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Tsum Valley Trek, 10 Days NCe3

5.0

Looking for a trek that combines beauty and culture? The Tsum Valley is your perfect destination. Get to explore serene trails, and ancient monasteries, and discover wildlife in a landscape that feels untouched by time.

At a Glance
Location

Tsum Valley

Duration

10 Days

Activities

Trekking

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

All included Except in Kathmandu

Group size

Min 2 Pax.

Best time

Spring and Autumn

Max. Altitude

3800m.

The Tsum Valley lies to the east of the Manaslu massif, located as an enclave within Tibetan territory. Recently opened to foreigners, this valley has diligently preserved its Tibetan cultural heritage. It holds a deep spiritual essence as a sacred valley where many lamas have been reincarnated. The valley strictly observes non-violence, making animals unafraid of humans. Wild sheep, blue sheep, and sometimes even leopards come near villages.

To reach the valley, you trek alongside the Budhi Gandaki River before turning eastward and ascending the Shyar Khola torrent. The trail climbs above steep gorges, eventually opening up into the valley near Chekhampa. You can also see the majestic Ganesh Himal range dominates the nearby horizon. You’ll pass through Tibetan villages with flat-roofed houses along the way, each stop adding to your cultural immersion. As the journey comes to an end, we stop at Mu Monastery, which sits along the Tibetan border.

Our strong relationships with Tsum Valley inhabitants allow you to experience their unique way of life intimately. You can meet the Amchi, a Tibetan female doctor renowned for traditional healing practices, and savor yak butter tea in Nyle. The Tsum region is carefully protected, with permits limited to trekking agencies, ensuring the preservation of its authenticity. Villagers sustain their traditional roles as farmers, yak herders, and dzo herders. Similarly, monasteries remain central to village life, maintaining their spiritual and communal importance. Throughout your journey, you’ll be fully engaged in the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture.

Major Highlights

  • Walk through the off-the-beaten path of the Manaslu region.
  • Trek through rice fields, banana plantations, and pipal trees along the Bhudi Gandaki River.
  • Pass through diverse forests, experiencing the changing flora and fauna.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of snowy Himalayan peaks such as Mt Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa, Lungdang, and Rachen monastery
  • Encounter yak pastures and local shepherds along the trails
  • Interact with nuns from Rachen Gompa, learn about Tibetan medicine from the local Amchi, and meet farmers from Chekam Paro village.
  • Transition to a more arid landscape as you approach the Tibetan border.
Itinerary

After an early morning breakfast, we depart from Kathmandu via a local bus. The drive takes approximately 4 hours through rural Nepal. From there, we will reach Arughat via a rough road and then continue to Dhoban by local jeep. If you prefer added convenience, private vehicle options are available at an extra cost.

Today, we begin our day by crossing a suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River and hiking through a narrow gorge. The trail ascends gradually to a sandy plain before reaching Jagat at 1350m. Enjoy the quaint stone houses and a bustling main street. After crossing the Budi Gandaki again, follow a beautiful trail on a balcony above the river, passing through fishing villages and farmlands before reaching the suspension bridge leading to Philim. Philim is a large village with shops and a significant school. We spend the night at a lodge after 6 and a half hours of trekking.

We hike through the scenic gorges of the Budhi Gandaki River, which turns into a mountain torrent. After crossing a bridge, follow a trail through pine forests to Lokpa. Then, descending into Shyar Khola gorges, we reached Chumling via a suspension bridge. Stay in a comfortable lodge admiring the stunning mountain views. The trek will last approximately 7 hours.

We start by gradually descending towards the banks of the Shyar Khola and the Domja village, located at an altitude of 2460m. Continuing our climb along the right bank of the river, we soon reach Chekam Paro, the first village of Upper Tsum. This village is surrounded by the majestic peaks of Ganesh Himal, which soar to heights of over 7000m. The traditional Tibetan-style houses with intricate interiors reflect the village’s rich history as a center for trade between Tibet and Nepal. Our lodge accommodations in Chekam Paro provide a peaceful sanctuary with stunning mountain views. The trek took 5 hours to complete.

As we continued trekking through the Tsum Valley, the landscape expanded into wide plateaus covered with winter wheat and barley fields. Here, yaks grazed with the stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks including Ganesh Himal and its neighboring mountains. A visit to the renowned Rachen nunnery in Nyle provides insight into local traditions and spiritual practices. We spent the night at a lodge in Nyle, the last village in the valley. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit the clinic of Amchi, a traditional Tibetan doctor known for her healing arts. The trek to the Nyle took 4 hours from Chekam Paro.

Today’s journey takes us on a spiritual and adventurous ascent towards Mu Gompa monastery at 3700m near the Tibetan border. For those who are adventurous, there is an optional climb to an elevation of 4000m above the monastery, providing an exceptional panoramic vista of the Tsum Valley. After exploring Mu Gompa, descend towards Nyle and continue the journey to Lama Gaon via a different path. Along the way, visit the historic cave of Milarepa overlooking Lama Gaon. The trek took 6 hours to complete.

Starting from Lama Gaon, our journey today led us through the beautiful landscapes of the Tsum Valley. We trekked via Chekam Paro and continued to Domje, following the calm waters of the Shiar Khola River. We spent the night at a lodge in Domje. The trekking journey took 5 hours.

After leaving Domje, we continued our journey by crossing the Shya Khola and ascending the gorges on the left bank. Passing through Ripchet village on a small plateau, we proceeded to trek through the forest to reach the lodge in Lokpa, where we stayed for the night. The duration of today’s trekking was 5 hours.

After having breakfast in Lokpa, we start the day with a one-hour descent, that leads us to the famous Manaslu Circuit trail. As we return to Philim, we cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a long suspension bridge. The trail then continues to descend until we reach Dhoban at 1070m, where we will spend the night in a comfortable lodge. This day’s trek takes about 6.5 hours.

On our final day of the adventure, we start our journey back to Kathmandu. After reaching Arughat Bazaar from Dhovan, we will take a bus to return to Kathmandu. Along the way, we will pass by the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers.

Customize Your Trek With GST

Travelers have two exciting options to customize their Tsum Valley trek. The first option is to extend the trek by one day with an excursion to Lungdang Monastery and Ganesh Base Camp. This option allows trekkers to explore the serene monastery and enjoy breathtaking views from the base camp. The second option is to continue the trek on the Manaslu Circuit, creating a complete 19-day adventure. This extended journey combines the beauty of Tsum Valley with the diverse terrains of the Manaslu Circuit.

Additionally, We can also add private vehicle transportation for an additional cost. For more details and to customize your trek, please contact the Glacier Safari Treks team.

Permits For Tsum Valley Trek

The Tsum Valley Trek is an adventurous journey through Nepal’s hidden valleys. It is rich in Tibetan culture and offers gorgeous Himalayan landscapes. Because it is near the Tibetan border, the Tsum Valley is a restricted area. The Nepalese government has set it as such to ensure border security, control tourism, and protect its unique culture and landscape.

To go on this adventure, you’ll need two permits. The first is the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This permit allows you to enter the Tsum Valley region. You can get it through a registered trekking agency in Nepal or the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The second permit is the Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP). This permit covers the Manaslu Conservation Area, which includes the Tsum Valley.
To apply for the Tsum Valley Permit, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity. You will also need two passport-sized photographs. Finally, you must complete an application form, which the agency will help you with.

 

Cost Includes
  • Experienced English-speaking guide
  • Local Porters to carry luggage
  • Meals included
  • Double room accommodation in lodges
  • Entry fees to National Parks (MCAP) and TIMS registration
  • Special permits for trekking restricted areas
  • Local bus transportation to the trek starting point and return
  • Insurance coverage for Nepalese staff
  • International airport/hotel/international airport transfers
Cost Excludes
  • Personal insurance covering mountain rescue expenses
  • International flights
  • Visa fees for entry into Nepal
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Tips drinks and all personal expenses
  • Battery charging and hot showers or your devices in lodges
Book your spot

Starting from

€750

Instant Booking

Secure Payments

No Hidden Costs

Trip Difficulty

Medium

5.0

Glacier Safari Treks Nepal

Tripadvisor Traveler Rating

Recent Traveler Reviews

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avatar thumb Arnaud B
14/11/2023
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Richmonda

Jul 01, 2024

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Harry Kc
Harry Kc

Jun 06, 2024

Excellent trek

I have used GST services multiple times over the past five years, in Kathmandu and Tibet. They are a highly reputable agency, and I highly recommend their services.

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FAQs

The Tsum Valley Trek is best undertaken during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is favorable, and you can enjoy clear views of mountains like Manaslu, glaciers, and rhododendron flower blooms.

The Tsum Valley Trek offers landscapes, encounters with local communities, and visits to ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. You’ll also enjoy views of the Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal ranges and a relaxing stop at Tatopani’s hot springs. This off-the-beaten-path adventure combines Tibetan culture, wilderness hikes, and serene moments in Nepal’s hidden valley.

You will need two permits: the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP).

Yes, private vehicle transportation can be arranged for those who prefer added convenience and comfort during their trek. This service can be added for an additional cost, providing a more personalized and flexible travel experience. For more details and to customize your transportation options, please contact the Glacier Safari Treks team.

The Tsum Valley Trek is considered moderate but challenging, and it requires a good level of fitness. If you have trekking experience, it will be less exhausting as you will be physically and mentally prepared. You can expect to walk for about 6 hours a day on uneven and tricky trails.