Tsum valley trek is one of the remote but amazing trekking region of Nepal. Manaslu trekking was opened for trekking in 1991; Whereas Tsum valley trekking was opened to tourists for trekking in 2008 and there is little information available about this area. The Tsum Valley trek is a divine Himalayan pilgrimage valley located in northern Gorkha, Nepal. “Tsum” means vivid. This is situated at the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this tranquil Himalayan valley is rich in age-old art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect. Trails can be found with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The valley is uniquely rich in fauna, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the Tsum Valley. The valley also has some unique and historical monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal
Trip Hightlight
Tsum valley Trekking itinerary 15N/16D
Day 01: Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport.
Day 02: Kathmandu full day city Tour.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Soti khola. (700m) (7-8 hours)
Day 04: Trek Soti khola to Machha khola. (869m) (5-6 hours)
Day 05: Trek Machha khola to Jagat (1340m) (6-7 hours)
Day 06: Trek Jagat to Lokpa (2240m) (7-8 hours)
Day 07: Trek Lokpa to Chumling. (2386m) (4-5 hours)
Day 08: Trek Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3031m) (5-6 hours)
Day 09: Trek Chhokang paro to Nile (3361m) (5-6 hours)
Day 10: Hike Nile to Mugompa(3709m) then trek back to Rachen Gompa.(3240m) (7-8 hours)
Day 11: Trek Rachen Gompa to Chumling. (2386m) (5-6 hours)
Day 12: Trek Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft): 6-7 hours
Day 13: Trek Philim to Khorlabesi(970m/3182ft: 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 6-7 hours
Day 15: Drive Soti Khola to Kathmandu. (6-7 hours)
Day 16: International Departure
Day 01: Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport.
Arrivals at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, Then welcome by our office representative, and transfer to the respective hotel. After checking in to the hotel, meet our experienced trekking guide then detail briefing about the Trekking. Trekking permit collection as well as other required documents for the trekking. Finally settle down all the payment procedures.
Day 02: Kathmandu full day city Tour.
After the morning breakfast, briefing about the Kathmandu full day city sightseeing. i.e Swoyambhunath, it is one of the holiest pilgrims for Buddhist and Hindus, and it is located at the hilltop in the Kathmandu also popularly known as the monkey temple.
Then after we drive to Bouddhanath stupa, which is also the main important shrine for Buddhist around the world. Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the largest spherical Stupa of Nepal and one of the largest Stupa in the world. Then finally we drive for Pashupatinath.
Pashupatinath is located nearby Bouddhanth, this temple is one of the major important sacred pilgrim site for the Hindus around the world. And not to forget all above three shrines are enlisted in UNESCO world heritage site. Finally drive back to hotel, then have some rest, prepare for trekking which starts from tomorrow. Overnight.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Soti khola. (700m) (7-8 hours)
After breakfast, we drive from hotel to Soti khola on our private vehicle, which takes around 7-8 hours. Overnight at Soti khola.
Day 04: Trek Soti khola to Machha khola. (869m) (5-6 hours)
After breakfast, we will start our trekking from Soti khola to Machha Khola, which takes around 5-6 hours of Gentle walk alongside the famous Budi Gandaki River. The main inhabitants of Machha khola village are the Gurung communities with their own tradition, culture and they have good hospitality. Overnight at Machha khola Village.
Day 05: Trek Machha khola to Jagat (1340m) (6-7 hours)
After breakfast, we Trek Machha khola to Jagat, which will take around 6-7 hours of gentle walk along with few upward downward walks then crossing the Tharo khola, we reach at Khorlabesi. Ater walking few hours then we will reach the natural hot spring (Tato pani in nepali). After spending sometime at Hotspring we continue our journey again until we finally reach to Jagat after a long trek. Overnight at Jagat.
Day 06: Trek Jagat to Lokpa (2240m) (7-8 hours)
After Breakfast we trek Jagat to Lokpa, which will take around 7-8 hours of gentle walk with equally ascending and descending narrow trails passing through the bridge. We climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large gurung village. Philim valley is well known for school and police station built by Japanese. Walk past MCAP Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley and walk up north from Gum Pul we reach Lokpa. Overnight at Lokpa.
Day 07: Trek Lokpa to Chumling. (2386m) (4-5 hours)
After breakfast trek Lokpa to Chumling which takes around 4-5 hours. From Lokpa the trail descend around 30 minutes towards Lungwa khola and ascending through little difficult trail further two hours north through beautiful pines and rhododendrons forest we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, lower Tsum, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village. Stay overnight in Chumling.
Day 08: Trek Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3031m) (5-6 hours)
After breakfast trek Chumling to Chhokang paro which takes around 5-6 hours of trek, then Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues climb for two and half hours to Tsum, the trail takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. If the weather is clear; enjoy the views of Himalchuli 7893m and Ganesh Himal 7140m. The main inhabitants of the chhokang paro village are the pure Buddhist followers. Overnight at Chokhangparo.
Day 09: Trek Chhokang paro to Nile (3361m) (5-6 hours)
After breakfast Trek Chhokang paro to Nile, takes around 5-6 hours of walk. We trek through the villages of Ngakyu, Leru, Lama Gaun today. We will visit a holy cave at the Lama gaun. It is believed that saint Milarepa had meditated here in the cave; (certain admission fee is required) the cave is also popularly known as Piren Phu meaning “Pigeon cave”. After visiting the holy cave we continue our trek passing Burji, Phurbe and Pangdun villages, there is beautiful magnificent big Buddhist Stupa is located on the way to Chhule and Nile. Arrive at Nile, and overnight.
Day 10: Hike Nile to Mugompa(3709m) then trek back to Rachen Gompa.(3240m) (7-8 hours)
Early morning breakfast then hike to Mu Gompa with our packed lunch, which will take around 3 hours from Nile to reach at the Mu Gompa, excursion around the Mu Gompa and Dhephu Doma Gompa for around 1 hour. Mu Gompa is the oldest monastery in the region, and we are now almost close to the Tibetan border. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After the excursion around the Gompas we trek down towards Rachen Gompa which will further take around 4 hours including the time for our packed lunch on the way. The total time from Nile to Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa will take around 7-8 hour all together. Stay overnight at Rachen Gompa Village.
Day 11: Trek Rachen Gompa to Chumling. (2386m) (5-6 hours)
After Breakfast, we return downwards from Rachen Gompa to Chumling, which takes around 5-6 hours of trek. This is the same route which we took previously on the way to Tsum valley; hence the attractions are same as previous. Arrive at Chumling and overnight.
Day 12: Trek Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft): 6-7 hours
The trail goes through Lokpa, Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. The trail is no much difficult as previous, the trail consists of mainly gentle and easy trails. Finally arrive at Philim after 6 to 7 hours of long trekking.
Day 13: Trek Philim to Khorlabesi(970m/3182ft: 6-7 hours
Today we trek from Philim to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani. Hike down to Sirdibas and we finally reach to Jagat. Furthermore descend takes us to Yaruphant. Now from here we pass arid Tibetan type climate to subtropical green vegetation from where we continue trekking to Dobhan, then arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. If not then continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi.
Day 14: Trek Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft): 6-7 hours
Our trail passes the Tharo River flowing in a rocky ravine. Descend down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village, from where we walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.
Day 15: Drive Soti Khola to Kathmandu. (6-7 hours)
We are at the end of our Tsum valley trekking here, so finally we drive back back to Kathmandu from soti Khola. It takes us around 6-7 hours of long drive. Finally arrive at Kathmandu, check in to the hotel and Overnight.
Day 16: International Departure
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward journey.
For whom is the Tsum valley and Manaslu Trek
Who would enjoy the Manaslu Trek? Probably most people would enjoy the trek but especially those who are interested in culture, want to get away from the crowds and commercialization of other treks and are happy to compromise on comforts to experience authentic Nepal. For those who realize they missed the Annapurna Circuit Trek in its golden age will love this trek.
Does Himalayan Icefall trekking arrange the trekking permits?
Yes, we do. No worries….
Can i Trek Tsum valley and Manaslu round trekking alone?
According to the rules, you must trek as a group of at least two and be accompanied by a registered guide. So you can't.
Is the Tsum Valley and Manaslu circuit Trekking Difficult?
The Lonely Planet guidebook describes the Manaslu trek as tougher than most, but this is now wrong. There have been new trails put in that significantly reduce the climbing involved and reduce the exposure. The trails are now wide and good unlike in Tilman’s time (1950) wherein one part the trail was a few narrow planks resting on branches that had been hammered into cracks in the rock!
While some of the trails are fantastically airy, high above the Budi Gandaki River, the trails are perfect for trekking. You should be fit as there are lots of up and down, but there is nothing too extreme on this trek. Just take it easy on the descent from the pass.
How busy is the Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit Trek compared to Annapurna region?
It’s anecdotal evidence, but the Annapurna circuit sees around 10,000+ trekkers per year (it was 65,000 in 1995!) compared to Manaslu’s 2,000. This information only really affects you if you trek in October, as most other months are quiet.
Can i trek Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit trek in reverse?
Yes you can do the trekking in reverse as well, the original main circuit trek starts from Soti khola, where as if you would like to do it in reverse you may start from Besi sahar too. Dont worry Himalayan Icefall trekking can arrange you the trek as per your desire.
What gears and equipments do i need ?
The basic equipments and gears that you migh need for this trek, its listed on the other tab.
Will I get altitude sickness?
There is a risk since you will be hiking above 3000m. Different people react to altitude in different ways, no matter their fitness level or experience in the mountains. That’s why you should learn and understand what altitude sickness is and what the symptoms are beforehand. You can ask your local travel medicine specialist, search online or attend one of the lectures organized in Kathmandu.
Do I need to purchase my own travel insurance?
Yes. Most trips run smoothly, but once in a while something unexpected can happen, that’s why we highly recommend that before coming to Nepal you purchase travel insurance. We take all the necessary precautions to make sure your safety is at first-hand, but it is always best to have it.
Will my mobile phone work?
Not Really
What is the accommodation like?
We can tailor the accommodation to meet your requests. While in Kathmandu we generally stay in very nice hotels. During the treks, we will be staying in local guesthouses along the trail. The guesthouses vary, but overall is clean, charming and meet all of your needs.
Who are the guides?
Himalayan Icefall Trekking hires guiding professionals with a love and passion for outdoor travel and adventure. Our guides have been with us for many years and know the trails well. They all speak English very well and know how to take good care of the clients.
Will I have to carry all of my own stuff?
No, unless you request to. Our porters will carry up to 15-20kgs of weight for each trekker. All you need to carry are your essential items for the day. The porter fee is included in the price of your trip. We plan for 1 porter for 2 trekkers in accordance with the guidelines set out by the International Porter Protection Group. If you would like more weight to be carried, please let us know. In general, 15-20kg is more than sufficient.
Are the water and food safe?
The tap and mountain water in Nepal are generally not safe to drink for tourists. Bottled water, boiling water or using water purification tablets are your best options. Tea and coffee are okay to drink.
Yes, the food is safe in Nepal. And delicious!
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