Tsum Valley Trekking

Overview

Completely isolated from modern development, the Tsum valley was only opened for tourism activity by the Nepal government as recent at 2007.

Tsum valley lies in Gorkha district and comprises two remote villages called Chumchet and Chhekampar. The name ‘Tsum’ came from the Tibetan word called ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid.

Traditionally Tsum valley was a very distinct place geographically and culturally therefore was called ‘Tsum Tso Chuksums’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory.

The trail heads up the valley of the Budi Gandaki River through wild and unexplored country inhabited mainly by members of the Gurung ethnic groups. It also has a long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves amongst these mountains.

This land is so unexplored that many religious and archaeological relics are still intact at many places in Tsum. People in the Tsum Valley still practise the polyandry system and they have a unique culture, tradition and a dialect of their own. Their unique festivals observed here are Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa, Faning among others. The valley also contains many gompas, chortens and mani walls, the longest being over 250m.

The residents of Tsum valley are called Tsumbas. The most interesting fact is that many Tsumbas have claimed to have seen or encountered Mehti, most commonly referred to as the ‘Yeti’.

The lowest point of Tsum Valley trek is Lhokpa (1905 m) and the highest is Ngula Dhojhyang Pass (over 5093 m) on the Tibetan border. The Hidden Valley is surrounded by the Baudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and Sringi Himal to the North.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, there will be a briefing about your upcoming trek.

Day 2 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical sites of Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

Day 3 : Preparation for Trekking Today is reserved for final preparations for your trek.

Day 4 : Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (550m) then to Soti Khola (730m)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Arughat and then to Soti Khola. The drive offers scenic views of the Trishuli river and the Himalayas. Overnight in Soti Khola.

Day 5 : Trek from Soti Khola (730m) to Machha Khola (890m)

The trek starts with crossing the Soti Khola and passing through a beautiful Sal forest. You'll then descend to Lapubesi and continue to Machha Khola. Overnight in Machha Khola.

Day 6 : Trek from Machha Khola (890m) to Jagat (1,400m)

Today's trek includes crossing Tharo Khola and reaching Tatopani. You'll then trek through a narrow valley and cross the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

Day 7 : Trek from Jagat (1,400m) to Lokpa (2,040m)

We'll register our permits in Jagat and then trek to Lokpa, the entry point of Tsum Valley. The trail offers stunning views of Mount Sringi and the Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight in Lokpa.

Day 8 : Trek from Lokpa (2,040m) to Chumling (2,386m)

Today's trek takes us through the picturesque Tsum Valley, with views of Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal. We'll visit the main monasteries in Chumling. Overnight in Chumling.

Day 9 : Trek from Chumling (2,386m) to Chhokangparo (3,031m)

The trail leads to Chhokangparo, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. Overnight in Chhokangparo.

Day 10: Trek from Chhokangparo (3,031m) to Nile (3,361m) Today's trek takes us to Nile, the last village north of the upper Tsum Valley. We'll pass by the sacred Phiren Phu Cave and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Overnight in Nile.

Day 10 : Trek from Chhokangparo (3,031m) to Nile (3,361m)

Today's trek takes us to Nile, the last village north of the upper Tsum Valley. We'll pass by the sacred Phiren Phu Cave and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Overnight in Nile.

Day 11 : Trek from Nile (3,361m) to Mu Gompa (3,700m) and visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4,060m)

We'll trek to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region, and visit the historic Dhephyudonma Gompa. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Overnight in Mu Gompa.

Day 12 : Trek from Mu Gompa (3,700m) to Rachen Gompa (3,240m)

Today's trek takes us to Rachen Gompa, a nunnery with beautiful murals and a rich history. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Rachen Gompa.

Day 13 : Trek from Rachen Gompa (3,240m) to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m)

We'll trek to Gumba Lungdang, home to a vibrant Buddhist community and known for its scenic beauty. The trail offers diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. Overnight in Gumba Lungdang.

Day 14 : Trek from Gumba Lungdang (3,200m) to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m) and back

Today's trek takes us to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. We'll return to Gumba Lungdang for the night.

Day 15 : Trek from Gumba Lungdang (3,200m) to Lokpa (2,040m)

We'll retrace our steps back to Lokpa, enjoying the landscapes and cultural sites along the way. Overnight in Lokpa.

Day 16 : Trek from Lokpa (2,040m) to Jagat (1,400m)

Today's trek takes us back to Jagat, where we'll rejoin the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail offers glimpses of the mountains and passes through forests and villages. Overnight in Jagat.

Day 17 : Trek from Jagat (1,400m) to Lapu Bensi (900m)

We'll trek to Lapu Bensi, passing through picturesque landscapes and suspension bridges. Overnight in Lapu Bensi.

Day 18 : Trek from Lapu Bensi (900m) to Arughat Bazaar (535m)

Today's trek takes us back to Arughat Bazaar, where we'll catch a jeep back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Arughat Bazaar.

Day 19 : Drive back to Kathmandu (1,324m) from Arughat (535m)

We'll drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Trip code
Package name	Tsum Valley Trekking
Duration	21
Max. elevation	3710 m
Level	Difficult
Transportation	Private vehicle (Kathmandu–Soti Khola and intra-Pokhara), Walking
Accomodation	3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu, Lodge / Tea house during trekking
Starts at	Kathamndu
Ends at	Kathamndu
Trip route	Kathmandu – Soti Khola – Machha Khola – Jagat – Philim – Chhekampar – Nile – Mu Gompa – Rachen Gompa – Chhekampar – Philim – Jagat – Soti Khola – Kathmandu
Cost	USD 1,700 per person