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Tsum Valley Trek
Duration
18 days
Trip Type
Trekking & Sightseeing
Meal & Accommodation
Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
Group Size
2+
Transport
Private vehicle
Arrival On
Kathmandu
Departure From
Kathmandu
Best Month
Mar - May & Sep to Dec
Review
Price
USD $1980
Per Person
| Activities: | Trekking & Sightseeing | Fitness Level: | Strenuous |
| Max Elevation: | 5,093m at Ngula Dhojhyang Pass | Transportation: | Private vehicle |
| Best Month: | Mar - May & Sep to Dec | Group Size: | 2+ |
| Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Kathmandu |
| Meal: | Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek | Duration: | 18 days |
| Accommodation: | Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek | Price: | USD 1980 per person |
All inclusive cost
USD
1980
per person
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Overview
Tsum Valley Trek is a trek to one of the most hidden valleys in the Manaslu region. The area is filled with Tibetan Buddhists and is pretty close to the Tibetan border. As Tsum Valley was relatively un-trekked by hikers before it was restricted till 2008, the area remains one of the less traveled areas. A fairly good level of fitness with 5-7 hours of trekking every day is enough for the trek.
Tsum Valley Trek Trip Introduction:
The trekking trail of the trek passes through multiple pine forests along with raging rivers, cascading waterfalls, incredible suspension bridges, fascinating villages, monasteries, mani walls, and stupas. The trails also take us to Milarepa's Cave which is a major attraction in the trek. The mesmerizing view of the mountain ranges of Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal(7,140m), Manaslu(8,163m), and Churke Himal is seen throughout the trek.
The trek offers a great opportunity to witness the Tibetan culture with a blend of nature. The word "Tsum" came from the Tibetan word âTsomboâ which means vivid. As the name suggests, you'll experience the unique culture, and lifestyle of the Buddhist people, monks, and nuns in their respective religions. The trek into the hidden valley takes you through the spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Itinerary Outline:
1st Day: Arrive day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
2nd Day: Sightseeing tour and permit preparation day
3rd Day: Drive from Kathmandu drive to SotiKhola (730m/2,395ft), 7-8 hours
4th Day: Trek from SotiKhola to MachhaKhola(900m/2,953ft ), 6-7 hours
5th Day: Trek from Machha Khola to Doban (1,070m/3,510ft),6-7 hours
6th Day: Trek from Doban to Philim (1,550m/5,085ft), 6 hours
7th Day: Trek from Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum)(2,386m/7,828ft), 7 hours
8th Day: Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum)(3,031m/9,944ft), 5-6 hours
9th Day: Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule(3,361m/11,026ft), 5-6 hours
10th Day: Trek from Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3600 m/ 11,808ft), 4hrs
11th Day: Extra day for excursion
12th Day: Trek from Mu Gompa to RachenGompa (3,240m/10,629ft),5 hours
13th Day: Trek from Rachen Gompa to Dumje 6-7 hours
14th Day: Trek from Dumje to Philim 6-7 hours
15th Day: Trek from Philim to Tatopani 6-7 hours
16th Day: Trek from Tatopani to Soti Khola 6-7 hours
17th Day: Drive from Soti Khola to Kathmandu 7-8 hours
18th Day: Departure from Kathmandu
Trip Cost Includes:
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu per the suggested itinerary.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Entry fees, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
Trip Cost Excludes:
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Tsum Valley Trek Map
Itinerary
Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Our representative will be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome and assist you with the transfer to your Kathmandu Hotel. After getting refreshed, you will be invited to a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu in the evening. You will also receive a trip briefing before retiring for the night at the hotel.
After breakfast, the day will start with our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley that includes the pilgrimage sites of the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the world's biggest Bouddhanath stupa, and the monkey temple Swoyambhunath Stupa. After exploring the surrounding areas, we will visit the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square to explore its temples, unique architecture, and Kumari (living goddess). In the evening, we will have a pre-trip discussion and introduction with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip.
We will take an early start by taking a 6-7 hours drive in a private transfer to Arughat Bazaar in the Gorkha district. As you follow the Budi Gandaki River, you will notice on arrival that the town is located on both sides of the riverbank. Arughat Bazaar is a pleasant town with many shops selling any last-minute supplies that you may need for your journey. After the tea break at Arughat, we will continue to drive to Soti Khola. Overnight at Sotikhola.
We will trek to Machha Khola on this day. The lake is also translated as Fish River in English. There is a village named âMachha Kholaâ above the river with the same name. This village is also the joining point for the Great Himalayan Trail as it heads up the East bank of the river and goes in the direction of the Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Machha Khola.
The trail from Macha Khola involves some steep ascents and descents often dropping down to the gravel bars beside the river. After crossing the TharuKhola, we will reach a valley that contains many fields of wheat and buckwheat on either side. After two hours on the trail, you will get to the small village of Tatopani which has a natural spring in which you can clean yourself a little. A further climb across a well-crafted staircase will bring you further to Doban. This village lies at the confluence of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpukhola, which flows from the west. Overnight at Doban.
The route will climb further across rugged rocky terrain, up and down ravines, and notched trees. We will pass Jagot, which is where the official Police check post is located. The village is exceptionally clean and well-organized. We will also get good views of Sringrihimal as we continue up to the village of Philim at 1550m. This is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. Overnight at Philim.
We will continue along the river for about one hour until we get to diverge in the river system. Taking the left hand, the trail will cross the suspension bridge and will take you to the Larke pass on the Manaslu route. We will stay to the right, which will take us into the lower Tsum Valley. In Philim, the landscape was very spread out but in this region, you will be trekking through a canyon with some exceptionally tall pine trees and beautiful grasslands hugging the mountainside. Overnight at Chumling.
We will continue our trek up the valley to Dumje where we will be stopping for lunch. There is a trail that leads off South Easterly that will take you to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. From here we will see spectacular views of the Baudha and Himalchuli peaks to the southwest. Chhokangparo, which is part of the Upper Tsum Valley. The Upper Tsum Valley is a part of the Inner Himalaya and a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. Some households in this village still practice polyandry. Overnight at Chhokangparo.
From Chhokangparo, we will continue northeast as we make our way to Nile/ Chulle. We will visit the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave after walking for two more hours. PirenPhu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. The great Buddhist Yogi Chyuchin Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rock cave which houses the life-size statues of Avaloketishvara, Budhha, Tara, and Milarepa. You'll also find richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts that make this cave one of the most important cultural assets in the valley. You can also get beautiful views that can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains, and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. After trekking further up the valley, the trail will bring you to Nile / Chulle. Chulle is on the eastern side of the ShiarKhola while 20 minutes further upstream is the Nile. These are the last villages heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Overnight at Nile/Chhule.
We will reach Mu Gompa after walking for two hours further along the old Nepal-Tibet caravan path. The oldest monastery in the valley âDephyudonma Gumba (4060m)â is situated here. It was found about 700 years ago. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. The landscape is dotted with mani walls, chortens, and katanas (gateway chortens). Chortens are Buddhist religious monuments, also known as stupas, which are distinct features in Tsum Valley. They are erected to ward off evil spirits from places that are identified as thresholds such as confluences and bridges or to commemorate the visit or death of historic figures, lamas, or even relatives. Kaanis are also called gateway chortens placed before the entry of any village which travelers are supposed to walk through. Mani walls are long walls made of mani stones i.e. stones with carved mantras. The main purpose of these mani walls is to ask for the help of the gods for the well-being of travelers. Overnight at Mu Gompa.
You will see a trail that leads North from our camp from your shelter at Mu Gompa. Many local people use this trail as they take caravans of yaks every two months to get the necessary food supplies for the monks at the monastery. The journey will take 6-7 days and crosses the high pass Ngula Dhojhyag (5093 m). We will not walk further north but instead hike to the base of Pika Himal (4865m) from where we can get a beautiful view of glaciers, Tibetan peaks, the Ganesh Himal, and other surrounding mountains. The area is home to fauna such as Blue sheep, Yaks, Naks, Chauris, and the rare sighting of Pika. After the day's excursion, we will return to our campsite at Mu Gomba.
Upper Tsum Valley is a separate world where nature, people, and spirit coexist in harmony. The people here never slaughter animals, not even as a sacrifice to the gods, which is customary in many parts of the world. Every single family sends a child to the local monastery to become a monk or a nun. Heading back down the valley, we will arrive at Rachen Gompa, the biggest nunnery/monastery in the valley which houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect. It was established in the year 1905 AD and houses one thousand clay-molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, Guru Padmasambhava, Tara, and Buddha Amitabha. The interiors of this monastery are richly painted with murals depicting Buddhism and its history as well as a brightly colored carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. Overnight at Rachen Gompa.
We will be taking an easy walk with plenty of time for Photography as we proceed down the valley. There are many small villages worth exploring along the way. We will reach finally our destination at Dunje which is also small with about eight houses and some adjoining cattle sheds. Overnight at Dumje.
From Dumje, we will trek down to Philimbut. We will take a small alternative path via Ripchet. Here, we will pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley named 'Samba Tingding Chhupyang'. Overnight at Philim.
From Phillim, we will trek to Tatopani where once again you may freshen up a little with very hot water. After two weeks of camping, your excitement surely will build knowing that you can visit this hot spring once more. Tatopani has four or five houses only with the majority being lodgings. We will pass through Jagat once more and have our permits checked and stamped as we will be leaving the Manaslu Conservation area. Overnight at Tatopani.
For the next two days, we will stay on this side of the river passing through many terraced fields of crops grown by local villagers and walking past tropical waterfalls. Overnight at Soti Khola.
We will now take the trek to an end. Our last leg of the journey is the drive back down to Arughat Bazaar. We will continue to drive back to Kathmandu.
Today is usually a day spent for last-minute souvenir and gift shopping. A representative is also interested in meeting one last time to understand how your trek went if there were any problems along the way and or whether we are in any way able to provide you with further service or assistance. That may be with onward transport arrangements, traveling information, and or maybe further interest in joining one of our other treks or tours available to you.We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
Tsum Valley Trek Altitude Chart
FAQ
Tsum Valley Trek is a 16-day long trek that starts from Soti Khola and ends at the same place. The time may differ as per the trekker.
Tsum Valley Trek is a 16-day long trek that starts from Soti Khola and ends at the same place. The time may differ as per the trekker.
Tsum Valley offers them the opportunity to witness Tibetan Buddhist people in their villages, monks, and nuns in their respective religious orders, and the spectacular views of the Himalayas in an almost pilgrimage-like trek into this hidden valley.
Yes, a guide is mandatory for the Tsum Valley Trek. This is because the trail follows the area from Jagat to Bimthang, which is declared a restricted region.
Departure Date
Departure dates for Tsum Valley TrekWe provide a series of fixed departure trek, tour and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India. If you are single and wishing to be with a group, you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the schedule dates are not convenient for you, contact us & let us know; we are more than happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals or group doesn’t want to join with our other group, we can operate as per your wish and requirement. We are ground operator of these Himalayan destination and able to arrange your trip as per your interested date and choice.
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Traveller's Reviews
Excellent trek with excellent people.I really enjoyed the beauty of this country and its people. The... See more
joefromwork
Professional and reliable.Guides always ready to give advice for the best trekking.Especially Nava c... See more
Renato F
We did a high himalaya trek with Nepal Vision in 2023. It was a lovely to choose them as our t... See more
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WOW………..fantastic trip with Nepal Vision at 2023 April the company manager Kartavya was very nice he... See more
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I had a beautiful trek in the mountains with my guide Ram. He was a delight and well experienced in... See more
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Hello Namaste Everybody!!!!!!!Nepal Vision is on of the trusted company in my life because I booked... See more
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