Discover the Secluded Charm of Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal’s Manaslu Region
The Tsum Valley emerges as a hidden gem, tucked away in the Manaslu region of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border. This remote enclave exudes a distinctive Tibetan Buddhist ambiance, setting it apart from the surrounding landscapes.
Once a restricted zone until 2008, Tsum Valley remains largely untouched by trekkers, although its starting point is a mere 7-hour drive from Kathmandu, making it accessible and enticing for adventure seekers.
The trek spans around 11 days, primarily at altitudes exceeding 3,000m. Given the high elevations and daily walks spanning 5 to 7 hours, a reasonable level of physical fitness becomes imperative for embarking on this journey.
The trail meanders through enchanting pine forests, tracing the contours of tumultuous rivers adorned with cascading waterfalls and remarkable suspension bridges. It winds its way through captivating villages, leading to numerous gompas, monasteries, mani walls, stupas, and even the renowned Milarepa’s Cave.
The panoramic vista unfolds with the majestic Himalayan peaks, including the Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Manaslu (8,163m), Churke Himal, and the imposing Poshyop Glacier.
Trekking enthusiasts with an affinity for Tibetan culture and mountain scenery will find Tsum Valley an unparalleled opportunity. Here, they can immerse themselves in the daily lives of Tibetan Buddhist communities, witness the devout practices of monks and nuns in their spiritual sanctuaries, and relish the awe-inspiring Himalayan panoramas. This journey feels akin to a pilgrimage through the hidden sanctuary of the valley.
The Tsum Valley Trek can be undertaken as a standalone expedition or seamlessly integrated into the Manaslu Trek, catering to those with a penchant for longer explorations.
Day 0: Arrival in Kathmandu/Pokhara
Upon your arrival at Airport, our company representative or our guide picks you up and transfers you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
Day 1: From Pokhara/Kathmandu to Machhaa khola village(930m) via Aarughat.
After breakfast around 8 hour drive to the destination, including lunch break. The next day we trek along the riverbank of Budhi Gandaki.We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 2: Machha khola village to Jagat village(1,410m)(First permit check point) 7 hrs, including lunch break.
We enter the Manasulu Restricted area. Our trek heads through the several Mane walls, and indicating the Tibetan influence.We cross the Iron Bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river.We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 3: Jagat to Lokpa village (2240m) via Philim village(1,590m) 6 hrs, including lunch break.
After the breakfast, the trail ascends towards the village and steep path along the valley with the great views of Baudha himal(6,672m) and beautiful villages. The trail then enters an amazing part of the uninhabited gorge, surrounded by wild orchids on top of it. Ascending steep to the north side of the narrow valley will lead us through pine forest to Lokpa. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 4: Lokpa to Chumling(2386m) 4 – 5 hrs, lunch camp.
After the breakfast, our trek commences the descend half and hrs towards Lungwa khola and climbing zigzag up hill further north through the rhododendron and pine forest we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar khola reach Chumling(lower Tsum) which offers a beautiful view of Shringi Himal. Time is available to make an excursion to the old Gumba and village of stone streets. Overnight stay at local teahouse.
Day 5: Chumling to Chhokung paro(3,030m) 4 – 5 hrs, luch camp.
After breakfast, we pass through the suspension bridge. Enjoy the amazing view of Ganesh Himal(7,429m). After the short hike we arrive Rainjam to Serpu khola and cross the another bridge to Chhokung paro village. Weather permit, we have another amazing view of Himalchuli peak(7,893m) and Ganesh Himal(7,429m). We stay overnight at local teahouse. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 6: Chhokhung paro to Nile(3,331m) via Milarepa cave(3,245m), 5 – 6 hrs, including lunch break.
After breakfast, we head through the Lamagaon and suspension bridge to the Rachen Gumba, wich is well known as nunnery Monastery. Shortly visit, and then we continue to Tsum valley trek through the well managed village Lar, where we visit the Milarepa cave, the cave also known as Piren Phu(Pigeon cave).We ascending to the village of Nile via old historic stupas of Buddha and beautiful villages. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 7: Excursion day to Mu Gumba(3,700m) 6 hrs, including lunch break.
We are now very much near to the Tibetan border. Gradually ascends to the west bank of valley through the Tibetan landscapes and mani wall to Mu Gumba(it is the largest monastery) in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and most isolated point in the Tsum valley. We’ll visit the monastery houses to see old religious books, including a life sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. And also shortly visit the Dhephu Doma Nunnery Gumba, after exploring all the monastery we descending to Nile. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 8: Nile to Domje(2,460m) via Rachhen Gumba(3,240m) 6 hrs, including lunch break.
After breakfast the trail drops down(easy) to Domje, where there is a small village with about eight housed via Lar village, Rachhen Gumba, and cross over a suspension bridge to Chhekang paro and Gho then Domje. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 9: Domje to Lokpa(2,240m) via Gumba Lungdang(3,200m) and Ripchet(2,470m) 7 hrs, including lunch break.
After breakfast, We hike up to Gumba Lungdang to see the old Monastery and the amazing views of Ganesh Himal range, Shiringi Himal, Baudha Himal many more..with the Tibetan tea which is welcome drinks served by Nun. After exploring the great moment, we descending the same way back to Domje, and continues our destination to Lokpa, on the way we cross the most beautiful waterfalls. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 10: Lokpa to Dobhan(1,078m) via Philim(1,590m) and Jagat(1,410m) 7 hrs, including lunch break.
After breakfast, we hike down to Dobhan. The trail heads along the pine and rhododendron forest and join to the main Manasulu trail again. We continues our hike passing through Ekle Bhatti, Philim, Jagat, and crossing the Budhi Gandaki before reaching and finally Dobhan. We stay overnight at local teahouse.
Day 11: Dobhan to Pokhara/Kathmandu, 8 – 9 hrs drive.
Today we pack up our trekking equipment and leave Dobhan by jeep early morning to reach Pokhara/Kathmandu, lunch will be taken on the way. We then drop you off at your hotel.
There is also the option of a shorter drive to Pokhara and a flight back to Kathmandu or by Tourist bus, many of trekkers spend some days of rest and relaxation there before back to the KTM.