Important Information

Region
Manaslu Region Treks
Duration
16 Days
Max Altitude 5093m
Best Season March - November
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 12 people
Transportation Jeep

Tsum Valley Trek is a hidden treasure of Gorkha district of Nepal, situated in the northern Gorkha between the majestic scenery of the Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and Sringi Himal to the North with the elevation varies from 1905m in Lhokpa to over 5093m at Ngala Dhojhyang pass on the Tibetian border. The Tsum valley was restricted until the year 2007. Local people are known as Tsumpa and they have their own unique culture, tradition, & dialect mostly related to the Tibetan language. The Tsum valley comprises many religious monasteries such as Dhephyudonma Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa.  In summer they celebrate festivals like Dhacyhang (Archery), Saka Dawa (literally it is the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, a month Honoring the Buddha’s Life), and Fanning (Picnic). The fascinating landscapes of this wonderful valley will make the imaginations of trekkers beyond expectations.

The trials are decorated with artistic Chortens and lined with Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The circuit traverses across Tsum Valley, the Manaslu area in Nepal, and the southern parts of Tibet. The Buddhist saints Milarepa and Guru Rinpoche are believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains due to their remoteness and inaccessibility. Even though this area is remote the landscape is amazing.   

Tsum Valley has a long history of Buddhism. The famous KyimoLung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its centers of learning and meditation. This sacred valley and its people have been bypassed through mainstream development for centuries where still we can still visit some Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Himalayan Wander Walkers have organized this trek many times and sent a guide who speaks both English and Tibetan fluently. This trek begins from Arughat in the Gorkha district, which is easily accessible from Kathmandu. We also offer a Manaslu circuit trek with Tsum Valley. Furthermore, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  

“Explore the secret Tibetan Buddhist isolated Himalayan Valley through the off-beaten route which provides spectacular views of the majestic mountains and cultural bliss of Tsumpa people.”

Highlights of Tsum Valley Trek

  • The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat
  • Exploration of the Tibetan culture and lifestyle
  • Waterfalls, rivers, and caves along the way
  • A comparatively easy trek with no fear of altitude sickness
  • Wildlife animals like blue sheep and Himalayan Thar
  • Many Buddhist monasteries
  • Prayer flags and Mani walls along the route
  • Stunning views of mountains like Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli
  • Beautiful pine, juniper, and Rhododendron forests.

    If you are looking for a different itinerary than the itinerary here, please
    Customize Your Trip. 

Outline Itinerary ( 16 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Nepal (1300m).

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for briefing about the entire trek on this day. You have to come one day earlier for the Special permit. For that, we need to show your original Passport in the Immigration office. You can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel. Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 2

Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath) and the world largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide). Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 3

Drive Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m), 8-9 hours

Early morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the bus station. The bus drive to Machakhola takes about 8-9 hours. The bus will stop in different places for a toilet break, breakfast, and lunch. Couple of year back all trekkers start their trek to Tsum Valley or Manaslu from Soti Khola. But now the driveable road had reached Machakhola. We take a drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi on a nice, paved road enjoying the views of the hilly areas, terraces, and fields. The road continues to lead to Arughat. From Arughat the off-road follows the Budhi Gandaki River that finally drops you to Machakhola.  
Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

Day 4

Trek from Machakhola to Jagat (1340m), 6-7 hours.

The next day, From Machhakhola we follow a narrow trail that takes us to Tharo Khola and finally to Khorlabesi. After a few ascends and descends, we reach a popular hot-spring, Tatopani. We will spend some time here and can enjoy the natural sauna in the hot -spring and relieve all our tiredness and stress of the trek. We climb another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on another suspension bridge. After this, we climb a staircase and then cross a landslide and a ridge to reach Doban.  After crossing a suspension bridge, we again climb the stone staircase then go down to the river and climb some stairs again to reach Thado Bharyang. Then we cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki, climb over a ridge, walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat.
Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

Day 5

Trek to Lokpa (2240m).

On this day, we first reach Salleri after climbing a rocky ridge and then go towards Sirdibas.  We continue to Ghatta Khola and then walk upstream through a long suspension bridge to reach a Gurung village in Phillim.  We take the trail up through Philim and 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.
Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

Day 6

Lokpa to Chumling (2386m), 5-6 hours.

Before heading to Lokpa, we will register our permits of Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint. Climbing a ridge over Sallery, 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 Phillim. 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.
Overnight: at teahouse. Meal: three times a day.

Day 7

Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (3010m), 3 hours.

From Chumling, we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) opens from Chhokangparo. Chhekamparo is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements, Chhekam and Paro. From the valley, the Ganesh Himal range can be seen directly to the south, where it provides superb views of the Baudha and Himal chuli peaks to the south-west. Some households in this village practice polyandry. 

Accommodation: (Tea house/Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 8

Chhokangparo to Nile (3361m) visit Rachen Monastery on the way

Rachen Gumba, a nunnery. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. It houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter. The nunnery houses one thousand clay, molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The center is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. 

Accommodation: (Tea house/Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 9

Nile to Mu Gompa (3700m)3 hours

From the Nile, the trail gradually ascends to Mu gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. Mu Gumba was established in 1895 AD and is situated at an altitude of 3510 m. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Afternoon side trek to Chho Syong Lake. (4 hours)

Accommodation: (Monastery Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 10

Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (6-7 hours)

On the way, we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (pigeon 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. Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley.

Accommodation: (Tea house/Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 11

Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang (3200m), 5-6 hours

We will start the trail below Chhokangparo for around 2 hours until we reach a small gompa at Gho 2485 m.  Descend on a narrow path to the left through the village and cross the bridge, over Shyar Khola, to Dhumje 2440m, with a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. The path climbs forward just behind the clinic. Very steep climb on an indistinct track through pines and rhododendrons until the trail begins the trek at a wall of peanuts with prayer flags.

Finally, take an uphill trail in the pine forest and make a steep switchback climb through colossal silver pine trees to reach Gumba Lungdang (3200 m), perched on a hill with tiny nun houses with the beautiful rhododendron forests above. This small monastery with 40–50 nuns has an intense and absorbing puja from 6:00–7:30 every morning. There is no formal lodge or camping area, but you can camp in the monastery yard and use its kitchen with permission.
The panorama of the mountains in all directions is incredible to be here, and it may be one of the highlights of your trekking in Nepal. Spend the night in a tented camp.

Accommodation: (Monastery)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

 

Day 12

Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200 m); 5-6 hours

The side trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp from Gumba Lungdang is about 5-6 hours up and returning. So, we need to well prepare our daypack with enough drinking water, snacks, and a lunch pack. The hike starts with a gentle climb, but the views of the mountain are rewarding for your challenging journey. This trail is used by very few trekkers due to being off the beaten path. Our guide will take you to the base camp and spend a few minutes enjoying the view. 

You will return to Gumba Lungdang for the night after admiring the views from Ganesh Himal Base Camp.

Accommodation: (Monastery)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 13

Gumba Lungdang to Ripchet (2470m), 4-5 hours

The trek from Gumba Lungdang to Ripchet is an easy and short half-day trek. At first, you need to descend by retracing the day 11 trail until you reach the river, and from there take a left trail to Ripchet village. Ripchet lies just on the opposite of Chumling. From there, you will see a nice view of Shringi Mountain. The village is decorated with long stretches of hand-carved Mani stones, the monastery, and the beautiful typical Tsum houses. 

Accommodation: (Tea house/Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 14

Ripchet to Chisapani/Philim (1570m), 5-6 hours.

As usual, we start our trek after breakfast. From Ripchet, you will get to the main trekking trail, from where you will see two-way directions, one to Lokpa and another to Chumling, which we had walked on day 6. From here, retrace to Philim via Lokpa and Chisapani. 

Accommodation: (Tea house/Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 15

Chisapani/Philim to Machhakhola (869m)

From Phillim, we trek to Macha Khola. The trial goes through different small villages, and the temperature increases as we reach lower elevations. We will bypass a few villages such as Sirdibas, Salleri, Jagat, Yaru Bagar, Dovan, and Khorlabesi. Finally, we will make it to Macha Khola for our last stopover before returning to Kathmandu. 

Accommodation: (Tea house/Lodge)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 16

Machhakhola to Kathmandu

From Macha Khola, we drive to Kathmandu. This day is free for you to do your things at leisure. In the evening, Himalayan Wander Walkers will invite you to join in a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese cultural restaurant. This is a complimentary outing arranged on behalf of the Himalayan Wander Walkers Team for the good welfare of our respected guests. 

Accommodation: (3* Hotel)
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 17

Fly back to Home Country

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time, you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Himalayan Wander Walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home, you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Meal: (Breakfast)

 

Include

Transport from Kathmandu to Macha Khola and Return by Private 4*4 WD vehicle.
Tea House/lodge accommodation during the trek.
Three-night Accommodation with breakfast in 3* hotel in Kathmandu.
All Standard Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the Trek.
Official Himalayan wander walkers (Government registered and licensed) Expert Guide, 1 Assistant Guide for 12 or Above
Trekkers with accompanying porters (generally, 1 porter per 2 trekkers) to assist with carrying gear during the trek. (We cover the porters’ meals, lodging, salary, transport, insurance, equipment, and other essentials.)
Tsum Valley special permit and Conservation Area Permit
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu before your international departure

Exclude

International flight airfare
Excess baggage charges
Meals in Kathmandu
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee extra porters, etc.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and porters
Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landscape, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc

Fixed Departure Dates ( Limited Seats Available)

Trip Dates Trip Costs Actions

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Yes, you can customize the Tsum Valley Trek. Depending on your preferences, we can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs, such as shortening or lengthening the trek or adding extra days for rest. Just let us know your preferences: “Customize Your Trip."

The best times to trek in Tsum Valley are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear and temperatures are mild. Read more about the best season for the Tsum Valley trek.

The trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves high altitudes, long trekking hours, and some steep ascents, but it is accessible for experienced trekkers with proper acclimatization.

Yes, you need two permits: the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit. Both can be obtained in Kathmandu through trekking agencies. Read more about the trekking permit and its cost for Tsum Valley.

The highest point on the Tsum Valley Trek is the Mu Gumba at around 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), but trekkers typically go up to 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) for a safe experience.

Accommodation is basic teahouses or lodges along the trail. Rooms are simple, and meals are traditional Nepali or Tibetan-style dishes like dal bhat and momo. Expect minimal amenities but warm hospitality.

Yes, it is mandatory to hire a guide since the Tsum Valley is a restricted area. A guide is also necessary for safety, navigation, and carrying gear, especially due to the area's remoteness. A guide will also enhance your experience by sharing insights into the local culture and environment. Read more about guides and porters in Tsum Valley.

You do not need any special gear for Tsum Valley, like the one for peak climbing or mountaineering, but surely need proper sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, water bottles, sunscreen, a hat, energy bars, and a small first-aid kit. Be sure to pack light but adequately for the weather conditions and trek duration. For more details regarding trekking gear and equipment, read our Trekking Gears blog.

You might also like

Manaslu Circuit Trek
  • 15 days
  • Manaslu Region Treks

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Explore the sensational view of Nubri Mountains including Mount Manaslu (8th highest mountain in the world with 8,156m), Tibetan immigrant culture, and experience the dramatic Larke Pass of 5,100 meters. Manaslu Circuit Trekking, one of the best treks in Nepal regarded by many trekkers....

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley
  • Manaslu Region Treks

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley

  • $  1350.00 /person
  • 23 days
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Side Trips
  • Manaslu Region Treks

Manaslu Circuit Trek with Side Trips

  • $  1850.00 /person
  • 20 days