Tsum Valley Trek - 19 Days
![Tsum Valley Trek](https://www.mountaintreksnepal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_0392-933x700.jpg)
Maxium Altitude
3700MDifficulty Level
MediumTrekking Season
March to May and September to December
Overview
Tsum Valley is one of the world’s Scariest and remotest Himalayan Valleys that situated in the Northern Gorkha, Nepal. The name ‘Tsum’ comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, that means vivid. Thus, the Tsum Valley trek leads you into the majestic surroundings of different Himalayans namely Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Buddha Himal.
The Tsum valley inhabited by Tsumbas; an indigenous community which is mostly of Tibetan origin and speaks their own dialect. Outsiders are most surprised by the family’s own way of life, where all the brothers in the family marry a single girl.
This is what you may call a practice of polyandry. Very few adventure travelers made it possible to this high and mysterious valley, because was it used to be a restricted area until 2008.
Start of Tsum Valley Trek
Trek to Tsum Valley starts from Arughat, a seven hours’ drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway. The first half of the trek ascends the Budhi Gandaki Valley on flat paths through a mix of mostly terraces, green hills village, some pretty waterfalls and lush green forest. We then move to Live along the Soti Khola to Machha Khola and reached the village of Philip.
Philip is the big village which mainly inhabited by the Gurung community. We will also visit the ancient Gombas of this region namely Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dephyudonma Gompa. Trek from Chumling Chhokangparo to Rachen Bompa takes 5-6 hours which is the tough. And long day of walking but the majestic scenic views of the valley amply compensate for the very long walk.
Mountain Treks Nepal Pvt. Ltd. welcomes all of you with a thankful heart as we have created a systematic schedule for the Tsum Valley trekking and we have 19 Days Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary. Moreover, we have similar Manaslu Trekking packages but almost all activities would be similar to, Manaslu circuit trek and Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek.
Best Time for Tsum Valley Trek
The best time for trekking to Tsum Valley are September, October, and November during the autumn season and after mid-March. During the spring season, April and May are considered as the best seasons for doing this trek. Regarding monsoon season at summertime, we do not suggest you try this route. But during autumn months the weather is perfect because of no rain.
Major attractions of Tsum Valley Trek
Trekking in Nepal’s Tsum Valley offers a distinctive and culturally diverse experience. The following are some of the Tsum Valley Trek’s main attracts:
- Cultural Encounter: The Tsumbas, an ethnic community with a unique culture, language, and traditions, live in Tsum Valley. It provides a unique chance to engage with the people, see their everyday lives, and take part in customs and celebrations.
- Ancient Monasteries: There are several old Buddhist monasteries scattered around the valley, each with a unique background and significance. Investigating these monasteries—like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa—offers a window into the architectural and cultural practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Scenic Landscapes: The journey presents breathtaking vistas of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Buddha Himal. Forming a stunning backdrop against the varying landscape, ranging from lush woods to high alpine meadows, showcasing its scenic beauty along the trip.
- Observing Wildlife: A variety of animals, including as the elusive snow leopard and musk deer, may be seen in Tsum Valley. Even if sightings are few, it is exciting to get the opportunity to see these animals in their natural environment.
Travel Insurance for Trek
You should comprehend over the span of treks in remote parts of Himalayan nations like Nepal may bring a characteristic hazard. Because of awful climate condition, avalanche, and surge and so on which is outside our ability to control can cause genuine damage and demise. Please check our travel insurance page to get more detail information.
Permits Required for Tsum Valley Trekking
Trekking Infromation Management System(TIMS) card and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit(MCAP) are the two essential permits for Tsum Valley Trekking.
Trip Highlights
- Picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Machhikhola
- Fairly easy treks with less fear of altitude sickness
- Many Buddhist monasteries
- Lovely alpine, juniper and also rhododendron forests
- Explore around Tsum Valley
- Involve into the amazing unique culture, tradition of Nepalese influenced by Tibetan culture
- The glimpse of the majestic surrounding of various Himalayas
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Detailed Itinerary
Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Mountain Treks Nepal who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or visit Mountain 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 Mountain Treks Nepal where you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
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. Mountain Treks 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.
A 7-8 hour’s drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Dhadingbesi viewing the greenery hills we reach Arughat, our trek start point. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki river flowing between them. Overnight at Arughat.
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 hydro- electric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Mangaltar, and through forests we arrive 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. Descend to a high, cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kuerepani. Then from here the trail descends to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at the campsite at Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola.
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 rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola.
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 hotspring, 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 at 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.
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 we reach Chisopani. Overnight at Chisopani.
After Ekle Bhatti cross the gorge and half an hour walk in the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of Himalchuli mountains at 7893m and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, 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, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village.
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. Overnight at Chokhangparo.
While climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too. We make a small visit and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well managed villages Lar (micro hydro power), Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving old historic Stupa of Bhudda in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. If you consider we can make your visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located in the top of area.
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, you may also consider the option of getting to the base of Pika Himal (4865m).
Trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally we arrive at Burgi village. The Burgi village is a small beautiful village. Climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave Milarepa Cave (piren phu) is known for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke himal.
Continue trekking watching the greenery of nature and descend down to Chhokang Paro again. From their continue descending to Gho. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the lower Tsum Valley takes you to again Chumling.
The trail continues to Lokpa. After lunch south on a flat trail we move ahead. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Finally arrive at Philim after 6 or 7 hours long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
Trek starts today from Philim to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani. Descend down to Sirdibas and we finally reach to Jagat. Further descend takes us to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. Continue trekking to Dobhan. Finally arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. If not continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day.
The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.
Climb up to the ridge of Kyorpani. Descend down to the cascading waterfall. Trekking further arrive at Arkhet. Cross the Arkhet Khola. We are now leaving the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Sante Bazaar; pass through the forests to Maltar. Finally, passing by the hydroelectric plant following the stone streets, we arrive at the Arughat Bazar. Back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of the road. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Mountain Treks Nepal will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Trip Includes
- 19 days Trips, 15 of which included 3 meals a day.
- 3 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Kathmandu full day sight-seen with private car .
- Airport pick up and drop by car/van/bus.
- Three nights’ accommodation (2* categories) in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
- Three times meal a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking.
- A cup of tea every morning during the trekking.
- Kathmandu to Sothi khola and Arughat to Kathmandu ground transportation.
- Highly experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment’s.
- Manaslu Conservation Entry Permit and Restricted area Permit.
- Tsum valley spinal permits
- Annapurna Conservation Permits.
- Government and local taxes.
- Sleeping bag, down jackets and duffel bag – if Necessary (Need to returned after the trek)
- Farewell Dinner with culture show
Trip Excludes
- Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal entry visa.
- International airfare.
- Entrance fee for Kathmandu sightseeing (temple,stupa,etc)
- Drinks (mineral water, Tea, coffee, whisky) or other snacks and any meals beside breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hot shower, charge etc.
- Tips for Guide and potter (Tipping is Expected) .
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the “Trip Includes” Section.
frank
April 3, 2024 at 3:46 pmTusm valley with MTN
“Nestled in the heart of Nepal, the Tsum Valley offered an unforgettable adventure. My trek, organized by Mountain Treks Nepal, exceeded all expectations.
Thank you Yaka for the guiding us and Bharat too.
Fanando
March 17, 2024 at 9:00 pmMountain Treks Nepal:
I was very impressed with the professionalism and organization of Mountain Treks Nepal. Everything from the pre-trip communication to the logistics during the trek itself was handled smoothly and efficiently. Mr. Bharat was incredibly helpful in answering all my questions and ensuring I had everything I needed for a successful trek.