Tsum Valley Trekking

Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Transfer from airport on a private bus to hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.

Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.

It takes 10 hours of bus ride to reach Soti Khola in Gorkha district from Kathmandu. On our way we will cross Trishuli River and head towards north to Dhading and Salyantar. We will drive in paved road until Dhading but the drive will be tough road up to Arughat though we can enjoy magnificent view of Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. We continue our drive little further ahead to Soti Khola where we will stay overnight.

At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budi Gandaki. Then, take a trail that weaves its way up and down intermittently before leading upwards to a Gurung village of Lapubesi (2.5 hrs). An open walk down to Nauli Khola, cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb to Khanibesi (1.5 hrs) where we take lunch. The rocky trail continues up and down passing a high cascading waterfall in route to Machha Khola, situated right beside the river bank.

The hiking will through narrow trails with minor ascends and descends along the way. Today we will pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani (Hot Spring) moving on from there we cross Budi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge. Doban Khola and Yaru Khola are two other rivers we will need to pass until we climb more stone stairs to Thado Bharyang. After crossing the west bank of Budi Gandaki and trekking along the river, climb towards the Jagat Village. We will call it off for the day in Jagat.

After completing with the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. As the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola, the valley widens up. Without stopping, we continue our trek and climb up to Philim- a village inhabited by the Gurungs. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. Stay overnight at Chisapani.

After breakfast at Chisapani early in the morning, today is another challenging day of the expedition. We will have a long walk through the pine and rhododendron forests with a beautiful panoramic view of mountains and waterfalls. Lokpa is a small village that lies along the old trial route. Pass Lokpa, descend half an hour towards Lungwa khola and climbing jig 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. We will spend a night in Chumling.

Leaving Chumling in the morning, we move ahead hiking towards Chokhangparo. Crossing the suspension bridge on the opposite bank of the river, today we will travel through farming lands in Tibetan village enjoying the stunning view of Ganesh Himal throughout the entire six hours of trek. 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 Chokangparo. Chokhangparo is located on a flat land comprising of two villages- Chokhang and Paro. This region is famous for practicing Polyandry. We will stay overnight in a local lodge.

Today is the lengthiest day of the entire trek. We will hike around 600 meters up to the mountain. The first think you will be asked prior to the trek is to drink a lot of water so your body is in hydration throughout today’s trek. We will climb over several ridge of chortens and pass through many villages, mostly influenced by the Tibetan culture. You will get chance to meet Tsumbas, the local residents who speak Tsumba language and little Nepali. Nile is a small settlement located at the banks of Shiar Khola and the last village before Tsum Valley. Walking to the west bank of the valley for next three hours from Nile, we finally reach Mu-Gompa. Mu-Gompa is an ancient and the biggest monastery in the region giving shelter to over 100 monks. Book a room in a local lodge to stay.

Today we make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region. Located at the border of the Tibetan landscape, Mu-Gompa is the largest monastery in Manaslu region. There are no other settlements here. Set at the highest point of Tsum Valley, this place was once an important trading place for Tibet and Nepal. You will see yaks being utilized to carry and supply goods to local villages. Dhephu Doma Gompa is another monastery worth visiting in the region which is said to be 600 years old. You can take a half day walk to Nunnery or consider hiking to the base of Pika Himal (4865 m), it’s upon you. After you’re done with exploring, come back to Mu-Gompa for another night stay.

Leaving Mu-Gompa, we trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola, to reach Burgi Village. We will visit a cave called Piren Phu (Pigeon’s Cave) which is believed to have been visited by the saint Milarepa for meditation in ancient times. The cave is also popular for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke Himal. After five hours of walk, we reach the small beautiful village of Burgi where we will stay a night.

Leaving Burgi Village after a hot breakfast, we trek back down watching the greenery of nature to Chhokhangparo. Moving ahead on a flat trail through rice terraces and farm lands, we also pass Gho and cross a suspension bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Chumling comes right after we hike along lower Tsum Valley. Stay overnight in a local lodge in Chumling.

From Chumling, we proceed towards Philim which is another long hike back through the pine and rhododendron forests. In route we pass Dumje, a small village with around eight to nine houses in total. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. On our way we can see the trail leading to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Philim is a great place to stay because it gives a beautiful view of landscape while you can observe the rural lifestyle of village people. Spend a night at one of the local lodges in Philim.

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 Doban. Finally arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. Continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day.

After spending a night in Korla Besi, we move on with our trip back and so today we descend down the stream and pass Machha Khola village. Walking along the Budi Gandaki River, crossing Labubesi and lush pine forests, we continue our hike and finally arrive at Soti Khola. We will spend our second last night of the trip at a local lodge in Soti Khola.

Just as the first day of the trek, we will take ten hours bus ride only this time we will be going back with the wonderful memories of our accomplishment. On your way back we will drive alongside the Marshyangdi and Trishuli River with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of the road. We head up to Malekhu where we will make our stop for lunch. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be taken to your respective hotel.

Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle.