Tsum Valley Trekking

Trip Facts

Duration

Duration 12 Days

Difficulty

Difficulty Easy

This trek begins from Sotikhola in Gorkha district, which is easily accessible from Kathmandu. Trekking in this newly opened trail starts with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola. Then, a series of ascent and descent along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki takes you to Chhokangparo via Macche Khola, Jagat, Lokpa, and Chumling. At Chhokangparo, you visit the ancient nunnery of Rachen Gompa and explore the sacred cave of Milarepa before you reach Mu Gompa. The trail traces back to Lokpa from Mu Gompa and all the way to Sotikhola and drive back to Kathmandu.

Background 

The Tsum Valley trekking is a newly unexplored area for trekking. It is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in a trans-Himalayan region of Gorkha district, Nepal. The Tsum Valley’s acquaintance with Tibet, natural beauty and its pristine culture make this trekking unique. “Tsum” comes from the Tibetan work ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Baudha Himal ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and seek a unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers. The Tsum valley has a long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of there mountains. Traditionally Tsum valley was a culturally distinct geographical area called ‘Tsum Tso Chuksum’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

About Us

Book your trek with our company and make your trip pleasant and most exciting. At Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition, we are solely dedicated to high altitude trekking. We offer the trained and most experienced guides along with associated services and facilities.

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Highlights

  • Trek around the foothills of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha himal .
  • Amazing view  of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
  • Explore Ganesh Himal Base Camp .
  • Visit ancient Buddhist Gompas (monasteries), including Mu Gompa.
  • Understand the unique lifestyle and culture of the Tibetan and Gurung people.
  • Explore the dramatic landscapes and natural beauty of the Tsum valley.

Day-to-day-Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Machha Khola

Day 1 Facts

Trekking Time Average

180km Drive
(Avg 10hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Machha Khola

Altitude

870m. /2871ft.

Your exciting journey starts with a drive along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu. A smooth drive on a black-topped road takes you to Dhading Bensi from where the road turns upward to Gola Bhanjyang and then slopes down to Ankhu Khola. At Arughat, you cross the Budhi Gandaki River and drive further to reach Sotikhola. We continue to drive two hours to reach Machhakhola. This Ten-hour long drive rewards you with scenic villages, rivers, terraced farms, and a good view of Mount Manaslu and Ganesh. Overnight stay at Machhakhola.

Day 2

Trek to Jagat

Day 2 Facts

Trekking Time Average

22km Hike
(Avg 8hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Jagat

Altitude

1340m. /4422ft

After breakfast, you follow the upstream trail to the small village of Khola Bensi. As you continue further, you encounter the natural hot springs at Tatopani. Then, you cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and walk past the landslide area to reach Dobhan. Again, you cross a suspension bridge over Yaru Khola and climb the stone stairs at Thado Bharyang. The ascending path finally leads you to the beautiful village of Jagat. You enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, which requires you a special conservation area permit. Overnight Stay at Jagat.

Day 3

Trek to Lokpa

Day 3 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Lokpa

Altitude

2240m. /6339ft

Day 4

Trek to Chhokangparo

From Lokpa, you follow the descending trail to the Lungwa River and then walk uphill to Gumling through the dense rhododendron and pine forests. Then, you cross Syar Khola and reach the village of Chumling. On the way to Chumling, you can enjoy a clear view of Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal.

Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gompa are some impressive monasteries in Chumling that draws the attention of every trekker. From Chumling, you continue your trek to Chhokang Paro as you cross several streams. Chhokang, a part of the upper Tsum valley, offers you an excellent view of Shringi

Himal (7161 m). The warm hospitality of local people with Tibetan tea will be a memorable experience for you.

Day 5

Trek to Mu Gompa

Day 5 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Mu Gompa

Altitude

3800 m. /10754ft

The trail scales up from Chhokangparo along the side of Shiar Khola to Rachen Gompa, an ancient nunnery of Tsum valley. As you continue your trek, you see people busy on their farms. After passing Lamagaon, you encounter a Piren Phu/ Milarepa cave adorned with colorful prayer flags. The walls of this cave have ancient Buddhist paintings and arcane scripts that mark the socio- religious importance of this cave.

After exploring the cave, you continue to walk past the villages of Nile and Chule and finally reach Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa the largest monastery in the area with hundred monks living there. The evening prayer at the Mu Gompa monastery is something certain to delight. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.

Day 6

Excursion day to Mu Gompa

Today, you roam around the Mu Gompa area, exploring the natural beauty and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and spiritual bliss. This place offers you beautiful views of the mountain peaks, and there are beautiful pastures to walk through. A day of acclimatization helps you to adapt to the high altitude and thin air. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.

Day 7

Trek to Chhokangparo

Day 7 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Chhokangparo

Altitude

3010m. /9933ft

Today, you retrace the path back to Chhokangparo via Rachen Gompa. You walk past the monasteries, villages, terraced farms, and reach the Milarepa cave. From there, you continue to the monastery of Rachen Gompa. Then, you follow the trail along the bank of Sotikhola to reach Chhokangparo.

Day 8

Trek to Lokpa

Day 8 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Lakpa

Altitude

2240m. /6339ft

Today, you leave Chhokangparo to walk along the familiar trail to Lokpa. Bidding goodbye to the beautiful people of Chhokangparo and impressive monasteries in the village, you walk on the downhill trail to reach Chumling. Chumling looks attractive at the backdrop of Baudha and Ganesh Himal. As you leave Chumling, you cross Syar Khola and reach Gumling, from where the trail descends to the Lungwa river. Then, you walk along the ascending trail and stop at Lokpa for an overnight stay.

Day 9

Trek to Philim

Day 9 Facts

Trekking Time Average

15km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Kuxury Lodge in Philim

Altitude

2140m./7062ft

The trail lead us to Philim . On the way, We will walk through most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Stay there overnight at lodge.

Day 10

Trek to Tatopani

Day 10 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Tatopani

Altitude

1050m./3465ft

The trail descends to Tatopani ( Natural hot spring). You can relieve your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. Stay there overnight at lodge.

Day 11

Trek to Machhakhola

Day 11 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 5hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Machhakhola

Altitude

870m./2871ft

Today is the last of walk. We retrace to machhakhola . Overnight in Machhakhola.

Day 12

Drive to Kathmandu - Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 12 Facts

Trekking Time Average

180km Drive
(Avg 10hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu

Altitude

1295m./4273ft

Leaving himalayas behind, saying goodbye to mountain, your return journey starts with a drive along the Budi Gandaki River and Salyantar joins a smooth drive on a black-topped road takes you to Dhading Bensi from where the road turns upward to Gola Bhanjyang and then join Prithibi highway to reach kathmandu.

What do you get in the Trip?

Included

  • Tribhuwan International Airport transfer ( Airport – Hotel – Airport)  in Kathmandu .
  • All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • Lodge accommodation during the trekking.
  • One experienced, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Tsum valley trekking region and government authorized trekking guide and required porters ( One porter for two persons)
  • Guide and porter’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipments.
  • Overland transport as per mentioned in itinerary.
  • Tsum valley special permit, Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) and Manaslu conservation area project (MCAP).
  • Trekking map, duffel bag, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, temperature check up everyday, face mask, hand sanitizer, Water purification, first aid medical, company t- shirt and trekking company certificate.
  • Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation .
  • Public Liability Insurance.
  • Government tax and service charge.

Excluded

  • Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  • Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, hot shower, battery charge, boiled water , phone bill and laundry. .
  • Personal Travel insurance.
  • Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested ).

Need a private date?

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

Book a private date

Traveler Reviews

With two friends we decided to trek to Tsum valley and then from Doban over the pass directly to Ruby valley. The organiser was Tej (Nepal alternative Treks & expeditions). Already before the trek we got the most fair prices from his agency when we ask to organise the trip. When we arrived to KTM, he (Tej) made our permits and we left already next day with the guide cum porter Samir. The Tsum valley we didn't like very much. It is beautiful nature, but many tourists, full traffic of mules with goods, road construction and specially VERY high prices in tea houses and homestays (dal bhat 650 to 700 rupees, black tea 80 to 100 rupees... But we loved the Ruby valley with Ganesh himal views, no tourists, normal Nepali village life and normal prices for food and accommodation... All together we spend 23 days and this was perfect experience we will never forget. Thanks to Tej from Nepal alternative Treks & expeditions.

5.0

Vojc

Yugoslavia

ESSENTIAL INFO

Best time to visit this place

The autumn and spring seasons are the greatest times to visit this location. In Nepal, the climate, temperature, and weather are consistent and acceptable during this time of year. Additionally, if you visit at this time of year, you may fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Traveling here at this time will therefore increase your enjoyment and experience. But you can also go on this trek in the rainy season. Similar to that, you might not be able to find acceptable weather to travel and appreciate the surroundings if you visit during the off-season.

The difficulty of this trek

This trek is a 13-day long trek. So, if you are a new trekker then it is going to be very hard for you. However, if you decide to trek here then a local guide is very important. Similarly, the Himalayan region is a very high-altitude trekking region. So, if you are not careful enough then you might fall victim to altitude sickness. Altogether, this trek is very difficult so make sure that you are fully prepared for its challenge. Furthermore, if you travel here during the on-season then it might be difficult for you to find suitable accommodation including experienced guides and porters because they might already get hired or booked by others trekkers. Furthermore, it is a long and steep trek that might challenge you during your trek. Similarly, if you travel during off-seasons then the climate might make your trek difficult because the weather gets cloudy and you cannot travel with clear visibility. So, you have to properly plan your trek.

Travel insurance

Your travel insurance is one of the most important things that you should carry during your travel with us. If you don’t have your travel insurance with you then we are afraid that we cannot cooperate with you. In addition, to all that make sure that your travel adventure and trekking insurance above 4000m is covered. Similarly, make sure that your insurance policy covers all your hospital bills in case something bad happens to you during the trek. But, if you don’t have your original insurance policy then make certain that you got a copy of the policy because it will help you choose a beneficial policy at the time.

Meals and Accommodation

We only provide meals and accommodation during the time of your trek. However, we don’t provide soft hard drinks, beers, and other alcoholic products. Because we understand that these things can hamper your tour. Instead, we provide you with healthy local and western food which can benefit you during your trek. Furthermore, most of the accommodation facility is run by locals you will get a chance to experience quality local food and hospitality. In addition, the locals there also provide western foods though its a bit expensive compared to the local meals. Local dishes are less pricey because they prepare them with their local farm produce and spices. Whereas, most of the ingredients for western foods are imported from cities. So, western foods are slightly expensive. Furthermore, as you go higher up the altitude the price of the meals also increases.

Fitness and Experience Requirements

This trek is one of the hardest trekking routes in Nepal. Even some of the most experienced trekkers find it hard sometimes to travel through these treks. So, you have to be very experienced for this trek. Similarly, you have to be physically fit for this trek. If you have some health issues, then it will be next to impossible for you to travel or complete this trek. Likewise, make sure that you do a full body checkup before heading toward the trek. This will be beneficial for you. In addition, walking and jogging/running before your journey are very beneficial. Furthermore, having a little bit of knowledge of hiking and trekking is favorable. However, visitors with less knowledge can do this trek as well.

Climate and weather

You will find the perfect climate for the trek is during the autumn and spring season. However, you will find perfect weather during the monsoon seasons as well. If you decide to do trekking here during this time of the year then you will be able to travel with clear visibility and you can enjoy your time here. You are going to travel very high altitudes during the trek. So, making sure you do it at a perfect time can double your experience and have fun. Furthermore, if you travel here during this season then you will be able to travel in a clear sky.  . During this time of the year, the weather is very pleasant and warm. However, it gets cold at night. It can probably show above 3000m altitude. However, the climate of the Himalayas is unpredictable. It is usually warm during the day and cold during the night. So, you should have a reliable sleeping bag with you. But, it is quite warm if there is sunshine. Similarly, if there is sunshine during the trek then you can fully enjoy the view of the surrounding. Likewise, you will travel in clear visibility. But, if you travel here during the off-season then you might not find a suitable climate for your visit. So, assure that you choose your trek at the perfect time.

Safety and security

Safety and Security of our people are important factors for our company during the trek. Similarly, we take full care of our consumer and their property. Similarly, our trip constantly operates monitoring every area of our travel. So, don’t worry about a single thing and enjoy your time with us.

Required Permits

MCAP: NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC.

Tsum Valley Special permit: USD 40 Sept – Nov for 1 week and USD 7 per day beyond 1 week
: USD 30 Dec – Aug for 1 week and USD 7 per day beyond 1 week

Note: Child below 10 years are free

Gear List

Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. A comprehensive list of gear for all activities is listed on our dedicated page of Trekking Gear List

Frequently
Asked Questions

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