Tsum Valley Trek

  • 18 Days
  • Manaslu Region , Nepal

Trip At Glance

Group Size: 1 – 12 People
Max-Altitude: 4,200 m
Fitness Level: Excellent
Destination: Nepal
Transport: Car/Plane
Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview And Highlights

The Tsum valley, located to the northeast of the Manaslu trail, was first opened to trekking in 2008. The valley shares its border with Tibet and is one of the most isolated parts of the Himalayas. Very few have changed and trekkers get an exceptional glimpse of a bygone era. The topography of the region demands a fairly challenging trek: an excellent fitness is called for.

The Manaslu Tsum valley trekking route is remote and less trodden, with rugged steep tracks and less than luxurious accommodation. People living in Tsum are Tsumbas and they originally belongs to Tibet. They have maintained a unique culture, follow the Bon Po religion (pre-Buddhist religion) and speak their own ancient dialect. Polyandry is still in practice in some families – one girl is supposed to marry all the brothers in the family. Barley, maize, buckwheat, and potatoes are grown in the short growing season. Look out for elusive snow leopards, Himalayan Thars, and Bharal (blue sheep) on high forested slopes.

The trek to Tsum valley takes you amidst of majestic Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. The region which once used to be part of Tibet looks completely different from others. Very few trekkers have made it to this high and mysterious valley which used to be the significant trade link to Tibet.

The unique architecture includes chortens, clustered houses, slate roofs, and ancient but fascinating monasteries and temples with inspiring arts and views. The Mu and Dpehyu Doma Gompas (800 years old) offer remarkable views of mountain vistas and stunning valleys. It is also the highest permanent settlement of year-round habitation.
The Rachen and Gumba Lungdang invite you to join the evening prayer and also welcomes you to sleep overnight. The place showcases great views of Ganesh and Boudha Himal which is one of the major highlights of the trek.

Your arrival in Kathmandu signifies the beginning of the 18-day Tsum Valley Trek. You will take part in a journey through the UNESCO world heritage sites, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, while you are staying in the valley. These locations have also been added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. You travel through the countryside from Kathmandu to Arughat, where the hike starts. The Budhi Gandaki Valley is visible throughout the first half of the walk through the towns of Tatopani, Jagat, and Philim. The trip leaves Lokpa and travels east toward Chhokang Paro. You enter the Tsum valley once you've left the main Manaslu trek. The biggest and oldest monastery in the area, Mu Gompa, is revered by the villagers.

Highlight of Tsum Valley 

  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola 

  • Trishuli river

  • Pokhara ( city of Lake) 

  • Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, also known as "pigeon cave,"

  • Dephyudonma and Rachen monastery

  • Birendra Lake, Punhyen Glacier

  • Mount Manaslu (8,163m) world’s eight-tallest mountain 

  • Larkya La Pass (5,106m), one of the Himalayas' longest passes 

  • Tibetan culture and tradition

  • Prayer flags, prayer wheels, and Tibetan monasteries 

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and preparation for the trek

Day 03: Kathmandu – Arughat (670m/2,198ft) – Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft) – 135 km/ 8 – 9 hour drive

Day 04: Soti Khola – Machha Khola (890m/2,920ft) – 14 km/ 6 – 7 hours

Day 05: Machha Khola – Dobhan (1,000m/3,280ft) – 11 km/6 – 7 hours trek

Day 06: Dobhan – Philim (1,590m/5,216ft) – 10km/ 6 – 7 hours trek

Day 07: Philim – Lokpa (2,240m/7,350ft) – Chumling (2,360m/7,750ft) – 10km/ 6 – 7 hours

Day 08: Chumling – Chhekampar (3,010m/9,850ft) – 10km/ 5 – 6 hours trek

Day 09: Chhekampar – Nile (3,480m/11,415ft) – 8 km/ 4 – 5 hours trek

Day 10: Nile: Exploration day, hike to Mu Gompa (3,709m/12,169ft) – Chhekampar (3,010m/9,870ft) – 13 km/ 6 – 7 hours trek

Day 11: Chhekampar – Gumba Lungdang (3,200m/10,496ft) – 12km/ 5 – 6 hours trek

Day 12: Exploration Day: Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp and back to Gumba Lungdang

Day 13: Gumba Lundang – Ripchet (2,470m/8,100ft) – Lokpa (2,240m/7,348ft) – 14km/ 7 – 8 hours trek

Day 14: Lokpa – Sirdibas (1,430m/4,690ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

Day 15: Sirdibas – Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

Day 16: Khorlabesi – Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

Day 17: Soti Khola – Arughat – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) – 8 – 9 hours trek

Day 18: Final Departure

Day to Day Itinerary Expand/Collapse All

Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition representative will meet you outside the airport terminal hall. Please look for our treks & expedition name in display card. The airport representative will transfer you to the hotel, introduce to your trekking guide and check the necessities.

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Food
Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1300

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), a representative from Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition will receive you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, trip discussion with the management and trek leaders. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1300

After breakfast, we drive towards Pokhara through mid-hill countryside village to Malekhu. We then cross Trishuli river and then head towards north to Dhading Bensi. A slow, rutted, dirt road then takes us to Gola Bhanjyang with outstanding views of Bouha and Ganesh Himals. We then drive to Arughat and the Budhi Gandaki that flows the Manaslu-Tsum region. Further 3 hour drive via the west bank leads us to Soti Khola.

Overnight at lodge in Soti Khola

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
710

After breakfast, the trail climbs gradually through the picturesque forest of Sal. Then it goes over the forested and terraced ridges passing numerous waterfalls. Today we follow the narrow trail and goes along the sides of the cliffs. We then dip down to the rice paddies before climbing to the attractive village of Labubensi (885m/2,800ft). Next we cross the suspension bridge at the stunning Nauli Khola falls and the valley opens out. It drops onto a gravel banks along the river before climbing gradually to the village of Machha (fish) Khola.

Overnight at lodge in Machha Khola

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
890

Today, the trail follows the river with gradual ascend and descend. We walk through a gravel bar before crossing the Thado Khola and on up to Khorlabesi: which is famous to grow coffee, buckwheat and tobacco. The trail from Gorkha joins the Manalsu circuit here and the GHT trail goes to east to Langtang and Khumbu regions.

We then follow the narrow gorge that contracts the river’s progress. Further walk takes us to the landslide with a dicey path and triple hot spring spout in Tatopani. We then rise over the ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki River via suspension bridge. Next rising via staircase takes is to the landslide from where we make a final climb over the ridge to Dobhan.

Overnight at lodge in Dobhan

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1000

Today we cross the Dobhan Khola and follow the eastern bank of Budhi Gandaki to reach the village of Thulo Dhunga: above stunning waterfalls. Now the valley widens up and the river flow at Yaruphat. Now we cross the suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola with view of Ganesh II and VI and rise to the Thado Bharyang. Next, we cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki and follow the river gradually upward to the ancient hamlet of Jagat – an entrance and checkpoint to the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.

We cross a tributary and hike to Salleri via a side cliff with the great view of Shringi Himal (7,187m/23,580ft) to the north. Then we drop down to Sirdibas and get the first signs of Buddhist culture. Crossing another suspension bridge takes us to the east bank and climb up to the Philim. It is a prosperous Gurung village and the Chholing Sandu Gompa surrounded by fields of maize and millet.

Overnight at lodge in Philim

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1590

After breakfast, we travel north of Philim and walk through the lush grasses to the village of Chisopani and then to the millet fields of Ekle Bhatti (one house, 1600m/5,250ft). We then gradually drop down, beneath a stunning waterfalls to the gorge below and a confluence before “New Bridge” which takes us to Larkya La. To the right is a well-graded, exposed, zigzag track climbing up through the forest of pine and rhododendron to Lokpa and the lower Tsum valley. The tsum valley is home to 4,000 people in 18 villages.

We then drop down through forested route, cross stream and negotiate a long and steep climb up the south side of Siyar Khola gorge that flows down to Tsum valley. The high point is marked by flags with great view of Shringi Himal. The trail descends to Gumlung and Siyar Khola, cross suspension bridge and ascend through the narrow trail to Chumling. The houses in Chumling are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to overcome abundant rain and snow.

Overnight at lodge in Chumling

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2360

After breakfast, we cross the suspension bridge and enter into new forest that is growing on a recent landslide. We walk through water driven prayer wheel on a well-leveled path and pass lush forest inhabited by white-faced langurs. Further we continue to Tanju and the small Damphe Gompa. The Gmpa has hundreds of small ceramic statues of Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion): a common feature in the valley. Beyond Dumje, we get the superb view of Ganesh Himal and Boudha Peak. Then we pass Rainjam farm and descend down to cross the Sarphu Khola that flows from Syakpa Glaciers off Shringi Himal to the north. We then climb for 2 and half hour on well-leveled path, pass Gho to reach Upper Tsum Valley.

The magnificent slate of chortens faces Ganesh Himal and linked the villages of Chhokang and Paro which is collectively known as Chhekampar (Place of wisdom).

Overnight at lodge in Chhekampar

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3010

Today’s trail is relatively short and easy with huge scope of exploration and discovery on the wide flat valley floor.

From Chhekampar, you can walk through a local school at Kaye before reaching the clustered twin village of Ngakyu and Leru. The Rachen Nunnery lies across the river. We climb up to the low ridge along the chortens to reach Lama Gaon. Further walk takes us to Burji where we explore Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu – Pigeon Cave) perched on the slope of Lamjung Himal. Here we can see the footprint of Milerapa and the rock shape of an elephant. Further east trail leads us to the monastery of Chi Phu which is located at the higher slope of Langju Himal. The trail then crosses the southeast bank of the Siyar Khola and walk along the Rachen Gompa trail route to Nile.

Overnight in Nile

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3480

Today we start early in the morning and walk for 2 hours to reach 77 years old Mu Gompa. Another couple of hour trek takes us to 856 year old Dephyu Doma Nunnery, the place where the light was believed to born. It is majestically located at an altitude of 4,000m/13,100ft on a small promontory, with Ganesh II on its backdrop. Trek to Mu to enjoy the magnificent view of Ganesh I and stunning valley. Mu is the highest permanent settlement in the Tsum valley. To the north of Mu is seasonal Kharkas and passes that leads to Tibet.

After exploration, trek back to Nile for lunch and trek to Chhekampar.

Overnight in Chhekampar

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3010

Today we retrace our step to the small gompa at Gho and then descend down to a wooden bridge over the river to follow the trail to Dumje. Dumje houses a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. The trail then continues steeply upward through the magical forest of pine, oak and rhododendron to reach Gumba Lungdang. From here, you can majestic mountain vistas on either direction.

This 110 year old gompa has 20 nuns and an intense puja (religious activity) is performed every late afternoon. Visitors are welcomed to attend Puja and stay overnight at Gompa Veranda and use their kitchen and ablution facilities.

Overnight in Gumba Lungdang

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3200

After breakfast, explore gompa and take a zigzag trail down to indistinct track, following the forest and crossing the wooden bridge over Lungdang Khola bridge. We then climb steeply through the pines and rhododendron and cross a kharka before climbing up to a ridge. Further walk through a birch-lined creek-bed and emerge onto grassy flats east of the Torogumba glacier’s lateral moraine. Walk across the yak huts and climb to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m/13,780ft). Retrace your step back to Gumba Lungdang.

Overnight in Gumba Lungdang

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge

After breakfast, drop down to the Dumje and take a left trail to cross the Langdang Khola and follow the south bank route down to Siyar Khola. Later we climb down through the high fertile land and ribbon village of Ripchet. We trek beyond the village and dip down to Gumlung on a the river before rising through the forest of Lokpa.

Overnight in Lokpa

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2240

After breakfast, we retrace our step back to Philim for lunch. We then continue downhill and cross suspension bridge to Sirdibas while enjoying the reverse views.

Overnight in Sirdibas

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1430

After breakfast, we climb down through the Buddhist region back to greener subtropical region via Jagat, Yarphant, Dobhan, Tatopani and then undulates to Khorlabesi.

Overnight in Khorlabesi

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
970

Today we cross the Tharo Khola and descend down to the river before walking to the village of Machha Khola. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach the village of Labubesi. Then walk through the forested route of Sal on the ridge above the Budhi Gandaki to Soti Khola.

Overnight in Soti Khola

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
710

After breakfast, we drive down to Budh Gandaki Valley to Arughat and back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a rest day off. In the evening, we will reunite again for farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurant in town, where we will be eager to hear the feedback of your trip.

Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1300

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.
Farewell!!!

Food
Breakfast

What Is Included ?

What Is Excluded?

Altitude Graph

FAQs

Tsum Valley is a moderate level 18 days trek with less difficulty. It is not hard as compared to other long treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Yes, you may face altitude sickness during this trek as it takes you through more than 2500 m.

It is required to get travel insurance, which must include medical and emergency repatriation coverage as well as costs for helicopter rescue and evacuation at the highest elevations.   

You will be staying in teahouses or lodges, which typically offer twin-bedded accommodations and wholesome regional cuisine. Squat toilets are frequently located outside the home or in rooms. In most lodges, hot showers and running water are offered for an additional fee.

Yes, there is wifi connectivity almost throughout the hotel. However, the speed of the network depends on the local weather conditions.

Yes, you need a Manaslu Conservation Area permit and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) for the Tsum Valley Trek.

The highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek is 5,106 meters.

The best seasons for the Tsum Valley Trek are spring and autumn.

Additional Information

The majority of the locals are of Tibetan descent and speak a distinctive dialect. The history of Buddhism is extensive. It is thought that Milarepa, a Buddhist saint, meditated in one of these mountains' caves. It is thought that this area has a good atmosphere for fortunate happenings. The residents of Tsum have a deep devotion to Buddhism. They offer prayers to Guru Rinpoche, Buddha, and a few other bodhisattvas. They build prayer flag, Khata, or Mani walls, light butter lamps in monasteries, and hold fast to the notion that Lamas can reincarnate. The residents of Tsum engage in a variety of celebrations and rituals to ward off demonic forces. Animal sacrifice on an altar, however, is not done to glorify deities.

The Tsum Valley celebrates a number of festivals, ceremonies, and mask dances all year long while retaining the centuries-old customs. According to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, Loshar was observed burning a lot of incense to please the local gods, spirits, and protectors. Traditions and cultures of people are still unaffected by modern society. They are continuing their ancestors' farming and cattle-raising practices. There are some genuine testimonies from people who use the polyandry marriage system, which is a distinctive custom and culture of the Tsum Valley.

Overnight accommodations are included in the Tsum Valley Trek at lodges and teahouses. Lodges can be found at lower elevations. The majority of the teahouses are located in the trail's upper section. Usually, twin-sharing beds with a shared bathroom are offered. We can set up a single room for you if you'd like, but the cost can be high. There aren't always any single rooms available. The accommodations are cozy enough for one or two nights.

Similarly, the meals are provided in accordance with the teahouse/menu. The lodge's Tibetan and customary Nepali foods are included on the menu. Other cuisines, like Indian and Continental, may be available as well. In Kathmandu, we reserve rooms at hotels that meet tourist standards and have modern amenities and associated bathrooms.

 

Nowadays, a wireless network connection is present in the majority of tea shops; however, the speed is slow. It added $2 more to the price. The cost of charging the electronic gadgets at reception will also be a few dollars more. It helps to have extra batteries, power banks, and solar chargers. The price range for meals is $5 to $7, and the menu options are extremely varied. Breakfast staples include toast with jam, honey, or peanut butter as well as Tibetan breads, dry bread topped with cheese, and oatmeal. There are options for mashed potatoes, boiled eggs, pancakes, and porridge or muesli with milk. Included are coffee, tea, and lemonade. Nepal is known for its thukpa (noodle soup), dumplings, bread, fried rice, and soup.

Additionally, there is an international food, including spring rolls, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, steaks, and sandwiches. There are also some desserts offered, like rice pudding, apple pie, and fruit snickers. The most popular food option is the dal/bhat package. You can sample some yak cheese and beef. A must-have is also regional cuisine like Dhindo, Butter Tea, and Sel Roti. Water bottle prices range from 1-3 USD per litter.

Tsum Valley treks generally cost between USD 1600-2200 per person. This package covers travel insurance, permit costs, food and accommodations, travel costs, and so on. Moreover, the price of your trek depends on your itinerary, route, and package. Additionally, we can adjust the price of our package according to your time and budget.  

Clothing

Summer hat/ Winter hat 

Hiking skirt/ hiking trousers

Beanie 

Neckband

Light breathable trousers 

Full sleeve T-shirt or shirt

Woollen sweater 

Socks 2/3 pairs

Down jacket

Waterproof jackets and pants

Hiking boots or sports shoes. 

 

Hiking gear 

 

Hiking backpack 

Bottle 

Water purification pills

Trekking map

Trekking pole 

Compass

Sleeping bag

 

Camping equipment

 

Scissors 

lighters/matchsticks

Rope 

Personal equipment 

 

Soap

Shampoo

Tissue paper

Toilet paper

Towel 

Hanky

Nail cutter

Lip Guard  

Sunscreen 

Moisturiser 

Toothbrush

Toothpaste 

Deodorant/perfume 

 

Optional equipment

 

Watch 

Camera 

Phone 

Notebook 

Selfie stick

 

Documents 

 

Passport size photo

Photocopy of passport and passport

Visa

Permit

Citizenship

 

Medicine and first aid kit 

Diamox 250mg (altitude sickness)

Paracetamol (painkiller)

Imodium (diarrhoea)

Clotrimazole cream (skin infections)

Crocin (fever)

Zintac (acidity)

Disprin (Headache)

Bandages 

Handiplasts

Adhesive Tapes

Crocin

Dettol

  • Cancellation before one day of the tour 75% of the deposit will be refunded.

  • Cancellation before three days of the tour 85% of the deposit will be refunded.

  • Cancellation before one week of the tour 90% of the deposit will be refunded. 

  • Cancellation due to bad weather conditions 100% of the deposit will be refunded. 

Nepal Horizon Treks is among Nepal's most reputable trekking and tour agencies. Adventure trips and trekking are two of our services. Local skills and people with tourism experience in Nepal operate the company. Because the safety of our clients is our priority, we are willing to be flexible with our activities to improve Nepal's tourist quality through Helicopter to Everest Base Camp.

We are a trekking and tour organization that specializes in helicopter trips to unique destinations around Nepal and beyond, featuring the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Nepal Horizon Treks is dedicated to offering the most incredible helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp experience possible while always keeping our clients' safety and pleasure in mind. Our staff has flown to practically every site in Nepal since the company's inception, allowing them to maneuver to varied destinations without difficulty.

The vacation packages offered by Nepal Horizon Treks are excellent value for money. Our tours are all reasonably priced. We are providing organizations to serve with the best possible hospitality in our required budget plans. Here we discussed some of the common and basic facilities that we provided to you 



 

  • Free pick and drop off from the airport to your hotel

  • Own hotel service with clean and hygienic food and facilities 

  • Easy booking and reservation online

  • 24-hour availability for your concern 

  • Different social media Instagram, Viber, We chat, Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter

  • Easy payment system through VISA, Mastercard, wire transfer and PayPal.   

  • Availability of Oximeter at the time of high altitude area

  • Medical kits in case of an emergency 

  • Provide sleeping bags and down jackets, if you don't have your own.

  • Duffle back

  • Nepal Horizon Trek T-shirts

From USD 1200 Per Person
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