Tsum Valley Trek
Trip Overview
Trip at-a- Glance
- Country: Nepal
- Trip grade: Moderate
- Destination: Nepal
- Activities: Nepal Trekking
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu and tea houses during the trek
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and 3 meals during the trek
- Maximum altitude: 3700,
- Group size: 1-12
- Best Season: March - May & Sept - Dec
A paradise hidden in the beautiful Himalayas of northern Gorkha region of Nepal is Tsum valley. The Tsum valley is recently opened for the trekking in 2008, hence only few adventure lovers have become successful exploring this area. Tsum with the meaning of intense or vivid against the majestic background of the Sringi Himal on the north, Ganesh Himal on the south, and Boudha Himal and Himalchuli on the west. The Tsum valley trek is absolutely a different trek from the other trekking routes. Since the Tsum valley used to be a part of the Tibet; you can feel the Tibetan culture, traditions, and arts still exist here. Even the people of this Tsum valley, “Tsumbas” speak a unique form of dialect. Lying in the very remoteness, the development and the modernization has bypassed this Tsum valley. This has indirectly preserved the exotic nature of Tsum valley.
Tsum valley trek offers the distinguished and untouched trekking trails surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas and marvelous nature. The striking landscapes and the exceptional geographical distribution have formed several caves. It is believed that the Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa meditated here. The Mani walls, ancient monasteries and nunnery, the quaint villages full of old-style houses, local people following the Buddhist cultures and traditions and the beautiful distinctive dresses fascinate the travelers. Many festivals like Loshar, Dhachyan, Saka Dawa, etc. are celebrated here on different auspicious days. The Lamas or Gurus (priests of Buddhism) perform special rites to purge the evil elements. Sacrificing or slaughtering animals as offerings do not exist here. Those travelers who are enthusiastic about the lifestyle and the cultures of Tsum valley can roam around the valley to discover the secrets. An unusual practice of Polyandry is done here by marrying a girl to all the brothers of a family.
Tsum valley treks both starts and ends at Arughat which is about 7 hours’ drive from the Kathmandu valley. Passing through the dense forests, waterfalls, terraced fields and dainty villages, the trail will lead to the hidden Tsum valley. Nature has bestowed this Tsum valley in an exquisite way. As this Tsum valley was restricted for trekking till 2008, camp trekking was only possible. But nowadays, the tea houses or homestay are built for the accommodation. They are comparatively cheaper as that in other popular trekking routes. The local people usually welcome the travelers with a special Tibetan tea made by putting butter. This part of Nepal is incomparably rich in natural beauty and cultural aspects. The Tsum valley is an ideal trekking for those who prefer to discover and explore the less-trodden routes. Step On Himalaya will definitely accompany you to reconnoiter this Tsum valley for an amazing adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 01: Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
Day 2: Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Day 3: Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat – 7 to 8 hours
Day 4: Day 04: Trek from Arughat to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 5: Day 05: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m/2,952ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 6: Day 06: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (2340m/7676ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 7: Day 07: Trek from Jagat to Chisopani (1660m/5,445ft): 4 – 5 hours
Day 8: Day 08: Trek from Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 9: Day 09: Trek from Chumling to Chhokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft): 4 – 5 hours
Day 10: Day 10: Trek from Chhokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 11: Day 11: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft): 3 hours
Day 12: Day 12: Leisure day in Mu Gompa – Sightseeing
Day 13: Day 13: Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m/10644ft) via Milarepa cave: 5 hours
Day 14: Day 14: Trek from Burgi village to Chumling (2,386/7,827ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 15: Day 15: Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 16: Day 16: Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3182ft: 6 – 7 hours
Day 17: Day 17: Trek from Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 18: Day 18: Trek from Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu (1300m/1,968ft): Walk 4 hours and drive 7 – 8 hours
Day 19: Day 19: Farewell Day
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
The first day – Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be received by the representative of Step On Himalaya and drop you at the hotel. If you arrive via day flight, you can visit the office of Step On Himalaya. By evening, you can wander around in the bustling streets of Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu. Dinner by evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Dinner
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
A guided Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after breakfast. You will be taken to the World Heritage Sites that displays the historical and spiritual values. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historical monument where gatherings were organized for celebrations. Pashupatinath Temple is the sacred Hindu temple of Lord Shiva. Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas are the holy Buddhist stupas. After visiting these places, you will have a short discussion about the trek and its preparation. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat – 7 to 8 hours
An early morning drive after breakfast, from Kathmandu to Arughat. The drive will be of about 7 – 8 hours into the incredible mountains in the west leading towards Arughat via Dhadingbesi, the headquarter of Dhading district. The dusty roads of Dhadingbesi to Arughat will offer you the views of the greenery hills. Arughat is the starting point of the trek which is the main city in this region. It is allocated into two different parts by the Budhi Gandaki river. Overnight at Arughat.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Arughat to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 5 – 6 hours
Today’s trek starts from Arughat heading towards the north through the local market. Crossing a bridge, passing through the hydroelectric-power plants, rice and millet fields at Mangaltar, forests and then you arrive at Shanti bazaar. The trail will gradually become steeper and more difficult after crossing the suspension bridge over the Arkhet Khola. You will start descending from the Arkhet bazaar to the waterfall making a long, deep steep along the ridge to Kuerepani. Further walking is the descent to Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m/2,952ft): 6 – 7 hours
You will trek to Machha Khola today after walking for about 6 – 7 hours from Soti Khola. You will cross the bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and then walk uphill the ridge. The Trail is rocky and full of ups and downs. There are few terraces of rice plantation on the way up to Labubesi, the Gurung village. After climbing behind a rocky boulder, you will reach the valley. There are the wide pebbly bars. Walking to the sandy bed of the river along the smooth-edged stones is amazing. Then walk down again towards the river and crossing it, you arrive at Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (2340m/7676ft): 6 – 7 hours
You will trek from Machha Khola to Jagat. The trail is narrower and you will walk-ups and downs and crosses the Tharo Khola. You will then arrive at the Khorlabesi. Continuing the ascents and descents, you will reach Tatopani, a hot spring. You will walk uphill to another crest and cross the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. There are a well-crafted pathway and a landslide and then a ridge to Dobhan. Another suspension bridge over the Dobhan river. The trail will lead you to Duman and then you will arrive at Yaru Khola ascending upwards. After crossing another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, you will climb the stone-paved stairs. Now you will descend towards the river and again ascend to Tharo Bharyang. Then walking further, you will ascend the ridge and then walk along the Budhi Gandaki river towards the Jagat village. Overnight at Jagat.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Jagat to Chisopani (1660m/5,445ft): 4 – 5 hours
You will now trek from Jagat and do the paperwork for the ACAP. Then you will climb the rocky ridge to Salleri and then climb down to Sirdibas. The valley now broadens as you walk up towards the Ghatta Khola. You will then walk on the long hanging bridge and climb upwards Philim. Philim valley is a Gurung village where the Japanese made a school and police station. After walking pass the Philim valley, you will cross a forest and then arrive at Chisopani. Overnight at Chisopani.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Trek from Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft): 6 – 7 hours
You will today walk from Chisopani to Chumling village. There is a gorge after Ekle Bhatti and then walking for about half an hour, you will view a gorgeous waterfall on the right side and enter the dense forest of pines. Walking down to the Tsum valley, you will now walk up the forests of rhododendrons and pines. Here, you can see the glimpse of the Himalchuli mountains and Boudha Himal from Lokpa. Lokpa is a small hamlet. You will walk down to the Lungwa Khola for about half an hour from Lokpa. There is a dense forest of rhododendrons and pines about 2 hours north before arriving at Gumlung village. Then walking further, you will cross the Siyar Khola and reach Chumling village. You can then visit the ancient Chumling Gompa and also view the amazing Shringi Himal. Overnight at Chumling.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Trek from Chumling to Chhokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft): 4 – 5 hours
After crossing the suspension bridge, you will walk pass the Rainjam and the bridge over Serpu Khola and then reach the Gho village. You can enjoy the scenic views of Ganesh Himal. After walking for about 2 hours to the Tsum, you will reach the Chhokhangparo village. If the skies are clear, you will see the mind-blowing views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Chhokhangparo.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Chhokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft): 5 – 6 hours
We will destine to reach Nile today from Chhokhangparo. Some of the trekkers have a problem climbing up the Chhokhangparo, so please be known about the signs and symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Any such problem, kindly informs to your trekking guide or leader. There is a suspension bridge after walking past the Lamagaon to the Ranchen Gompa, also called Nunnery Gompa. After paying a visit to the Gompa, you will continue the walk crossing the Shiar Khola. You will pass through the micro hydropower at Lar, Phurbe and Pangdun. There is a historic stupa of Buddha on the way of Chhule village. After walking upstream, you will cross the bridge and reach the Nile. There is a well-known monastery at Chhule village at the top. Overnight in Chhule.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft): 3 hours
You will almost nearer to the border of the Tibet. Walking towards the west bank through the amazing landscapes, you will hike up to the Mu Gompa. A short visit to the monastery and then another visit to Dhephu Doma Gompa. Overnight in Mu Gompa.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Leisure day in Mu Gompa – Sightseeing
A relaxing and exploring day in Mu Gompa. There is the Mu Gompa, the largest monastery of this region. It is the highest as well as the most remote part of the Tsum valley. After the Sightseeing around the Mu Gompa, you can take a hike to Pika Himal at 4865m. Overnight in Mu Gompa.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m/10644ft) via Milarepa cave: 5 hours
You will return to Chhule and Phurbe, situated at the east bank of the Shiar Khola. You will then reach the Burgi village. There is the Milarepa’s Cave famous for the cherishing views of Poshyop Glacier, Churke Himal and Kipu hHmal. Overnight in Burgi village.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Burgi village to Chumling (2,386/7,827ft): 5 – 6 hours
As you continue the trek from Burgi village, you can watch the amazing greenery of nature and then walk back down to the Chhokhang paro. Then you descend to the Gho village and further cross the bridge above the Sarpu Khola. Spending some time along the lower part of Tsum valley, you will arrive at Chumling village. Overnight in Chumling village.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft): 6 – 7 hours
Continuing the trail to Lokpa village, you will head towards the south on a flat pathway enjoying the beautiful Samba Falls. You will then finally reach Philim and then Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Overnight in Philim.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3182ft: 6 – 7 hours
The trek begins from the Philim village and ends at Khorlabesi village today, passing through the Jagat and the Tatopani. You will walk down to Sirdibas and then arrive at Jagat and then to Yaruphant. Continuing the trek to Dobhan, enjoying the amazing subtropical vegetation and arid climate, you can relax at the hot spring at Tatopani. If not, you can walk down to Khorlabesi from Tatopani. Overnight at Tatopani.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Trek from Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 6 – 7 hours
The Tharo Khola flows in a wobbly rift. Heading down towards the river again and crossing it, you will arrive at the Machha Khola village. Walking further along the Budhi Gandaki river, you will reach the Labubesi village. There are two beautiful waterfalls on the way to the steep rocky path. Then there comes the Khursane village and then passing through the Sal forests, you will cross the bridge to reach the Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola.
Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Trek from Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu (1300m/1,968ft): Walk 4 hours and drive 7 – 8 hours
You will walk up to the Kyorpani and then hike down to the tumbling waterfall. Walking further, you arrive at the Arkhet. Crossing the Arkhet Khola, now you will leave the Budhi Gandaki valley. You will reach the Sante bazaar and then pass through the woods to the Maltar. You will then return to Kathmandu valley enjoying the enchanting views of the green hills, snowy mountain peaks, and small settlements on both sides of the road and the farming lands. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Farewell Day
This adventurous Tsum valley trek ends here today. You can shop around or wander around the local markets. The representative from Step On Himalaya will escort you to the International airport approximately 3 hours before the flight time. Have a great and safe flight.
Accommodation: n/a
Meal: Breakfast
Cost Details
What is included?
- 2-way transfer from and to the Tribhuwan International Airport.
- Accommodation in 3 – star hotel
- Accommodation in tents or the guest houses during the trek
- Guide and Porters; and other supporting staff if required
- Salary, Meals, Accommodation, Insurances, Permits of the staffs
- First Aid medical kit
- Travel permits, TIMS, paper works, entrance fees
- All the required local and government taxes
What is not included?
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee
- International air tickets from and to the home country
- Excess charge for the extra baggage
- Meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu
- Medical and Travel Insurances
- Personal expenditures e.g. Internet, phone calls, hot showers, laundry, bar bills, beverages, etc.
- Extra porters
- Tips for staff
- Optional sightseeing trips
Trip Info
Accommodations
- 3-star hotel accommodation, twin – sharing basis, in Kathmandu
- Twin – Sharing basis in Lodges or Guest houses or Camping tent during the trek
- Single supplementation with extra cost
Toilet Facilities
- Toilet Facilities nearby the tent or the Lodges or the Guesthouses
Meals
- Full board meals during the trek as per the teahouse/lodges menus
- Breakfast and Dinner on the place you stay overnight
- Lunch on the way during the trek
- Tibetan bread, Tsampa porridge, Sandwiches, Traditional Nepalese food items, etc. are available during the trek
- Hiring a special kitchen will cost extra.
- Breakfast available during the Kathmandu stay
