Tsum Valley Trek - 18 Days

Your first full day of adventure begins with an early morning wake-up call around 6:00 am, followed by a nutritious breakfast at your hotel by 7:00 am. Breakfast includes a variety of options such as toast, omelettes, porridge, fresh fruits, and tea or coffee. By 8:00 am, you will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, passing through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and alongside the rushing waters of the Trishuli River.

The 160 km journey gives you your first taste of the natural beauty and rural life of Nepal. As you leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu behind, the drive offers spectacular views of green hills and traditional villages where local farmers are seen cultivating rice, maize, and millet. Lunch will be at a small roadside restaurant, where you can enjoy dal bhat (Nepali rice and lentil soup) or a plate of freshly made momos (Nepalese dumplings).

After about 6-7 hours of driving, you will arrive at Soti Khola, the starting point of your trek into the Tsum Valley. Soti Khola is a small village located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The surrounding hills are dotted with lush greenery, and you'll begin to see the mountainous landscapes that will accompany you throughout the Tsum Valley Trek. You’ll have time to explore the village and relax at the tea house before dinner. The local people here are mainly from the Gurung community, known for their warm hospitality. Dinner will typically consist of traditional Nepali food like dal bhat, curries, or noodle soups.

The remoteness of this village also gives you a glimpse into the life of people in rural Nepal, where agriculture plays a vital role. The terraced fields around the village are used for growing crops like rice and barley. After a hearty meal, you’ll rest for the night, preparing for the trek ahead.

Your first trekking day of the Tsum Valley Trek begins early, with a wake-up call at 6:00 am, followed by breakfast at 7:00 am at your tea house in Soti Khola. You’ll be served a mix of toast, eggs, porridge, and tea/coffee to fuel your journey ahead. The trek kicks off around 8:00 am, starting with a gentle trail that follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing over suspension bridges and passing through subtropical forests. The path leads you along rocky ridges and terraced rice fields, with local farmers tending to their crops.

After around 3-4 hours of trekking, you’ll stop for lunch at a village en route. Lunch typically consists of dal bhat, vegetable curries, and sometimes fried noodles or Tibetan bread. The trail is scenic, winding past waterfalls and steep cliffs, with towering hills surrounding you on all sides. This section of the Tsum Valley Trek is rich in biodiversity, offering sightings of langur monkeys swinging through the trees and a wide variety of birds.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Machha Khola, a small Gurung village that sits beside the river. This is an excellent place to relax after the day's trek. You can explore the village, interact with locals, and learn more about their traditional way of life. The villagers here mostly practice subsistence farming, growing crops like millet, maize, and wheat on terraced slopes. Many homes also have kitchen gardens filled with seasonal vegetables.

The region’s diverse agricultural practices are adapted to the steep terrain, and the simple yet resilient lifestyle of the people here is reflected in their warm hospitality. Dinner will be served at your tea house, typically featuring local staples like dal bhat, noodles, or momos (Nepalese dumplings). After dinner, you can chat with fellow trekkers or simply relax, enjoying the serene sounds of the river before heading to bed.

Wake up at 6:00 am for another day of adventure on the Tsum Valley Trek, with breakfast at 7:00 am, consisting of porridge, eggs, toast, and hot drinks. The trek begins around 8:00 am, as you follow the rugged trail along the Budhi Gandaki River, continuing deeper into the valley. This part of the trail is narrower, with steep cliffs on either side, and passes through a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to rocky outcrops.

About midway through the trek, you’ll stop for lunch at a small teahouse. The lunch menu typically offers dishes like dal bhat, noodle soups, or fried rice with fresh vegetables. The surroundings begin to change as you enter more isolated areas, with fewer villages and more natural beauty. The trail often skirts around huge rock faces and waterfalls, offering breathtaking views of the valley.

By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Jagat, a charming village that serves as the official entry point into the Manaslu Conservation Area. The village is known for its traditional stone houses and welcoming locals, who mainly belong to the Gurung and Tamang ethnic groups. As you explore Jagat, you’ll notice influences of both Hinduism and Buddhism, with prayer flags fluttering and small stupas dotting the landscape. Agriculture remains a key livelihood here, with terraced fields growing rice, wheat, and barley, depending on the season.

The architecture in Jagat reflects the mountainous environment, with stone walls built to withstand the region’s rugged climate. Dinner at your tea house will include options such as dal bhat, noodle dishes, or Tibetan-style bread. You’ll spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s trek, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of this highland village.

Day five of your Tsum Valley Trek starts at 6:00 am with a nutritious breakfast at 7:00 am. You’ll leave Jagat around 8:00 am, following a well-maintained trail that ascends gradually, offering spectacular views of the Manaslu Mountain Range in the distance. The trail winds through lush forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, as well as small settlements where locals farm crops like maize, millet, and potatoes.

The route continues through several villages, and you’ll stop for lunch at a teahouse nestled in the hills. Meals here are hearty, with options like fried noodles, dal bhat, and locally grown vegetables. The day’s trek is moderately challenging, with steep climbs and narrow paths that snake along ridges. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges and catch glimpses of cascading waterfalls. As you move higher in altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse, and the Tibetan Buddhist influence becomes more prominent.

After trekking for about 6-7 hours, you’ll reach Lokpa, a peaceful village perched at 2,040 meters. Lokpa marks the gateway to the remote Tsum Valley, and the culture here is distinctly Tibetan. The villagers here follow ancient Buddhist practices, and you’ll notice prayer wheels, mani walls, and intricately carved stupas scattered around the village. Lokpa offers the first real taste of the Tsum Valley Trek’s isolation, with stunning views of surrounding peaks and deep gorges.

Dinner will be served in your tea house, where you can enjoy a traditional Nepali meal, followed by a relaxing evening. The local agriculture in Lokpa is limited due to the higher altitude, but you’ll see terraced fields used for growing hardy crops like barley and buckwheat. This is a remote area, where people live simple, subsistence-based lives, largely untouched by the outside world.

Your day begins at 6:00 am with a wake-up call in the peaceful village of Lokpa, and you’ll enjoy breakfast at 7:00 am. The morning meal typically includes toast, eggs, porridge, and hot tea or coffee to energize you for the day ahead. By 8:00 am, you’ll hit the trail, entering the heart of the Tsum Valley, where the unique Tibetan culture is more prominent.

The trail from Lokpa to Chumling is a moderately challenging route with several ups and downs. You’ll begin by descending into a lush, forested gorge, crossing small rivers and walking alongside stunning waterfalls. Along the way, you may encounter locals transporting goods by mule or carrying supplies in traditional baskets slung over their backs. The local lifestyle here is still largely based on subsistence farming, and you’ll see terraced fields where the villagers grow barley, wheat, and potatoes.

After about 3 hours of trekking, you’ll stop for lunch at a small teahouse, where the menu might include dal bhat, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), or fried noodles with vegetables. The food is simple but hearty, providing much-needed fuel for the rest of the trek. The afternoon portion of the trek involves a gradual ascent toward Chumling, a picturesque village nestled at the base of towering cliffs. As you approach Chumling, you’ll pass through dense rhododendron and pine forests, where the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves create a serene atmosphere.

Arriving at Chumling by mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the village. Chumling is an important part of the Tsum Valley Trek, offering a glimpse into the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture that thrives in this region. The village is home to several small monasteries and mani walls, and the houses here are built in traditional Tibetan style, with stone walls and flat roofs. You’ll also have sweeping views of the Ganesh Himal Range from Chumling, a visual reminder of the remote and rugged terrain of the Tsum Valley.

Dinner is served at your tea house, where you’ll enjoy a warm meal of dal bhat or a Tibetan-style dish like tsampa (barley flour porridge). You’ll spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, reflecting on the day’s trek as you prepare for tomorrow’s journey deeper into the valley.

The day starts with an early rise at 6:00 am, as the crisp mountain air fills your lungs. Breakfast is served at 7:00 am, typically consisting of eggs, toast, porridge, and hot drinks. By 8:00 am, you’ll begin your ascent from Chumling to Chhokang Paro, one of the most culturally significant villages on the Tsum Valley Trek.

The first part of the trek follows a steep trail that gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the distant Ganesh Himal Range. You’ll cross several suspension bridges that span across roaring rivers, with the path often flanked by prayer flags fluttering in the wind. After about 3 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at a small teahouse where you’ll stop for lunch. Meals typically include dal bhat, fried noodles, or roti with curry, providing ample energy for the climb ahead.

As you continue toward Chhokang Paro, the landscape changes dramatically, with the valley opening up into wide, expansive fields surrounded by rocky cliffs and snow-capped peaks. This area is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and you’ll encounter mani walls, chortens, and prayerwheels along the trail. The local people, known as Tsumbas, are ethnically Tibetan and maintain many of their ancient customs and traditions. You’ll likely see villagers in traditional Tibetan dress, working in the fields or herding yaks and sheep.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Chhokang Paro, a picturesque village situated at 3,031 meters. This village is the cultural heart of the Tsum Valley and offers stunning views of Shingri Himal and Ganesh Himal. You’ll have time to explore the village, visiting the local monastery or simply interacting with the friendly villagers, who live in stone houses and practice a peaceful, agricultural way of life. The people here grow barley, buckwheat, and potatoes in terraced fields, and their homes are adorned with Buddhist symbols and prayer flags.

Dinner will be served at your tea house, with a choice of dal bhat, thukpa, or Tibetan bread. The quiet evening in Chhokang Paro allows you to reflect on the incredible journey through the valley, as the stars twinkle brightly in the clear mountain sky.

Another exciting day of the Tsum Valley Trek begins at 6:00 am with breakfast served by 7:00 am. You’ll leave Chhokang Paro around 8:00 am, heading further up the valley towards Nile, the northernmost settlement in the Tsum Valley. The day’s trek is relatively short but rewarding, as the trail offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding valleys.

The path follows a gentle ascent, with several small Tibetan settlements dotting the route. You’ll walk alongside terraced fields, where the locals grow barley, wheat, and potatoes. The people of the Tsum Valley continue to practice a traditional lifestyle, relying on farming and animal husbandry to sustain themselves. You’ll pass several ancient chortens (Buddhist shrines) and mani walls covered in intricately carved stones, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of this remote region.

After about 3 hours, you’ll stop for lunch at a small teahouse in a village along the way. Lunch typically consists of dal bhat, noodle soups, or Tibetanbread with vegetable curry. The afternoon trek is relatively easy, with a gradual ascent toward Nile,located at 3,361 meters. As you approach Nile, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more barren, with fewer trees and more rocky outcrops. The village itself is perched on a hillside, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Upon reaching Nile by mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the village and its surroundings. Nile is a traditional Tibetan village, with stone houses and Buddhist symbols visible throughout. The people here lead a simple, agrarian lifestyle, relying on crops like barley and potatoes, as well as yak and sheep farming. The village is also home to an ancient monastery, where you can witness the daily rituals of the local monks.

Dinner will be served at your tea house, and you’ll enjoy a warm meal while taking in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of this remote Himalayan village. As the sun sets, you’ll marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and prepare for tomorrow’s trek to Mu Gompa, the highest point of the Tsum Valley Trek.

Your adventure to the spiritual heart of the Tsum Valley begins early with a wake-up call at 6:00 am and breakfast at 7:00 am. As you fuel up with a warm meal of porridge, eggs, or Tibetan bread with tea or coffee, the excitement of reaching Mu Gompa, one of the highest settlements in the valley, sets in. By 8:00 am, you’ll be back on the trail, heading toward the ancient Mu Gompa, which sits at 3,700 meters.

The trek from Nile to Mu Gompa is relatively short but filled with spectacular views. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more barren, with towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks surrounding you on all sides. The path winds through remote, high-altitude terrain where few trees grow, giving the area a stark and desolate beauty. You’ll pass more mani walls and chortens, a reminder of the deep Buddhist roots in the region. The trail is dotted with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding a spiritual vibe to the barren landscape.

Arriving at Mu Gompa by late morning, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of the ancient monastery, which has been a center of Tibetan Buddhist learning for centuries. You’ll have time to explore the monastery, interact with the resident monks, and soak in the incredible mountain views. The monastery is not only a religious site but also a cultural hub for the Tsum Valley, with a history that stretches back over 600 years. You’ll learn about the ancient Buddhist rituals, see sacred artifacts, and gain insights into the peaceful monastic life in this remote part of Nepal.

After lunch at the teahouse near the monastery, where you’ll enjoy traditional Tibetan dishes like thukpa or tsampa, you’ll embark on a short hike to the nearby Dhephyudonma Gompa at 4,060 meters. This ancient hermitage is even more remote than Mu Gompa and offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal Range and Shingri Himal. The trail to Dhephyudonma is a bit challenging due to the altitude, but the breathtaking views and the spiritual atmosphere of the hermitage make it worth the effort.

After visiting Dhephyudonma, you’ll return to Mu Gompa for dinner and an overnight stay. The evening at Mu Gompa is a peaceful one, with the quiet of the mountains and the twinkling stars overhead creating a serene and meditative environment.

After breakfast at 7:00 am, you’ll leave the sacred ground of Mu Gompa and begin your descent toward Rachen Gompa, a serene nunnery located at 3,240 meters. The morning trek is relatively easy, taking about 3-4 hours to reach your destination. The path descends gradually, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you walk, you’ll pass through several small villages, each with its own mani walls and Buddhist shrines that reflect the spiritual heritage of the Tsum Valley.

By noon, you’ll arrive at Rachen Gompa, one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. This beautiful site is home to over 80 Buddhist nuns who live in quiet devotion, practicing their faith and maintaining the monastery grounds. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the nunnery, observe the daily routines of the nuns, and learn more about the unique role that Rachen Gompa plays in the spiritual life of the valley. The nunnery is known for its intricate wall paintings and ancient scriptures, making it a fascinating place to visit for those interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Lunch will be served at a teahouse near the nunnery, where you’ll enjoy a simple but filling meal of dal bhat, noodles, or thukpa. After lunch, you’ll have free time to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of Rachen Gompa, with its beautiful surroundings and spiritual energy.

Dinner is served in the evening, and you’ll spend the night in a cozy tea house near the nunnery, reflecting on the day’s journey and the rich cultural experiences you’ve had.

After a peaceful night at Rachen Gompa, you’ll wake up at 6:00 am to enjoy breakfast before setting out on your trek to Gumba Lungdang. The trail takes about 5-6 hours to complete, with a gradual ascent through terraced fields, forests, and small settlements. The trek offers panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal and Shingri Himal, with the landscape becoming more rugged as you approach Gumba Lungdang.

The path follows the Syar River for much of the way, with several suspension bridges crossing over the rushing water. The lush vegetation and the occasional sighting of wildlife make this trek a beautiful and rewarding experience. The people in this region are mostly subsistence farmers, growing potatoes, barley, and wheat on terraced fields that cling to the steep hillsides. You’ll pass several small villages where you can observe the daily lives of the local Tsumbas, who are known for their hospitality and strong Buddhist faith.

After a lunch break at a small teahouse along the trail, you’ll continue your ascent toward Gumba Lungdang, which is situated at 3,200 meters. This small monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a perfect place for meditation and spiritual reflection. The monastery is home to a small community of monks who live in quiet seclusion, practicing their faith in the shadow of the mighty Ganesh Himal.

Upon arrival at Gumba Lungdang, you’ll have time to explore the monastery and interact with the monks, learning more about their way of life and the spiritual significance of the area. Dinner will be served at your tea house near the monastery, and you’ll spend the night in the peaceful surroundings of this remote Himalayan retreat.

Today’s trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding of the Tsum Valley Trek as you make your way to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp at 4,200 meters. The day begins early, with a wake-up call at 5:00 am and breakfast at 6:00 am, giving you plenty of time to tackle the long trek ahead.

You’ll leave Gumba Lungdang by 7:00 am, heading into the rugged and remote terrain that leads to the base of the Ganesh Himal Range. The trail is steep and rocky, with several river crossings and a challenging ascent through alpine meadows and forests. The higher you climb, the more barren the landscape becomes, with rocky outcrops and glaciers dominating the scenery. As you approach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, the towering peaks of Ganesh Himal rise above you, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for your trek.

After a packed lunch along the way, you’ll continue your ascent, finally reaching the Ganesh Himal Base Camp by mid-afternoon. The base camp offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Ganesh I (7,422m), Ganesh II (7,118m), and Ganesh III (7,043m). The area is remote and rarely visited by trekkers, making it a perfect place for quiet reflection and a true connection with nature.

You’ll spend some time exploring the base camp and taking in the incredible views before beginning your descent back to Gumba Lungdang, where you’ll spend the night. Dinner will be served at your tea house, and you’ll have plenty of time to rest and recover after the long and challenging day.

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave the tranquil surroundings of Gumba Lungdang and begin your descent back to Lokpa. The trek takes about 6-7 hours, following the same trail you took on the way up. The descent is easier but still offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

You’ll pass through several small villages along the way, including Ripchet and Chumling, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn more about their way of life. The trek is mostly downhill, with a few steep sections, and you’ll arrive in Lokpa by late afternoon, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy tea house.

The trek from Lokpa to Philim is a relatively short and easy walk, taking about 3-4 hours to complete. The trail descends through lush forests and terraced fields, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You’ll pass through several small villages along the way, including Ekle Bhatti and Sirdibas, where you can stop for a tea break and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people.

By mid-morning, you’ll arrive in Philim, a bustling village that serves as a gateway to the Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village, visit the local school, and learn more about the cultural and religious heritage of the area. The people of Philim are predominantly Gurung and Tibetan, and their way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Lunch will be served at a teahouse in Philim, where you’ll enjoy a traditional meal of dal bhat or Tibetan bread with butter tea. After lunch, you’ll have free time to relax or explore the village before dinner.

You’ll wake up early to begin your trek from Philim to Khorlabesi, a small village located at 970 meters. The trek takes about 6-7 hours, following the Budi Gandaki River as it winds its way through the hills and valleys of the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trail descends gradually, passing through terraced fields, lush forests, and small villages along the way.

You’ll stop for lunch at a teahouse in Tatopani, where you can take a dip in the hot springs to soothe your tired muscles. After lunch, you’ll continue your descent, arriving in Khorlabesi by late afternoon.

Dinner will be served at a teahouse in Khorlabesi, and you’ll spend the night in a cozy room, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve had so far.

Your final day of trekking takes you from Khorlabesi to Soti Khola, a small village located at 700 meters. The trek is relatively short, taking about 4-5 hours to complete. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River as it descends through lush forests and terraced fields, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

You’ll pass through several small villages along the way, including Machha Khola and Labu Besi, where you can stop for a tea break and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people. By noon, you’ll arrive in Soti Khola, where you’ll have lunch at a teahouse and take some time to relax before dinner.

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Soti Khola and begin the long drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 8-9 hours, following a scenic route through the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Trishuli River Valley. The road is bumpy and winding in some sections, but the beautiful views of the hills and valleys make the journey enjoyable.

You’ll stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant along the way, enjoying a traditional Nepali meal before continuing your journey to Kathmandu. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in the bustling capital, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax, explore the city, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

On your final day in Nepal, you’ll have breakfast at your hotel and free time to explore Kathmandu or rest before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, a representative from Overland Trek Nepal will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home, bringing your Tsum Valley and Ganesh Himal Trek to a memorable end.