Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most remote Himalayan Valleys in the world. It was also a restricted region until recently. Trekking in this valley takes you to the surroundings of magnificent Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal Ranges.
This region was once a part of Tibet because of which it has its own unique essence. The residents of this valley are origins of the Tibetan culture. They have a rich and diverse culture, art, tradition, and lifestyle.
Initially, the Tsum valley Trek trek followed Around Manaslu Trek. Not many adventure seekers have made it to the mysterious valley. This valley was a restricted area until 2008. The trails are less trodden as compared to other treks because it sees very few visitors. The residents of this valley have a unique tradition and culture. Polyandry, a type of marriage wherein all the brothers of a family marry a single girl, is common practice.
The Tsum Valley trek starts and ends at Arughat, a seven hours drive from Kathmandu. The first half of the trek ascends the Budhi Gandaki Valley on good paths through a mix of dense forest, terraced field, and hill villages.
As we leave the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, suddenly we get a feeling of entering truly into the hidden valley.
While on the trek, we also pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. Pass the lower Budhi Gandaki regions of Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat and Philim. We also visit the ancient Gompas of the region: Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, Dephyudonma Gompa.
The Tsum valley trek is a great way to explore the great landscape and the unique culture and lifestyle of the people living in the region.
Tsum valley Trek Highlights
- Magnificent View of the mountain (Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal Ranges)
- Hot spring
- Experience of unspoiled nature
- Friendly Gurung villages.
Early this morning, we will drive to Sotikhola. The road passes through Dhading Bensi and Arughat. From Arughat, we will head towards Sotikhola. Driving through the countryside is a pleasant experience. The roads will get a little rough in Arughat. Overnight in Soti Khola.
On this day, we will trek to Maccha Khola. The trails heads across a bridge and then towards a beautiful Sal forest. After crossing the river Budhi Gandaki, we will reach Khursane. The trail weaves its way up and down and passes through two subtropical waterfalls before it enters the Gurung village of Labubesi. After crossing another suspension bridge, we will reach Machha Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola.
The trail is narrow and crosses the Tharo Khola. It then reaches Khorlabesi. We will also come across a hot spring along the way. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki, we will climb a well-crafted staircase, and then head towards Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we will climb the stone stairs and then descend towards Tharo Bharyang. After crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we will enter Jagat Village. Overnight in Jagat.
The route heads through a gorge and enters into a pine forest. Along the way, we will encounter a beautiful waterfall. We will then reach Tsum Valley. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forest. The trail also offers breath taking views of Himalchuli Range and Boudha Himal from Lokpa. From Lokpa we will head towards Gumlung through rhododendron forest. After crossing the Siyar Khola, we will arrive at Chumling, from where we can see Shringi Himal. Overnight in Chumling
The route heads through a gorge and enters into a pine forest. Along the way, we will encounter a beautiful waterfall. We will then reach Tsum Valley. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forest. The trail also offers breath taking views of Himalchuli Range and Boudha Himal from Lokpa. From Lokpa we will head towards Gumlung through rhododendron forest. After crossing the Siyar Khola, we will arrive at Chumling, from where we can see Shringi Himal. Overnight in Chumling
The trail passes through Ranjam, Serpu Khola and a suspension bridge before entering Gho Village. The route is an amazing view point of Ganesh Himal. After walking for about 2 hours towards Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Overnight at Chokhangparo.
The journey can be a little difficult due to the high altitude. We will walk past Lamagoan and cross a suspension bridge before reaching Rachen Gompa. After crossing Shihar Khola the trail will lead us through Lar village, Phurbe, Pangdun and village Chhule. The trail ascends towards Nile. Overnight in Nile.
Nile is very close to the Tibetan border. We will walk towards the western bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. The trail climbs up to the Mu Gompa and then to Dhephu Doma Gompa. It will take us about 3hours to reach the destination. Overnight in Mu Gompa.
On this day, we will explore the 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. Overnight in Mu Gompa.
We will trek back through Chhule and Phurbe. We will then arrive at Burgi- a small beautiful village. We will climb up to the Milarepa's Cave. It is known for its mesmerizing view of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke himal. Overnight in Burgi Village.
We will trek through green hills and descend down to Chhokang Paro. We will continue the journey towards Gho. Descending further, we will arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Before arriving at Chumling, we will trek across Tsum Valley. Overnight in Chumling.
The trails heads towards Lokpa. We will encounter the gorgeous Samba Falls on the way. After 6-7 hours of walking, we will arrive at Philim. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Overnight in Philim.
The trail heads towards Khorlabesi. The trail descends towards Siribas and then to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. The trail further heads towards Dobhan and then finally arrives at Tatopani. At Tatopani, you can take a shower in hot spring. We will head towards Khorlabesi and spend the night there.
The trail passes through Tharo Khola and Machha Khola village. We will walk along the Budhi Gandaki until we reach the Gurung village of Labubesi. From Labubesi, we will walk towards Khursane. The route towards Soti Khola passes through the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and Sal forest. Overnight in Soti Khola.
On this day we will tre to Arughat. It will take us about 4 hours of walk. From Arughat, we will drive to Kathmandu. The route to Arughat passes through Kyorpani, Arkhet Khola and enters into Budhi Gandaki Valley. The drive to Kathmandu is along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages. You will be transferred to your respective hotels once we arrive at Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
