Tsum Valley Trek
Trip Overview
The Tsum Valley trek is one of the most adventurous destinations located in the Gorkha district. Having an altitude of 3,700 m, this trek offers the breathtaking views of towering peaks such as Mt Manaslu and Himal Chuli. In addition, this valley is located between Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal mountains, so you can also witness the breathtaking view of these mountains.
This valley has significant spiritual landmarks such as Gumba, Lungdang, Rachen Gompa, and Mu Gompa. When you trek in the Tsum Valley, you may encounter the lifestyle of the Gurung people and their beliefs. Additionally, you can also observe a Tibetan doctor who is practicing traditional medicine.
To successfully explore the Tsum valley trek, you need to traverse through the challenging pass, i.e, Larkya La pass. During trekking, you can also discover the flora and fauna in the Manaslu Conservation Area. At this trek, you can experience warm hospitality. You can also share stories, catch a glimpse of the locals’ daily lifestyle, and immerse yourself in festivals like Lhosar and Saka Dawa that are celebrated here. The Tsum Valley trek is best for trekkers who want to escape crowded trails and enjoy peaceful trekking.
The best time to visit the Tsum Valley trek is during the seasons of spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). At this time, the weather remains consistent, the skies are bright, flowers are blossoming, and you can enjoy the stunning sight of the mountains. Trekking in the Tsum Valley requires appropriate gear.
Trip Itinerary
Your journey commences after you arrive at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport), Kathmandu. At the arrival gate of the Airport, our representatives will be there to greet you with the flowers. Following that, you will be taken to your hotel. Upon arriving at your hotel, you may rest. After that, you will be provided with the details about the trek, such as the necessary procedures, the climbing route, and your Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. If you have free time, you can explore the nearby places in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will greet you at the customary dinner. While having dinner, you will meet our representatives. During the night, you will be lodging in a hotel.
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
This day is reserved for exploring the nearby places of Kathmandu city. In the morning, we will analyze your trekking equipment so that you can get it during the day. If you don’t have any gear, you need to buy, rent, or get it from us. During the afternoon, you can go to explore the best places of Kathmandu with our guide (if needed), such as Syambhunath temple, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath temple, Changunarayan temple, and the 3 durbar squares (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur). After visiting different places, you will come to your hotel, where you will eat dinner and prepare for tomorrow.
- Highlights: Exploring Kathmandu’s famous temples and Durbar Squares.
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
On this day, you will have a scenic drive by bus towards Machha Khola after having an early breakfast. To arrive at Machha Khola, you must traverse Arughat Bazaar, followed by Soti Khola, and ultimately, you will reach Machha Khola – a lovely village that provides breathtaking views of the river. While having the scenic drive, you will get an opportunity to witness the mesmerized view of Nepal's green hills, and streaming rivers like the Budhi Gandaki River. This picturesque trip from Kathmandu takes around 9 hours to reach Machha Khola. At night, you will be served a delicious dinner. After that, you can sleep.
- Highlights: Scenic trip to Machha Khola with stunning views of mountains, streams, and countryside villages.
- Trek Duration: 9 hours / Distance: 160 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Machha Khola.
Your trekking journey starts from this day. On this day, you will sometimes ascend and sometimes descend through the sandy river area (Budhi Gandaki River). After that, you will cross the Khorlabesi village - a village which was destroyed by the rockslide many years ago, but a survivor has created a beautiful botanic garden to arrive at Tatopani - the natural hot spring. Along the route, you will also have an opportunity to explore the Manaslu Conservation Area. There, you can find various flora (rhododendron, oaks, and pines), and fauna (snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, and Himalayan Tahr). After trekking for a few hours from Tatopani, you will reach Jagat, a charming Gurung village. There, you will have dinner and spend the night.
- Highlights: Descend through the Budhi Gandaki, visit Tatopani, and arrive at Jagat village.
- Trek Duration: 7 hours / Distance: 22.2 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Jagat.
Following breakfast, your adventure will commence alongside the river. After that , you will cross a steep ridge at Salleri (1,440 m). While traversing the ridge, you can witness the panoramic views of Sringi Himal (7,187m). Following that, you will go down to arrive at Sirdibas (1,430m) - the initial Buddhist settlement on this journey. From Sirdibas, you will traverse Nepal's longest suspension bridge to reach Philim (1,590m). After arriving at Philim, you will rise via the gorge to Lokpa. On this path, you can appreciate the scenery of the nearby hills and the vibrant forests of pine and rhododendron. In the evening, you will eat your dinner and then go to sleep.
- Highlights: Trek to Lokpa featuring Himalayan scenery and vibrant woodlands.
- Trek Duration: 6 hours / Distance: 16 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Lokpa.
After breakfast, you will begin your trek. This day's trek will be challenging since you will have to climb steep hills for an extended period. However, you may feel enjoyable because you need to trek through a dense forest, which includes different kinds of trees. You need to traverse a dense woodland of pine and rhododendron and cross a footbridge to arrive at Chumling. While trekking towards Chumling, you can explore the ancient Gompa, traditional homes, and lovely stone streets. In the evening, you will receive your customary meal and rest there.
- Highlights: Trek through forests to Chumling village while visiting the ancient Gompa.
- Trek Duration: 4 hours / Distance: 11 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Chumling.
Following breakfast, you will begin your trek through the fertile farmland, which is fully surrounded by high stone walls to preserve the crops from being eaten or destroyed by animals. During the trek, you will see classic Tibetan homes, beautiful and authentic, with stone arch-shaped gates. Furthermore, you will also discover the fuel bundles on the roof of the house so that they can be used in the future. You will traverse the elevated suspension bridge located across from the Serpu Khola bank. This bridge is a bit distant from the Ripchet village (2,468m). This journey from the Serpu Khola leads you to the Upper Tsum valley and the relatively large settlement known as Chhokangparo. While trekking across the big slide that is fully covered in a forest (3,010m), you will be offered the breathtaking view of Ganesh Himal, which has a height of 7,422m. At night, you will be served dinner. After that, you will sleep.
- Highlights: Trek to Chhokangparo while enjoying breathtaking vistas of Ganesh Himal and authentic Tibetan settlements.
- Trek Duration: 4 hours / Distance: 8.5 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Chhokangparo.
This day will be one of the best days for you as you will witness many beautiful scenes more clearly and vividly. In the morning, you will receive a substantial breakfast. After that, you will begin your trek through a small village. From this village, you will gently ascend by passing the growing cliffs. After that, you will explore the Milarepa's cave where you will discover the footprint of Milarepas. It is believed that those people who brought Buddhism to Tibet perform meditation in this Cave. After exploring the Milarepa's Cave, you will continue your trek across the Shiar Khola. This village is located just opposite of the Nile and Chule village - the home of the oldest Buddhist monasteries. In the monasteries, you will find many chortens that look fantastic and authentic. After several hours of trekking from these 2 villages, you will arrive at Mu Gompa. There, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.
- Highlights: Explore Milarepa's Cave and reach Mu Gompa while observing stunning views of chortens.
- Trek Duration: 4 hours / Distance: 16 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Mu Gompa.
After breakfast, you will start your journey by going down from Mu Gompa to arrive at Rachen Gompa. You will trek through mountainous woods and meadows. During your trek, you will witness a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga range, which offers a stunning view. Furthermore, you can also observe the flora and fauna while trekking towards Rachen Gompa. The Rachen Gompa is a women's nunnery or monastery resembling the Kopan monastery in Kathmandu, featuring a spacious courtyard. From this place, you will get the best crystal clear view of the Tsum Valley. In the evening, you will enjoy a tasty meal and spend the night.
- Highlights: Descend to Rachen Gompa with stunning views of the Tsum Valley and Kanchenjunga range.
- Trek Duration: 4 hours / Distance: 8 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Rachen Gompa.
On this day, you will trek back towards the Chhokangparo by following the same route you took to reach Rachen Gompa. After having breakfast, you need to trek for around 2 hours to reach the small Gompa at Gho (2,485m). From Gho, you will descend towards the Shair Khola. Once you cross the river, you will arrive at Dumje - a tiny village featuring eight dispersed homes, a school, and a clinic for Tibetan herbal remedies. From Dumje, you need to trek steeply ascend by following the path of the silver pine and rhododendron forest. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Gumba lungdang (3,200m) - probably the oldest monastery in the valley. This monastery is situated at the ridge, which offers stunning views of the Tsum valley and the surrounding villages. In this monastery, there are 40 monks who perform the puja every evening from 6 - 7:30 pm. You are allowed to watch the puja. While watching the puja, you will be filled with peace. At night, you will get dinner and stay overnight.
- Highlights: Visit Gumba Lungdang monastery and enjoy evening puja with beautiful Tsum Valley views.
- Trek Duration: 6 hours / Distance: 14 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Gumba Lungdang.
After breakfast, you will start descending from Gumba Lungdang to Dumje, a peaceful village having fertile land to grow crops and to raise animals. From Dumje, you will go to a spot to witness the enchanting views of the surrounding villages. You will create an unforgettable moment as you will observe the chortens and mani walls placed perfectly in the field with a pine forest as a backdrop. You need to trek through lush forests of rhododendron and oak to reach Lokpa. Following several hours of hiking, you will reach Lokpa village. Once you reach Lokpa, you will observe the majestic mountains such as Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. During the day, you can also explore the nearby places of Lokpa. At night, you will get dinner and stay overnight here.
- Highlights: Trek to Lokpa with beautiful forest trails and mountain views.
- Trek Duration: 5 hours / Distance: 15 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Lokpa.
In the morning, you will eat breakfast. After that, you will begin your trek by traversing through small rivers and wooden bridges. Additionally, you also need to pass the remote forest path and different scenic viewpoints to arrive at Dobhan. In between the route, you need to cross the yak grazing area. Additionally, you must go down numerous steep stairs to reach the river at Ghumlong (2,130m). After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Dobhan - a beautiful village that is fully surrounded by towering peaks. You can relax there by witnessing the stunning mountains. At night, you will be served dinner. After that, you can sleep and prepare for tomorrow's trek.
- Highlights: Trek to Dobhan with rivers, yaks, and beautiful mountain views.
- Trek Duration: 6 hours / Distance: 10.7 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Dobhan.
After breakfast, you will begin your trek along the same trail you followed earlier, but this time you will descend from a different angle. You will descend through pine and rhododendron forest. While trekking, you will also traverse the elevated suspension bridge spanning the Budhi Gandaki River. After that, you will trek through small villages with the terraced fields that offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of locals. In the day, you will reach Lapubesi - a picturesque Gurung village which is fully surrounded by farmlands and traditional stone houses. You can explore the village after having lunch. You have an opportunity to click the photos for memories. At night, you will get a delicious dinner. Afterward, you will spend the night at your hotel.
- Highlights: Descend to Lapubesi, a picturesque Gurung village with terraced fields and traditional stone houses.
- Trek Duration: 6 hours / Distance: 14 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Lapubesi.
This is your last day to journey. Following breakfast, you will begin your trek by descending through terraced farmlands, small villages, and subtropical forest. Usually, you will trek alongside the river. You need to traverse the towering suspension bridges and trek on a tight path beside the cliffs. During trekking, you will discover the cascading waterfalls and villages working in the field. This reminds you of the simple beauty of rural life. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Machha Khola. Once you reach there and check into your hotel, you can rest and relax. You are permitted to explore the village if you wish. At night, you will come to your hotel, where you will eat traditional cuisine and sleep. This dinner will last with us.
- Highlights: Final trek to Machha Khola with riverside trails, waterfalls, and village life.
- Trek Duration: 5 hours / Distance: 6.34 km
- Accommodation: Tea house in Machha Khola.
Day 15 marks the final day of your journey. After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At the gate, your driver will be waiting to pick you up for a scenic drive to Kathmandu. This drive takes around 9 hours to reach Kathmandu. You will have a drive through rugged riverside roads along the Budhi Gandaki. After that, the route takes you through terraced fields, rolling hills, and small roadside villages. You need to pass through the Dhading and Trishuli rivers to arrive at Kathmandu. After crossing from the Dhading and Trishuli rivers, the road will be smooth enough while offering a glimpse of lively markets and the changing landscape. In the evening, you will arrive at the capital city of Nepal (Kathmandu). After reaching, you can check into your standard hotel, where you can rest. If you are interested, you are allowed to explore the tourist destination of this place. At night, you will eat a delicious dinner and stay overnight.
- Highlights: Scenic drive to Kathmandu with views of rivers, hills, and villages
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
FAQs
Is the Tsum Valley trek worth it?
Yes, the Tsum Valley trek is definitely worth it, as this trek is a hidden gem that offers a unique and enriching experience for trekkers who are seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. This trek also provides the opportunity to connect with locals.
How much is the permit for the Tsum Valley trek?
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): USD 100 for the first week and then an additional USD 15 for each day during the month from September to November. For December to August, the permit cost is USD 75 for the first week and USD 10 for each additional day.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP): USD 23 for the whole year.
- Local Area Entry Permit: Rs 1000.
What gears are essential for the Tsum Valley trek?
A significant amount of gear might be necessary for the Tsum Valley trek. Some of them are as follows:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Trekking clothes
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack
- First aid kit
- Head lamp
Can a beginner complete the Tsum Valley trek?
Yes, a novice can successfully finish the hike since it is of moderate difficulty and doesn’t involve any technical climbing. The highest point you need to trek is around 3,700m, so there is less chance of getting altitude sickness and having a safe trek.
What attracts tourists to visit Tsum Valley?
There are many fascinating sights in Tsum Valley that travelers love to explore. Some of them are as follows:
- Untouched Himalayan Culture
- Scenic Landscapes
- Spiritual Experience
- Wildlife and Nature
- Adventure and Trekking
- Cultural Festivals
What is the best time to trek in Tsum Valley?
The best time to explore the Tsum Valley treks is during the season of Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). During these times, the weather is suitable, the skies are brighter, the flora are blooming, the fresh air, and nature is at its peak.
What if I don’t want to hike much during the Tsum Valley trek?
If you don’t want to hike much during the Tsum Valley trek, you can take some rest in the middle of the trek, drink water, relax, refresh your body, and recharge your energy. You can also employ a porter or yaks to finish the trek.
No. of Pax | Starting Price |
1-2 | USD 1150 |
3-4 | USD 1100 per person |
5 | USD 1050 per person |
6+ | USD 1000 per person |
Why Choose Adventure Glacier Treks?
- Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides have reached the summit and have an extensive comprehension of the region.
- Safety First: We focus on adjusting the environment and ensuring security for a successful trip.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Adventure Glacier takes full responsibility for arranging and managing all the specifics.
- Personalized Itineraries: Our team provides personalized trekking that is adjusted based on the traveler’s preferences and fitness level.
Book Now
Price Includes
- Pickup and drop off service at the Airport via private vehicles.
- Two nights' accommodation (with breakfast) at a tourist-standard hotel before the trek begins.
- All land transport is detailed in the itinerary.
- All necessary permits (including any special restricted area permits) are managed.
- Entrance fees are arranged as per the itinerary.
- A professional, government-licensed guide and porter(s) to assist with their salary, insurance, and equipment.
- Lodging in clean, mountain guesthouses with basic facilities.
- Daily 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, along with a cup of tea and coffee.
Price Excludes
- All alcoholic drinks are not included as per the itinerary.
- Tips for your guide and porter are not included.
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are not specified in the itinerary.
- Expenses of a personal and natural use, such as laundry, phone calls, and battery charging, are not outlined as per the itinerary.
- Cuisine in Kathmandu is not included.