Tsum Valley Trekking

After breakfast, we begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Arughat and Soti Khola. The journey takes approximately 8–9 hours by jeep, passing through beautiful countryside, terraced farms, small villages, and along the Budhi Gandaki River. Upon arrival at Machha Khola, we check into a local teahouse and prepare for the trek ahead.

Today we begin our trek following the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small villages such as Khorlabesi and Tatopani. The trail features a mix of gentle ascents and rocky sections, offering scenic river views and natural landscapes. After approximately 6–7 hours of trekking, we reach Jagat, a charming village and entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area, where we stay overnight at a local teahouse.

After breakfast, we leave Jagat and follow the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River toward Philim, a beautiful Gurung village with terraced fields and mountain views. From Philim, the path gradually ascends through forests and narrow gorges before branching off toward the Tsum Valley. A steady climb brings us to Lokpa, the first village in the hidden Tsum Valley, offering peaceful surroundings and distant views of the Ganesh Himal range. Overnight at a local teahouse.

Leaving Lokpa behind, the trail descends steeply for about half an hour toward the Lungwa Khola. After crossing the river, we begin a challenging "zig-zag" climb through dense forests of pine and rhododendron. The path opens up as we reach Gumlung and cross the Siyar Khola, officially entering the lower Tsum Valley. We finally arrive at Chumling, an attractive village where we can explore the old Chumling Gompa and enjoy stunning views of Shringi Himal. Overnight at a local teahouse.

After breakfast in Chumling, we begin our journey into Upper Tsum Valley, where the landscape opens up into a wide, fertile plateau. We cross a suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola and pass through the charming hamlet of Rainjam, following a trail that offers incredible views of the Ganesh Himal range. The path continues through forests and small villages before a final, steady ascent leads us to Chokhangparo (also known as Chhekampar). This village is famous for its unique stone-roofed houses and the local practice of polyandry. Here, the air feels thinner and more sacred, as we are greeted by ancient monasteries and wide fields of barley and buckwheat. Overnight at a local teahouse.

After breakfast in Chokhangparo, we continue our ascent through the scenic Upper Tsum Valley, where the trail levels out into a wide, sun-drenched valley floor. As we trek past the villages of Ngakyu and Leru, we encounter some of the most impressive and longest Mani walls in the region, intricately carved with Buddhist prayers. A major highlight of today is a visit to the sacred Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (Pigeon Cave) near Burji village, where the legendary Tibetan saint is said to have meditated. The path then crosses the Shiar Khola and leads us through fertile fields of buckwheat and potato to Nile, the last main settlement in the upper valley. This traditional village sits on the banks of the river and offers a peaceful atmosphere as we prepare for our final push to Mu Gompa. Overnight at a local teahouse.

Today marks the climax of our journey as we trek to Mu Gompa, the highest and most remote monastery in the Tsum Valley. The trail ascends steadily through a rugged, high-altitude landscape where the vegetation thins out, revealing stark, dramatic mountain beauty. Upon arrival, we explore the ancient Mu Gompa, which houses sacred religious texts and historic statues. From this vantage point, we are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Tibetan border and the majestic Ganesh Himal range. If the teahouse facilities permit and weather is favorable, we stay overnight to witness the serene evening prayers and a starlit Himalayan sky; otherwise, after a deep exploration of the monastery and its surroundings, we descend back to the warmer comforts of Nile. Overnight at Mu Gompa or Nile.

After breakfast, we begin our descent back through the "Hidden Valley," retracing our steps through the high-altitude plateaus of Upper Tsum. The return journey offers a fresh perspective of the landscape, with the towering peaks of Ganesh Himal and Boudha Himal framing the trail ahead. On our way down, we take a different path to visit the magnificent Rachen Gumba, a renowned nunnery nestled in the Shiar Khola Valley, famous for its colorful murals and thousands of statues of Avalokiteshwara. Continuing our descent through Chokhangparo and back into the lush forests, the air becomes warmer and richer with oxygen as we lose elevation. We finally arrive back at Chumling, where we can relax and reflect on our spiritual journey through the sacred valley. Overnight at a local teahouse.

After breakfast in Chumling, we begin our descent as we officially transition from the Tsum Valley back toward the main Manaslu trail. The path leads us through lush forests of pine and rhododendron, crossing the Siyar Khola via a dramatic suspension bridge. We retrace our steps toward Lokpa, the gateway of the valley, where we stop for a final look at the serene "Hidden Paradise." From Lokpa, the trail descends steeply through narrow gorges and rocky ridges until we reach Ekle Bhatti, where the Tsum and Manaslu routes rejoin. A final, pleasant walk brings us to Philim, a large and vibrant Gurung village. Here, we can enjoy the sight of expansive terraced fields and modern amenities as we settle in for the night. Overnight at a local teahouse.

After breakfast, we begin a long but scenic descent as we continue our journey down the valley. Leaving the village of Philim, the trail drops through beautiful terraced fields and lush forests, following the powerful flow of the Budhi Gandaki River. We pass through Jagat, where we once again encounter the traditional stone-paved streets and the regional checkpoint. As we lose altitude, the air becomes warmer and the landscape turns subtropical. The path leads us through small hamlets like Tatopani, where natural hot springs offer a refreshing sight, and Khorlabesi. After a final stretch of walking along the riverbanks and crossing several suspension bridges, we arrive at Machha Khola. Overnight at a local teahouse.

Today marks the final chapter of our adventure as we bid farewell to the mountains and begin our journey back to the capital. After an early breakfast in Machha Khola, we board a local jeep or private vehicle for the drive toward Arughat. The first half of the journey follows the rugged, winding road along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, offering a bumpy but scenic "Himalayan massage." Once we reach the paved highway at Dhading Besi, the drive becomes smoother as we wind through lush hills, vibrant roadside markets, and terraced farmlands. Following the Trishuli River, we eventually climb back into the Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a celebratory farewell dinner to mark the successful completion of your Tsum Valley journey.