Trip Overview
The Tsum Valley Trek is a culturally rich and scenic trek located in the northern part of the Manaslu region, known as the “Hidden Valley.” This sacred valley is famous for its well-preserved Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes dotted with chortens, mani walls, and traditional stone houses. The valley offers a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the indigenous Tsumba people and explore pristine Himalayan wilderness.
The trek usually starts from Soti Khola or Arughat and leads into the restricted Tsum Valley, requiring special permits. Along the trail, trekkers pass through dense forests, terraced fields, and alpine pastures surrounded by dramatic peaks such as Ganesh Himal and Baudha Himal. Visitors often explore sacred sites like Rachen Gompa and enjoy peaceful homestays with local families, making the Tsum Valley Trek a perfect cultural and spiritual journey.
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Discover the remote and sacred Tsum Valley, a hidden Himalayan gem
Experience well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture and ancient monasteries
Trek through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine meadows
Visit sacred sites such as Rachen Gompa and explore traditional Tsumba villages
Enjoy homestays and authentic cultural exchanges with local communities
Explore a restricted and less-touristed region with special permits
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. You’ll have time to relax after your journey and later attend a short trek briefing and gear check.
Day Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) – 8 to 9 hours
Today you embark on a scenic drive westward from Kathmandu through terraced hillsides and rural towns. The final stretch winds along a rougher mountain road before reaching the riverside village of Soti Khola, where you stay overnight.
Day 3 Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Your trek begins by crossing a suspension bridge and following the Budhi Gandaki River through sal forests and small settlements. You’ll pass several waterfalls and climb rocky trails before arriving in the village of Machha Khola.
Day 4 Trek from Machha Khola to Dobhan (1,070 m) – 5 to 6 hours
The trail continues along narrow paths carved into the cliffs above the river. You’ll cross several bridges and pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani (natural hot spring) before gradually ascending to the village of Dobhan.
Day 4 Trek from Dobhan to Philim (1,570 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Today’s trail winds through bamboo forests and terraced hillsides. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki several times via suspension bridges, you ascend to the larger village of Philim, a culturally rich Gurung settlement.
Day 6 Trek from Philim to Chumling (2,386 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Leaving the main Manaslu Circuit route, you now enter the restricted Tsum Valley. The trail becomes quieter and steeper as you pass through pine forests, mani walls, and cross a long suspension bridge to reach Chumling, a traditional lower Tsumba village.
Day 7 Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,010 m) – 5 to 6 hours
You gain significant elevation as the trail winds past chortens and small gompas. Crossing the Serpu Khola, you ascend toward Chhokang Paro, a broad valley offering the first panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and glimpses of Baudha Himal.
Day 8 Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361 m) – 4 to 5 hours
Today’s trek takes you deeper into upper Tsum. You’ll pass villages like Lamagaon and visit the ancient Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu), where the revered Tibetan saint meditated. You’ll stay overnight in Nile,the last village before the Tibetan border.
Day 9 Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and Dhephu Doma Nunnery – Return to Nile
An early morning hike takes you to Mu Gompa, the largest and most remote monastery in the Tsum Valley, located near the border with Tibet. After exploring the gompa and nearby nunnery at Dhephu Doma, you return to Nile for the night.
Day 10 Trek from Nile to Chhokang Paro – 5 hours
Retracing your steps, you enjoy descending trails with new views of the valley’s vast landscapes. You’ll again pass mani walls, prayer flags, and traditional villages while returning to Chhokang Paro.
Day 11 Trek from Chhokang Paro to Gumba Lungdang (3,200 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Today you take a detour across the Shiar Khola to reach the sacred Gumba Lungdang, a remote nunnery perched high above the valley. This spiritual site offers panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and a unique cultural experience.
Day 12Day Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m) – Return to Gumba Lungdang
This challenging but rewarding day hike leads to the base camp of Ganesh Himal, following glacial trails and moraines. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a spectacular close-up view of Ganesh Himal’s icy peaks before descending back to Gumba Lungdang.
Day 13Trek from Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa (2,240 m) – 6 to 7 hours
You begin your descent from the high ridges of the Tsum Valley, crossing rivers and retracing the trail back to Lokpa—a small junction village near the entrance to the valley.
Day 14Trek from Lokpa to Jagat (1,340 m) – 5 to 6 hours
The trail continues to descend gradually as you rejoin the Budhi Gandaki River and pass through lush forests, waterfalls, and farmlands. You reach Jagat, a stone-paved village with strong Tibetan cultural influence.
Day 15Trek from Jagat to Machha Khola – 6 to 7 hours
The trail continues to descend gradually as you rejoin the Budhi Gandaki River and pass through lush forests, waterfalls, and farmlands. You reach Jagat, a stone-paved village with strong Tibetan cultural influence.
Day 16Trek from Jagat to Machha Khola – 6 to 7 hours
You board a private jeep or public vehicle for a long but scenic drive back to Kathmandu via Arughat and Dhadingbesi. Once back in the capital, you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and rest.
Day 17Departure Day
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey or international flight. Alternatively, extend your stay with a cultural tour or another short trek.
Route Map
