Tsum Valley Trek- 12 Days

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, Lhasso Adventure representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have some free time to rest, freshen up, and enjoy a meal. In the evening, we gather for team introductions, a briefing session, and general discussions about the adventure ahead. Later, we head out for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, where you can experience authentic Nepali cuisine.

The drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, spanning around 160 km, takes 7–8 hours and offers a mix of scenic views and rugged adventure. Starting on the smooth Prithvi Highway, the route transitions to off-road trails, passing through Dhading Besi, Arughat, and alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. Highlights include lush hills, traditional villages, and waterfalls.

The trek begins from Jagat, following a rugged mountain trail through the beautiful Budhi Gandaki River valley. After leaving Jagat, the trail gradually ascends through traditional settlements, terraced farmlands, and forested hillsides, offering glimpses of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Continuing through Salleri and Sirdibas, you will cross suspension bridges and walk along narrow pathways carved into the hillsides. The route eventually reaches Philim, a traditional Gurung settlement known for its stone houses, cultivated fields, and welcoming atmosphere.

From Philim, the trail continues towards Ekle Bhatti before gradually climbing through dense forests and crossing several streams. As you approach Lokpa, the gateway to the remote Tsum Valley, the landscape becomes quieter and more secluded.

Upon reaching Lokpa, settle into a local teahouse and enjoy your first evening in the peaceful surroundings of the Himalayan foothills.

After breakfast, leave Lokpa and continue deeper into the secluded Tsum Valley. Today’s trail takes you through beautiful forests, steep hillside paths, and sections overlooking the Siyar Khola valley.

The route involves a descent towards the river followed by a gradual ascent through pine and rhododendron forests. Along the way, you will encounter small streams, suspension bridges, and traditional stone pathways that reflect the remote character of this region.

As you approach Chumling, the valley begins to open up, revealing traditional Tibetan-influenced settlements and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Ganesh Himal on clear days.

Chumling is one of the first major villages inside Tsum Valley. The village is known for its traditional stone houses, Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and peaceful mountain atmosphere. You can also explore the local surroundings and experience the distinctive cultural traditions of the Tsumba people.

Spend the evening at a local teahouse, enjoying the quiet village atmosphere.

Today’s journey takes you further into the upper Tsum Valley, where the landscape gradually changes from forested hillsides to wider alpine valleys and traditional Himalayan settlements.

After breakfast, begin trekking from Chumling towards Domje, passing through small settlements, agricultural terraces, and forested sections. The trail gradually climbs towards the higher villages, with beautiful views of Ganesh Himal and the surrounding mountain ranges along the way.

As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse and the landscape takes on a distinctly Tibetan character. You will encounter traditional stone houses, mani walls, chortens, and colourful prayer flags that reflect the strong Buddhist heritage of the region.

Continue towards Chhekamparo, also known as Chhokangparo, a beautiful traditional settlement situated on a relatively open plateau. The village consists of two main settlements, Chhokang and Paro, and offers impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Upon arrival, settle into your teahouse and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote mountain village.

After breakfast, continue towards the upper reaches of Tsum Valley, following a scenic trail through traditional villages, open fields, and beautiful Himalayan landscapes.

The route passes through Lamagaon, where you can visit the famous Piren Phu, also known as Milarepa’s Cave. This sacred meditation cave is associated with the Tibetan Buddhist yogi Milarepa and is an important spiritual landmark in the valley. Inside and around the cave, you can observe Buddhist paintings, religious inscriptions, and prayer offerings.

Continuing along the trail, you will pass small settlements, ancient mani walls, chortens, and cultivated fields. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you approach the upper valley, with impressive views of the surrounding mountains and the Shiar Khola.

Eventually, you reach Nile, one of the highest permanent settlements in Tsum Valley. Located close to the Tibetan border, Nile is known for its traditional Tibetan-style houses, Buddhist culture, and peaceful surroundings.

After checking into your teahouse, spend the remaining time resting and preparing for the following day’s excursion to Mu Gompa.

Today is one of the highlights of the Tsum Valley Trek as you explore Mu Gompa, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the region.

After breakfast, begin the hike from Nile towards Mu Gompa, following a gradual uphill trail through the open alpine landscape of the upper Tsum Valley. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, rugged hillsides, and the remote Himalayan terrain near the Tibetan border.

Situated at approximately 3,700 metres, Mu Gompa is the largest and highest monastery in Tsum Valley. This historic monastery is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism and offers a glimpse into the spiritual traditions and monastic lifestyle that have been preserved in this isolated region.

Spend some time exploring the monastery, observing its traditional architecture, prayer rooms, religious artefacts, and peaceful surroundings. Depending on the monastery’s schedule, you may also have an opportunity to observe the daily activities of the monks.

The surrounding landscape provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the remoteness and natural beauty of the upper valley. After exploring Mu Gompa and enjoying the mountain scenery, retrace your steps back to Nile.

Return to your teahouse in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved meal after the excursion.

After breakfast, leave Nile and begin descending through the upper Tsum Valley towards Rachen Gompa. Today’s walk offers a different perspective of the valley as you retrace parts of the trail through traditional settlements and open mountain landscapes.

Along the way, enjoy views of the surrounding Himalayan terrain, stone-built villages, prayer flags, and the beautiful Shiar Khola valley. The trail gradually descends through the peaceful settlements, allowing you to experience the local culture and everyday lifestyle of the people living in this remote region.

Upon reaching Rachen Gompa, visit one of the most significant Buddhist nunneries in Tsum Valley. Established in 1905, this monastery is an important spiritual centre for Buddhist nuns and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional architecture, and religious significance.

Spend some time exploring the monastery and learning about its history and the spiritual traditions practised by the local community.

After the visit, settle into your accommodation nearby and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Today, begin your return journey through the beautiful landscapes of Tsum Valley, gradually descending towards Ripche.

After breakfast, leave Rachen Gompa and follow the familiar trails through traditional settlements, cultivated fields, and forested hillsides. As you descend, you will notice changes in the landscape, with greener vegetation and warmer temperatures compared to the upper valley.

The route passes through small villages and sections of the valley where traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture, prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens remain an integral part of everyday life.

Continue along the trail, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and occasional views of the mountains and river valleys. The descent also offers opportunities to appreciate the local agricultural practices and traditional lifestyle of the Tsumba people.

Eventually, arrive at Ripche, a small traditional settlement surrounded by terraced fields and beautiful hillside scenery. After reaching the village, check into your teahouse and enjoy the evening before the final trekking day towards Jagat.

After breakfast, begin the final day of trekking as you descend from Ripche towards Jagat, retracing the trail through the lower Tsum Valley and the Budhi Gandaki region.

The route takes you through forested hillsides, traditional settlements, and familiar mountain trails. You will pass through Lokpa, where the trail connects the Tsum Valley with the main Manaslu trekking route.

From Lokpa, continue descending towards Philim, enjoying the changing scenery as the high-altitude landscapes gradually give way to greener hills, terraced farmland, and riverside settlements.

The trail follows sections of the Budhi Gandaki River valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages along the way. Although today’s walk is relatively long, it offers a final opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the region.

Upon reaching Jagat, conclude your trekking journey and celebrate the completion of the Tsum Valley adventure with your trekking team.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the mountain communities and begin the drive from Jagat back to Kathmandu.

The journey follows the winding mountain roads alongside the Budhi Gandaki River before connecting with the main highway towards Kathmandu. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes of rural Nepal, including green hills, rivers, terraced fields, and traditional settlements.

Stop for lunch at a suitable restaurant along the route before continuing the drive towards Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time to rest and freshen up. In the evening, join your trekking team for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Tsum Valley Trek and share memories of the journey.

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from our company will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.