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Trip Facts
- Duration 17 Days
- Start FromKathmandu
- End FromKathmandu
- Trip GradeEasy to Moderate
- Max Height 3700 m
- AccommodationHotel/Guest House
Trip Highlights
- Explore the wilderness of western Nepal in Manaslu Region
- Have spectacular close-up views of Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and the peaks in Manaslu Region
- Trek through quaint and time-worn villages with a unique lifestyle
- Enjoy in the natural hot spring en route
- See several remote Stupas and monasteries
Trip Overview
Tsum Valley Trek is the perfect place to discover a magical and hidden land close to the Tibetan border. Tsum is a valley, a secluded and isolated place with one of the unspoiled lands in this Himalayan nation. Located with the far-flung region of Manaslu in the Nepalese Himalayas, this trip is a journey into the beautiful peaks of western Nepal.
Some of the peaks visible during the trek are Bauddha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal. Being close to the Tibetan border, the people and the lifestyle might look similar – but it is a mix of several ethnicities and cultures who call this place home. The natives of Tsum Valley are called Tsumbas who have a unique language, religion, and culture. It is a rich mix of Tibetan and Nepalese heritage but mostly has Tibetan outlook. It is because the Manaslu region was used in an ancient trading route with Tibet, Tsum Valley had little connection with Kathmandu.
We begin the journey with a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat where our trek begins. Initially, the route ascends across the Budhi-Gandaki Valley passing through dense forests, terraced farmlands and hilly villages. You will be trekking in such a beautiful surroundings that you might not even notice entering into the Manaslu Region. Along the route you can expect trekking through alpine forests, staying at a guesthouse or a homestay in this remote region. You will also camp for the night overlooking the valley down below with looming views of the mountains above. You will pass through glacial rivers and trek across several quaint villages and stay in at least one medieval monastery in the remote and peaceful region of Manaslu.
This off-the-beaten-path trekking gives you a very good chance of seeing the natural wonders of Manaslu. You will cross glacial rivers, some of them quite narrow and some of them quite raging; and you will travel through waterfalls and cascading hills too! Being the hidden valley that it is, you will have very few encounters with other groups of trekkers coming in and out of Tsum Valley. Churke Himal, Ganesh Himal, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu are some of the peaks visible during the trek. Additionally, you will come across the glacier of Poshyop and also visit an interesting geographical phenomena – the cave of Milarepa.
On average you are expected to walk around six hours each day. So, you will need a fair level of walking habit and a good level of stamina to explore Tsum Valley. The best time to do a trek in Tsum is in autumn when the skies are clear and the weather is lovely near the mountains.
Trip Itinerary
- When you land at Kathmandu International Airport, a staff from Vista Treks will welcome you and bring you to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your hotel or spend the time around Kathmandu. Stay overnight in the hotel.
- After breakfast we embark on a seven-hour drive to reach Sotikhola from the capital. The road is mostly easy and smooth at first but later in the day it gradually becomes rough until we arrive at the destination for overnight stay.
- In the morning we begin on our trail headed towards Machha Khola. The route is narrow today, first passing through the village of Lapsebesi and then descending to the sandy path along the river bank, we arrive at Machha Khola where we will stay overnight.
- After breakfast, we crossing Machha Khola and begin along the ascending trail until we arrive at Khola Bensi. At this location, there is a natural hot spring where you can take a dip and relax for some time. After this fun break, we move further following a path across the forest to arrive at Doban. The next destination on our route today is Lauri, from where we cross a suspension bridge to reach Jagat for the overnight stay.
- In the morning we leave Jagat and head on our way to arrive at Salleri. From there we take a descending trail until we reach Sirdibas. After a brief stop here, we will walk up to Ghatta Khola. The next stop on our trail today is Philim, a village mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. See the quaint town, take some pictures, and walk take on the ascending trail to arrive at Lokpa. This village of Lokpa is the point where you have entered Tsum Valley. Here, we will stay for the night.
- After a quick breakfast, we take a scenic route to arrive at a hamlet. Further, we cross a beautiful landscape where we will take some pictures and enjoy the natural setting. The views of Shringi Himal and in the backdrop of the Gompas are great. After this fun stop, we will cross some forests. From there we walk a couple of hours more to arrive at Chumling, where we will call it a day.
- In the morning we start fresh and easy. As soon as we cross a suspension bridge early on in the trek, we begin to see great views of the white peaks ahead. The most prominent one is the peak called Ganesh Himal. Take some pictures if you like, but keep walking to reach the village of Gho. Keep walking to cross the village of Rainjam, the river of Serpu, and a couple of hours more to arrive at the upper regions of Tsum Valley. At this point, we have reached Chokhang-Paro from where trek a bit to arrive at the monastery of Rachen Gompa (or Nunnery Gompa). Here we will stay overnight.
- Leaving behind Rachen Gompa in the morning, we head on the trail to cross Lar, Phurbe and Pangdung villages and cross Shiar Khola before we arrive at Chule. A little trek further, and we arrive at a place called Nile located close to Tibet. We will then walk to the western edge of the valley close to Tibetan border. A trek of around six hours will bring us to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. This is where we will spend the night.
- Today we will be stay at Mu Gompa for the purpose of acclimatization. It is essential as it adapts your body to the increasing altitude. Despite being a day of rest, it is necessary to go on short treks around. Enjoy the peace and isolation, and later return to the Gompa for the night.
- After breakfast we start from Mu Gompa headed to Rainjam, our destination for today. First we descend along the trail enjoying views of Punchen peak with a unique structure. Take a brief stop along the way and descend further to arrive at Rainjam at an altitude of 2,600 meters. Stay at Rainjam in a guesthouse.
- The gompa of Lungdang is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Today we will gain around 600 meters of altitude throughout the trek. After a quick breakfast at Rainjam, we begin the trek with magnificent views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The trek is short today, with less than four hours of trek. We will take brief stops for rest and photography before arriving at the monastery of Lungdang. This is an all-female monastery as men are not allowed in all sections of the gompa.
- Get up before dawn to have a magnificent sunrise view over the mountains. Take a quick breakfast and pack your bags headed for Ripchet. At first we will retrace our path to Rainjam enjoying close-up views of Ganesh Himal. Once at Rainjam, we will take a break and walk further towards the village of Ripchet. For the night you can either set up camp or choose a home-stay, but we recommend the latter.
- In the morning we begin on the trail headed towards Philim. First we arrive at a place called Lokpa where we will rest for a while. Trekking further, we will arrive at the falls of Samba and later to the Gurung village of Philim. Stay overnight here.
- After a quick breakfast, we pack our bags and leave. We will cross some trekkers heading on the opposite direction as this is a route of the busier Jagat and Tatopani regions. The walk is relatively easier with gradual ascents and descents until we cross Sirdibas and arrive at Jagat. From here we trek further to Yaruphant. Take a brief stop here and cross Doban to reach Tatopani. A bit further from here and we will reach Khorlabesi where we will stay for the night.
- Starting from Khorlabesi, first we cross a river called Thado Khola to come to Machha Khola, the place where we stayed earlier in the trek. From there we walk along the Budhi-Gandaki river to reach Labubeshi. Further on the trail we will walk through two beautiful waterfalls to the village of Khursane. After a short break here, we will trek for a couple of hours to arrive at Soti Khola for the night.
- After taking breakfast early in the morning, we drive back to Kathmandu. Its about 7-8 hours scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.
- Depending on your scheduled time of flight, our staff will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- 2 nights Deluxe hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Local lodges accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed guide,plus experience porter ( including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
- All local transportation by bus as per the itinerary
- All necessary permits and entry fees including Trekking permit to Tsum Valley.
- Medical kit box.
- Rescue assistance.
- All government taxes.
- Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets etc. if needed).
- Our service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($40).
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
- Any personal expenses.
- Any kind of hot & Cold drinks
- Staff & driver tipping.
Trip Gallery
Trip Map
Useful Info
About Accommodation.
In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at Hotel Sapana Garden. Local lodges accommodation provided during the trek on twin sharing basis. Hotel in Kathmandu comes with private bathroom , however in mountain, toilet and shower will be on sharing basis. In the busy months, (October/November & April/ May) you may have to share the room with other traveler as some villages have limited number of local lodges .
About Meal
You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental , Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Dinner and breakfast serve at the teahouse where we stay and lunch will be served on the way to next destination. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is provided. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no worries, Nepal is such a easy place to get several vegetarian options.
About Staff:
A Guide and a porter assist you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. In a group with more than 8 guests, 2 guide will be provided. A porter provided for 2 trekkers, and carries between 15 to 20 K.G.
About Equipments
Following Equipment list is recommended to bring for the trek.
Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleecy jacket, T – shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp, thick and warm woolen socks, Light cotton socks , A day bag to carry your valuable, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, rain coat, Sun block, lip balm , Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit, Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries etc.
Physical Fitness and experience
Tsum valley Trek is a moderate trek, who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag can complete this trek. Some days are even longer with 7- 8 hours of walks. However if you are strongly determined and have excellent health and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Few weeks prior to the trip, doing some physical exercise is better . No technical skill is needed however past experience also helps . If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or for blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to Vista Trek P. Ltd.
About Insurance,
You have to obtain the travel insurance which should cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Some Insurance policy’s cover only up to 4000 meter, so please kindly confirm with the insurance company before you purchase it.
About Seasons
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Tsum Valley Trek. You can do it in winter (December to February )if you are used to with extreme cold temperature.
About Bus Drive
Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide , strike or by political issues. In such case trip itinerary will be affected. Thus, we would like to request you to add few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
