The Tsum Valley is a hidden Shangri La in the Manaslu region, rarely trekked. Trekking to Tsum Valley offers a magical and unforgettable journey of a lifetime.
Tsum Valley is one of the most untouched corners of the Himalayas. The trek route is located east of the famous Manaslu Circuit. Known as the hidden Shangri La, the Tsum Valley trek offers a magical journey in the Manaslu region. Dominated by Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Himlachuli, and Mount Manaslu, the Tsum Valley offers magnificent vistas.
Unlike famous treks such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang Valley, the Tsum Valley is much less crowded. Not even 10% of the tourists do the Tsum Valley trek, which makes it unspoiled and pristine. The trail is not commercialized at all. So, if you are searching for a raw adventure in the Himalayas, consider the Tsum Valley trek 15 days.
Luckily, camping is not required on this trek. However, only a handful of tea houses are available in the villages along the way. Not many travelers know about the Tsum Valley trail, and its starting point is also not easily accessible. You have to drive 8 to 9 hours from Kathmandu and walk for two days to reach the entrance of Tsum Valley.
Located near the Tibetan border, the Tsum Valley was opened in 2008 for foreigners. The trek starts from Machha Khola (930 m/3,051 ft) and ascends to Mu Gompa (3,700 m/11,026 ft). The elevation gain is not much on this trek, so it is perfect for anyone looking for a low-altitude adventurous trek.
Our 15 days Tsum Valley trek does not include an excursion to the Gumba Lungdang and Ganesh Himal Base Camp. However, we highly recommend extending the trek here if you have 2-3 days extra.
The trail ascends far north. The first few days of the trail are very lush. You will trek through dense forests and cross rivers and streams on the way. Once you reach Lokpa, the trail turns to Tsum Valley, and soon, the lushness fades away with the rise in elevation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
Meet our staff at the arrival exit gate holding your namecard. They will welcome you on our behalf and transfer you to the hotel. We have booked a hotel for you in Thame. It is the tourist hub in Kathmandu and the perfect place to start your trekking adventure.
Day 2: Full-day sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Visit a few historical monuments like Bouddhanth Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the morning with our guide. The guide will be able to speak English, so there will be no communication difficulty. After the tour, you will get to know your mountain guide and the trekking program. End the day by packing duffel bags and purchasing trekking essentials.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Soti Khola (730 m) and Arughat Bazar
Drive to Machha Khola today. The trek starts from here. The highway is well made up to Arughat. From here, the ride gets bumpy till Machha Khola. You will see beautiful scenery and mountain vistas on the way.
Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat
Start trekking from Mahha Khola via dense forests. You may see langur monkeys and different species of birds and butterflies while trekking. The trail ascends to Tatopani, where you can stop for half an hour to enjoy natural hot springs. Further, cross two suspension bridges and trek past Doban and a landslide area to Yaruphant. Crossing another bridge, you will trek to Jagat.
Day 5: Trek to Lokpa
The trail ascends to Salleri and continues along a river bank. You will cross a long suspension bridge and ascend towards Philim. The trail gradually opens up to much clearer views of mountains. Reach Ekle Bhatti, and from here, follow the route to Tsum Valley. This is where you get off of the Manaslu Circuit route. Passing by lush forests, small settlements, and stupas, reach Lokpa.
Day 6: Lokpa to Chumling
The trail is offbeat from Lokpa to Chumling. You can see stunning views of Bauddha Himal and Ganesh Himal VI while trekking. Descend to Lungwa river and follow an uphill route from here through dense pine and rhododendron forests. There is no settlement between Lokpa and Chumling, so we will carry a packed lunch.
Day 7: Trek from Chumling to Chhokhang Paro
Today, you will enter the upper part of the Tsum Valley, the inner Himalayas. Following the bank of the Syar River, the trail drops to Domje, the biggest village in the valley. Further, you will walk up to Chhokhang Paro, enjoying outstanding views of the Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli mountains on the way.
Day 8: Trek from Chhokhang Paro to Nile (3,361 m)/Chhule (3,347 m) via Milarepa Piren Phu Cave
The trail first ascends to Lamagaon. You have two routes to continue from here. One goes via Rachen Gompa, and another ascends straight to the Nile settlement. The terrain will be steep and rugged, so be careful. Following the straight uphill route, you will cross a bridge and reach Phurbe. Keep ascending from here and cross two more bridges before arriving at the Nile for the night stay.
Day 9: Early morning excursion to Mu Gompa and descend back to Nile to spend the night
Start the day with an early morning hike to Mu Gompa. It is the highest point in the Tsum Valley, and there is no village above here. While climbing, you can see breathtaking snow-capped mountains and a jaw-dropping view of Lungdang Glacier. Mu Gompa is believed to be 77 years old. On the way, you will also explore the Dephyu Dolma Nunnery Gompa, which is 600 years old.
Day 10: Trek from Nile to Chumling
You will trek back from the Nile to Chumling, following the same route. Start the day with a big breakfast and enjoy your downhill walk. If you have not trekked via Rachen Gompa while ascending, consider descending via this route.
Day 11: Trek from Chumling to Philim
From Chuling, the trail goes via terraced fields and lush forests. Cross multiple suspension bridges on the way and also pass by the gorgeous Samba Fall. The views of Shringi Himal are phenomenal along the way.
Day 12: Trek from Philim to Khorla Bensi
Leaving Philim, you will mostly trek through dense forests of pine and rhododendrons. The trail passes small villages, where you can see the locals doing their activities.
Day 13: Trek from Khorla Bensi to Machha Khola (930 m/3,051 ft) and drive to Kathmandu
It is the last day of walking. From Khorla Bensi, you will trek through forests and lush hillsides to Machha Khola. From here, you will drive back to Kathmandu with your guide. Upon entering the city, the guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is leisure.
Day 14: Full free day in Kathmandu
You have one more full day in Kathmandu. Take your time to enjoy and explore the city. Rest and dine as you wish. Explore local markets and window shopping in Thamel.
Day 15: Trip ends! Fly back to your home
Please meet with our team in your hotel lobby at the designated time. They will drop you off at the international airport.