Tsum Valley Trek

Restricted Region Hidden Valley
At a Glance
  • Duration14 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude3700 m / 12139 ft
  • ActivityRestricted Region Trekking In Manaslu Region
  • Group Size1-15
  • StartsKathmandu
  • EndsKathmandu
  • Best SeasonMarch,April,May And September,October,November
Tsum Valley Trek Highlights
  • Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region,
  • Ganesh Himal Base Camp and the Himalayan vista of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Buddha Himal,
  • Venture into the Restricted Region and Manaslu Conservation Area,
  • Explore the culture and tradition of the Tsumba people, known for their friendliness and simplicity 
  • Traverse through the ever-changing dramatic landscapes that are less crowded.  

The Tsum Valley Trek is a remarkable trip to the remote and culturally rich region of Tsum Valley in Nepal. The Tsum Valley lies within the Manaslu Region in the northern part of the Gorkha district, bordering Tibet. From pristine landscapes to the ancient Buddhist monasteries and the warm hospitality of the local people, the Tsum Valley Trek is an unforgettable adventure. The Tsum Valley Region has been open for trekking since 2008, making it a relatively new and less explored destination and lies within the Restricted Region of Nepal.  

Trekking in Tsum Valley requires a good level of physical fitness. Walking along the Budhi Gandaki River, the journey to Tsum Valley takes you through alpine meadows, glacial rivers, towering cliffs, and to the vantage points of Piren Phu and Ganesh Himal Base Camp offering the dramatic scenery of Himalaya ranges like the mighty Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Buddha Himal.

The Tsum Valley is also known as the "hidden valley of happiness.". The Tsumba people, who are of Tibetan origin, inhabit this region and are known for their friendliness and simplicity. The warm hospitality you receive as you stay in their traditional lodges, savoring the authentic Nepalese cuisine, will reflect this title.

Your journey to 16 Days Tsum Valley Trek offers a unique cultural and traditional experience to their preserved ancient Buddhist Heritage. During the trek, you come across numerous monasteries, chortens (Buddhist shrines), and Mani walls adorned with prayer flags. A visit to the Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, is a spiritual and enlightening experience.

The 15-night 16-day Trek to Tsum Valley offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural exploration, and spiritual discovery in the less crowded region of Nepal. 

 

Restricted Region:

Trekking in the Restricted Region has its different charm. Restricted Region trails are less crowded and usually in the most rural part of the country with untouched nature and ancient cultures. 

Nepal has allocated a few parts as restricted regions. This is to prevent the overflow of international tourists. These regions are susceptible due to various reasons, including the climate and ethnic values, and hence Restricted Regions are carefully monitored by government officials. 

Apart from the general trekking and Conservation Area or National Park fees, if you are traveling to a Restricted region, you will also have to pay additional Permit fees, varying from place to place. Further, single travelers are not allowed to trek in this region. There need to be at least two travelers traveling in the Restricted Region apart from your guide and crew members.

The permits are issued by government-registered Trekking Companies in Nepal.  While the trekking permits can be issued before you arrive in Nepal, issuing the Restricted Region permits requires a hard passport copy of the traveler. So make sure you plan to stay for additional days in Kathmandu. 

Itinerary

Meet your crew members and begin your journey to Soti Khola. The journey takes you through winding roads along bumpy roads with beautiful landscapes. 

Once you reach Arughat, get on a local jeep to Soti Khola. 

Along the off-road, the drive continues following the Budi Gandaki River. Once you reach Soti Khola, check into the local lodge and prepare for the trek for the following day. 

    After breakfast, begin your first day of the trek to Machha Khola. 
    Cross a suspension bridge and walk along the stunning Sal Forest. Continue ascending to a ridge overlooking the mighty rapids of the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through several small villages of  Liding, Lapubesi, and Nauli Khola, gaining insights into local life and culture.

    Make your way uphill, where the valley widens and a significant tributary merges with the Budhi Gandaki River. The confluence creates a scenic spectacle. Make your way downhill along the expansive sandy riverbed. Cross a suspension bridge, and you reach Machha Khola village.

      After breakfast, commence your trek by crossing a wooden bridge.
      The trail will undulate with frequent ups and downs to Tharokhola, while Khorlabesi awaits you on the other side of the river from a distance. 

      After a few ascend and descend walking on the left side of the river, cross a suspension bridge to reach Tatopani, a natural hot spring. 
      Ascending a well-constructed, wide staircase, you reach Doban. 

      The trail then continues to the left of the Budhigandaki River with an impressive view of the massive rocky hills and to Thulo Dhunga, which translates to Big Stone. An uphill walk leads to a wide valley where a significant tributary merges with the Budhigandaki River, creating a spectacular view, and with a slight descent, you reach Yaruphant. 

      From Yaruphat, you will be walking on the sandy and rocky river bank. If the water level is high, walk on the metal bridge which is tagged along the hill. A final river crossing on the suspension bridge, you will reach Machha Khola village. 

        Walking past the village with a small Buddhist stupa, leave Machha Khola, descend a few stone-paved stairways, and follow the river. Climb up to cross a suspensive bridge offering an impressive three-waterfall view. The trail then leads on a rocky ridge with a gradual uphill to Salleri and a descent to Sirdibas. 

        Continue walking on the rocky terrain to Ghatta Khola. You reach Philim after a short climb on the other side of the river. Philim is a Gurung village and has a Manaslu Conservation Checkpoint. Present your permits complete the necessary procedure and continue walking to Chisapani. 

        Walk along the narrow path along the bamboo forest as you witness the confluence of the Chhilung and Budi Gandaki Rivers. Then with a cemented staircase uphill, you will be welcomed with a traditionally engraved gateway marking your way to Tsum Valley Trek. 

        The trail to Lokpa from this point is mostly uphill. 

          After breakfast, the trek begins along a small section of the landslide area. Make your way carefully along a forest trail that leads to a steep ascend on a stone staircase. The path continues upward as you walk on an impressive metal bridge which is intact on the sharp towering hills. 
          Continue uphill, and walk past a forest area and to Gumlung. Once you cross a suspension bridge, make your way to Chumling Village. 

          Chumling Village is a serene Buddhist village known for its monastery. You are rewarded with a mesmerizing view of the Ganesh Himal. 

            Enjoy breakfast with the view.

            Leaving Chumling village, walk downhill and cross the suspension bridge. You will witness a stunning view of the high hills and Himalayas, with the Buddhist Chorten along the way will bind you spiritually. 

            Through the gorge, the valley widens as you enter Chhi village and the scenery continues as you walk past the cultivated fields of Dhampa, Rainjam, and Khag Nyi. Enjoy the serene walk surrounded by green pine forest on the giant hills and small villages on the rather flat terrain. 


            Then cross a suspension bridge leading to Gho, where you see a small white Buddhist stupa. The trail then gradually ascends while the path narrows. Once you enter a forest trail, the valley opens, welcoming you to Chhokang Paro with an ancient Buddhist relic. 

            Chhokang Paro is a picturesque village in the Upper Tsum region. The village offers a majestic view of the Buddha Himal and Hiunchuli. 

              After breakfast, continue your journey to Nil, the last village in The Tsum Valley. 

              Walking past the picturesque village of Chhokang Paro, cross the bridge with a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Along the way, you can visit Rachen Gompa. The monastery is nestled on an extended wide valley surrounded by towering hills and Himalayan views of the background. 

              Enjoy the mesmerizing view as you walk on the flat terrain with green valleys and the traditional villages of Lar and Phurbe. Then the trail asked on a hillside to Chhule. At Chhule visit Gonhgye Monastery and a little further downhill lies Nile situated on the riverbank.

                Today you will do a day visit to Mu Gompa. The walk takes you through a mesmerizing view along the valley and the path that leads all the way to the Tibet border. 

                The hike typically spans around 3-4 hours, taking us through expansive mountain vistas and passing by numerous chortens that add a spiritual touch to the landscape.

                Situated in the secluded part of the Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa holds a special significance. As you arrive at the monastery, you will have the opportunity to witness the daily rituals and activities of the devoted monks. The panoramic view of the nearby Tibetan border from the monastery is truly awe-inspiring.

                If interested, you can make a short uphill hike to Chho Syong, a small glacier lake. While an additional uphill hike from Chho Syong is challenging, but provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.  

                After immersing yourself in the serenity and cultural richness of Mu Gompa, return to the Nile. 

                  After breakfast, return to Chhokang Paro. Along the way, you get the chance to re-embrace the view of Chhule, Phurbe, and Lar village. 

                    Enjoy breakfast with the view. Overlooking Chhokang Paro, and the view on last time, retrace your way downhill to Gho. From Gho, the trail diverts as you cross the Shyar Khola.

                    From the Shyar Khola, the trek transitions into a challenging uphill climb through the forest. As you ascend, you witness the breathtaking views and the raw beauty of the mountains. The trail may require physical exertion, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Gumba Lungdang is immensely rewarding.

                    Gumba Lungdang provides a tranquil setting amidst the rugged terrain. The sunrise view over Ganesh Hill is truly mesmerizing. Lungdang Gompa is a Female Buddhist nunnery where males are not allowed to enter. 

                      After breakfast, make your way to Ganesh Base Camp. Start early with a steep uphill hike to the Base Camp. The base camp provides a looming close-up view of Ganesh Himal.  

                      Spend some time admiring the view and later head back to Gumba Lundang 

                        After breakfast, beginning today, you will be walking back to Soti Khola, which takes 2 days. Today you will be hiking all the way to Lokpa. 

                        Descend to Gho and cross the river on the bridge. From here, take your left and retrace your way as you walk downhill through the narrow path towards Chumling. 

                        Cross a suspension bridge and once you walk past a small forest area, re-embrace the metal bridge path with a steep downhill ascend on the stone paved staircase. Before approaching Lokpa, walk past a small landslide area. 

                          After breakfast, begin retracing the trail towards Jagat.

                          Walk downhill and through the narrow path leading to the entrance gate of the Tsum Valley. Bedding farewell, make your way to Chisapani and then to Philim.

                          Once you cross a suspension bridge, walk past Ghatta Khola and Sirdibas. With a short ascent, you reach Salleri, followed by a downhill, leading to Jagat. 

                            Your retracing back to Machha Khola journey continues. 

                            After breakfast, cross a suspension bridge and walk past the sandy riverbank of Budhi Gandaki River to reach Yaruphant. As you hike downhill, you reach Dobhan. Continue following the trail once you cross the suspension bridge to Tatopani and finally to Machha Khola. 

                              On the final day of the trek, you retrace your walk following the Budi Gandaki River.  

                              Walking the sandy riverside walk to Nauli Khola. From here, the trail leads through a rather flat terrain vai Lapubesi and Liding, and finally to Soti Khola. 

                                After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. 

                                Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in to the hotel where the remaining day is at leisure. 

                                Our 16 Days Tsum Valley Trek ends today in Kathmandu and evening we will join the Farewell Dinner in a cultural Show Restaurant.

                                  NOTE: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, considering the current situation of the itinerary. But please note that the changes might occur at any time despite our best efforts to improve our program or due to logistical regions such as traffic jams, flight schedules, weather conditions, governmental policies, or any external reasons.  

                                  If you are not satisfied with the above itinerary please you can customize it yourself and follow the below Customize Link.


                                  B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner 

                                  Customize TripPrivate Trip
                                  What's Included
                                  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
                                  • All your standard Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
                                  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola (trek start) and from Dharapani(trek end) to Kathmandu by public bus.
                                  • Standard Guest House accommodation while trekking time on a twin-sharing basis.
                                  • Well, I English-speaking Government License Holder and Experienced Trek leader/Guide.
                                  • Porters to carry your bags(1 porter for 2 guests).
                                  • Food, Accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment are for all staff.
                                  • Manaslu special permit with Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees.
                                  • Free Mount Glory Duffle, and T-shirt.
                                  • All government, hotel, and other applicable taxes.
                                  • Farewell, dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
                                  • Trip Completion Certificate.
                                  • Official expenses.
                                  What's not Included
                                  • International Airfare and taxes.
                                  • Personal Travel Insurance.
                                  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
                                  • Lunch, Dinner, and Hotel in Kathmandu.
                                  • All items of personal expenses.
                                  • Tipping for a guide, porters, and drivers(tipping is expected).
                                  • Any other expense which is not mentioned in the 'a price Includes' section.

                                  Note: Please bring 4 Passport-size photos, a copy of your passport, and travel insurance at Our First Meeting In Our Office.

                                  Useful Information

                                  Accommodation and Facilities During Tsum Valley Trek:

                                  Through the trek, the accommodation in the Tsum Valley Trek is basic tea houses. 

                                  While the facilities may vary from one tea house to another, they comprise rooms with comfortable beds, pillows, and blankets. It's advisable to bring a warm sleeping bag for extra comfort, especially during colder seasons.

                                  The most happening place is the dining areas equipped with charging stations and sometimes Wi-Fi, where trekkers can enjoy meals that typically serve Dal Bhat with fresh vegetables, breakfast that includes flatbread with tea and coffee, and vegetable dishes, usually potato, Tibetan dishes, and a few continental options. With a fireplace to keep you warm, the dining area is a great place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the views. Do keep in mind that Wi-Fi may not be available at all locations, and it highly depends on the weather too. 

                                  Most teahouses have shared bathrooms with squat or Western-style toilets and a separate place to shower. Hot showers may or may not be available, depending on the tea house, the availability of water, and cost you extra. 

                                  Tsum Valley takes you to a remote place in Nepal, so be mentally prepared for the basic facilities, but the warm hospitality of the charming and welcoming environment of the locals with the breathtaking view will not let you down.


                                  Who can join Tsum Valley Trek:

                                  The Tsum Valley Trek is considered challenging. 

                                  With a difficult route and basic facilities, the Tsum Valley will challenge you physically and mentally.  

                                  Trekkers are recommended to indulge in fitness activities before the trip that includes exercises, running swimming, or cycling. 

                                  Consult a doctor if you have any issues regarding respiration, joints, and injuries. Having travel insurance with emergency rescue in high altitudes adds a layer of protection to unforeseen circumstances. 


                                  Guide & Potters for Tsum Valley Trek:

                                  It is compulsory to hire a licensed trekking guide when trekking to the Restricted Region. Tsum Valley is a remote destination, and hiring a guide allows easy navigation and travel worry-free with all arrangements made on your behalf. As you travel with the local expert, you learn new things and unfold the ancient culture while removing the language barrier while interacting with the locals. 

                                  While the Trek to Tsum Valley rewards you with beautiful scenery, you also walk in some difficult and remote parts. So hiring a potter to carry you necessary will make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable. 


                                  Safety and Security During Tsum Valley Trek In Manaslu Region:

                                  With friendly locals and their warm Hospitality, the trekking trail in Tsum Valley is all safe.

                                  Just make sure you are well prepared for some challenging routes and your medication, if any, and with your guide to assist, a potter to carry your necessary items, and travel insurance to back you up for the unforeseen circumstances, you are all good to go. 

                                  Price per personUS$950
                                  We Offer Group Discount
                                  1 pax
                                  US$1150
                                  2 pax
                                  US$950
                                  3 - 5 pax
                                  US$920
                                  6 - 9 pax
                                  US$890
                                  10 - 15 pax
                                  US$830
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