you can take bath relieving all your trekking-stress. Your tired muscles will sooth and get refreshed. Finally, you will walk down for the overnight at Khorlabesi.

Altitude: 730m, Sotikhola

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse

The trial for the day is mostly decent. First, you will walk down the trail and cross suspension bridges over the Tharo Khola. Then, a rocky gorge will come up on your way.

Walking along the Budi Gandaki, you will pass the Gurung village of Lapubesi. You also reach a place named Khursabe, where there are two amazing waterfalls. Further, you will walk within the forest of pine and Sal to finally reach Soti Khola. Overnight at Sotikhola.

This day, you will leave Manaslu region and be back to Kathmandu. If you want to extend the trip then you can add Ganesh Himal Trek on your list. The region is the same with two or three extra days.

You will drive back on tourist bus/private vehicle. We will take the same highway we took before. Continuing along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, you will follow the amazing green hills, scene of high mountains, farming terraces, and village settlements. Within 6-7 hours, via Arughat, you will reach Kathmandu.

After reaching Kathmandu, if you have some spare time you can relax. You can shop for endeavors and join us at the dinner table during the pre-departure meetup session hosted by our team.

The Tsum Valley Trek comes to an end today! As per your flight schedule, our team will drop you at the airport. We definitely hope you to see in the days to come!