Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Hotel in Kathmandu, Tea Houses & Monastery Guest Room during trek
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	4,200 m/13,780 ft
Vehicle:	Private 4 Wheel Drive
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	2 to 15 People
Duration :	18 Nights/19 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Enjoy Trekking to The Land of Tsumbas, Tibetan origin people at Tsum Valley
Visit the Most Sacred Buddhist Monasteries; Mu Gompa, Lungdang Gompa and Rachen Gompa also known as Nunnery Gompa
Visit the Cave of Milarepa, Piren Phu and Chhule Monastery
Experience staying at the Monasteries in Tsum Valley
Enjoy the beauty of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal
Trek Into Budi Gandaki Valley and Tsum Valley
Experience Hindu and Buddhist Culture in Lower and Middle Region and Tibetan Culture in Tsum Valley
Witness the Unique Culture of Marrying the Same Girl by all the brothers of family, Polyandry
Optional Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp at 4,200 m
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Aurghat (600 m/1,968 ft)-7 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Soti Khola (700 m/2,296 ft)-6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Maccha Khola (900m/2,955 ft)-6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Jagat (1,410m/4,625 ft)-7 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Chisopani (1,660 m/5,445 ft)-5 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Chumling (2,386m/7,827 ft)-6 Hours

Day 09: Trek to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903 ft)-5 hours

Day 10: Trek to Nile (3,361 m/11,058 ft)-6 hours via Rachen Gompa

Day 11: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700 m/12,174 ft) - 3 Hours

Day 12: Exploration Day at Mu Gompa

Day 13: Trek to Burgi Village (3,245 m/10,644 ft) via Milarepa Cave- 5 Hours

Day 14: Trek to Lungdang Gompa (3,200 m/10,498 ft) - 5 Hours

Day 15: Day trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m/13,780 ft)- 7/8 Hours

Day 16: Trek back to Lokpa(2,260 m/7,415 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 17: Trek back to Dovan (1,340 m/4,396 ft)-7 Hours

Day 18: Trek back to Soti Khola (700 m/2,296 ft)- 7 Hours

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu via Arughat -8/9 Hours

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Tsum Valley opened in only 2008 for the visitors is the sacred hidden Buddhist treasure to the northern part of Gorkha. The people at Tsum Valley who are called Tsumbas are of Tibet origin and have their own dialect, art, religion and culture. This culturally rich valley on the lap of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal has been completely isolated with the modernity. This mysterious valley which used to be a trade link with Tibet lies on the north part of Manaslu close to Tibet border is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage. It is believed that Buddhist Saint Milerapa and Guru Rimpoche, Padmasambhava mediated on the different caves of the valley for many years. The region has some of the historic monasteries like Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa and Lungdang Gompa. The local people practice two types of astrology, Black and White to determine the auspicious days and pray Lord Buddha, Padmasambhava and some Bodhisattvas. The people of Tsum valley have different practice of marrying to same girl by all the brothers which you may call Polyandry.

Trekking in Tsum Valley is a completely different experience than in other trekking trails and starts from 7 hours drive to Arughat from Kathmandu. We trek onto the trail of Manaslu Circuit Trek in the beginning on Budigandaki Valley through dense forests, terraced fields and dotted hilly villages. As soon as we leave Manaslu Trail to get into Tsum valley, we feel the experience of getting to the secret hidden valley. Our trail goes passing by lower Budi Gandaki region of Liding, Macchakhola, Jagat, and Philim and goes through alpine forests, glacial rivers, mountain villages, great landscapes and beautiful mountain views. From above Ekle Bhatti, our trail goes on right to Tsum Valley Trail and left to Manaslu Circuit Trail. We trek through beautiful village of Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile and to Mu Gumpa. We visit famous Mu Gompa, Lungdan Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Dhephu Doma Gompa and Millerpa’s cave near Burgi Village. From Lungdan Gompa, we make a day excursion to Ganesh Himal Base Camp at 4,200 m. Our Tsum Valley Trek ends at Soti Khola before we drive back to Kathmandu. We can combine Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek as well.

The best season for Tsum Valley Trek is Autumn and Spring and can be trekked around the year except in the extreme winter and monsoon. Throughout the trails, there is nice tea houses until Manaslu trail and basis lodges once we enter Tsum Valley. We stay couple of nights at the guest house of monastery in Upper Tsum Valley.

If you want to combine Tsum valley and Manaslu Trek, you can consider our Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our Alpine Holidays representative will receive and welcome you. You will be transferred to hotel. After check-in, rest of the day is free and in the evening, there will be trek briefing and equipment check with our Trek Manager and trek guide. We will take you to enjoy Nepalese Dinner with Cultural program.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will take you for guided city tour of Kathmandu valley to see few monuments. First, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square and pay homage to living Goddess, Kumari and walk around the square. Then we drive to Pashupatinath Temple which is a Hindu Temple for Lord Shiva at the bank of Holy Bagmati River. Then we end our day by visiting Boudhanath Stupa which is the biggest Stupa of Asia. In the evening, you can buy or hire equipment at Thamel if you need.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive to Aurghat (600 m/1,968 ft)-7 Hours

Our journey starts from scenic drive to Kathmandu Pokhara Highway for 3 hours. We will leave this highway from the middle to get to Dhading Besi which is head quarter of Dhading District. From here, Arughat is another 3 hours off road drive.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Arughat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Soti Khola (700 m/2,296 ft)-6 Hours

From Arughat, we cross suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki River and start our trek to Soti Khola. We arrive at Shati Bazaar walking on stone pave trail and crossing through fields and forests. After corssing the suspension bridge at Arkhet Khola, our trail becomes steeper to enter Budhi Gandaki Valley. We pass through waterfall and the trail descends before we arrive at Soti khola.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Arughat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Maccha Khola (900m/2,955 ft)-6 Hours

Our trek starts with crossing the bridge to a Sal forest and eventually climbs on a ridge above rapids of Budi Gandaki. Our trail continues with many ascends, descends and goes through narrow and rocky terrain. Passing of beautiful waterfalls and a Gurung Village of Labubesi take us to Macha Khola.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Machakhola.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Jagat (1,410m/4,625 ft)-7 Hours

We continue our trek with narrow ups and downs and cross Tharo Khola to get Khorla Besi. Eventually we pass a hot spring at Tatopani. From here, our trail climbs another ridge and crosses Budhi Gandaki on suspension bridge. To get to Dovan which is confluence of two small rivers, we climb on a wide crafted staircase over a ridge. After several ups and downs, you get to Tharo Bhanjang. We then cross the west bank of Budi Gandaki River, ascend over a ridge to get to the village of Jagat by walking along the river and climb of the small village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jagat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Chisopani (1,660 m/5,445 ft)-5 Hours

Our journey begins with ascend to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. After having lunch at Philim which is a large Gurung Settlement, our trail heads to north and across a forest where we get a view of narrow valley, we arrive to Chisopani.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chisopani.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Chumling (2,386m/7,827 ft)-6 Hours

Today our trail separates to Tsum Valley. After Ekle Bhatti, we cross the gorge with view of waterfall and enter to the forest of pine trees. Then we descend down to the trail heading to Tsum valley. We get to a small beautiful village, Lokpa after climbing through rhododendron and pine forests. Lokpa gives the beautiful view of Himalchuli and Boudha mountains. Then we descend to Lungwa khola and again climb through forest to reach Gumlung. After crossing Siyar khola, we arrive at Chumling which gives us beautiful view of Shringi mountain. In the evening, we walk around the village and visit Old Chumling Gompa.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chumling.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Trek to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903 ft)-5 hours

Today we trek to the Chokhangparo Village which gives us view of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. We cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank and admire the Ganesh Himal. We arrive at Gho Village after crossing another bridge and continue climp for around 2 hours to get to Chhokangparo.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chokhangparo.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Nile (3,361 m/11,058 ft)-6 hours via Rachen Gompa

We climb over Chokhangparo and pass Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa. After visiting Gompa, we cross a small Shaui Khola and continue walking through the well managed Lar, Phurbe and Pangdun villages. We cross old Stupa of Buddha on the way to Chulle and cross another bridge to arrive at Nile. In the evening, you can visit Chhule monastery at the top of the hill. Nile is the last village in the northern part of Upper Tsum valley.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Nile.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700 m/12,174 ft) - 3 Hours

Today, we trek to the biggest monastery of Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa with in house over 100 monks. Our trail goes on the west bank, we can enjoy sunrise if we start early. We can see yak pasture and walk through the dry Tibetan landscapes with rows of chortens and mountain vistas. Mu Gompa lies on the highest and remotest part of the Tsum Valley. We can also visit Dhephu Doma Gompa at 4,000 m.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest House at Mu Gompa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Exploration Day at Mu Gompa

Today, we explore whole Mu Gompa region. We can go to the pass to see the Tibetan plateau. You can consider to climb Kalung(3,820 m). There are extensive seasonal yak pastures in all directions, the Lungdang Glacier to the east and high peaks in all directions. You may consider visiting the base of Pika Himal (4,865 m).

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest House at Mu Gompa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Burgi Village (3,245 m/10,644 ft) via Milarepa Cave- 5 Hours

Today, we retrace through Chulle and Phurbe on the east bank of Shiar Khola to get to the Burgi village. We climb to the Milerapa’s Cave (Piren Phu) where Buddhist Saint Milerapa meditated for several years. From the top, we see the mesmerizing views of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu and Churke Himal.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Burgi Village.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Trek to Lungdang Gompa (3,200 m/10,498 ft) - 5 Hours

From Burgi village, we trek to another famous historic Lungdang Gompa. We walk on the south until a bridge crosses to the west bank and pass gain through Chhokang Para. Then we see a small white Gompa on the left at Gho. We descend on left passing Gompa and cross a wooden bridge over Siyar Khola. After crossing the bridge, we get to Domje. Then, we continue climbing through pine and rhododendron forest and pass mani walls and prayers flag to reach Lungtang Gompa. With in-house 40 nuns, they have Puja every evening.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest Room in Lungdang Gompa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Day trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m/13,780 ft)- 7/8 Hours

Circle from the Gompa past the nuns’ housing, drop on dusty or muddy zigzags to regain the lower track and continue up valley on a rocky indistinct track through the forest. Cross the Laudang Khola to the west bank on a rickety wooden bridge and climb steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. There is a hut in a Kharka about halfway up, with the track continuing behind it, then up a birch-lined dry creek bed and eventually you emerge into grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa glacier. Continue climbing past seasonal yak huts and you will find a track on the moraine wall that gives superb views of the Cirque of mountains. The camp is somewhere about here. It takes about 4hrs to reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m). Altitude can make this day difficult for some, but the intact forest wilderness and views make it an outstanding trip.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest Room in Lungdang Gompa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Trek back to Lokpa(2,260 m/7,415 ft)-6/7 Hours

We retrace back to Domje and cross the Lungdang Khola and walk on the south bank of Shair Khola. We climb over some deep gorges and cross bridge to arrive at Ripchet(2,470 m). Then we descend on steep stairs to Ekle Bhatti on the river and ascend through forest to Lokpa.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lokpa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Trek back to Dovan (1,340 m/4,396 ft)-7 Hours

We continue to Philim on a level path trail. On the way, we see Samba water fall before Philim. Then we cross Budi Gandaki over bridge and descend down to Sirdibas and to Jagat. We continue to Dovan after passing Yaruphant.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Dovan.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Trek back to Soti Khola (700 m/2,296 ft)- 7 Hours

Our trail goes along the Budi Gandaki River to Tatopani. There is hot spring at Tatopani. You can spend some time at hot spring and continue to Khorlabesi. We continue our trail by crossing Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Then we descend to the river and continue to Maccha Khola. We arrive at Labubesi, a beautiful Gurung village walking along the Budhi Gandaki River. We pass few waterfalls and reach Khursane. After crossing Sal forest along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki River we arrive at Soti Khola which is connected by a suspension bridge. This is our last day of the trek as we drive back to Kathmandu tomorrow in the morning.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Sotikhola.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu via Arughat -8/9 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu via Arughat. In the evening, we organize a grand dinner to honor your successful completion of Tsum Valley Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, our representative will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
16 Nights/17 Days All inclusive treks in Tsum Valley with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local tea houses/lodges with few nights in guest house at monastery.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Special Permit for Manaslu Region and Manaslu National Park Fees and Trekkers Information Management System,TIMS Fees.
Tsum Valley Restricted Permit.
Insurance, accommodation, meals and allowance for trekking crew.
First Aid Kit and Duffel Bag.
Kathmandu/Sotikhola and Sotikhola/Arughat/Kathmandu by Private 4 Wheel Drive.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Donation to the Monasteries.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency