Tsum Valley Trek

Kathmandu Valley's cultural heritage sites, despite the recent earthquakes, continue to offer a rich and immersive experience. On this Nepal Tour, you’ll explore five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin with Swayambhunath, known as the "Monkey Temple," and then visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can admire ancient temples and even see the living goddess, Kumari. Next, explore Patan Durbar Square, known for its beautiful architecture, followed by the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Finally, visit Bouddhanath, home to the largest stupa in the world. A private car and driver will take you to each location, waiting as you explore. (Please note, entry tickets and lunch are not included.) This Nepal Trek is a perfect introduction to the Himalayas in Nepal and the country’s vibrant culture.

Depart from Kathmandu and drive west toward Pokhara, passing through rural communities in the Middle Hills to Malekhu. After crossing the Trisuli River, head north toward Dhading Besi, then continue along a rugged dirt road, slowly climbing northwest over Gola Bhanjyang, offering panoramic views of the Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal. As you proceed, occasional glimpses of Ganesh IV and Ganesh VI emerge above the valley walls, leading towards Khorlabesi. Baudha Himal can be seen from Philim and again at higher elevations within the Tsum Valley, while Ganesh Himal stands magnificently from Gumba Lungdang. Note that Manaslu is not visible from the Tsum Valley itself. The journey continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, which drains the Manaslu-Tsum region, driving approximately four more hours to reach Machha Khola, where you’ll rest overnight. This route offers a perfect introduction to the Tsum Valley Trek and the stunning Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Cross the Thado Khola and descend stone stairs, then follow the trail to Khorlabesi at 970 meters, where you'll pass through areas growing coffee and tobacco. At this point, the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT), which runs through Gorkha, intersects our route, heading east towards Langtang and Everest regions. Continue your trek into a lush, narrow gorge where the river's flow is constrained. Carefully navigate a landslide on a precarious path before reaching Tatopani at 930 meters, known for its three natural hot spring spouts. Climb a ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki River to bypass a cliff face and waterfalls. A staircase leads you past another landslide, then climb to a ridge that takes you to Dobhan, where you will spend the night. This section of the journey offers scenic beauty, adventurous paths, and a connection to the larger Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek routes.

The trail ascends through scrub and lush grasses, narrowing as it leads to the high millet fields of Chisopani, and continues to Ekle Bhatti at 1,600 meters, marked by a solitary house. The path gradually descends, passing a stunning waterfall cascading into the gorge, eventually reaching a junction. The left trail leads to the New Bridge and the Larkya La Pass, while the right takes you up a well-graded trail through blue pines and rhododendrons, leading to Lokpa in the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. The Tsum Valley, home to approximately 4,000 people across 18 villages, offers a glimpse into a preserved way of life.

The trail then drops down through the forest before tackling a long, steep climb up the south wall of the Siyar Khola Gorge, rising above the river that drains Tsum. At the summit, adorned with prayer flags, enjoy panoramic views of colorful fields of potatoes, beans, and grains, with Shringi Himal towering above. Afterward, descend to Gumlung, cross the river, and make a final, gentler ascent to Chumling. The architecture in Chumling is distinctly Tibetan, featuring sloping roofs designed to shed rain and snow. Spend the night in Chumling, a peaceful village with breathtaking views, on the Tsum Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Spend two days exploring northeast of Chhekampar, beginning with a full morning visit to Mu and Doma Dephyu Gompas, located north of Nile. The Siyar Khola flows southwest down the center of the valley, crossed by two bridges: the first near the twin villages of Ngakyu and Leru, south of the Rachen Nunnery, and the second to the north of Lamjung, near Milarepa’s Cave. A road is currently under construction in this area.

Northwest of the Siyar Khola, explore the scenic villages of Ngakyu and Leru at 3,200 meters, surrounded by mustard fields and apple orchards. Continue to Lama Gaon at 3,300 meters and Burji at 3,380 meters, where you’ll need a key and a Rs300 per person ticket to visit Milarepa's Cave. It's best to visit the cave during the ascent and stop at Rachen Nunnery on the descent. A challenging half-hour side trail ascends past chortens to Milarepa’s Caves (Piren Phu – Pigeon Cave) on the slopes of Langju Himal. Here, you can see the impression of Milarepa’s foot, an elephant-shaped rock, and two small gompas—one above his meditation spot and another dedicated to local Nyingma-pa deities. The traditional retreat monastery, Chi Phu, clings to the higher slopes.

Southeast of the Siyar Khola, north of the cave, the trail crosses the second bridge to the southeast bank, joining the Rachen – Nile trail before reaching Phurbe at 3,250 meters. Ascend to Pangdun at 3,260 meters, where the gompa houses a large petition. The valley gently curves north, passing an unusual stupa before reaching the entrance kani to Chhule at 3,350 meters (Chhu Li, "shady side"). The 700-year-old, well-endowed double-story Gonhgye Monastery is a half-hour east and offers excellent views.

Cross a tributary from a high waterfall, then cross the Siyar Khola and climb to the Nile (Nyi Li, "sunny side") on the northwest bank, where the glaciers of Pashubo border the east. Overnight in Nile, a peaceful village that offers stunning views and a true experience of the Tsum Valley Trek.

Start early for a rewarding day of trekking with a 2-hour hike past snow ridges to Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters, Tsum’s highest and last permanent settlement. This 70-year-old site offers commanding views of the valley and the western Ganesh Himal, including Ganesh I. Continue climbing above Mu Gompa for a steep ¾ hour to reach the small Dephyu Doma Nunnery at 4,000 meters, a 856-year-old site known as the "place of the birth of light." Perched on a challenging slope, it offers magical, exclusive views of Ganesh II and part of the western Himalayas.

The trail then heads north of Mu to high-grazing kharkas (pastures) with goths (herder’s huts), some of which offer seasonal teahouse facilities along the two pass routes to Kyirong in Tibet. After exploring, return to the Nile for lunch, then retrace your steps to Phurbe and proceed to Rachen Nunnery at 3,240 meters. This 110-year-old site belongs to the Ngak-pa sect, which forbids animal slaughter. Visit the intimate original monastery near the gate, featuring old murals depicting the history of Buddhism. Residential cells for the nuns and retreat buildings are arranged along and within the walls. A new, imposing temple with tall glass-fronted cases housing deities stands further back on the grounds.

Cross the bridge below Rachen and return to Chhekampar overnight, concluding a long yet enriching day of trekking and cultural immersion in the Tsum Valley.

Return to the grouped chortens and descend into the Lower Tsum Valley, making your way to Gho Gompa. From there, head south and cross the river to Dumje, where the Gumba Monastery houses a small school, a herbal medicine clinic, and fields. Begin a strenuous 3 ½ hour climb through beautiful oak, rhododendron, and pine forests, arriving at a landmark mani wall offering views of the nearby gompa. Continue through an exposed section, then climb through towering silver pines to a ridge leading to the Gumba Lungdang nunnery.

At Gumba Lungdang, a 110-year-old nunnery home to around 20 nuns, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Receive a warm welcome and participate in the evening puja, a spiritual highlight of the trek. The morning views from here are expected to be among the most memorable of the journey. Spend the night on the Gompa’s veranda for a unique experience under the stars.

Descend through dense forests to a small chorten and take the left fork onto a narrow trail to cross the Langdang Khola. Continue climbing steadily, crossing two high bridges over impressive, narrow gorges, leading to Ripchet—a secluded agricultural village nestled in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a break for lunch in Ripchet before descending steeply down a series of stairs to Gumlung by the river. Re-enter the forested path, completing the final ascent back to Lokpa. Spend the night in Lokpa, concluding a day filled with challenging terrain and scenic transitions.

After breakfast, descend to the trail junction for Manaslu, then ascend to a high waterfall and Ekle Bhatti, enjoying stunning views along the way. Continue to Philim for lunch, then follow the riverbank trail to Sirdibas, the last Buddhist village on this route. Overnight in Sirdibas, completing a scenic and peaceful day of trekking.

Today, swap alpine flora for lush, subtropical vegetation and more humid conditions. Retrace your steps leisurely through Salleri, Jagat, Yaruphant, Dobhan, and Tatopani, reaching Khorlabesi for some local coffee. Continue following the river trail to the hewn steps and the 'bridge with a waterfall', leading to Machha Khola. Overnight in Machha Khola, soaking in the serene atmosphere and natural beauty.

Board your jeep and begin your drive from Machha Khola to Arughat, exiting the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Continue through Dhading, where you'll encounter improved road conditions leading to Malekhu. From there, join the highway back to Kathmandu. After this scenic yet adventurous journey, spend your night relaxing in Kathmandu.

Having completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it’s time to continue your journey to your home or next adventure. Our airport team will assist with your transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. We welcome your feedback and suggestions, as we aim to improve our services based on your insights. Safe travels!

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