The Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is one of the best astonishing treks to discover the hidden Tsum Valley of the Manaslu region. It is located in the northern part of the Gorkha district at the east side of Manaslu Circuit Trek. Picturesque landscapes, 360-degree views of colossal mountain peaks, the rich culture of Tsum people, and exploration of ancient Rachen and Mu Gompa are the ultra selling points of the beautiful Tsum valley trek Nepal.
Tsum Valley trek is an excellent amalgamation of a scenic and cultural adventure in Nepal. Only a handful of trekkers venture this far off-the-beaten-path, making it relatively virgin than other popular trekking regions. You'll get an authentic trek experience in the less traveled trails of the restricted sections of Tsum Valley.
The Tsum Valley Trek itinerary begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat Bazaar. From Soti Khola, you hike through notable small villages such as Liding, Lapubesi, Maccha Khola, Khorlabeshi, Tatopani, Dobhan, and Jagat. Some sections of the trekking course are well-decorated with artistic mani walls carved with prayers and images of deities, colorful prayer flags, and chortens.
Tsum Valley trekking route treated you with dense wood forests, expansive meadows, effervescent mountain streams, wild flora, snow-clad mountains, spectacular valleys, particularly everything a Himalayan trek can offer. You'll mostly walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, Machha Khola, and Soti Khola during the trek. As you leave the main trail of the Manaslu Circuit trek, you'll notice changes in the landscape of mixed pine trees and grassy slopes.
From Jagat, the path leads up and onward towards Lokpa, the first village of Tsum valley. Next, following the uneven path and crossing Shiar Khola, you reach Chumling, also known as Lower Tsum Valley. Enjoying the incredible views of Ganesh Himal and passing few gompas, you get to the settlements of Chhokang Paro situated on the flat land.
Further, leaving behind the upper Tsum Valley of Chhokang Paro and passing through Lama Gaon, you reach Rachen Gompa, also known as a nunnery Gompa. At Lama Gaon, you can visit Milarepa's Cave, one of the salient features of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. After spending some time in Gompa, you'll pass through the hamlets of Phurbe, Pangdung, Chhule, and enter into Nile, the last settlement of the area.
From here, passing the rows of chortens and mani walls, you'll head towards close to Mu Gompa. It is the largest monastery in the Tsum Valley and one of the major attractions in the area. Tsum valley's altitude is 3,700m above sea level, and it is the perfect viewpoint for a close-up 360 view of the snow-clad peaks.
Apart from natural scenery, you'll also discover the unspoiled history, amazing people, and their culture, lifestyle, and tradition. The people of Tsum Valley are of Tibet origin, so they possess unique religion, art, culture, and dialect. Thus, this trek bestows you with both natural and cultural wonders.
After enjoying the magnificent view of Tsum Valley with the perfect backdrop of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Baudha Himal, and Himalchuli, you'll retrace your path back to Chhokang Paro. You'll get plenty of opportunities to relish your memory of the outstanding views and moments you encountered during your ascend to these villages.
Following the downhill trail, crossing and walking along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River, you reach Arughat Bazaar and head back to Kathmandu. Finally, the wonderful experience and adventure on 18 days- Tsum Valley Trek come to an end.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Day | Highlights |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel |
Day 2 | Half day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley and Trek Preparation |
Day 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat then to Soti Khola (730m/2,896ft) - 7 to 8 hours drive |
Day 4 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m/2,965ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 5 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,400m/4,593ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek |
Day 6 | Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,040m/6,692ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 7 | Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
Day 8 | Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m/9,944ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
Day 9 | Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361m/11,026ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
Day 10 | Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,139ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek |
Day 11 | Trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (3,240m/10,629ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
Day 12 | Trek from Rachen Gompa to Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 13 | Trek from Chumling to Phillim (1,590m/5,217ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 14 | Trek from Phillim to Dobhan (1,070m/3,510ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 15 | Trek from Dobhan to Lapubesi (880m/2,890ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek |
Day 16 | Trek from Lapubesi to Arughat (560m/1,840ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
Day 17 | Drive back to Kathmandu from Arughat - 5 to 6 hours drive |
Day 18 | Depart from Kathmandu |
Arrive in Nepal, and a representative from Third Rock Adventures will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport. Then after completing airport formalities, drive to the hotel. After the check-in process, you can have some refreshments at the hotel and visit nearby places.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Grab your hearty breakfast and start your half-day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. You'll get an opportunity to visit many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Squares. All these landmarks hold historical and cultural significance.
After completing the sightseeing tour, you'll get back to the hotel and attend a small meet-up. A trekking guide will brief you on all details about the upcoming Tsum Valley Trek. You can put down your doubts, and the rest of the time, you can prepare for the trek.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Wake up early in the morning and board your vehicles for a drive to Soti Khola via Arughat. Enjoying the pleasant ride along the Prithivi Highway, you head towards Dhading Besi. The road winds through tranquil rural settlements, terrace farms with seasonal crops, green hills, flowing rivers, and roadside hotels.
From the Dhading Besi, you'll continue your bus ride along the bumpy road. En route, you'll enjoy the spectacular sight of snow-clad peaks like Mt. Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal range, along with the Budhi Gandaki river. Enjoying the countryside view, you'll pass through small settlements such as Arkhet, Kokhetar, Kuerepani and arrive at Soti Khola. It is the starting point of Tsum Valley Trek. You can stroll around the busy, colorful village full of local shops and restaurants.
Overnight stay in Soti Khola.
The very first day of the Tsum trek starts with crossing the suspension bridge over Soti Khola. The trail cuts through Sal forest, and gradual ascents end into the ridge above the Budhi Gandaki River. On the route, you'll come across the charming village of Liding, and walking through rocky terrain, and you reach Khursane.
The northeast view of Ganesh Himal comes off as a pleasant surprise, and it will keep you more craving for more incredible views. After walking through rice terraced farms, you reach the small Gurung settlements of Lapubesi. Then the hike continues till the route opens up wide and follows the sandy riverbed of Budhi Gandaki River. Then slowly descent to Nauli Khola and crossing a bridge, you eventually arrive at Machha Khola.
Overnight stay in Machha Khola.
Start your trek early through a fertile landscape where you'll encounter a few ups and downs. You'll begin to gain elevation and crossing the Thado Khola, and you reach Khorlabeshi. As you continue your hike, you'll get into a natural hot spring at Tatopani. Further, you'll follow the narrow route, climb over a ridge, and cross the Budhi Gandaki River. From Tatopani to Jagat, the trekking course involves many stone staircase sections.
Before Dobhan, you need to climb a wider stone staircase and pass the landslide area. As the trail ascent to the Budhi Gandaki River, you arrive at Yaru Khola and again climb another stone step and reach Thado Bharyang. Then a short walk brings you to a segment of the west bank of Budhi Gandaki. Climbing over the hill and following the course along the riverside, you finally reach Jagat. There are several monasteries, mani walls, and chortern which you can explore in the evening. Jagat offers a magnificent sight of Shringi Himal too.
Overnight stay in Jagat.
Wake up early in the morning to enjoy a fantastic view of Shringi Himal. After morning breakfast, you'll leave Jagat and head towards Lokpa. Before that, you need to register your trekking permits at the checkpoint. After registering, you tend to climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and soon, you'll descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens up, and the course leads to Ghatte Khola. Continuing upstream and crossing the river, you arrive at Philim, a splendid Gurung settlement.
After a delightful walk on the flat land, you arrive at Ekle Bhatti. Halfway through the trek, you make a climb up to the junction of two rivers that split the route of Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek. You'll then follow the right track that leads to Tsum Valley. On the way to Lokpa, you'll spot some outstanding peaks like Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Voke Peak, etc.
Overnight stay in Lokpa.
Even though today's trek duration is short, but the trail comprises steep uphill ascents, so the trek is quite tricky. However, the panoramic view of some prominent peaks will accompany throughout the trek. Walking through a forested area and en route, you'll spot long and deep Sardi Gorge. Also, some of the prominent peaks visible from this point are Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal.
From here, the path is downhill to the Lungwa river valley and climbs through the dense tropical forest of pine, juniper, and rhododendron. The trek path stretches to Gumling village and crosses the river. As the trek continues, you climb to Chumling village. You can explore the village and visit the monasteries of Chumling, including Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa.
Overnight stay in Chumling.
Enjoy the sunrise view over the magnificent Shringri Himal. After filling breakfast at Chumling, you head towards Chhokang Paro, also called Upper Tsum Valley. Traversing through the farming land, enjoying the scenic Himalayan view, continue your trek. Along the path, you'll witness classic Tibetan houses with slopping roofs.
After crossing aa huge landslide area, you'll climb up to a ridge and enjoy the grand view of Ganesh Himal. After a good climb, you reach Ripchet village. From the hill, the gradual ascent will take you to Upper Tsum Valley. Finally, after long hours walk, you enter the village of Chhokang Paro. Sits on flat meadows, this village consists of two settlements of Chhokang and Paro. These villages showcase the unique religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Overnight stay in Chhokang Paro.
Explore morning view around Chhokang Paro, and the hike continues to the Nile. It is the last settlement in Tsum Valley. Walk slowly and steadily as there is a certain gain in the elevation so that you might get symptoms of altitude sickness. You must drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
Initially, the trek continues up the ridge and leads to Lama Gaon. This place is famous for Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu), where Tibetan Gurus used to mediate in ancient times. You'll get lost in the beauty of pristine nature. When you come to the end of the route, you'll cross the suspension bridge and reach Rachen Gompa. It is also called Nunnery Gompa. After exploring Gompa and walking along with the close to Tibet border, you reach the Nile. It lies on the west side of the Shiar Khola.
Overnight stay in the Nile.
Today is the most interesting and exciting day of all. Wake up early in the morning, feel the chill mountain air and start your journey towards Mu Gompa. This day is the shortest day during the whole trek. The Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking itinerary becomes even more attractive as you walk towards Mu Gompa, the highest point of the trek.
From Nile, you'll head towards the west direction, very close to the Tibet border. A gentle uphill climb leads you to Mu Gompa, which is the largest monastery in the region. Explore the sanctuary, and it provides fascinating mountain views with Tsum Valley. There are lots of mani walls and chortens around Mu Gompa. You'll also spot a magnificent statue of Avalokiteshvara and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Moreover, you also get an opportunity to visit the Dhephu Doma Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley.
Overnight stay in Mu Gompa.
After spending a wonderful time at Mu Gompa, you will head back to Rachen Gompa. From here, the trail descends to Chhule, and then you reach Phurbe. After passing through Shiar Khola valley, you reach Rachen Gompa. The Gompa lies on the lap of gigantic mountains near the borders of Tibet and Nepal. Rachen Gompa is one of the beautiful ancient gompas in Nepal. You can explore the monastery and interact with a nun or monk.
Overnight stay in Rachen Gompa.
You will start early today not just to enjoy the best views but also because it is quite a long day. You will retrace your steps along the forested area, descend to Chhokang Paro, and then head towards the lower Tsum Valley-Chumling.
Overnight stay in Chumling.
Leaving down from Chumling, you'll start retracing the path and continue the downhill walk. The scenic route along the bank of Shiar Khola will lead you to Lokpa village. Further, after entering lush forests and you'll traverse through the Ekle Bhatti and many monasteries, mani walls, and chortens. At the end of the day, you'll pass through gorgeous Samba waterfalls and arrive at Phillim village.
Overnight stay in Phillim.
Trek starts with a downhill walk towards Sirdibas. The trek offers an excellent opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring scene of Ganesh Himal. Enjoying the pristine beauty, you continue hike towards Jagat and then to Yaruphant. The trek path is well decorated with several waterfalls and small settlements. Eventually, walking further down, you reach Dobhan.
Overnight stay in Dobhan.
Today you'll proceed towards Lapubesi. Enjoying the amazing view of snow-capped Himalayas, small water streams, you come across a natural hot spring, and after few hours downhill walk takes you to Khorlabesi. Afterward, crossing the Thado Khola, the trek entails descends to the Macchakhola. From here, walking along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River, you reach the Gurung village of Lapubesi.
Overnight stay in Lapubesi.
This is the last trekking day of the Manaslu Tsum trek and a relatively short trek back to Arughat Bazaar. In the first half of the trek, you'll be walking on a steep rocky trail and reach Khursane. Further, walking along the Budhi Gandaki River, you'll cross Sal forests and arrive at Soti Khola. From here, you climb up to the ridge and descend to the cascading waterfall and get to Arkhet. After crossing the Arkhet Khola, you'll leave Budhi Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Shanti Bazaar, and passing through Mangaltar, you reach Arughat Bazaar.
Overnight stay in Arughat.
Goodbye Himalayas, today is the last day of Tsum Valley Trek. You'll drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithivi Highway. This scenic drive comprises a spectacular view of the cascading waterfalls, rolling green hills, snowy peaks, majestic Trishuli river, and small charming helmets. Once you reach Kathmandu, the trek guide will escort you to the respective hotel. Afterward, you can rest in the hotel or explore nearby places.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Time to bid farewell from landlocked Himalayan country Nepal! Depending on your flight time, our representative will drop you at the Kathmandu International Airport. However, if you wish to extend your trip, there are many options such as jungle safari, heli tours, day tours, and cultural and city in Nepal and neighboring countries of Bhutan, Tibet, and India.
While trekking in the Himalayas, the weather plays a significant role in making your trip memorable. Like other popular treks in Nepal, the best time for Tsum Valley Trek is also the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) season. In the spring season, the weather tends to be stable with the best mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Baudha Himal, Himalchuli Himal, etc. In addition, the forest areas are beautifully decorated with colorful flowers. Moreover, the Autumn season is another best time for the trek. During this period, the weather conditions are favorable, with clear sky and mountain views are also best.
The difficulty level of Tsum Valley Trek is easy to moderate. The trek beings from Arughat at 560m and extend to the Mu Gompa at 3,700m which is also the highest trekking point. You don't need to cross any high passes during this trek, but the trail goes through rugged Himalayan terrain. The walk includes long climbs, steep descents, rocky, isolated paths, etc. Thus, you need to be both physically and mentally fit to have an enjoyable experience during the trek.