Trip Level
Moderate Strenuous
Destination
Nepal
Max Altitude
3700 meter
Trip Duration
19 Days
Overview
Tsum Valley Trekking is a sacred pilgrimage valley situated in Northern Gorkha on the way to Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal. 'Tsum' comes from the Tibetan word 'Tsombo',which means vivid. Traditionally,Tsum valley was a currently distinct geographical area called 'Tsum Tso Chucksums',which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory.Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal,Sringi Himal,Boudha Himal ranges,this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art,culture and religion.The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own dialect.The altitude of Tsum Valley Trekking varies from 1905m in Lhokpa to over 5093m at Ngula Dhojhyang pass on the Tibatan border. The hidden valley is surrounded by the Boudha Himal and Himal chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south & Sringi Himal to North.
Outline Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel (1,350m/4,264ft)
The representative from Yala Adventure picks up from Kathmandu Airport and transfer to Hotel. We will have welcome dinner tonight with Nepalese cultural show. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing (optional) and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we will start the tour to Kathmandu including famous UNESCO world heritage sites. We will have a choice to do some preparation of trek starts next day morning.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat (600m/1,968ft) 7-8 hours drive
A 7-8 hour's 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 5-6 hours
We cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin our trek from the western part of Arughat., we follow the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. We pass through the hydro- electric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Mangaltar, and through forests we arrive at Shanti Bazar. The trail 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 05: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (870m/2,952ft): 6-7 hours
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. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. 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 traverse to Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 06: Maccha Khola to Jagat (2340m/7676ft): 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. Cross to the west bank of the budhi gandaki, climb over a ridge, and trek along the river then climb towards the village of Jagat.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 07: Jagat to Chisopani (1660m/5,445ft): 4-5 hours
After completing with the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 08: Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft): 6-7 hours
After Ekle Bhatti 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. Climb 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. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village.
Meals Included :Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 09: Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft): 4-5 hours
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 10: Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft): 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 11: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft): 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 12: Mu Gompa sightseeing
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).
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 13: Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m/10644ft) via Milarepa cave:4-5 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Burgi village -Chumling (2,386/7,827ft): 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 15: Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft): 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 16: Philim to Khorlabesi(970m/3182ft: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 17: Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 18: Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu (1300m/1,968ft): Walk 4 hours and drive 9-10 hours
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. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 19: Transfer to Airport for your departure flight
You will be free till your departure. Our representative will transfer to Airport for the departure flight.
Cost Details
Equipments Checklist
Clothing
- Warm jacket or down jacket
- Water and windproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
- Long sleeved synthetic fleece
- Thermal underwear
- Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
- Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
- Shorts and trousers, or skirt
- 2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
- 2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
- Proper hiking boots
- Running shoes and flip-flops
- T-shirts
During winter season, additional clothings may include:
The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
Snow gaitors
Trekking Gear
Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
Map of the trekking area
Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
Sleeping bag and silk liner
Water bottles
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
A small light weight and quick drying towel
Bar of soap
Sunscreen (at least SPF +20)
Earplugs
Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
First aid kid
Water purification tables or a water filter
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
Toilet paper
Optional items
Camera, battery etc
Altimeter
Compass
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Trekking poles
GPS unit
Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
Sewing/repair kit
Pocket knife
Candles (for lodges)
Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen
Camping
Tent
Stove and fuel
Cooking, eating and drinking utensils
Sleeping mat
Food and water (for the very remote trekking areas)
Map
Gallery
