Tsum Valley trek 14 days
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Duration: 14 days
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Trip level: moderate (info?)
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Maximum altitude: 3700 m
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Accommodation: teahouse/homestay
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Season: March, April, May, September, October, November
The remote Tsum Valley is located to the east of Manaslu, on the border with Tibet. The Tibetan Buddhist culture is still very present in Tsum and the scenery in the area is stunning with its beautiful forests and mountains. The countryside is overshadowed by the towering Ganesh Himal. The people have been poor since they have been bypassed by development for centuries, but this means their unique culture has remained relatively untouched. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid. During the Tsum Valley trek you will pass by ancient villages and Buddhist monasteries waiting to be explored. You can combine the Tsum Valley trek with the Manaslu Circuit trek starting in Macha Khola and ending in Besisahar.
From Kathmandu, it is an eight hours drive to Macha Khola where your Tsum Valley trek begins. The trail starts low, passing through lush green countryside and small villages. On the first trekking day, you will follow the trail of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Continuous you are following the course of the river the Burhi Gandaki, climbing and descending ridges along the trail. Eventually, the river valley widens at Jagat and you follow a comfortable trail to Philim. After Philim you leave the Manaslu trail and walk into the Lower Tsum Valley at Lokpa. From there on you will spend nine days in the Tsum Valley, working your way from Lokpa through the village of Chumling to the upper valley. After entering the Tsum valley you will soon find yourself in beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Heading east the valley opens up to reveal beautiful landscapes and small Tibetan-style villages. The upper valley is relatively wide and flat at Chokang Paro and Chule-Nile. Beautiful Ganesh Himal mountain is dominantly present in the mountain views during this part of the Tsum Valley trek. The gompa above Chule is particularly fine and worth visiting as it is also an excellent viewpoint. Mu Gompa is located in a remote position a couple of hours walking beyond Nile. You will be able to visit the gompa and walk high above it to get some great views before returning there to spend the night. This is the biggest monastery in the valley, with a beautifully painted interior of Buddhist murals. An optional day hike towards Dupchet nearby the Tibetan border is a great exploration of the valley. After Mu Gompa, you trek back down the valley via Ripchet leaving the Tsum Valley trek and shortly re-join the trail of the Manaslu Circuit. From Macha Khola, you will be driven back to Kathmandu.
Day 01 Private drive Kathmandu to Macha Khola via Arughat Bazaar (730 m – 8 hrs)
Day 02 Trek to Jagat (1340 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 03 Trek to Lokpa (2240 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 04 Trek to Chumling (2385 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 05 Trek to Chokang Paro (3031 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 06 Trek to Chule Nile (3347 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 07 Trek to Mu Gompa (3700 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 08 Optional day hike to Dupchet at Tibetan border
Day 09 Trek to Chokung Paro (3031m – 6 hrs.)
Day 10 Trek to Ripchet (2470 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 11 Trek to Lokpa (2240 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 12 Trek to Jagat (1340m – 5 hrs.)
Day 13 Trek to Macha Khola (930 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 14 Drive to Kathmandu via Arughat Bazaar (8 hrs.)
During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and cost of local transfers.
Please inquire about the price.
We have noticed the ways of travelling and booking are changing rapidly. Many customers book a hotel or a guesthouse themselves prior to their journey. However, we would happily like to arrange accommodation for you. We have excellent contacts with various hotels and guesthouses and will be able to offer a good price rate for any budget.
When you arrive at the International Airport we will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation. Here we will give you a short briefing about the trek. In addition, we will give you advice about hygienic food, customs, and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Cost include:
-Transfer from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
-Return drive Kathmandu to Macha Khola via Arughat Bazaar
-Certificate of CO2- emission free return drive Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar
-Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
-Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for mountain guide
-Free use of waterproof bag (only available with porter service)
-Tsum Valley restricted area permit, TIMS card and local taxes
-Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost exclude:
-International flight to Kathmandu
-Nepal entrance visa
-Accommodation and all meals in Kathmandu
-Lodging and food during trek
-Porter service for carrying luggage. One porter for two persons, maximum luggage ten kilograms per person
-All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
-Personal travel insurance
-Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
-Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
-Gratitude and tips for mountain guide (and porter)