Trip overview
Tsum Valley Trekking is one of the famous treks in Nepal. Why it is famous for the Tsum valley meaning is the visitors to the hidden valley “vivid” home to the direct descendant Tibetan.
People are known as Tsumbas, the Tsum Valley is located to the east of Manaslu, on the border with Tibet But this isolated Shangri-La and this is just open to trekkers in 2008. It remains relatively untouched, with ancient villages and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries waiting to explore. Each day you will walk between 5–8 hours, with a high point.
The treks being 4,000m above the largest of the monasteries in the valley, Mu Gompa. You will accommodate in lodges and traditional ‘homestays’ on this trek, rather than in tents. As the Tsum Valley is much undeveloped but with its unique culture and most hospitable people offers us friendly welcome in the traditional way to their home can be somewhat rudimentary and you can expect to eat similar food to the locals (Dal Bhat, Chapatis, noodle soup).
The trail is 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 a totally unspoiled culture and tradition of Tsumba with fabulous mountain view of Ganesh Himal Range, Sringi Himal, Buddha Himal, and Himalchuli.
The valley is extensively rich in culture and tradition dwelled with Buddhist monasteries and nunneries. Prayer walls and significant religious monuments, the longest mani walls at Dzong and Phurpe are great attractions.
Tsum Valley Trekking Permit
Tsum Valley Trekking Permit is cheapest in the areas. And even cheaper than its sister trekking trail Manaslu Trekking trail. Our ‘Tsum Valley Trekking Itinerary’ provides only a guideline. So we can personalize this program as per your needs that suits your time frame. This trip provides a package with Round Manaslu Trek.
Tsum valley hightlight :-
1. Cultural richness
Tibetan Influence: The valley’s deep ties to Tibetan culture are evident in its customs, language, and architecture.
Monasteries and Gompas: The valley is home to many ancient monasteries, including Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Gumba Lungdang, which are spiritually significant to the local community.
Chortens & Mani Walls: The landscape is dotted with intricately carved mani walls and chortens, which represent the valley’s Buddhist tradition.
2. Natural Beauty.
Stunning scenery: Tsum valley is surrounded by towering peaks like as Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal, providing breathtaking vistas.
Untouched Wilderness: The valley’s secluded location keeps its trees, waterfalls, and pastures relatively undisturbed.
The region has a diverse flora and wildlife, including uncommon creatures such as Himalayan Thar and Snow. Leopard.
3. Spiritual significance.
Sacred Sites: Tsum Valley is regarded a Beyul, a sacred hidden valley in Tibetan Buddhism that is thought to provide calm and refuge.
Milarepa’s Cave is a sacred pilgrimage destination where the renowned Tibetan saint Milarepa is claimed to have meditated.
4. Authentic Himalayan Lifestyle
Tsumba Community: The Tsumba inhabitants of the valley live a traditional lifestyle centered on farming, herding, and Buddhism.
Visitors frequently comment on the friendliness and hospitality of the inhabitants, resulting in a culturally enlightening encounter.
5. Remote and Untouched hiking Off-the-Beaten-Path: The valley’s remoteness allows for a calm and peaceful hiking experience.
Trails are both challenging and rewarding, winding through mountainous landscapes, suspension bridges, and dense forests, giving an adventure for seasoned trekkers.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuban international airport (1,300m/4,264ft): you will be met and taken a short drive from the airport to the hotel check-in of your hotel, here you can have a short rest for few hrs. After resting your guide will discuss the itinerary and about the equipment we need for the trek and what time we leave from Kathmandu.
Get permits, preparation or sightseeing in Kathmandu: – This is a rest day today, and also a day to prepare and to acclimatise as Kathmandu is 1350m above sea level. We get permits and arrange the rest of things for our trek to Annapurna Circuit. We will today in the morning take a guided tour to some of the most chronological and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, we visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ´Monkey Temple´ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world.
At noon, our climbing leader will get our equipment checked and introduce our fellow participants. the evening is free time.
Stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Drive to Arughat (600m) from Kathmandu; 7-8 hours drive: – After breakfast drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to the Arughat via Dhadingbesi. its take about 7-8 hours. Dhading Beshi is the headquarters of the Dhading district. Driving along the dirt road from Dhading Beshi viewing the lush green hills, we reach Arughat, our trek start point. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided into two parts with the Budhi Gandaki River flowing between them. Stay overnight at Arughat. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Soti Khola (710m), 4 hrs walk:-We cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin our trek from the western part of Arughat., we follow the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. We pass through the hydroelectric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Mangaltar, and then through forests before arriving at Shanti Bazar.
The trail to Budhi Gandaki valley now becomes steeper and the trek more difficult as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing the shops of Arkhet Bazar, we then descend to a high, cascading waterfall before making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kuerepani. Then from here, the trail descends to Soti Khola.
Stay overnight at the campsite at Soti Khola. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Tre to Machha Khola (887m); 6 hrs walk:-Cross the bridge and trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. The rocky trail then weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Drop to the sandy river bed and walk along with rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Stay overnight at Machha Khola. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Jagat (1345m) 6-7 hrs walk:-The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs there is a small trailside hot spring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman. Ascending up again to the Budhi Gandaki, we reach Yaru Khola. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, climb over a ridge, and trek along the river then climb towards the village of Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Lakpa (2240m), 6 hrs walk:- After completing with the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley and walk up north from Gum Pul we reach Lokpa. Stay overnight at Lokpa. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek Chumling (2386m) (Lower Tsum); 4-5 hrs walk:- From Lokpa the trail descend half an hour towards Lungwa Khola and climbing Jick jack difficult trail further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, Lower Tsum, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa and the stone streets of the village. Stay overnight at Lokpa. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Chhokangparo (3031m), 4-5 hrs walk:- Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m. Stay overnight at Chokhangparo. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Nile (3347m) via Milarepa Cave, 5-6 hrs walk:- We trek through the villages of Ngakyu. Leru, Lama Gaun today. We will visit a cave and pay homage. It is believed that saint Milarepa had meditated here in the cave; (admission fee to visit the cave was NPR 300/U$3) the cave is also known as Piren Phu meaning “Pigeon cave. We continue passing Burji, Phurbe and Pangdun villages, there is magnificent big Buddhist Stups is sighted on the way to Chhule and Nile. Stay overnight in the Nile. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Excursion Mu Gompa (3700 m) and Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060m) 5-6 hrs. walk:- We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa. Today we make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Mu Gompa area and Stay overnight at the Nile. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Chhekamparo (3031m), 4-5 hrs walk:- Today it is an easy walk to Chhekamparo from the Nile. We trek passing through Lar Village visit the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too, cross over a suspension bridge and trek to Chhekamparo via same trail back. Stay overnight in Chhekamparo, Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Gumpa Lungdang (3200m), 6 hrs walk:- The trail drops down from Chhekamparo to Gho and then cross Dumje Bridge. We can visit an Amchi, a Tibetan Traditional clinic and there. There is a nun; teaches some 10-21 young nun and runs small Amchi. She welcomes the visitor by Tibetan tea, we walk up about 2-3 hours that takes us to Gumba Lungdang, their basic shelter and meals are provided by monastery. Wilderness Excursion will provide a tent and extra meal our client’s visiting Gumba Lungdang. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Ganesh Himal Base Hike:-Day 15: Trek to Lokpa, 6-7 hrs. walk –We trek to Lokpa today via Ripchet village, walk down to Dunje from Gumba Lungdang and walk through the pine forest and reaching Ripchet and trail goes down steeply and retrace the same way back to Lokpa. Stay overnight in Lukla. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
15: Trek to Jagat, 6-7 hrs walk:-Today, after breakfast at Lokpa, we walk down to Jagat. The trail goes down to Ghumpul through the pine and rhododendron forest and joins to the main Manaslu trail again, We continue to walk passing through Eklai Bhatti, Philim, crossing Buddhi Gandaki before reaching Sirdibas and finally to Jagat. Stay overnight in Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Lapubesi 6-7 hrs walk:- From Jagat, the trail goes down to Bagar after walking some 15 minutes then cross the suspension bridge and walk through cantilever bridge that was built after the Nepal earthquake that hit the country so badly and causes famous Manaslu trekking trail damage. Continue the journey via Dovan, Tatopani (hot spring), Khorlabesi and finally I stay overnight in Lapubesi. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Trek to Arughat, approximately 6-7 hrs walk:- Today is the last day of our trekking in Tsum Valley. We walk to Arughat from Lapu Besi. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Drive to Kathmandu from Arughat, 7-8 hrs drive:-We drive to Kathmandu by local bus. There is no tourist bus available at Arughat. Wilderness Excursion can arrange 4WD private jeep that is more comfortable and safer drive if you would not like the local bus that is overloaded sometimes, playing non-stop music. .A farewell dinner is organized by Wilderness Excursion in one of the authentic Nepalese restaurants. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. Meals included: Dinner
Departure from Kathmandu to home country:-Our adventure trip in Nepal with Wilderness Excursion comes to the end. We will drop you at the international airport and see you off. Fly back to home or further destination. Meals included: Breakfast.
