Tsum Valley Trek

Your adventure begins with arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital. After airport pickup, settle into your hotel and attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide. Explore historic sites, gather last-minute supplies from Thamel, and sample authentic Nepali cuisine.

Experience Highlights:

• Historic temples and stupas of Kathmandu
• Vibrant shopping in Thamel district
• Authentic Nepali cuisine
• Pre-trek briefing with your experienced guide
• Cultural immersion in Nepal's capital

Begin your journey with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, following the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. Enjoy picturesque views of terraced farmlands, rushing rivers, and distant glimpses of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

Experience Highlights:

• Scenic 7-8 hour drive through central Nepal
• Views of terraced farmlands and rural villages
• Riverside journey along Trishuli and Marshyangdi
• First glimpses of the Himalayan ranges
• Transition from urban to remote rural landscapes

Your first trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River through alternating forested paths and rocky riverside sections. Pass through small villages and terraced fields, crossing suspension bridges with thrilling views of the river below.

Experience Highlights:

• First day of actual trekking on the trail
• Thrilling suspension bridge crossings
• Riverside trails along the Budhi Gandaki
• Traditional farming villages and terraced fields
• Varied terrain through forests and rocky sections

Today's journey continues following the Budhi Gandaki River through increasingly dramatic gorges. Visit the hot springs at Tatopani for a therapeutic dip, then climb steeply up stone stairs before descending to Jagat, an official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Experience Highlights:

• Therapeutic hot springs at Tatopani
• Dramatic river gorges and deepening valleys
• Stone stair sections offering physical challenge
• Entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area
• Increasing elevation with changing vegetation

Trek through bamboo forests and cross the Budhi Gandaki several times before reaching the trail split at Ekle Bhatti. Follow the path branching east toward Tsum Valley, climbing steeply through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests with glimpses of Shringi Himal.

Experience Highlights:

• First foray into the restricted Tsum Valley region
• Magnificent pine and rhododendron forests
• First views of Shringi Himal
• Significant elevation gain (900m)
• Decreasing signs of modern influence

Begin with a descent into a deep gorge followed by a steep climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Cross the Siyar Khola (river) and continue upward to reach Lower Tsum Valley and the village of Chumling, your first authentic encounter with Tsumba culture.

Experience Highlights:

• Visit to the old Chumling Gompa (monastery)
• First authentic encounter with Tsumba culture
• Traditional stone houses with unique architecture
• Spectacular views of Ganesh Himal
• Deep gorge and river crossings

Journey deeper into the Upper Tsum Valley, crossing a suspension bridge before climbing gradually through forests and traditional Tibetan-style villages. Visit the Gho Valley's monasteries, Panago Gumba and Lung Dang Gumba – on the way to Chhokang Paro, the main village of upper Tsum.

Experience Highlights:

• Visit to two ancient monasteries in Gho Valley
• Traditional Tibetan-style villages
• Superb Himalayan mountain views
• Significant elevation gain (645m)
• Entry into Upper Tsum Valley cultural region

Trek through traditional Tibetan-style villages with extensive farming terraces. Visit Rachen Gompa nunnery, home to over 80 nuns, and continue to Milarepa's Cave, named after the famous Tibetan saint who meditated here, before reaching the twin villages of Nile and Chhule.

Experience Highlights:

• Rachen Gompa nunnery (established 1905)
• Milarepa's Cave with its spiritual significance
• Traditional Tibetan farming communities
• Buddhist statues, paintings, and philosophical texts
• Broad valley setting beneath soaring peaks

Embark on a day trip to Mu Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, dating back to 1895. The round-trip trek climbs through yak pastures with breathtaking mountain vistas. Optionally continue to Dhephyudonma Gompa, considered the oldest monastery in Tsum Valley.

Experience Highlights:

• Mu Gompa monastery dating back to 1895
• Interaction with resident Buddhist monks
• Breathtaking high-altitude mountain panoramas
• Traditional yak pastures and alpine terrain
• Optional visit to ancient Dhephyudonma Gompa

Begin a circular return route via the western valley. Follow the high trail to Burji, a small settlement with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Baudha Himal ranges. Pass through high pastures used by yak herders and unique meditation caves used by Buddhist practitioners.

Experience Highlights:

• Spectacular panoramic mountain views
• High pastures used by seasonal yak herders
• Ancient Buddhist meditation caves
• Less-traveled western valley route
• Sense of remote wilderness and solitude

Descend through changing vegetation zones, offering different perspectives of the valley and mountains than your ascent route. Pass through small, seldom-visited settlements and agricultural terraces where traditional farming methods remain unchanged for centuries.

Experience Highlights:

• Changing vegetation with decreasing altitude
• Seldom-visited traditional settlements
• Century-old farming techniques and terraces
• New perspectives of valleys and mountains
• Rejoining the main Tsum Valley circuit

Exit the Tsum Valley, trekking back to Lokpa and continuing to Philim. This larger settlement on the main Manaslu Circuit trail features a Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery and a Japanese-funded school, offering a chance to readjust to more populated areas.

Experience Highlights:

• Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery in Philim
• Japanese-funded school and community projects
• Transition back to more populated areas
• Integration with the main Manaslu Circuit
• Significant descent with changing ecosystems

Continue your descent through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing through Sirdibas and Jagat. The scenery transitions back to subtropical vegetation with banana plants, terraced rice fields, and increasingly Hindu cultural influences as you approach Khorlabesi.

Experience Highlights:

• Transition to subtropical vegetation
• Terraced rice fields and banana plantations
• Shift from Buddhist to Hindu cultural influences
• Long but rewarding day of trekking
• Dramatic decrease in elevation

Your final day of trekking is a relatively easy journey back to Soti Khola, completing your circuit. The trail follows the river through small farming communities and lush forests, allowing time to appreciate the warmer climate and lusher vegetation of the lower regions.

Experience Highlights:

• Completion of the Tsum Valley circuit
• Lush subtropical forests and vegetation
• Traditional farming communities
• Final river and bridge crossings
• Celebration with guides and porters

Board your return vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. The journey provides time for reflection on your experiences in one of Nepal's most pristine cultural territories. Upon arrival, enjoy the comforts of your hotel and perhaps treat yourself to a celebratory dinner.

Experience Highlights:

• Scenic return journey through Nepal's countryside
• Time for reflection on your trek experiences
• Return to urban comforts of Kathmandu
• Celebratory dinner options in the city
• Shopping opportunities for souvenirs

Your Tsum Valley adventure concludes with a transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before departing Nepal.

Experience Highlights:

• Final opportunity for Kathmandu sightseeing
• Last-minute souvenir shopping
• Reflection on your Himalayan adventure
• Airport transfer and departure assistance
• Memories and photographs to take home