Tsum Valley Trek

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Trip Highlights of Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Duration 17 Days
Maximum Altitude 3700m
Difficulty Grade Moderate
Best Seasons Spring-Automn
Start & End Point Kathmandu
  • Trek through the bank of Budi Gandaki River and ethnic communities
  • Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle
  • No animal sacrifice in the Tsum valley
  • Phiren Phu cave and Milarepa cave (historically significant)
  • Mixed-up trail: rugged, steep, and flat

Overview of Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley trek is the hidden jewel of the northwestern part of Nepal- Tsum Valley is a culturally outstanding valley. The name of this valley comes from the Tibetan word “Tsombo”, which means vividness. Tsum valley trek lets you experience the awe-inspiring cultural scenarios and accompanying eye-catching landscape along with the Himalayan panoramas.

Tsum valley is an isolated part of Nepal. Culture and lifestyles are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava mentioned this valley as a holy, happy valley. The ancient caves around Tsum valley are also taken as sacred as saint Milarepa had meditated around these places, renowned at the Phiren Phu cave.

Tsum valley Trek begins from Sotikhola after about an 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu. The Tsum valley trail rambles through the bank of the Budi Gandaki Riverbank and frequently ascends to the sub-tropical forest. It is also the trail of the  Manaslu Circuit trek, which splits as you enter the Lho village.

The ethnic communities and their ancient villages are unique. Monasteries and Chhortens are dotted around the Tsum valley trekking trail. The trail is mixed up. It sometimes goes through the rugged boulder of the rock and sometimes through the wide valley.

One of the interesting facts about the Tsum valley Trek is they do not sacrifice animals. It is surrounded by culturally significant heritages. Phiren Phu cave and Milarepa cave represent spiritual centers where famous Buddhist Gurus meditated in history.

Tsum valley Trek requires a restricted area permit. It is also famous for research treks to explore the cultural side of this hidden valley. March to May and September are the best time for the Tsum Valley Trekking. Vertex Holiday organizes the treks to Tsum valley with experienced guides and the team. Please, contact us for further details.

Tsum Valley Trek - Route Map

Tsum Valley Trek Map

Detail Itinerary of Tsum Valley Trek

Namaste and welcome to Nepal. After your arrival, Kathmandu, Vertex Holiday’s airport representative, will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

After getting refreshed, a short briefing about Tsum valley Trek and orientation will be conducted by our trekking leaders. The evening is reserved for a wonderful dinner with the Nepali cultural program. Overnight at the hotel.

Walking 30m
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
Meals Welcome Dinner
Altitude 1300m

After breakfast at the hotel, set out for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, which includes UNESCO-listed world heritage sites. Kathmandu is a city of temples and medieval arts and architecture.

Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu are the major attractions. However, there are in total of seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley. Overnight at the hotel.

Car 6 Hours
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Altitude 1300m

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Machha Khola through the Prithvi Highway and later through the bumpy road. The green hill scenery that can be seen during the road trip is awesome.

We drive further to Machha Khola and take a rest. Overnight at lodge.

Bus 8 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 1110m

Beginning the trek from Machha Khola, we cross the stream and head to Khorlabesi. Passing it, we reach to Tatopani (natural hot spring). We can enjoy the natural hot bath, which takes away our tiredness.

The trail goes through the sub-tropical forest, descends to the River and reaches the juncture, known as Dobhan. Walking a short time through the bank of the river, we ascend to Jagat and rest. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 1410m

After breakfast, we commence through the rugged trail to Srinivas. It is quite a challenging trail, steep and narrow. Passing Sridibas, we walk through the fine countryside trail.

We reach the Ghatta Khola which is an old form of mill, run by the water. From there, we walk to Philim, which is a large Gurung village. We continue our trek to Chisopani. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 5 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 1660m

After breakfast, we start the trek above the Budi Gandaki River. After some time, we reach Ekle Bhatti’s stop for a tea break. Then the trail goes through the sub-tropical forest. We gradually climb up to Lho and stop for lunch.

Then we descend to the stream and again ascend to the ridge of the hill. We reach the stream, cross the bridge, and head towards Chumling. We find a local lodge, which offers basic accommodation and food. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 7 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 2386m

Exploring the snow-capped Himalayas, we start today’s hike. They include Boudha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and many more. The trail is dotted by a rocky landscape. After a couple of hours, we reach Dumje.

There we cross the bridge and head towards the Chokhangparo through the steep rocky trail. This is a Tibetan Buddhist-influenced village with still intact traditions. Nobody sacrifices animals or birds in this valley. Some ancient monasteries have increased the spiritual aspect of the village. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 5 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3010m

Today the trail is wide and flat, with a stream flowing near the route. There are terrace farming fields on the way. Then we move towards the Milarepa cave. It is one of the most ancient caves in the Tsum valley, which dates back around 2500 years ago.

Saint Milarepa had meditated around the caves in this place. Then we return to Burgi and head towards Nille, where we can find more facilities than on the previous days. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3361m

After breakfast, our trek heads forward through the bank of the stream with the perfect blend of the breathtaking Himalayan view, hills, and flatlands, along with cultural prosperity. We pass potatoes and buckwheat fields.

Mu Gompa is a step ahead to reach. The gompa also offers food and accommodation facilities to visitors. You can hike to the Ani Gompa if you like. Overnight at Mu Gompa.

Walking 3 Hours
Accommodation Guset House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3700m

Today, the activities vary on your particular interest. One of the recommended itineraries is to take a horse ride toward the Tibetan border. But it takes from early morning to late evening.

The whole day’s journey is extremely tiresome. Instead of this, we can spend the day exploring the monasteries and Chhortens around Mu Gompa. Overnight at Mu Gompa.

Walking Rest Day
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3700m

Today, we return back from Mu Gompa. On the way, we visit the Rachen Gompa, where nuns live. After exploring, we gradually descend to Chhokangparo.

The Himalayan view at the backdrop is always amazing. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guset House
Meals B/L/D

From Chhokangparo, we trek down continually with some short ascends. Then we trek down to the Budi Gandaki River. It is still challenging to descend through the rugged trail.

The trail goes through the rocky boulder. Steadily, we reach Lho village and take a rest. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D

After breakfast, we hike down gradually and reach Eklai Bhatti, which joins the trail of the Manaslu circuit. The trail is steadily downhill, enjoying the green hill surroundings.

The Himalayan views at the backdrop are fabulous. Reaching Salleri, we take a rest. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D

Tsum valley Trek today retrace from Salleri to Tatopani today. After breakfast, first, we trek down to Jagat. Passing the checkpoint of the restricted area, we climb down to Tatopani village.

People believe that bathing in natural hot springs can be a treatment for different skin diseases. Enjoy the bath and forget the tiredness of the trip. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guset House
Meals B/L/D

After breakfast, we trek down from Tatopani. The trail is a gradual downhill. Following the Budi Gandaki River, we continue trekking down and crossing the suspension bridges.

After 5-6 hrs of treks, we reach to Soti Khola, where our trekking excursion ends. It’s time to say cheers for the success of the trek. Overnight at lodge.

Walking 6 Hours
Accommodation Guest House
Meals B/L/D

Today, we drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a scenic drive through the Prithvi Highway. After your arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: If you are going for the jungle safari tour in Chitwan, you drive to Chitwan and enjoy the safari trip. We offer 2 Nights/3 Days package for your wonderful holidays in Nepal.

Bus 9 Hours
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 1300m

Having a good memorable Tsum valley Trek experience with Vertex Holiday, Vertex Holiday’s airport representative drops you at the airport for your departure.

Car 30m
Meals Breakfast

Includes/Excludes

What's Included?
  • All airport\hotel transfers by private vehicle
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu city tours- including all entry fees, one professional tour guide, and a tourist vehicle
  • All Meals (morning breakfast, lunch and evening dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing accommodation during the trekking time
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Best available seasonal fruit during the trek in the mountain
  • One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porter (1 porter for 2 people max weight 25kgs) including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance
  • All Surface transfer from Kathmandu – Arughat by bus and Arughat to Soti Khola by local jeep. after the trek Similarly transport from Sotikhola – Arughat by public jeep and Arughat – Kathmandu by bus
  • Manaslu trekking special permit fee (Manaslu region is in a restricted zone, we need a special permit to visit this area)
  • TIMS Fee- [Trekkers’ Information Management System] (Please bring 2 passport size photos for Permit and TIMS)
  • Annapurna and Manaslu conservation area fees
  • Government taxes and office service charge
What's Excluded?
  • Lunch and dinner in the city
  • Travel Insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa: for more, you can see in travel info button
  • Hot and cold drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
  • Personal ordered food
  • Hot shower during the trek
  • Rescue charge (if needed)
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Gratuities and Tips for trekking staff
Add-ons & Options
  • Comprehensive Medical Kit
  • Duffel bag for Luggage
  • Seasonal fruits for snacks

Essential Information - Tsum Valley Trek

We are updating the contents.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers

The Tsum Valley trek is graded as a moderate trek, where the highest elevation is at 3700 m.
The trail is composed of several uphills and downhills, which might be somewhat challenging for beginners.

 

The cost for Tsum Valley Trek permit differs slightly depending on the time of year you are trekking in the region and are as follows.

September – November
USD 40 per person/week
USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week)
December – August
USD 30 per person/week
USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

The Tsum Valley trek is totally worth it if you are a person who is interested in unspoiled Buddhist culture combined with the beautiful views of the Himalayas.

 

Reviews on Tsum Valley Trek

5.0

StarStarStarStar Star
Based on 1 Review


Tsum Valley Trek
Lu Xiang
Taiwan
A magical trekking experience

Our trek to Tsum Valley was one memorable experience, where we had the chance to explore the Buddhist cultural villages of the region. We loved the beautiful views of the mountains. The villages and the cheerful people in the region were attractive. There were not much of tourists thus making the trek feel like it was just for us to explore. Our guide and porters made our trip easier and more memorable.

Thank you ,

 

5.0
StarStarStarStar Star

Excellent