Quick Facts
| Trip Duration 20 Days | Trip Grading Moderate |
| Max Altitude 3,709m / 12,168ft | Best TimeMarch - May Sept - Nov |
| Trip ModeFully tented camping | Group SizeMin 2 Max 14 |
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Overview
Map & Itinerary
Trip Highlights
- Sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley
- Opened to foreigners only since 1992
- Shangrila land of Nepal in the lap of mountain
- Region less exposed in compared to other areas
Trip Overview
Tsum Valley Trek is an off-beaten trekking experience in the base of Manaslu Mountain. Tread through the hidden Tsum Valley and explore its remote villages. Located to the north of Gorkha, Tsum Valley Trekking route takes us through Budhi Gandaki River and colorful rhododendron forest to hot springs in Tatopani. We will enter the inner core of Tsum Valley from Chhokangparo and our journey continues through scenic path lined with chortens and Mani walls.
This Shangrila land of Nepal nestles peacefully in the lap of Buddha Mountain, Himal Chuli Mountain, Ganesh Mountain and Sringi Mountain. Manaslu means the spirit Mountain and this mountain is the spirit deity of the Tsumbas (locals). Animal sacrifice is strictly prohibited in Tsum Valley.
Once restricted, trekking in Tsum Valley was opened for foreigners only since 1992 and is still under the controlled area. According to the locals, settlements were established by Guru Rinpoche in sacred beyuls or valleys of Himalayas including Tsum during 8th century. These settlements provided much needed refuge to Tibetans who flee during time of war to avoid famine and draught. Tsum is one of the best preserved valleys so far and Polyandry is still prevalent in villages of Tsum Valley. This is a moderately strenuous trek that progresses through route at low altitude reaching maximum height at Rachen Gompa (3240m). Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are best season for Tsum Valley Trek.
Trip Profile
- Equipment (Down Jacket, Sleeping bag wt liner, Duffel bag) worth of USD 300 provided for trekking
- Comprehensive first aid kit with oxygen backup for all high altitude treks
- Satellite phone for emergency purpose
- Fully guided trek with an expert leader and team of dedicated staff
- Medical trained staff with English language proficiency
- All meals (B,L,D) and accommodation included on trek
- Reasonable price with no hidden cost
- High staff to client ratio on all trips
- Higher success ratioOutline Itinerary
- Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]
- Day 02 : Exploration of Kathmandu and trek preparation [1,350m/4,455ft]
- Day 03 : Drive to Arughat [670m/2198ft]
- Day 04 : Trek to Soti Khola [700m/2,296ft]
- Day 05 : Trek to Macha Khola [870m/2,952ft]
- Day 06 : Trek to Dhoban [1,000m/3,280ft]
- Day 06 : Trek to Philim [1,570m/5,150ft]
- Day 07 : Trek to Chumling [2,386m/7,827ft]
- Day 08 : Trek to Chokang Paro [3,010m/9,903ft]
- Day 09 : Trek to Nile [3,360m/11,021ft] and and visit Rachen Gompa [3,240m/10,630ft] on the way
- Day 11 : Trek to Mu Gompa [3,700m/12,136ft]
- Day 12 : Exploration of Mu Gompa and surrounding areas
- Day 13 : Trek to Lama Gaon [3,200m/10,500ft]
- Day 14 : Trek to Lokpa [2,240m/7,350ft]
- Day 15 : Trek to Jagat [1,410m/4,625ft]
- Day 16 : Trek to Macha Khola [870m/2,952ft]
- Day 17 : Trek to Arughat [535m/1755ft]
- Day 18 : Drive back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]
- Day 19 : Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]
- Day 20 : International departure
Dates & Price-
Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street- Meal : Own
- Accommodation : Kathmandu Guest House
- Trekking Hours : None
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Day 02 - Exploration of Kathmandu and trek preparation [1,350m/4,455ft]
After an early breakfast, we set out on a guided tour to the primary historical spots in Kathmandu. We will tour symbolic monuments, temples, monasteries, palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include: Boudhanath, and the temples of Pashupatinath. As we stroll along the exotic locales of Kathmandu, more diversified cultural settings in the valley welcome us with warm hospitality. At Boudhanath, one of the biggest stupas in Asia, we get deep insights into Buddhism. This may invoke your spiritual senses. There will be a brief orientation followed by trek preparation during late afternoon at the hotel lobby.- Meal : (B)
- Accommodation : Kathmandu Guest House
- Trekking Hours : 0
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Day 03 - Drive to Arughat [670m/2198ft]
We will leave Kathmandu and head west to take 8hrs of drive to Arughat via Prithvi Highway. From Malekhu we will head north and follow 30km of rough road along Trishuli River to Dhading Besi which is the headquarters of Dhading district. We will take 35km of dirt road northwest to Arughat Bazaar. This bustling Bazaar is divided into two flanks by Budhi Gandaki River flowing in between them.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 7-8 hrs drive
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Day 04 - Trek to Soti Khola [700m/2,296ft]
Tsum Valley Trek begins on fourth day. Following the ascending trail through dense Sal forest, we will cross series of ridges and pass through waterfalls. We will lower down to rice terraces and climb uphill to Sotikhola where we will stay overnight.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 5-6 hrs
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Day 05 - Trek to Macha Khola [870m/2,952ft]
We continue our trek following river, climbing sometimes and at other times down on the gravel riverbed. After crossing suspension bridge and climbing on ridge we make our way to Laphubesi. Another few hour of walk from here following the river bank, ups and downs will lead us to Macha Khola.- Meal : (B,L,D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 6-7 hrs
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Day 06 - Trek to Dhoban [1,000m/3,280ft]
Today as we trek to Dhoban, we will cross suspension bridges and along the river side. Agriculture is the chief occupation of locals, coffee and buckwheat are produced in large quantity in this area. We will pass through hot spring in Tatopani and cross Budhi Gandaki River to reach Doban.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 4-5 hrs
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Day 06 - Trek to Philim [1,570m/5,150ft]
Our path is tapered that allows scenic views of Sringi Mountain to the north. We will lower down to Sirdibas from Salleri where we can witness ancient Buddhist culture. After crossing a suspension bridge and following the straight path along eastern edge for brief period before climbing the sloped ridge to make it to large Gurung village of Philim where we will stay overnight. Chholing Sandu Gompa is the local monastery in Philim.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 6-7 hrs
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Day 07 - Trek to Chumling [2,386m/7,827ft]
Our trek today traverse north of Philim through the pretty forest and view of Himalchuli [7,893m/25,890ft]. After crossing the bridge and following the steep climb we make our way to Chumling for overnight stay- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 5-6 hrs
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Day 08 - Trek to Chokang Paro [3,010m/9,903ft]
After early breakfast, we will leave Chumling and head to Chokang paro, a famous and old nunnery. We walk along side of micro hydro power in Lar village and cross Phurbe to Pangdun.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 7-8 hrs
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Day 09 - Trek to Nile [3,360m/11,021ft] and and visit Rachen Gompa [3,240m/10,630ft] on the way
We will walk through the wide valley for most part of the day. Heading north from the river, we will walk along the small school at Kaye to reach Ngakyu and Leru villages. Couple of hours of walk from Leru village will take us to Rachen Gompa. Milarepa’s Cave is another place of interest near Rachen Gompa. We can still observe footprint of Milarepa (the great Buddhist Saint) inside the cave. Chi Phu Monastery is located near to the cave. The ancient Rachen Nunnery was built in 1905 as a residence for nuns. Animal slaughter is prohibited in the area. Afterwards we continue our trek to Nile for overnight stay.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 4-5 hrs
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Day 11 - Trek to Mu Gompa [3,700m/12,136ft]
We leave for Mu Gompa (Monastery) following the west bank of the valley. a brief walk for nearly 2 hour will take us to Mu Gompa. After having lunch we will visit the 600 year old Dephu Doma Gompa.- Meal : Fully tented camping
- Accommodation : (B,L,D)
- Trekking Hours : 2 hrs
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Day 12 - Exploration of Mu Gompa and surrounding areas
Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in this region with over 100 monks and holds a significant values to the people. We will explore the Gompa (Monastery) and hike above for great views- Meal : (B,L,D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 3-4 hrs
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Day 13 - Trek to Lama Gaon [3,200m/10,500ft]
Retrace back to Lama gaon via Nile, Chule and Rachen Gompa.- Meal : (B,L,D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 5-6 hrs
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Day 14 - Trek to Lokpa [2,240m/7,350ft]
We will lower down from Rachen Gompa to reach Dumje from where we will turn left and arrive at Langdang River. Crossing the river, we will walk along southern edge of Langdang River to Siyar River. The path is decorated with chortens and Mani walls and we will climb down through the stone steps to reach Gumlung from where we will take an ascending trail through forested ridge to make it to Lokpa. We will stay overnight in Lokpa.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 6-7 hrs
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Day 15 - Trek to Jagat [1,410m/4,625ft]
We can enjoy spectacular view of Samba Falls from Lokpa. We will retrace our route to Philim that greets us with awe-inspiring view of Ganesh Mountain. We will leave Philim and take lowering trail to Sirdibas from where we will return to Jagat. Stay overnight in Jagat.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 5-6 hrs
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Day 16 - Trek to Macha Khola [870m/2,952ft]
From Jagat, the trail goes down crossing the bridges, passing through waterfalls and walking along the ridge of above Budhi Gandaki River.- Meal : (B,L,D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 5-6 hrs
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Day 17 - Trek to Arughat [535m/1755ft]
Leaving Machhakhola, we will follow the straight path to a bridge over Nauli River. We will cross the river and reach Jagat. From Jagat, we will walk through Gurung village of Laphubesi to Soti Khola. We will stay overnight in Arughat.- Meal : (B, L, D)
- Accommodation : Fully tented camping
- Trekking Hours : 6-7 hrs
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Day 18 - Drive back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]
We will return from Arughat to Kathmandu on this day. Following Prithvi Highway, we will drive for about 7-8 hrs through a scenic Highway to reach Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a hotel for your comfortable stay.- Meal : (B, L)
- Accommodation : Kathmandu Guest House
- Trekking Hours : 7-8 hrs drive
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Day 19 - Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]
Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Tsum Valley Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.- Meal : (B,L,D)
- Accommodation : Kathmandu Guest House
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Day 20 - International departure
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.- Meal : (B)
- Accommodation : None
- Trekking Hours :
ReviewsGiven below are the fixed departure dates for this trip. If the dates don’t match with your schedule, then kindly let us know and we will arrange a private trip customizing the departure dates suitable for you. The cost below is per person on group joining basis excluding the international flights. Group discount is available for booking of two or more than two persons. Kindly contact us if you have a bigger group for the discount.
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