Tsum Valley Trek – 18 Days

The Tsum valley lies in the northern part of Manaslu and was a restricted region until 2008. The Tsum valley trekking route and trails have been discovered not long ago which makes this region raw, undiscovered, and worth traveling to. Tsum valley was once a part of Tibet which is why the religion, art, lifestyle, monasteries, prayer flags all portray the Tibetan culture. This valley is completely different from all the trekking routes as one can find variation not only in lifestyle and culture but also in vegetation, geography, and landscapes. During the trek, a trekker can realize the sub-tropical region slowly changing into the semi-arid region, the change in climate, and the change in weather as well.

The Tsum valley is still not as much exposure as other trekking destinations as it was restricted until the year of 2008. As the valley is rich in Buddhist culture, it comprises of many religious monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. Not just the culture, but the biodiversity is splendid as well with many forests, rivers, caves, etc.

The trip to Tsum Valley begins with the sightseeing in the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu and by driving to Sotikhola the next day. Sotikhola will be the starting point of our trek. Following the trail, we witness beautiful rhododendron forests, pine forests, conifer forests, and various waterfalls along the way. The view of the Himalayas hides and seeks time and again throughout the trail. We also visit monasteries like Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, etc. and explore the Tibetan culture and traditions. Some of the mountains that can be witnessed during the trek include Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. This region is less exposed thus is a less-touristy area which makes the trails unbeaten, the Gompas unexplored and the stories unheard.

The trail passes through pine forests, along raging rivers with cascading waterfalls and incredible suspension bridges, through fascinating villages and to several gompas, monasteries, mani walls, and stupas, not to mention Milarepa’s Cave. On display are the mountain ranges of Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Manaslu (8,163m), Churke Himal, and the Poshyop Glacier.

The trail to the sacred pilgrimage site of Tsum Valley heads upper Budi Gandaki River Valley through unexplored countryside inhabited by the Tibetan community and authentic Tsum Villages such as Chhokangparo, where the area is long considered Baeyul or Hidden land offers totally unspoiled culture and tradition of Tsumba with fabulous mountain view of Ganesh Himal Range, Sringi Himal, Bauddha Himal, and Himalchuli. The valley is extensively rich in culture and tradition dwelled with Buddhist monasteries, nunneries, chortens and prayer walls and significant religious monuments, the longest mani walls at Dzong and Phurpe are great attractions.

Nomadic Nepal will arrange every detail of your Tsum Valley Trek; lodge accommodation, guides, food, as well as all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.

Tsum Valley Trek Highlights

• Sightseeing around the UNESCO world heritage sites
• The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola
• Explore the Tibetan arid region
• Explore the Buddhist Monasteries and Gompas throughout the trails
• Witness the waterfalls along the way
• Picturesque views of the Himalayas
• Visit Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Milarepa cave etc.
• Discover the Tibetan and Buddhist lifestyle, culture, art, religion, and many more.

Best Time for Tsum Valley Trek

Weather and temperature are the most important factors to take into consideration the best season trekking in Nepal. March to May, September to November is the busiest season for Tsum Valley trek. Heavy snowfall in the winter season from December until February closed the lodge at Mu Gumpa, From June to August is the rainy season. We do not recommend trekking in winter and rainy season to anyone.

March to May – Spring

This is the best time of the season to trek in the Tsum ValleyTrek. The weather is very favorable through the trek. Stunning views of the Mt. Manaslu and glaciers will be seen. Temperatures may start increasing from the mid of March and with clear skies, snow mountains will be seen at their best. In April & May, low land start getting hot, high in the mountain is neither cold nor hot in the daytime. Nighttime is comparatively colder than daytime. Many trekkers often succeed in their expedition at this time. On the journey, the rhododendron flowers will be blooming at its best in a variety of colors.

September to November – Autumn

This is also one of the perfect seasons for the Tsum Valley trek. This season is the peak of tourists due to the favorable weather. As the monsoon slowly ends, a perfect trekking climate sets itself. The temperature goes up to 20 degrees in the daytime and falls down to 5 degrees during the night time. This season is when trekkers enjoy trekking the most, with a clear sky, and an amazing view of the mountains. It is highly recommended as it’s the best time for the Tsum Valley trek, usually between mid-September to end. Tourists in this season are also attracted by the main festival of Nepal; Dashain and Tihar.

As winter slowly begins, snow falls begin in the Manaslu region and it eventually tough to trek. Nights will start to get colder. November is the busy season as it is the clearest month with sparkling days. The daytime temperatures are very stable and constant and due to this, the view of the clear blue sky and the mountain is phenomenal. From December, the temperature starts to get cold and begins to snow.

Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,400 m). Overnight at a Hotel.

Overnight at a Hotel. No meals included.

Day 02 – Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley.

Overnight at a Hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 03 – Drive to Sotikhola (710 m) – 7 to 8 hours by jeep.

After the morning breakfast, we leave for Sotikhola, the starting point of our Tsum Valley Trek. From Kathmandu to Dhading Besi is a 3-hour comfortable drive after which will be a 5-hour bumpy and winding dirt road to Sotikhola. The total drive for the day will approximately be 8 hours.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 04 – Trek from Sotikhola to Machha Khola (900 m) – 6-7 Hours.

Today we start walking to Machha Khola. The trail is full of ups and downs and goes through narrow and rocky terrain. We come across many beautiful waterfalls. Before reaching Machha Khola, we pass through Labubesi village which is a Gurung community. After walking for almost 6 hours, we arrive at our destination for the day which is Machha Khola (River).

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 05 – Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410) – 6-7 Hours.

After crossing Machha River and Khorla besi, there is a hot spring called Tatopani. The trail follows a forest reaching Dovan, below which flows the massive Budi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 06 – Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240 m) –5-6 Hours.

The early morning trek makes us climb through a rocky ridge up to Salleri from where we descend down towards Sirdibas. The valley widens as the trail takes us to Ghatta Khola and then upstream towards the Gurung village, Philim. Walking towards the northern direction through the forest, we reach Chisopani. Leaving Chisopani, we cross the gorge and walk for around half an hour only to arrive at the beautiful waterfall. We then walk into the pine and rhododendron forests, descend down the trail towards Tsum Valley to Lokpa.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 07 – Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m) – 6-7 Hours.

Today is a tough day as the altitude increases and the trail is mostly an ascent too.  The panoramic views of the Himalayas hide and seek time and again throughout the trail. We walk down beautiful villages of Lungwa Khola and then ascend through pine forests to Gumlung.  After crossing the Siyar Khola, we finally reach Chumling, the lower Tsum valley, famous for Chumling Gompa and the stone-paved streets of the village.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 08 – Trek from Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,031 m) – 4-5 Hours.

The trek starts with crossing the suspension bridge today. We walk on the other side and enjoying the views of Ganesh Himal walk towards Rainjam towards Serpu Khola. We cross one more bridge and head towards a village named Gho. We walk further 2 hours to finally walk to the upper Tsum valley and reach Chokhangparo.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 09 – Trek from Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361 m) – 5-6 Hours.

Today there is a strong rise in altitude and the ascent in the trail too. We walk past Lamagaon crossing suspension bridge towards Rachen Gompa, also known as Nunnery Gompa. After visiting the Gompa we return on the trail. We pass through Shiar Khola, Lar, Phurbe and Pangdun village, many Buddhist monasteries, cross the final bridge before reaching Nile. There is a monastery at Chule nearby to Nile which can be visited after resting at Nile.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 10 – Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m) – 3-4 Hours.

The trail today takes us closer to the Tibetan border. We walk through the west bank of the valley through Tibetan landscapes. After walking for around 3 to 4 hours we finally reach Mu Gompa.

Overnight at a Guesthouse or Gompa. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 – Rest Day in Mu Gompa (3,700 m).

Today we spend the day resting and exploring the Mu Gompa, the other Tibetan landscapes, and the most remote area of this Tsum valley. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. After completing the exploration at Mu Gompa, we can also consider walking to the base of the Pika Himal (4,865 m).

Overnight at a Guesthouse or Gompa. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 12 – Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245 m) via Milarepa cave – 5 Hours.

Today we walk back the trail to Chhule and Phurbe. On the east bank of Shiar Khola, we arrive at Burgi village. This village is small and beautiful. We climb up the Milarepa cave famous for the mesmerizing view of the Kipu Himal, Churke Himal, and Poshyop glacier.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 13 – Trek from Burgi village to Chumling (2,386 m) – 5-6 Hours.

We walk back the trail enjoying the dense pine and rhododendron forests, descending down to Chokhangparo and then walking towards the lower Tsum Valley Chumling.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 14 – Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,700 m) – 6-7 Hours.

The walk today will be 5 to 6 hours. Descending down to Lokpa, enjoying the gorgeous Samba Falls, we finally reach Philim.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 15 – Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (930 m) – 6-7 Hours.

We walk down towards Sirdibas then to Jagat and further descend to Yaruphant. The Tibetan arid climate can be seen gradually changing over to the subtropical green vegetation. We continue descending down towards Dovan and finally reaching Tatopani. There is a hot water spring at Tatopani, if preferred one can take a dip into it to relax the tired muscles. We further walk down and finally reach Khorlabesi.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 16 – Trek from Khorlabesi to Sotikhola (730 m) – 6 Hours.

The trail today is mostly a descent. We walk down the trail, cross suspension bridges, walk back to Machha Khola, walk along the Budhi Gandaki river, pass the Gurung village of Lapubesi, the waterfalls, a village names Khursane, walk across the pine forests, cross the bridge and finally arrive at Sotikhola.

Overnight at a Guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 17 – Drive to Kathmandu (1,300 m) by jeep – 7 to 8 Hours and farewell dinner.

We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking, and other activities. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at a Hotel. Breakfast and farewell dinner included.

Day 18 – Transfer to International Airport for Final Departure.

The Tsum Valley Trek ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.