Tsum Valey Trek

This day entails a brief excursion around the valley of Kathmandu. Exploring the UNESCO world heritage sites, you visit Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. Apart from being of great religious and historical significance, these sites have set the tone of the city, its people, and their culture. Later, you meet with other members of the trek and make preparations. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

You’ll drive 126 km northwest of Kathmandu through Prithvi Highway towards Arughat Bazaar in the Gorkha district. The drive takes you along the Trishuli River, large hills, and gorges towards Arughat via Dhading Besi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Arughat is a major town in the area which is divided into two parts by the Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight stay at Arughat.

You’ll begin the trek and cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki towards the western part of Arughat. You’ll pass through the hydro-electric power plant, rice and millet fields en route to Mangaltar and Shanti Bazaar. The trail becomes steeper and more difficult as you cross the Arkhet Khola. From here you’ll descend towards Kuerepani and make way towards Soti Khola. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.

You’ll trek through the beautiful Sal forest towards a ridge above the Budhi Gandaki River. The rocky trail goes up and down through two tropical waterfalls and eventually makes way towards the Gurung village of Lapubesi. You’ll trek along the Budhi Gandaki River and descend to the sandy river bed before climbing a small hill towards Machha Khola village. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.

Today, you’ll trek through the narrow trail with minor detours and cross the Tharo Khola towards Khorlabesi. After a few more detours, you’ll encounter a natural hot-spring at Tatopani. After crossing Dobhan, you’ll climb the rugged trail to Yaruphant and ascend towards Yaru Khola. After climbing over a ridge you’ll trek along the river and climb towards Jagat village. Overnight stay at Jagat.

You’ll get your ACAP permit checked at Jagat. Afterward, you’ll climb over a rocky ridge towards Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley opens up en route to Ghatta Khola. You’ll continue upstream and climb towards Philim, a large Gurung village. After a short hike from Philim, you’ll reach the village of Chisopani. Overnight stay at Chisopani.

You’ll ascend further north from Chisopani and cross the gorge towards the huge waterfall and the pristine pine tree forests. You’ll descend down the trail leading to Tsum Valley through the lush pine and rhododendron forests. En route Lokpa, you can relish the magnificent views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Boudha Himal range. After crossing the Siyar Khola, you’ll arrive at Chumling. Overnight stay at Chumling.

Today, you’ll make your way towards the beautiful Buddhist village of Chhokang Paro with the magnificent views of the nearby Ganesh Himal (7422m) throughout the trail. You’ll walk pass Rainjam village towards Sarpu Khola and cross the bridge to arrive at Gho Village.  A continuous 2hr uphill hike will bring you to the village of Chhokang Paro. Overnight at Chhokang Paro.

You’ll ascend further up the Chhokang Paro village towards Lamagaon and cross a suspension bridge to reach the Rachen Gompa, a Nunnery. Pass Siyar Khola, you’ll continue trekking through Lar (micro hydropower), Phurbe, and Pangdun. You’ll witness an old historical Stupa en route to Chhule. After climbing upstream you’ll finally arrive at Nile. Overnight stay at Nile.

As you’re above the altitude of 3500m, it’s essential to trek at a slower pace. You are now closer to the Tibetan border; hence, you’ll witness Tibetan influenced settlements en route. Short walk west of the valley through the Tibetan-influenced landscape will lead you to Mu Gompa. You’ll pay a visit to the historical monastery. If time permits, you can make a brief visit to the Dephu Doma Gompa. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.

Today you’ll spend time exploring the Mu Gompa region. You can observe the rich Tibetan-influenced villages and visit the largest Mu Gompa (Monastery) today. The monastery lies at the altitude of 3700m in the remotest part of the valley. Here, monks practice meditation and Tibetan-Buddhist rituals. You can witness their involvement and also learn about the history and significance of the gompa in the region. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.

Here on, you’ll begin descending. You’ll retrace our path and trek back through Chhule and Phurbe villages lying on the eastern bank of Siyar Khola. The 5hr of descend will bring you to Burgi village, a beautiful village in Upper Tsum. You can climb up to the Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu) to catch the magnificent sights of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal, and Chure Himal ranges.

You’ll trek further down the valley towards the Chumling village. You’ll continue trekking through the lush pine and rhododendron forests to Chhokang Paro. After a brief stop, you’ll continue trekking through Gho and cross Sarpu Khola to reach the other side to Chumling village. At the latter end of the trek today, you reach the outskirts of the Tsum Valley. Overnight stay at Chumling.

The trail continues towards Lokpa village. You can enjoy the scenic Samba Falls en route. The trek is moderately easy today as you trek over flatlands. The 6-7hr of trek will bring you to Philim village. Philim serves as the gateway to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Overnight stay at Philim.

You’ll continue descending along the Dobhan Khola and cross Jagat and Tatopani villages to reach Khorlabesi. A short descent from Sirdibas will bring you to Jagat. A short walk will bring you to Tatopani. If time permits, you can choose to take a dip in the natural hot spring of Tatopani. Further down from Tatopani lies Khorlabesi village. Overnight stay at Khorlabesi.

You’ll cross the Tharo Khola and make way towards Machha Khola village. A short trek along the Budhi Gandaki River will bring you to Lapubesi. You will trek past the two waterfalls to reach Khursane. After a short walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki, the valley opens a trail leading directly to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.

Today is the last day of the trek. You’ll climb the ridge leading towards Kuerepani. A short descent past the waterfall will bring you to Arkhet Khola. You’ll make your way through the lush forests to reach Mangaltar. After passing the hydroelectric plant you’ll finally arrive at Arughat Bazaar. Overnight stay at Arughat.

Today, you’ll catch your commute back to Kathmandu from Arughat. You’ll drive along the massive Marsayangdi and Trishuli rivers with the splendid views of lush green hills, mountains, and villages towards Kathmandu. Once at Kathmandu, you can rest in your hotel. If time permits, you also can explore the city and look for gifts and souvenirs while doing so. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.