- Highland Expeditions - https://highlandexpeditions.com -

Tsum Valley Trek


Itinerary

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Day 13 - Trek to Lama Gaon [3,200m/10,500ft]

Retrace back to Lama gaon via Nile, Chule and Rachen Gompa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.