Duration: 24 days
Cost: USD Contact Us
Tsum Valley, one of the most fascinating tourist destinations of Nepal, is located at an altitude of 1, 905 meters to 5, 093 meters. It lies on the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal Tibet border. It used to be a restricted area until 2008. Tsum valley is also known as the Hidden valley and is a land of monasteries with Tibetan population. This valley boasts Baudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south and Sringi Himal to the north. It includes two remote villages development committee – Upper Tsum and Lower Tsum.
Tsum valley is still untouched by modernization in compared to other tourist areas of Nepal. Here the trekkers can see immaculate state and remoteness as well as ancient ruins. Unlike other tourist destination, this valley is full of mountains, passes, hamlets, gorges, gompas, chortens and Mani walls. The Tsum valley’s acquaintance with Tibet, natural beauty and its pristine culture makes the trekking unique compared to others. This valley has a long history of Buddhism.
Trekking to Tsum valley is unique on its own. During the initial days of the trek, we explore the Budhi Gandaki valley through a mix of waterfalls, Mountain peak, local Gurung village, farming land and huge Sal forest. Then it will take you to the majestic surroundings of Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Sringi Himal and Baudha Himal ranges. We also get a chance to visit ancient Buddhist Gompas lying on the region including Rachen Gompa, Milarepa cave and Mu Gompa.
A sustainable and plastic-free life is just a few clicks away. Akiiko believes in improving your home space with simple and artistic utility products made with 100% organic and natural materials. Visit the website now.
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Staff from our office will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu and bring you to the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
After the breakfast, representative from our office will visit your hotel and brief you about the trekking. Then you will be taken for a guided tour around some of the historical and cultural attractions of Kathmandu. You will visit Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath and Patan Durbar Square, and return back early in the afternoon so that you will have enough time to prepare for your trek.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Arughat (570 m)
Driving Time: 7-8 Hours
Wake up early and get ready for the travel. Your trekking guide will visit your hotel and take you to the bus park where you can find bus going to Arughat from Kathmandu. You can also travel via private car or jeep at an extra cost. Arughat is the major town in that region, where you will stay overnight.
Day 04: Arughat to Lapubesi (880 m)
Walking Time: 6-7 Hours
Your first day of the hike starts today so try to walk at your own pace. You can also take a bus up to Sotikhola and start walking from there to Lapubesi. From Sotikhola the narrow trail follows the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. The rocky trail goes up and down through the forest till Lapubesi. You can see Waterfalls, Mountain peak (Sringi Himal 7187m), local Gurung village, farming land and huge Sal forest.
Day 05: Lapubesi to Tatopani (990 m)
Walking Time: 6 Hours
After breakfast follow the narrow trail that makes minor ups and downs and sometimes drops to the sandy gravel bank of Budhi Gandaki River. You will pass through the local Gurung village, terrace fields of tobacco, buckwheat, potato, millet and corn along your way. After getting to Tatopani do not forget to take natural hot water shower which is believed to release muscle and body pains. Stay overnight here.
Day 06: Tatopani to Jagat (1590 m)
Walking Time: 6 Hours
After the early breakfast you need to follow the trail that goes uphill through forest by the bank of Budi Gandaki River. Cross the suspension bridge and ascend uphill to reach the compact village Jagat where we will make entry of our trekking permit. Today you entered the Manaslu conservation area. You will see mane wall, Stupa, Chorten & monastery around this area. Stay overnight here.
Day 07: Jagat to Lokpa (2240 m)
Walking Time: 7 Hours
After the early breakfast we head towards Lokpa from Jagat. Lokpa is the first village when you enter the Tsum Valley. Along the way you can see Shringi Himal (Bouddha Himal) and some parts off Ganesh Himal Range. You will pass through the local Sherpa village who are basically farmers who grows potatoes, gucchi mushrooms and soya beans. Overnight at Lokpa.
Day 08: Lokpa to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (2386 m)
Walking time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Today you will be passing through the huge dark pine and rhododendron forests from where you will descend down the trail going to Tsum Valley. After reaching Gumlung, you will cross the Siyar Khola finally arriving to Chumling from where you can see incredible sights of Singri Himal and Ganesh Himal 2 and 6. If there is still time available you can visit to Chumling Gompa and the villages.
Day 09: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (3010 m)
Walking time: 5 Hours
After the early breakfast you will head towards Chhokangparo. You will continue you trek by the incredible view of Ganesh Himal then you will pass by Rainjam to Serpu Khola to reach Gho village. From there you need to follow the uphill trail for about 2 more hours to reach Chhokangparo. Here the local people mostly Tibetan group Tsombo welcomes you with the traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and a local meal.
Day 10: Chhokangparo to Mu Gompa (3700 m)
Walking Time: 6 Hours
Start early today as you will be walking for long hours. After passing Lamagaon and crossing the suspension bridge. Then you will cross the Shiar Khola reaching the local villages. After leaving old and historic stupa of Buddha, you are almost close to the Tibetan border. Along the way you can enjoy with the view of Ganesh Himal range and so many Tibetan mountains, Melarepa, caves and Rachen Gompa.
Day 11: Rest Day in Mu Gompa
Today is the first rest day of the trek. We make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region today. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in this 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) or going to the Tibetan border to enjoy nice mountain views.
Day 12: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (3240 m)
Walking time: 4 Hours
Today we trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa. It is the monastery for the nuns. The trekkers who are going for Ganesh Himal Base Camp will stay in the Rachen Gompa. This is quite big Gompa as 80 nuns are staying here.
Day 13: Rachen Gompa to Lokpa (2240 m)
Walking time: 6 Hours
After early morning breakfast, we set our way towards Lokpa. You will continue south then descend to Chhokangparo. Again you will follow the trail that is gradually descending for more than 2 hours. Furthermore taking the northern route in the lower Tsum takes you to Lokpa.
Day 14: Lokpa to Dyang (1800 m)
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Today you need to follow the right-hand side trail by the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River passing through the narrow canyon valley. From Lungwa Khola you need to cross the bridge and follow left trail leaving behind the trail to Tsum Valley at right. The trail passes through the pine forest and grasslands slightly uphill until you reach the tiny village Dyang. Chances to see mountains, mani walls, rivers flowing between vertical rock walls, landscape and wildlifes.
Day 15: Dyang to Namrung (2660 m)
Walking time: 6 Hours
Trail goes slightly uphill following Budhi Gandaki River alike to previous trail till Namrung village. Most of the way you have to walk through the forest where you can see wild animals like monkeys and musk deer and different variety of birds including Nepali national bird colorful pheasant - Danphe. After getting to Namrung try to visit Buddhist Monastery nearby and make entry of your permit to police check point.
Day 16: Namrung to Samagaon (3530 m)
Walking time: 6 Hours and 30 minutes
Today too the trail ascends slightly uphill to wide open valley through the forest of thorny plants and pine trees, green pastures, farming lands and apple orchards. You have to pass many local villages like Bharjang, Ligaon, Syogan, Lhogaon, Syalagaon and Samagaon. From Namrung the route ascends steeply uphill untill Ligaon, then follow moderately up and flat trail till Lho gaon and ascend 2 hours steeply uphill to Syalagaon then follow easy trail to Samgaon. This area is inhabitated by the typical indigenous Tibetan tribes. Today from the beginning you can see mountains like Shringi Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Manaslu North, Naike Peak & Larke Peak. On the way, you can visit the popular monsatery on the ridge of the hill situated at Lho Gaon from where you can view the beautiful mountains and valleys. Overnight at Samagaon.
Day 17: Samagaon to Samdo (3690 m)
Walking time: 4 Hours 30 minutes
Today you do have option for buffer day. Either continue your hike to Samdo village or stay at Samagaon. However we advise you to hike to Samdo and take buffer day as you can see better view from here. If you stay at Sama Gaon try to visit Birendra Lake Manaslu Base camp which takes about 6.5 hours walking time. If you wish to hike to Samdo, try to follow left hand side easy trail by the bank of river slightly uphill until Samdo. Today you will leave tree line behind. From Samdo village you can go to Tibet border too. You will see spectacular Mountain View, mane wall and Buddhist graveyards.
Day 18: Acclimatization Day
You have option to hike to Tibet border or hike to Samdo hill, choice is yours. It takes 7 to 8 hours (both way) to hike to Tibet border and it takes 4 to 5 hours to hike to Samdo hill. We recommend you to hike to Samdo hill where you can see one of the best panoramic Mountain views on your whole trip. You will see mounatins like Manaslu, Samdo peak, Larke Peak, Pangpoche Himal, Himal Chuli & many more peaks.
Day 19: Samdo to Dharmashala (4470 m)
Walking time: 4 Hours
You are close to your final goal point. Trail goes slightly uphill, try to hike slow in a constant pace today as there will be less oxygen due to altitude. Be prepared mentally and physically. You will have opportunity to see blue sheep, Marmot, yak grazing on meadow, Mani wall, rocky land, alpine landscape, windy valley, snowing peak, glacier and Mountain View along the way.
Day 20: Over the Larkepass (5106 m) and Bimtang (3720 m)
Walking time: 7-8 Hours
Today the trail to Larke La is gradually up-hill. It is best to make a start early to cross the pass safely. You might experience some problem of altitude sickness as you move higher up, hike slow in a constant pace and drink as much water as you can. It might be extremely cold and windy. After 4.5 hours hike you will reach to your final destination - The Larke La. You will see Avalanche, hear crackling sound of glacier on the way. From the pass you can enjoy the breathtaking mountain views such as - Annapurna II (7937m), Hindu Himal, Himlung Himal (7210m), Nike, Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaja khng (7030m), Kang Garu (6981m) and Pongkar Himal. Drop down slowly till the glacier as the trail is steeply downhill and rest of the trail is gradually downhill to Bimtang. From Bimtang you will see magnificent view of Manaslu, Himlung. Stay overnight at Bimtang.
Day 21: Bimtang to Gho (2560 m)
Walking time: 5 Hours
Today is the last day to get a close view of mountains so wake up early today before sunrise and take a final look of the panoramic mountains and hilly view. After breakfast we need to hike down to Gho. Descend gradually downhill and cross the glacier stream, again step slowly downhill through the pineforest along the bank of Dudh Koshi river till Gho. Stay overnight at Gho.
Day 22: Gho to Dharapani (1860 m)
Walking time: 3 hours
Follow the bank of Dudh Koshi River gradually downhill for 3 hours to reach Dharapani. From Dharapani you have three options to choose from:
Drive to Besi Sahar by local Jeep (4.5 hours)
Hike down all the way to Besisahar. It is 2 days hiking to Besi Sahar. (Exclusive to trip cost)
Head towards Thorang La pass (Annapurna circuit). (Exclusive to trip cost)
We suggest you to take Jeep to Besi Shahar if jeep is available else stay overnight at Dharapani and take a jeep next day.
Day 23: Back to Kathmandu
If you wish you can go to Pokhara on your own from Besi Sahar or you can return back to Kathmandu by local bus along with your trip guide.
Day 24: Departure
End of a memorable trip, we will drop you to airport for the final departure.
Mandatory Items
Optional items
I recently completed the Manasluand Tsum Valley Trek over 20 days as a solo hiker. When looking to book the tour from overseas I was overwhelmed by the options available, but Incredible Treks seemed to be a great combination of professionalism at a fair price. From the moment of contact, nothing was too much trouble, and Nabin did all he could to facilitate my trip.
The trek itself was incredible. Having heard that Annapurna and Everest are very busy throughtrekkingseason, I was keen to experience a more remote Nepal, and see Nepalese and Tibetan culture largely untouched by tourism, while still having a physical challenge in the high mountains. TheManasluand Tsum Valley Trek fit this bill perfectly. Bing a solo trekker I was concerned that it would be too much one-to-one time with my guide, but I need not have worried. Kaalu was greatly a young energetic and knowledgeable guy who was always there when I needed him, and nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of the mountains was great, and he provided cultural insights the whole way (worth the price of the guide alone). I felt safe with him at all times. The mountains were incredible, with the high pass at over 5000m enough to challenge all physical fitness. When I come back to Nepal I will have no hesitation in booking with Incredible Treks.
