Tsum Valley Trek ( 19 Days )
Tsum Valley is indeed a hidden gem nestled within the Himalayas, offering a unique glimpse into the traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and stunning natural landscapes. Trekking through this remote valley is an adventure that takes you off the beaten path, immersing you in the untouched beauty of the region.
The journey begins in Arughat, a small town about seven hours’ drive from Kathmandu. From there, trekkers embark on a trek that initially follows the Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing through dense forests, terraced fields, and quaint hill villages. This part of the trek provides a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals living along the Manaslu Trail.
As the trek veers off towards the Tsum Valley, travelers are greeted with a sense of entering a truly hidden world. The landscape transforms, revealing alpine forests, glacial rivers, and majestic mountain ranges such as Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal. The remoteness of the region adds to its allure, with fewer tourists and relatively untouched paths compared to more popular trekking destinations.
The people of Tsum Valley, known as Tsumbas, have preserved their Tibetan origins, including their ancient dialect, art, culture, and religion. One notable aspect of their traditional way of life is the practice of polyandry, where all brothers in a family are married to a single woman—a custom that may surprise outsiders but reflects the unique social dynamics of the region.
Throughout the trek, visitors have the opportunity to explore ancient monasteries known as Gombas, such as Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dephyudonma Gompa. These sacred sites are not only architectural wonders but also hold deep spiritual significance for the local community.
Overall, the trek to Tsum Valley offers an unforgettable adventure, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this secluded Himalayan paradise.
Day | Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking |
---|---|---|---|
01 | Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel | 1,350m/4,429ft | – |
02 | Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | 1,350m/4,429ft | – |
03 | Drive Kathmandu to Arughat | 6,000m/19,686ft | – |
04 | Arughat to Soti Khola | 710m/2,330ft | 5-6 hrs |
05 | Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 900m/2,953ft | 6-7 hrs |
06 | Maccha Khola to Jagat | 1,410m/4,626ft | 6-7 hrs |
07 | Jagat to Chisopani | 1,660m/5,446ft | 4-5 hrs |
08 | Chisopani to Chumling | 2,386m/7,828ft | 6-7 hrs |
09 | Chumling to Chokhangparo | 3,010m/9,876ft | 4-5 hrs |
10 | Chokhangparo to Nile | 3,361m/11,027ft | 5-6 hrs |
11 | Nile to Mu Gompa | 3,700m/12,140ft | 3 hrs |
12 | Mu Gompa, sightseeing | 3,700m/12,140ft | – |
13 | Mu Gompa to Burgi Village via Milarepa cave | 3,245m/10,647ft | 5 hrs |
14 | Burgi village -Chumling | 2,386m/7,828ft | 5-6 hrs |
15 | Chumling to Philim | 1,590m/5,217ft | 6-7 hrs |
16 | Philim to Khorlabesi | 875m/2,871ft | 6-7 hrs |
17 | Khorlabesi to Soti Khola | 710m/2,330ft | 6-7 hrs |
18 | Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | 4 hrs |
19 | Farewell Friends | – |
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a Ngimalaya Adventure representative will provide transportation to the designated hotel. A welcome dinner, showcasing authentic Nepalese cuisine, will be hosted by Ngimalaya Adventure in the evening, offering an introduction to the country’s culinary culture. The overnight stay will be at the designated accommodation in Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation : Hotel and Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to explore some of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual landmarks, all designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The itinerary includes visits to the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the renowned ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the colossal Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), one of the largest stupas globally. Around noon, undergo equipment checks with the climbing leader, acquaint yourself with fellow participants, and engage in a trip discussion at Himalayan Glacier’s office. The night will be spent in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation : Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 03 : Depart Kathmandu for Arughat
7-8 hour drive through the western mountains via Dhadingbesi. Enjoy scenic views of green hills along the dirt road before reaching Arughat, a major town divided by the Budhi Gandaki river, our starting point for the trek. Overnight in Arughat.
Maximum Altitude : 6,000m/19,686ft ( Driving 7 – 8 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 :Trek from Arughat to Soti Khola
Cross the Budhi Gandaki river and follow a stone-paved street north through the bazaar, passing by a hydro-electric power plant and fields of rice and millet. Trek through forests and cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge to reach Soti Khola. Overnight in Soti Khola.
Maximum Altitude : 710m/2,330ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 :Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola.
Trek through beautiful Sal forests, climb onto a ridge above the Budhi Gandaki river, and pass by waterfalls and rice terraces. Continue to the Gurung village of Labubesi before reaching Maccha Khola. Overnight in Maccha Khola.
Maximum Altitude : 900m/29536ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 : Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat
Cross the Tharo Khola and reach Khorlabesi. Pass a trailside hot spring and cross suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki river. Trek through villages and ascend to Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.
Maximum Altitude : 1,410m/4,626ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 : Trek from Jagat to Chisopani
Complete ACAP procedures and climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri. Descend to Sirdibas and continue upstream to Philim, a large Gurung village. Trek through forests to reach Chisopani. Overnight in Chisopani.
Maximum Altitude : 1,660m/5,446ft ( Hiking:4-5 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 : Trek from Chisopani to Chumling
Cross a gorge, pass by waterfalls, and descend to the Tsum Valley. Enjoy views of the Himalayas and reach Chumling, with its old gompa and stone streets. Overnight in Chumling.
Maximum Altitude : 2,386m/7,828ft ( Hiking: 6-7 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 : Trek from Chumling to Chokhangparo
Cross a suspension bridge and enjoy views of Ganesh Himal. Trek to Chokhangparo and admire views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. Overnight in Chokhangparo.
Maximum Altitude: 3,010m/9,876ft ( Hiking:4-5 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch , and Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Chokhangparo to Nile (5-6 hrs).
Pass by monasteries and cross suspension bridges. Visit Rachen Gompa and continue to the village of Nile. Overnight in Nile.
Maximum Altitude : 3,361m/11,027ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3 hrs).
Trek through Tibetan landscapes to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. Visit the monastery and Dhephu Doma Gompa. Overnight in Mu Gompa.
Maximum Altitude : 3,700m/12,140ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Sightseeing in Mu Gompa.
Maximum Altitude : 3,700m/12,140ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Explore the area and consider a visit to the base of Pika Himal. Overnight in Mu Gompa.
Day 13: Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village via Milarepa cave (5 hrs).
Trek back through villages and visit Milarepa’s Cave for mesmerizing views. Overnight in Burgi Village.
Maximum Altitude : 3,245m/10,647ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Burgi Village to Chumling (5-6 hrs).
Descend and trek through nature to reach Chumling. Overnight in Chumling.
Maximum Altitude : 2,386m/7,828ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Chumling to Philim (6-7 hrs).
Trek to Philim, passing by Samba Falls and trekking through the village. Overnight in Philim.
Maximum Altitude : 1,590m/5,217ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (6-7 hrs).
Descend through villages and reach Khorlabesi, passing by a hot spring. Overnight in Khorlabesi.
Maximum Altitude : 875m/2,871ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Trek from Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (6-7 hrs).
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki river, passing by villages and forests. Overnight in Soti Khola.
Maximum Altitude : 710m/2,330ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18: Trek from Soti Khola to Arughat and drive to Kathmandu (4 hrs trek, 7-8 hrs drive).
Trek and drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views along the way. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 : Final Departure
Today marks the conclusion of our memorable journey in Nepal. A representative from Ngimalaya Adventure will ensure our timely arrival at the airport, approximately 3 hours before our scheduled departure flight. If you have a desire to extend your stay in Nepal for additional adventure activities or explore neighboring countries such as Bhutan, India, or Tibet, Ngimalaya Adventure is ready to assist you with all necessary formalities and arrangements.
Meals : Breakfast,
Please email us with the details of your trekking preferences, including the number of members in your team and any specific services or luxuries you desire. We will provide you with a customized quote tailored to suit your needs perfectly.