Tsum Valley

16 Days

Tsum Valley – The Hidden Gems

Tsum Valley, nestled in northern Gorkha, is a treasure trove of ancient art, culture, and spirituality. Its remoteness adds to the charm, making the trek a delightful experience. With stunning vistas of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal, this pristine valley captivates the heart.

Once restricted, the Tsum Valley now welcomes trekkers. Its inhabitants, tracing their roots to Tibet, exude deep spirituality, evident in the revered Rachen and Mu Gompas. Beyond the monasteries, the valley’s biodiversity flourishes, boasting enchanting forests, rivers, and caves.

Embark on a scenic drive to Arughat, then Soti Khola, and follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream. Pass through charming villages and forests ablaze with rhododendrons and pines. Reach Lokpa, the gateway to the Tsum Valley, and continue to Chumling, home to revered monasteries and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas.

From Chumling, journey to Chhokangparo, where sub-tropical forests transition into alpine landscapes. Traverse Milarepa’s sacred cave, the Nile, and arrive at Mu Gompa, the trek’s northernmost point. Legend has it that the great Buddhist Guru meditated in these mountains. The Shear Khola river nourishes this valley, flowing from Ganesh Himal glacier into the Budhi Gandaki River.

On the return, explore Rachen Gompa and follow a different path, passing through Domje and reaching Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Descend to Lokpa, Jagat, and finally Arughat, where a local bus awaits, ready to transport you back to Kathmandu.

Tsum Valley - Upper Tsum Itinerary

Itinerary Facts: Driving Hours (160km / 99.4miles) 6-8hrs
Embark on an exciting journey after a refreshing morning meal. Marvel at the picturesque landscapes as you drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, continuing on to Soti Khola. The route follows the scenic Prithivi Highway, tracing the enchanting Trishuli river. After a few hours, you'll arrive at Dhading Bensi, the vibrant district headquarters of Dhading.

From Dhading Bensi, the journey takes you along the captivating Budhi Gandaki river, offering breathtaking views of majestic Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. You'll pass through Arughat Bazaar, a charming settlement nestled on both sides of the Budhi Gandaki river, connected by a suspension bridge. A two-hour drive from Arughat will lead you to Soti Khola.

Enjoy a restful overnight stay at ABC Hotel, where comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms await.
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude 890m / 2,965ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
Set off early in the morning for an exhilarating trek to Machha Khola. Begin by crossing the Soti Khola and soak in the captivating sights of cascading waterfalls and rivulets. Traverse through a lush Sal forest, ascending to a ridge overlooking the mighty Budhi Gandaki rapids. The trail then leads to Liding and Khursane.

Descend through terraced farmlands to reach the ethnically rich Gurung village of Lapubesi. As the path widens into a valley, you'll follow the sandy riverbanks of Budhi Gandaki until you arrive at Nauli Khola, which you'll cross to reach Machha Khola.

Relax and unwind at Hotel Everest View, where you'll spend the night and indulge in delicious meals.
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft Trek Duration 6 to 7 hrs.
Rise and shine to a hearty breakfast before embarking on a remarkable trek through diverse landscapes. Encounter a fertile terrain with varying elevations as you journey towards Tharo Khola, which you'll cross to enter Khorlabesi. Continue onward, leaving Khorla Besi behind, until you reach Tatopani, a place known for its natural hot springs.

As the valley narrows, you'll cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a suspension bridge. Ascend a stone staircase adorned with prayer flags, leading you to Tharo Bharyang. Follow a stone-paved path, accompanied by captivating views, until you reach Jagat, a charming town situated west of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Retire for the night at a cozy lodge, savoring the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Itinerary Facts :Trek Duration 1,400m / 4,593ft Trek Duration 6 -7 hrs
On this day, we commence our trek to Lokpa, but before that, we ensure the registration of our permits for Manaslu and Tsum Valley at the entry checkpoint in Jagat. The journey takes us over a rocky ridge to Salleri, where we pause to relish the breathtaking vistas of Mount Sringi. Descending further, we reach Sirdibas, crossing Nepal's longest suspension bridge to enter Philim. Continuing our trek, we pass through Ekle Bhatti and finally arrive at Lokpa, the gateway to the captivating Tsum Valley. Lokpa is renowned for its unobstructed views of the majestic Manaslu range. This village, with its secluded charm, is believed to have received blessings from Padmashamva centuries ago.

Unwind for the night at a comfortable lodge, and savor the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude 2,386m / 7,828ft Trek Duration 5-6 hrs.
Embark on an invigorating trek from Lokpa village, marking the entry point to Tsum Valley. Traverse through a deep, narrow gorge, leading you to the mesmerizing Tsum Valley. Along the path, feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal.

As you descend, immerse yourself in a dense forest adorned with vibrant rhododendron, juniper, and pine trees. The trail leads you to Gumling, followed by Syar Khola, eventually arriving at the charming village of Chumling. Take advantage of the shorter trek duration to explore the three significant monasteries of Chumling: Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa.

Retire for the night at a cozy lodge, cherishing the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude 3,031m / 9,944ft Trek Duration 5-6 hrs.
Set off early in the morning as we journey towards Chhokangparo. This delightful destination rests on a flat expanse, serving as the gateway to the upper Tsum Valley. Chhokangparo comprises two settlements: Chhokang and Paro. Follow the trail alongside Shair Khola, leading you to Domje, the largest town in Tsum Valley. Ascend uphill from Domje, reaching the picturesque Chhokangparo. Feast your eyes upon the magnificent vistas of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals and savor their unique Tibetan butter tea.

Relish a peaceful overnight stay at a welcoming lodge, while enjoying the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude 3,361m / 11,026ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs.
Embark on a captivating trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile, the northernmost village in the upper Tsum Valley. Nestled on the sunny side of the Shiar Khola, Nile is a scenic village reachable within a 20-minute walk from Chhule. Along the way, you'll encounter the revered Phiren Phu Cave, also known as Pigeon Cave. This sacred cave is believed to have been the meditation site of the Tibetan Buddhist master, Milarepa, with his footprints said to be imprinted inside.

As you traverse the trail, immerse yourself in the lush green meadows and narrow yet fertile landscapes. Discover two magnificent gumbas adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and stone carvings. These gumbas hold cultural significance, with ancient scripts engraved on stones and written on papers, while prayer flags flutter in the breeze. To reach Nile village, cross a suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola.

Rest and rejuvenate at a local lodge, indulging in the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Itinerary Facts:Highest Altitude 4,060m / 13,320ft Trek Duration 3-4 hrs.
Begin your day with an early morning breakfast as you embark on a trek from Nile Village. The trail gradually ascends, leading you to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region.

However, before reaching Mu Gompa, after approximately 2 hours of trekking from Nile Village, you'll encounter Dhephyudonma Gumba. This ancient monastery holds great historical significance as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the valley.

Mu Gompa, established in 1895, stands as the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley. Immerse yourself in its serene ambiance, surrounded by majestic landscapes. Explore the monastery, which houses a vast collection of religious books, including the revered Kangyur. Marvel at the life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara and portraits of revered Buddhist masters, Padmasambhava and Tara. Traverse through scenic yak pastures and the arid Trans Himalayan terrain to reach this spiritual haven.

Unwind for the night at a local lodge, while relishing the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude 3,700m / 12,139ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs.
After a hearty breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey to Rachen Gompa, a captivating nunnery nestled in the picturesque Shiar Khola Valley. Situated at the foothills of the majestic mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet, this spiritual sanctuary awaits your exploration.

As you begin your return journey, you'll retrace your steps through Chhule, descending until you reach the scenic village of Phurba. From there, a path along the east banks of Siyar Khola, adorned with boulder-covered plains, will lead you to the serene Rachen Gompa. Built in 1905, this historic Gompa is home to the Ngak-pa sect nuns.

Step inside the sacred walls and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Buddhism. Admire the vibrant murals that adorn the interior, depicting the profound stories and teachings of this ancient faith.

After an awe-inspiring day, retreat to a cozy local lodge for a restful overnight stay. Savor the included meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, nourishing both body and soul.

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude: 3,240m / 10,629ft Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs.
Our trek takes us south, leading us towards Chhokangparo and onward to Chumling. Along the way, we'll pass the small white Gompa in Gho (2,485m) before descending on a path that leads to a wooden bridge over Siyar Khola. After crossing the bridge, we'll reach Domje, where a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and a school are located.

From Domje, we'll head east, ascending through pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests. Along the trail, you'll encounter mani walls, prayer flags, and breathtaking views, especially during spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom. The final ascent through the silver pine forest will bring us to Lungdang Gompa, known for its intense evening puja (prayer ceremony). From the Gompa, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude: 4,200m / 13,779ft Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs.
Today, we embark on an exciting trek to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The trail initially ascends, rewarding us with magnificent views along the way. We'll traverse smaller valleys, and although the trail may be less defined due to fewer trekkers heading to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, our experienced guides will lead the way. After approximately four hours, we'll reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp, where we can savor the awe-inspiring views. We'll then return to Gumba Lungdang for the night.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude: 3,200m / 10,498ft Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs.
Today, we begin our journey back to Lokpa. We start by descending to Domje, taking the upper track and crossing the Laudang Khola. As we head south from Domje, we'll pass through beautiful dense forests and cross suspension bridges along the way. Our trail leads us to Ripche (2,470m), where we descend further to Batti Ghumlong. From there, we'll ascend a bit until we reach Lokpa.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude: 3,200m / 10,498ft Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs.
Today, we continue our descent towards Jagat, where we will rejoin the Budhi Gandaki river. Along the trail, you'll catch glimpses of the mountains and enjoy a pleasant hike through forests and downhill terrain. We'll cross several suspension bridges and pass through the charming village of Sirdibas before reaching Jagat.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude: 1,400m / 4,593ft Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs.
After an early morning breakfast, we begin our descent to Lapu Bensi. The trek mostly consists of pleasant downhill walking, with the added thrill of crossing suspension bridges along the way. We'll pass through Machha Khola and cross a suspension bridge over Nauli Khola before following the sandy bed of the Budhi Gandaki river to reach Lapu Bensi, a beautiful Gurung Village.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Facts: Highest Altitude: 900m / 2,952ft Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs.
Today's trek back to Arughat Bazaar is relatively short. We'll follow the Budhi Gandaki river for a few hours until we reach Soti Khola. From there, we'll take a jeep to Arughat Bazaar. The scenic drive will take a couple of hours, as we pass by the side of the beautiful Trishuli river and admire the greenery of the surrounding hills. Upon reaching Arughat Bazaar, you can explore the small cafes and shops in the area.

Overnight stay at a lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Facts:Driving Hours: (126 km/78 miles) - 7-8 hrs.
After an early morning breakfast, we'll drive you back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive takes us eastward via the Prithivi Highway.

Includes and Excludes in the services

Cost Includes

  • Convenient and satisfying meals comprising breakfast and lunch throughout the trek
  • Transportation: Round-trip local bus transfers between Kathmandu and Arughat
  • Accommodations: Comfortable lodging for 15 nights in the best available twin sharing rooms at lodges.
  • Nourishing meals: Enjoy 16 lunches, 15 dinners, and 16 breakfasts during your trekking adventure
  • Expert trek leader: Government licensed English-speaking Discovery World Trekking experienced trek leader (with an assistant guide for groups of 12 or more trekkers)
  • Porter assistance: Helpful porters assigned to assist with your luggage (2 trekkers per porter) with a weight limit of 9 kg per trekker
  • Guides and porters' provisions: Salary, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and necessary equipment for guides and porters.
  • Permit fees: Tsum Valley special permit and Conservation Area Permit fees.
  • Safe drinking water: Water purification tablets to ensure clean and safe drinking water.
  • Refreshments: Daily supply of snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits
  • Taxes and expenses: All applicable government and local taxes, as well as official expenses.
  • Safety measures: Arrangements for rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions, funded by travel insurance.
  • Souvenirs: A special company T-shirt and cap as souvenirs.
  • Trek achievement: International Adventures Treks & Expeditions's trek achievement certificate upon successfully completing the trek.
  • Farewell dinner: A delightful farewell dinner in Kathmandu to conclude your trek

Cost Excludes

  • International flight costs
  • Excess luggage charges (Luggage weight limit: 9 kg per person)
  • Visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport (USD 50 for a 30-day stay)
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek
  • Additional nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
  • Personal expenses: Shopping, snacks, bottled water, hot beverages, cold drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery recharge fees, extra porters, etc.
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance: Compulsory coverage for emergency high-altitude heli-rescue and evacuation
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Additional costs resulting from delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
  • Any costs or expenses not explicitly mentioned as included in the "cost includes" section.

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Tsum Valley