Tsum Valley
(20 Reviews)

Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days

Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days Highlights

  • MU Gompa is the biggest and oldest monastery.
  • The valleys, rivers, waterfalls, caves, suspension bridges, and snow-capped mountains.
  • Off-beaten path and less-traveled trekking route in the Manaslu region.
  • Renowned for its vibrant Buddhist culture, monasteries, and natives' traditional way of life.
  • On the foothills of Ganesh Himal, there is a hidden valley (7422 m).
  • Beautiful drive past waterfalls and the Budhi Gandaki River from Kathmandu to Arughat. Gorgeous forests of juniper, rhododendron, and pine.
  • On the trail, take note of the Mani walls, prayer flags, and Khata.

Tsum Valley Trek is a rugged, less-traveled trekking trail near the Tibetan border in the northern Gorkha province. Trekking began there in 2008. Trekking in Nepal is a popular and hard activity for individuals who enjoy exploring distant locations and learning about the distinct culture and traditions of the Himalayan people. The journey begins at Arughat, proceeds down the Budhi Gandaki River, and passes by stunning waterfalls. Ascending further will reward you with breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains covered with snow.

Located in the foothills of Ganesh Himal (7422 m), Tsum Valley is a hidden valley renowned for its rich Buddhist culture, historic monasteries and traditional way of life. The main attractions of this trek are the Rachen Gompa and MU Gompa, which are reached by trekking. With over 100 monks living there MU Gompa is 400-year old monastery. Situated at an elevation of 3700m in the Tsum valley, this monastery is the oldest and largest one. You will see chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls along the route.

All things considered as  the Tsum Valley Trek is and exciting  trekking route that passes through numerous charming little villages, such as Machhakhola, Jagat, Chumling, and Chhekampar, where you can learn about the distinctive customs of the locals and feel their warm hospitality. Nonetheless, it’s a moderate to exciting hike that calls for a decent level of fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience (though it’s not required).

Culture and Religion in Tsum valley

The majority of the locals in Tsum Valley are Tibetan, and they speak a distinct language. They firmly believe in Buddhism. In Tsum Valley, people offer prayers to various Bodhisattvas and Buddha Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). In addition, they install player flags, mani walls, khata, light butter lamps in monasteries, and hold the notion that lamas reincarnate. The majority of people commemorate the Lhosar festival, which takes place in January or February. For ten to fifteen days, people visit monasteries and hang fresh prayer flags in their homes to commemorate the New Year. They also offer delectable food as a means of greetings and well wishes. The Dhuchyang festival, held in December or January, is another significant celebration for the people of Tsum Valley. praying and visiting monasteries.

Foods and lodging

In Nepal, all trekking is centered around teahouses, which entail lodging and dining in regional lodges. The mountain tea houses offer a breathtaking view from their simple, usually double-occupancy rooms that include a wooden bed, blanket, mattress, pillow, and shared bathroom facilities. Similarly, there are single rooms that can accommodate a female traveler traveling alone.

Even though the food is abundant and excellent, we eat at teahouses. They serve soup, seasonal vegetables, rice, and a selection of potato and noodle dishes. You can have pancakes, corn flakes, peanut butter, honey, and jam on French toast, as well as porridge with milk for breakfast. Many types of thukpa (noodle soup), momo (dumplings), Tibetan/chapati bread, macroni, spaghetti, Sherpa stew, sandwiches, pizza, spring rolls, and yak steak are available for lunch. Additionally, there are rice pudding, fruit snickers, apple pie, and hot beverages like hot chocolate, hot mango juice, hot pineapple juice, black/milk coffees, and black/mint/ginger/green/lemon honey teas. There are fresh seasonal fruits available in certain areas.

 Suitable time to trek

One of the greatest times to visit Tsum Valley is in the spring, which runs from March to May. The weather is usually clear and warm during the day and cooler at night. It’s a beautiful path and easier to trek in the absence of rain or snow.

The autumn season, which lasts from October to November, is one of the best because of the clear skies that return after the monsoon rains, the lush landscape, and the hills covered in verdant forests. Now that the heavier clouds have moved on, the mountain’s summit is once again plainly visible.

The best times of year for adventure seekers who wish to take on strenuous and difficult treks while visiting Nepal are thought to be the winter and monsoon. The trail is hazardous and challenging because of the muddy and slick conditions.

Guide and Porter

Since the Tsum Valley Trek is a restricted area trek, entry into the area requires a special permit. As a result, all hikers must hire a certified trekking guide and obtain a permit from approved trekking companies that are officially registered with the Nepali government.

A trustworthy and respectable business, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd., is able to offer guides with excellent technical proficiency and safety performance. They are amiable, proficient in English, properly trained, licensed, and insured as guides. They always have the necessary supplies, first aid kits, and safety equipment on hand.

Travel Insurance

All hikers who wish to take part in any trek or tour program in Nepal’s mountains must have travel insurance. Trekking at high altitudes like the Tsum Valley Trek can be hazardous and physically taxing. In the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a delayed or canceled flight, or lost or stolen luggage, travel insurance can provide financial protection. In addition, it provides you with financial security and assurance in the event of an unplanned mishap.

Altitude sickness

Above 3000 meters in the mountains, altitude sickness is a common occurrence. Your body tries to adapt to the lower oxygen and air pressure at high altitudes by producing symptoms like headache, nausea, exhaustion, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, appetite loss, rapid pulse, and severe dehydration, among others. When trekking in the Tsum Valley, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away to avoid complications.

These are some prevention tips for altitude sickness that our knowledgeable trekking guides have tried and tested.

  • Take a break and relax where you are.
  • Ensure you’re getting adequate water to drink.
  • Don’t exercise, consume alcohol, or smoke.
  • Consuming crab-containing foods and beverages

Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days Itinerary

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Day 1

Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazzar

On the beginning of our trekking; we will be taking a drive for approximately 6 and half hours driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. We will be staying overnight in a lodge in Arughat Bazaar.
Day 2

Trek from Arughat to Liding via soti Khola

The path hugs the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, winding through verdant hills, lush forests, and the majority of the villages en route. You will arrive at Liding, which is situated on the banks of Budhi Gandaki, via the Sal and Chilaune forest. We spend the night at a teahouse in Liding.
Day 3

Trek from Liding to Khorlabesi via Machha khola

The 6-hour trekking route will take you to the Mongolian village of Lupu Besi via forests, meadows, and small waterfalls. Finally, the zigzag path will take you to Machha Khola, which means Fish River, and then Khorlabeshi. Here in Machha Khola, at a teahouse (930 meters), is where we will be staying.
Day 4

Trek from Machha Kholla to Jagat

Today we travel to Tatopani, which is well-known for its healing hot springs, after crossing the Machha Khola River and passing Khorlabesi (920 meters). The trail then heads through a forest on our way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley and the Dovan Khola river. You will notice a change in the vegetation as we ascend until we reach Jagat Village, where we will spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 5

Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,390m)

We set out on a 6-hour hike today, arriving first at Salleri, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Sringi, and then making our way down to the traditional Buddhist village of Sirdibas. The trail goes on until it reaches Lokpa Village, which is located slightly north of Philim. After that, it passes through Ekle Bhatti and climbs up to a ridge by passing through a pine forest. At a fork in the road, we choose to follow the path that leads to Tsum Valley. Our overnight stay is at Lokpa.
Day 6

Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (called Lower Tsum) (2,390m)

We have a 5-hour hike to Tsum Valley ahead of us today. As we descend to Chumling Village at the foot of the mountain, we catch our first glimpses of Tsum Valley. After that, we ascend to Ripchet, and a short distance beyond lies the genuine Buddhist village of Chumling, which is renowned for its stone-paved streets, prayer flags, mani walls, and old monastery. We spend the night here.
Day 7

Trek from Chumling to Chokhangparo - Upper Tsum Valley (3,010m)

We begin our five-hour hike today by traversing a suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal. After crossing Seru Khola and going past Rainjam, the trail continues until it reaches Gho Village. We trek for 5 to 6 hours until we reach Chokhangparo Village, from where we can see views of Ganesh Himal (7140m) and Himalchuli (7893m). This is where we spend the night. Included are breakfast, lunch, and di
Day 8

Trek from Rachen Gompa to Nile/Mu Gompa (3,361m)

The six to seven-hour hike today takes you along the path to Rachen Gompa and the Shir Khola (river). We cross the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun after leaving the river, and then we arrive at the Nile, where we spend the night. The biggest monastery in the area and the highest point in the Tsum Valley is Mu Gompa. Included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9

Acclimatization day in Mu Gompa

On this specific day, instead of continuing our journey, we will remain at Mu Gompa and spend the entire day strolling around and taking in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. In Mu Gompa, we'll be spending the night at a guest house.
Day 10

Trek from Mu Gompaa to Rainjam via Chhule

We will descend via Mu Gompa to Rainjam, which is at 2600 meters, and then through Chhule, which is at 3347 meters, where we can take in the breathtaking views of Punchen Mountain, a singular natural wonder. We're going to spend the night at the Rainjam Guest House.
Day 11

Trek from Ranijam to Gompa Lungdang

We will be walking enjoying the views all the way from Rainjam to Gomba Lungdang which homes to beautiful as well as giant monastery that shelters the female monks. We can observe the spectacular sunrise through the Ganesh Himal. We will stay overnight at the Gompa on this particular day.
Day 12

Trek from Gompa Lungden to Ripchet via Ranijam

We will be descending from Gompa Lungdang to Rainjam enjoying the closest and the most attractive view of Ganesh Himal. Our destination will be Ripchet which is a village which lies on a rural area of Nepal. We will be enjoying home stay at Ripchet.
Day 13

Trek from Ripchet to Philip via Lokpa

We are descending today through the dense pine forest where you will be observing the inhabitant of different species of birds as well as Musk Deer on the way. Reaching at Philip at 1700 meters we will find a better lodge to stay in.
Day 14

Trek from Philip to Khorlabesi

We'll keep going downhill from Philim to Khorlabeshi, which is at 930 meters, by taking the route along the Budhi Gandaki River's bank. Tatopani has a hot spring where you may unwind in the warm waters. In Khorlabeshi, we'll be spending the night in a tented camp.
Day 15

Trek fro Khorlabesi to Soti Kholla

We will be passing through some villages as well as few waterfalls on the both sides of the river. Reaching Soti Khola at 730 meters; you will be staying overnight at a guest house.
Day 16

Trek from Soti Khola to Arughat

Walking for about 5 hours we will reach to Arughat from where we had started our trekking. We will be staying overnight at a lodge in Arughat.
Day 17

Drive from Arughat Bazzar to Kathmandu

We will be enjoying our 6 hours trip from Arughat Bazaar to Kathmandu.

Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days Inclusions

What's included

  • One guide English speaking Experance lisson holder , salary and food and accommodation for guide and porter.
  • Accommodation in tea house during the trek.
  • One porter for two peoples.
  • 3 meal a day , lunch , dinner , breakfast and 3 coupe of tea or coffee a day during the trek.
  • Manaslu conservation Area permit.
  • Tsum valley special permit.
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket during the trek.
  • From kathmandu to arughat bazaar to kathmandu by private 4wd jeep.
  • Government Tax and company service charge.

Add-ons

    What's not included

    • Fee of visa for Nepal.
    • Personal expenses forbar and beverages bills, bottle of water ,desserts , extra porters, shower, laundry or any other program which are not mentioned by the company.
    • Airfare to come Nepal or return back to your own country.
    • If you want to stay for extra nights in a certain destination.
    • Personal Insurance for health and travel .
    • Tips which may be provided by you to our guides, porters or anyone during the trip.

    Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days FAQs

    Why is Tsum Valley a Restricted Area in Nepal for outside visitors?

    The upper part of the Gorkha district, which includes Tsum and the Manaslu Valley, is noteworthy for a number of reasons. The Tsum Valley in Nepal has recently been designated as a restricted area. The restricted zone is located near the borders of China, Tibet, and Nepal after it was opened in 2008. The second reason is to restrict the number of visitors in general and only permit those with specific permits to enter. To preserve Tsum Valley's pristine environment as it existed for centuries, and because it is raw and fresh.

    On this trek is there facilities of electricity and internets / WI-FI?

    Every village along a trek has electricity, which is powered by solar or hydropower. Trekkers can enjoy Internet, Wi-Fi, phone communication, and the ability to charge their electronic devices. However, there are also small locations in Mu Gompa like Deng and Lokpa or Chokang-Paro. Due to weather and altitude, the internet and WI-FI connection are unreliable and slow. Additionally, based on the topography, such as valleys and deep gorges. Trekkers have to wait until where the communication works better either Jagat, and Maccha-Khola village.

    How difficult is it to trek in the Tsum Valley?

    Long walking days, a variety of terrains, and high altitudes are all part of the Tsum Valley trek, so strong physical endurance is needed. A few days of acclimatization will also help you get used to the higher altitude and avoid altitude sickness. It's best to let your guide know if you're feeling under the weather.

    Is it worth to visit a Tsum Valley Trek?

    Yes, it is worth visiting Tsum valley. Tsum valley lies in Manaslu region of Gorkha district and it is an amazing place to visit. Tibetan culture is prevalent in the area, and many people of Tibetan descent reside there. The valley is close to the Tibetan border, and the locals are incredibly amiable and kind. There are not many gompas in the valley because the people who live there are Buddhists with their own traditions, culture, and language. Each gompas has its own charm and unique features. The Tsum Valley is worth visiting because of its lovely culture and kind people.

    Mr Ramesh - Tour Operator in Nepal Holiday

    Ramesh Bajgain

    Kristen - representative in Australia for Nepal Holiday Treks

    Kristen

    Mr Ramesh - Tour Operator in Nepal Holiday

    Ramesh Bajgain

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