Tsum Valley Trek

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Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Facts

  • Duration: 11 Days
  • Challenge level : Moderate
  • Max Altitude:3700m
  • Group size : People
  • Best TimeSpring / Autumn
  • Destination :Nepal

About Tsum Valley Trek

The Tsum Valley trek takes you to a hidden gem, tucked away in the Manaslu region of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border. This remote enclave exudes a distinctive Tibetan Buddhist ambience, setting it apart from the surrounding landscapes. Once a restricted zone until 2008, the Tsum Valley remains largely untouched by trekkers, although its starting point is a mere 7-hour drive from Kathmandu, making it accessible and enticing for adventure seekers.

The trek spans around 11 days, primarily at altitudes exceeding 3,000 m / 9,843 ft. Given the high elevations and daily walks spanning 5 to 7 hours, a reasonable level of physical fitness becomes imperative for embarking on this journey.

The trail meanders through enchanting pine forests, tracing the contours of tumultuous rivers adorned with cascading waterfalls and remarkable suspension bridges. It winds its way through captivating villages, leading to numerous gompas, monasteries, mani walls, stupas, and even the renowned Milarepa’s Cave.

The panoramic vista unfolds with the majestic Himalayan peaks, including the Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,869 ft), Ganesh Himal (7,140 m / 23,419 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft), Churke Himal, and the imposing Poshyop Glacier.

Trekking enthusiasts with an affinity for Tibetan culture and mountain scenery will find Tsum Valley an unparalleled opportunity. Here, they can immerse themselves in the daily lives of Tibetan Buddhist communities, witness the devout practices of monks and nuns in their spiritual sanctuaries, and relish the awe-inspiring Himalayan panoramas.

The Tsum Valley Trek can be undertaken as a standalone expedition or seamlessly integrated into the Manaslu Trek, catering to those with a penchant for longer explorations.

Trip Highlights

  • Discover hidden gems while trekking in the Manaslu Region, away from the usual tourist trails.
  • Immerse yourself in the unexplored beauty of Tsum Valley, a lesser-known treasure in Nepal’s trekking landscape.
  • Encounter numerous traditional chortens, ancient monasteries, and peaceful Gompas along your trekking journey.
  • Experience the profound impact of Tibetan Buddhism on the local culture as you interact with the region’s spiritual heritage.
  • Witness awe-inspiring vistas of Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Poshyop Glacier, offering a visual feast.
  • Trek alongside cascading rivers, glistening waterfalls, and navigate through sturdy suspension bridges that enhance your journey.
  • Connect with the welcoming locals, including lamas, and gain insights into their unique way of life, adding a cultural dimension to your trekking experience.

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

We start our adventure early in the morning from Kathmandu after breakfast. We’ll travel by road to Machhaa Khola village via Aarughat, enjoying the scenic drive along the way. The journey covers approximately 9 hours by bus, including a lunch break along the way.

We’ll reach Machhaa Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft) in the late afternoon. Once we reach Machhaa Khola, we can settle into a local teahouse for our overnight stay.

Max. Altitude: 930 m / 3,051 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse
 Duration: 9 hours driving

After having breakfast in Machha Khola, we’ll begin our trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, heading toward Jagat village. The trek takes approximately 7 hours, including a lunch break.

Once we reach Jagat (1,410 m / 4,626 ft), we’ll have the first permit checkpoint for the Manaslu Restricted Area. Here, our trekking permits are checked before we continue further into the restricted region. Along the way, we’ll pass through several Mani walls, showing the strong Tibetan cultural influence in the region, and cross the Iron Bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, a scenic and iconic landmark. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse in Jagat, resting for the next day of trekking.

Max. Altitude: 1,410 m / 4,626 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse
 Duration: 7 hours trekking

We’ll start our trek from Jagat heading toward Philim village (1,590 m / 5,217 ft). The trail gradually ascends along the valley, offering stunning views of the Baudha Himal (6,672 m / 21,890 ft) and picturesque villages along the way. We’ll spend part of our 6-hour trek navigating this scenic section, including a lunch break.

After passing Philim, the trail enters a remarkable uninhabited gorge, where wild orchids dot the slopes above us. We then ascend steeply to the north side of the narrow valley, trekking through a dense pine forest before reaching Lokpa village (2,240 m / 7,349 ft) in the late afternoon. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse, resting and acclimatising for the next day’s trek.

Max. Altitude: 2,240 m / 7,349 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse    

Duration: 6 hours trekking, including lunch break

After breakfast, we begin our trek from Lokpa, descending gently toward Lungwa Khola. The first part of today’s journey is downhill, followed by a zigzag ascent northward through lush rhododendron and pine forests, leading you to Gumlung.

We then cross the Siyar Khola and continue to Chumling (2,386 m / 7,828 ft), located in the lower part of Tsum Valley. Chumling offers spectacular views of Shringi Himal, making it a picturesque stop for photos and rest. After reaching the village, we have free time to explore the old Gumba (monastery) and the traditional stone-street village nearby. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse, experiencing the authentic culture of Tsum Valley.

Max. Altitude: 2,386 m / 7,828 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse
Duration: 4–5 hours trekking

On the fifth day, we pass through the suspension bridge and enjoy the amazing view of Ganesh Himal (7,429 m / 24,367 ft). After the short hike, we arrive at Rainjam to Serpu Khola and cross another bridge to Chhokung Paro village. We can have another amazing view of Himalchuli peak (7,893 m / 25,869 ft) and Ganesh Himal (7,429 m / 24,367 ft). We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Max. Altitude: ~2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Accommodation: Local teahouse

Duration: 4–5 hours trekking, including lunch camp

After having breakfast in Chhokung Paro, we head through Lamagaun and the suspension bridge to the Rachen Gumba, which is well known as a nunnery monastery.


After a short visit, we continue the Tsum Valley trek through the well-managed village of Lar, where we visit the Milarepa Cave, also known as Piren Phu (Pigeon Cave). We ascend to the village of Nile via the old historic stupas of Buddha and beautiful villages. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Max. Altitude: 3,331 m / 10,925 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse

Duration: 5–6 hours trekking, including lunch break

We are now very near the Tibetan border. We’ll gradually ascend to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes and Mani Wall to Mu Gumba (the largest monastery in the region).
Mu Gumba is located at the highest and most isolated point in the Tsum Valley. We’ll visit the monastery houses to see old religious books, including a life-sized statue of Avalokiteśvara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. We also make a short visit to the Dhephu Doma Nunnery Gumba, and after exploring all the monasteries, we descend to the Nile. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Max. Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse
Duration: 6 hours trekking, including lunch break

After breakfast, the trail drops down (easy) to Domje, a small village with about eight houses, including Lar village and Rachhen Gumba. We cross over a suspension bridge to Chhekang Paro and Gho, then continue to Domje. Today’s trek takes approximately 6 hours, including a lunch break. You stay overnight at a local teahouse in Domje.

Max. Altitude: 3,240 m / 10,630 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse
Duration: 6 hours trekking, including lunch break

Today, we'll hike up to Gumba Lungdang to see the old monastery and enjoy the amazing views of the Ganesh Himal range, Shiringi Himal, Baudha Himal, and many more. There, we’ll be welcomed with Tibetan tea, a traditional drink served by the nuns. After exploring the monastery, we descend the same way back to Domje and continue toward Lokpa. On the way to Lokpa, we cross some of the most beautiful waterfalls. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Max. Altitude: 3,200 m / 10,499 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse

Duration: 7 hours trekking, including lunch break

After having breakfast in Lokpa, we’ll hike down to Dobhan. The trail heads along the pine and rhododendron forest and joins the main Manaslu trail again. We’ll continue our hike passing through Ekle Bhatti, Philim, Jagat, and crossing the Budhi Gandaki before finally reaching Dobhan. We’ll stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Max. Altitude: 2,240 m / 7,349 ft

Accommodation: Local teahouse

Duration: 7 hours trekking, including lunch break

Today is the last day of our Tsum Valley Trek. We pack up our trekking equipment and leave Dobhan by jeep early in the morning to reach Kathmandu. Lunch will be taken on the way. We then drop you off at your hotel.

Max. Altitude: 1,078 m / 3,537 ft

Accommodation: N/A (transfer to hotel)

Duration: 8–9 hours driving

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfer for your international arrival.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
  • A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking, well-trained guide holding a Government license. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance
  • 2 guests to 1 porter (Max weight limit for a porter: 20 kg — 10 kg per trekker) with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation, and equipment.
  • We provide an assistant guide, including his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance, walking with the group to support where necessary, according to the group size.
  • Accommodation in the mountains during the trek
  • Transport to and from the trek start point to the trek end point by bus/jeep
  • Three meals a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus tea/coffee during the trek.
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day.
  • First aid kit box.
  • All applicable government and local taxes as per the itinerary.

What's Excluded

Excluded

  • Your Nepal visa fees.
  • All international airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu/Chitwan transportation (we can organise this for you at an additional cost, if required).
  • Personal travel and health insurance, as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation.
  • In case of extra nights’ accommodation, lunch, or dinner in the city due to early arrival or late departure, as well as early return from the mountain/trekking (for any reason beyond the given itinerary), we can help arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses, such as laundry, baggage charges, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bills, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold showers, extra porter, etc.
  • Tips for the trekking crew and drivers.
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions, or any event out of our control.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation services (should have insurance for emergency evacuation; costs will be covered by your travel insurance company).

Essential Info: Suggested Equipment List

  • Duffel/Rucksack bag

  • Walking Pole

  • Day pack.

  • Trekking shoes.

  • Sports shoes or sandals.

  • Sun Hat/cap

  • Warm woollen cap.

  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket

  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer

  • Pullover or warm sweater

  • Raincoat

  • 4/5 pairs of good-quality socks

  • Hand gloves.

  • 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers.

  • 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.

  • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non- cotton preferred).

  • Sun glasses

  • Water bottle

  • 4-season sleeping bag

  • Flash or Torch light

  • Camera and batteries

Why Book With Us?
  • Instant online booking
  • Secure payments
  • Guaranteed departure
  • Group discount available
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