Tsum valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site hidden in the northern Gorkha, surrounded by Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. Tsum valley is one of the most secluded and world’s remotest Himalayan valleys which was just opened to outsiders to 2008, so trekking has been just recently opened. The word “Tsum” starts from the Tibetan word “Tsombo” which means “vivid”. Still less exposed in comparison to other areas this region is relatively virgin and less beaten paths. Tsum valley still carries history of ancient Himalayan civilization styles- culture, art, tradition, religion, customs and thinking. It’s natural and cultural beauties are enough to fascinate anyone.
Tsum valley trek begins after a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, starting point of the trek. Passing through Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat, Philim and some of other beautiful villages we will reach Tsum valley. Most of the trail goes through the bank of Budi Gandaki River. The path takes you through beautiful forest, terraced fields, tropical waterfalls and hilly villages. At high altitudes we will pass through alpine forests with rhododendron, glacial river and friendly local people. We retrace the same path from Tsum and return back to Kathmandu via Arughat. You can see numerous Chortens, Gumbas and Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers throughout this trek. This valley offers very clear and fabulous Mountain View of Ganesh Himal range, Sringi Himal, Bauddha Himal and Himalchuli.
Bypassed mainstream development for centuries, unique culture of this valley still remains intact. People follow the system of “Polyandry’”- many brothers marrying a single young girl, in a family. You can see the ancient monasteries. This trek gives you a taste of truly secluded, hidden and ancient culture.
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur city
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat(7-8 hours)
Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola (700m): 5-6 hours
Day 05: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (870m): 6-7 hours
Day 06: Maccha Khola to Jagat (2340m): 6-7 hours
Day 07: Jagat to Chisopani (1660m): 4-5 hours
Day 08: Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m): 6 – 7 hours
Day 09: Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m): 4-5 hours
Day 10: Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m): 5-6 hours
Day 11: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m): 3 hours
Day 12: Sightseeing at Mu Gompa
Day 13: Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m) via Milarepa cave: 5 hours
Day 14: Burgi village -Chumling (2,386): 5-6 hours
Day 15: Chumling to Philim (1,570m): 6-7 hours
Day 16: Philim to Khorlabesi(970m): 6-7 hours
Day 17: Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m): 6-7 hours
Day 18: Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu (600m): 11-12 hours
Day 19: Transfer to the airport for the final departure
Cost Includes
- Airport Pickups and Drops
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals during the trek
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Down jacket (to be returned after trek)
- All medical kit
- All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge
- Extra night accommodation in kathmandu
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides,porter and driver
Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu
Your wonderful journey to the amazing Himalayas starts from your flight to Kathmandu. Onto your arrival our company representatives from Leaf Holidays will greet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in and stay overnight. You will have a rest at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur city
You start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred Lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Bhaktapur Durbar square and Patan Durbar Square are also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bhakatpur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. While in the city square, you get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts and the 55 Window Palace which merge together to provide an ambience of a magical outdoor theater to its visitors. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat(7-8 hours)
After early morning breakfast a drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Dhadingbesi viewing the greenery hills we reach Arughat, our trek start point. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki river flowing between them. Overnight at Arughat
Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola (700m): 5-6 hours
We cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin our trek. We pass through the hydro- electric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Mangaltar, and through forests we arrive at Shanti Bazar. The way to Budhi Gandaki valley now becomes steeper and the trek more difficult as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing the shops of Arkhet Bazar. Descend to a high, cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kuerepani. Then from here the trail descends to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at the campsite at Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola.
Day 05: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (870m): 6-7 hours
After having morning breakfast we cross the bridge and trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. The rocky trail then weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. After that we reach Gurung village Labubesi then we Climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Drop to the sandy river bed and walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and stay at Maccha Khola village. Overnight at Maccha Khola.
Day 06: Maccha Khola to Jagat (2340m): 6-7 hours
The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs there is a small trailside hotspring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot spring we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman. Ascending up again to the Budhi Gandaki, we reach at Yaru Khola. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. After that we reach to Jagat. Overnight at Jagat.
Day 07: Jagat to Chisopani (1660m): 4-5 hours
After completing with the ACAP procedure, we ascend to rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Then we Climb up to Philim, a large gurung village. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. Overnight at Chisopani.
Day 08: Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m): 6 - 7 hours
After having early morning breakfast we pass through Ekle Bhatti then cross the gorge and half an hour walk in the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. We ascend through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of Himalchuli mountains at 7893m and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, descend half an hour towards Lungwa khola and climbing jick jack difficult trail further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, from where we can view Shringi Himal.After then visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village.
Day 09: Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m): 4-5 hours
After having breakfast we start our journey today as we cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m. Overnight at Chokhangparo.
Day 10: Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m): 5-6 hours
While climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too. We make a small visit and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well managed villages Lar (micro hydro power), Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving old historic Stupa of Bhudda in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. If you consider we can make your visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located in the top of area. Overnight at Nile.
Day 11: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m): 3 hours
We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa. Overnight at Mu Gompa
Day 12: Sightseeing at Mu Gompa
Today we make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Mu Gompa area, you may also consider the option of getting to the base of Pika Himal (4865m).
Day 13: Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m) via Milarepa cave: 5 hours
Trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally we arrive at Burgi village. The Burgi village is a small beautiful village. Climb up to the Milarepa's Cave Milarepa Cave (piren phu) is known for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke himal. Overnight at Burgi villlage.
Day 14: Burgi village -Chumling (2,386): 5-6 hours
Continue trekking watching the greenery of nature and descend down to Chhokang Paro again. From their continue descending to Gho. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the lower Tsum Valley takes you to again Chumling. Overnight at Chumling.
Day 15: Chumling to Philim (1,570m): 6-7 hours
The trail continues to Lokpa. After lunch south on a flat trail we move ahead. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Finally arrive at Philim after 6 or 7 hours long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Overnight at Philim.
Day 16: Philim to Khorlabesi(970m): 6-7 hours
Trek starts today from Philim to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani. Descend down to Sirdibas and we finally reach to Jagat. Further descend takes us to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. Continue trekking to Dobhan. Finally arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. If not continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day.
Day 17: Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m): 6-7 hours
The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola. Overnight at Sotikhola.
Day 18: Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu (600m): 11-12 hours
Early morning we climb up to the ridge of Kyorpani. Descend down to the cascading waterfall. Trekking further arrive at Arkhet. Cross the Arkhet Khola. We are now leaving the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Sante Bazaar; pass through the forests to Maltar. Finally, passing by the hydroelectric plant following the stone streets, we arrive at the Arughat Bazar. Back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of the road. Onto arrival at Kathmandu we will have a farewell dinner for the successful trekking journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 19: Transfer to the airport for the final departure
Nearly 2 hours before your scheduled flight, our company representative will take you to the airport. We are sure; you will back to your home taking amazing experience of Nepal. We hope you enjoyed trekking and want to be somewhere in the Himalayas again.