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Overview The Tsum Valley Trek is a captivating journey through the remote and mystical region of Nepal. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, this less-explored trek offers a unique blend of natural splendor, ancient culture, and spiritual encounters. Starting from the picturesque town of Arughat, the trail also gradually ascends through lush green forests, terraced fields, and quaint villages inhabited by the warm-hearted and hospitable Tsumbas. Enveloped in tranquility, Tsum Valley is renowned for its sacred monasteries, chortens, and mani walls that stand as testaments to its Buddhist heritage. The revered Mu Gompa, an ancient monastery dating back…
The Tsum Valley Trek is a captivating journey through the remote and mystical region of Nepal. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, this less-explored trek offers a unique blend of natural splendor, ancient culture, and spiritual encounters. Starting from the picturesque town of Arughat, the trail also gradually ascends through lush green forests, terraced fields, and quaint villages inhabited by the warm-hearted and hospitable Tsumbas.
Enveloped in tranquility, Tsum Valley is renowned for its sacred monasteries, chortens, and mani walls that stand as testaments to its Buddhist heritage. The revered Mu Gompa, an ancient monastery dating back to the 9th century, is a spiritual haven for pilgrims seeking enlightenment. As trekkers also continue their ascent, the breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal and the Shringi Himal range leave an indelible mark on their souls.
The allure of Tsum Valley lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its cultural richness. The Tsumbas, with their distinct dialect and customs, welcome visitors with open hearts, offering insights into their traditional lifestyle. Ancient Tibetan Buddhism thrives in this secluded valley, and one can witness unique festivals like Lhosar and Dhacyhang, exuding vibrancy and devotion.
The journey further leads to the mystical Ganesh Himal Base Camp, where the sheer magnificence of the snow-capped peaks takes trekkers into a surreal realm. The rugged terrain tests adventurers’ endurance, rewarding them with unforgettable memories as they traverse through high passes like Ngula Dhoj Hyang La and Mu La.
Tsum Valley Trek is not just a trek; it’s a soul-stirring odyssey that leaves a lasting impression. This off-the-beaten-path experience also immerses travelers in pristine natural beauty and ancient wisdom, leaving them with a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Himalayas’ majesty and the Tsumba people’s resilient spirit. As the world continues to change rapidly, Tsum Valley remains a sanctuary of tradition and serenity, calling out to those seeking an authentic and transformative adventure.
The Tsum Valley Trek offers several remarkable highlights that make it a unique and unforgettable experience:
Overall, the Tsum Valley Trek promises a profound and transformative journey, combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual encounters to create a truly exceptional adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Challenge Trek who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or visit Nepal Challenge Trek’s office. We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Challenge Trek at Restaurant For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Everest Expeditions Nepal briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Included meals: B
Driving Hours (160km/99.4 miles) -6-8hrs
After early morning breakfast, we will begin our journey with a scenic drive to Arughat, following to Soti Khola. Driving on the Prithivi Highway; west from Kathmandu, we will be passing by a beautiful river view of the Trishuli river. In the first few hours, we will reach Dhading Bensi which is the district headquarters of Dhadhing (1050m). In this long drive, we will be stopping for multiple breaks and for lunch as well. From Dhading Bensi, we will be driving to Arughat where the roads will be rough. Along the way, we will see beautiful mountain scenery like Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal range, small villages following the Budhi Gandaki river. Arughat being a large settlement, it is clustered on both sides of Budhi Gandaki river connected by a suspension bridge. The next two hours’ drive will take us to Soti Khola.
o Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Highest Altitude 890m/2,965ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
We begin our trek to Machha Khola. We will be crossing the Soti Khola with an attractive view of waterfalls and the river. Then we will be walking through the beautiful Sal forest, following the climb onto a ridge above the huge rapids of the Budhi Gandaki river on the way to Liding (750m). Passing through the rocky trails, we reach Khursane. Across Budhi Gandaki are the views of Annapurna Circuit between Bahundanda and Syange that looks incredible. Soon after, we will be trekking down rice terraces taking us to Lapubesi; a Gurung village. The path takes us where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki wanders among wide gravel bars. The trail follows down to the sandy river bed of the Budhi Gandaki and we trek down to Nauli Khola crossing a suspension bridge and eventually arriving at Machha Khola.
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 1,400m/4,593ft
Trek Duration 6 to 7 hrs.
After an early morning breakfast, we will trek through a fertile landscape as there will be a few ups and downs. Crossing the Tharo Khola, we will reach Khorlabesi. We slowly begin to gain elevation. As we trek, we pass through a natural hot spring at Tatopani meaning ‘hot water’ in Nepali. Continuing the trek, we walk through the valley as it gets narrower but nature’s beauty does not cease to fail us in the attractiveness. We climb over a ridge, then we cross the Budhi Gandaki river via a suspension bridge. Witnessing picturesque villages, we climb on a wide well designed staircase across a landslide then over a ridge that takes us to Doban. As we ascend up to the Budhi Ganadaki river, we arrive at Yaru Khola that takes us further to a stone staircase with prayer flags hung on the way. We climb more stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Along the route, we pass through paved stones along with mani walls and high overlooks over rivers. Then we reach the appealing village of Jagat that lies on the west side of Budhi Gandaki River.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Trek Duration 1,400m/4,593ft
Trek Duration 6 -7 hrs
Before heading to Lokpa, we will register our permits for Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint. Climbing a ridge over Gallery, we will walk along the river bank crossing the Budhi Gandaki river via a long wide suspension bridge. Continuing to trek, the valley opens up as we head towards Phillip. The trek throughout is a very pleasant one. We will pass by Ekle Bhatti where the trail separates between Tsum and Manaslu. As we trek, we will notice the welcome board, so we head towards Lokpa. On the way, we will see a few villages and rivers. The rivers begin to narrow down as we meet the convergence of the Syar river from the Tsum valley. Taking a right turn, the trail takes us forward, eventually reaching the Lokpa village. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that gives us the opportunity to view the beautiful Manaslu range. This village is isolated and is a hidden valley of happiness blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 2,386m/7,828ft
Trek Duration 5-6 hrs
The day begins with a trek from Lokpa village which is an entrance to a wild route to Tsum Valley. Although the actual entrance begins from a deep slender and narrow gorge. Depending on the weather, if favorable, on the way we will be blessed by the amazing view of the Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal. The route takes us descending down to the Lungwa river valley as we climb through the dense tropical forests of rhododendron, juniper, and pine. The route takes us to Gumling where we only capture the serene nature. Shortly, we cross the Syar Khola again, arriving at the village of Chumling. As the day slowly comes to an end, we will have spare time to visit the monasteries of Chumling; The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa. This village includes telephone service as well as health posts.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 3,031m/9,944ft
Trek Duration 5-6 hrs.
The destination for today is Chhokang Paro and we begin our trek early in the morning. The upper Tsum valley opens from Chhokang Paro. It is a village that is situated on flat land and is made up of two settlements which are Chhokang and Paro. As we cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank, we will see great views of Ganesh Himal and from the south, we can see spectacular views of Boudha Himal and Himalchuli peaks to the southwest. We continue trekking past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge, arriving at the Gho Village. After another two hours climb, we finally make it to the village of Chhokanparo. In this village, we will be welcomed by hospitable locals welcoming us with Tibetan tea (butter tea) and local meals. If favorable weather, we will enjoy the views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 3,361m/11,026ft
Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
The Nile village is on the western side and is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. It is on the sun side of the Shiar Khola and about twenty minutes’ walk from across Chhule. As we trek, we will pass the Piren Phu cave which is also known as the pigeon cave. This cave is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. The famous Tibetan saint called Milarepa was believed to have meditated in that cave as his footprint is imprinted on the cave. The route further is a very pleasant trek, as we will be walking past green meadows and the landscape become fertile and narrow. The farmers will be busy farming. There are two separate monasteries that are attached to the rocky cave. It is abundantly painted with Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on the stones and long prayer flags and Buddhist paper scripts are in it that makes it one of the most important socio-cultural asset in the valley. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola, we will soon arrive at the Nile.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 4,060m/13,320ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs
Followed by an early morning breakfast, we will head out of Nile as the trail gradually ascends to Mu Gompa. It is the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gompa is located at the highest and the farthest point in the Tsum Valley. It was established in 1895 AD and includes many religious books including Kangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. The route takes us through yak pastures through typical dry and arid Trans Himalayan Terrain. The monastery has rows of Chortens and beautiful mountain views and houses. The historical Dephyudonma monastery connected with the dawn of Buddhism run by Lama, on the lap of the rugged mountains, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum valley.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals (B+L+D).
Highest Altitude 3,700m/12,139ft
Trek Duration 3,700m/12,139ft
Shortly after breakfast, we will head from Mu Gompa to Rechen Gompa; a nunnery following the trails. It is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains that border Nepal and Tibet. We return down the valley through Chhule and continue down as far as Phurba. Walking on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and crossing flat boulder-covered plains following the power lines to Rachen Gompa. Rachen Gompa has established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. The interior of the Gompa is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history.
Highest Altitude 3,240m/10,629ft
Trek Duration 5-6 hrs
After trekking south, we cross a bridge to the west bank passing through the Chhokangparo again. We descend down the old trail towards Chumling and approximately two hours later we will witness a small white gompa on the left at Gho (2,458m). We descend down a narrow trail that passes through a Gompa then onto a wooden bridge over the Siyar Khola. Soon, we will be crossing the bridge to Domje which has a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and a school. Further with a steep climb through pine, juniper, and rhododendron forest, the track starts to traverse at a mani wall with many prayer flags hung. This sight of the Tibetan culture is absolutely beautiful. Finally, in the forest, there is a prayer flag that marks the uphill trail and makes a zigzag climb through a big silver pine to reach the Gompa in Lungdang. Rhododendrons will be seen blooming everywhere. If this trek is done during the spring season, the view will definitely be breathtaking seeing nature capture our eyes and mind. This small gompa has forty nuns and an intense puja from 6:00-7:30 pm every night unless the nuns are on holidays which could be for some months in a year. From the gompa, beautiful and astonishing views of the mountains can be seen.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 4,200m/13,779ft
Trek Duration 7-8 hrs
Today is an exciting day as we will be trekking to the Ganesh Himal Base camp. On the route, the forest wilderness and the views make it an enjoyable and adventurous trek even though the altitude rise may cause difficulty in breathing and hiking. The route crosses through two small valleys dropping on the muddy meanders on a shortcut to regain the lower track and continue up the valley via a thick and dense forest. We will cross a small pasture, taking a right turn, we decsned the track and down to the river. The suspension bridge takes us to a bank. The trail becomes slightly challenging but we will manage to cross the forest with many winds that have thrown trees crossing the Laudang Khola on the west bank on top of an unbalanced wooden bridge. Yet again, we climb through steep rhododendron and pine forests eventually reaching on to a ridge and stone huts beside a large stone in Kharka. Shortly, we will reach a landscape with greenery. Flat grassy lands and the lateral moraine of the Torogumba Glacier. As we continue climbing up, in a couple of hours we reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. After appreciating and admiring the effort to reach up here, we will then return back to Gumba Lugdang as it is a short trek.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 3,200m/10,498ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
Today we will be returning back to Lokpa. We will descend down to Domje by trekking in the upper track crossing the Laudang Khola. Crossing an unstable swing bridge between the lowest two houses in Domje, we will stay on the south bank of the Siyar Khola. As we walk by, we will come to across a new trail via a beautiful dense forest that will take us yet to another deep gorge and swinging bridges to Ripche (2,470m). We walk down the stairs to the Bhatti Ghumlong which we had walked through several days ago. As we climb up again through a pine forest, we will reach Lokpa.
o Overnight at the lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 2,040m/6,692ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
As we descend down to Jagat, we will be rejoining the Budhi Gandaki river. As we trek, we will get a few glimpses of the mountains. Walking through forests and terrains gives us an easy pleasant trek. Taking breaks in between, we will reach Sirdibas. After crossing a few suspension bridges, we will finally reach Jagat.
o Overnight at the lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 1,400m/4,593ft
Trek Duration 7-8 hrs
After early morning breakfast, we will be descending to Lapu Bensi. The trek today will be at ease and pleasant as we will walk through terrains and cross severely bridges. Trekking down to Machha Khola we will yet again cross a suspension bridge over the Nauli Khola. As we trek on the sandy river bed of the Budhi Gandaki, we will finally reach the Lapu Bensi; a small beautiful Gurung village.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Highest Altitude 900m/2,952ft
Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
Today we will have a short trek back to Arughat Bazaar. Firstly we will be trekking a couple of hours following the Budhi Gandaki river that will take us to Soti Khola. From Soti Khola we will be taking a jeep to Arughat Bazaar. After a couple of hours of drive, we will reach the Arughat Bazaar. In this town, there are small cafes and shops where we can explore. Trekkers may wish to rest at the lodge or explore this town.
o Overnight at “ABC Hotel” with attached bathroom.
o Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Driving Hours (126 km/78miles) -7-8
Followed by an early morning breakfast, we will be driving back to Kathmandu. The drive will be scenic as we will be passing by the beautiful Trishuli river. Also, the greenery of the hills will be eye-pleasing. We will be driving west towards Kathmandu via the Prithivi Highway. Shortly, we will reach Kathmandu, where you will be escorted to your respective hotels. Afterward, with spare time in hands, trekkers may wish to rest at their hotel or explore the Kathmandu city.
o Overnight at your own selected hotel at Kathmandu.
o Included standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch ).
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses – without the attached bathroom – until Samagaon which is a thriving town seeing many more tourists and a greater range of accommodation. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Khumbu region is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Tsum Valley is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
