Tsum Valley Trekking

Following an early morning breakfast, embark on a picturesque journey with a scenic drive to Arughat, and onward to Soti Khola. The bus route takes you along the Prithivi Highway, heading west from Kathmandu, tracing the banks of the Trishuli river. After a few hours, you'll reach Dhading Bensi, serving as the district headquarters of Dhading.

Continuing the drive from Dhading Bensi, the route follows the Budhi Gandaki river, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The road leads to Arughat Bazaar, a compact settlement straddling both banks of the Budhi Gandaki, connected by a suspension bridge. About two hours of driving from Arughat brings you to the destination of Soti Khola. The journey unfolds amidst the beauty of the Nepalese landscape, providing glimpses of majestic mountains and the serene flow of rivers.

Setting out early in the morning, your destination is Machha Khola. The trek commences by crossing the Soti Khola, offering delightful views of numerous waterfalls and rivulets along the way. As you traverse a scenic Sal forest, the path leads to a ridge overlooking the mighty rapids of the Budhi Gandaki. Continuing the journey, you pass through Liding and proceed to Khursane.

Descending alongside terraced farmlands from Khursane, you'll arrive at the Gurung village of Lapubesi. The trail then enters a wide valley, guiding you along the sandy river banks of the Budhi Gandaki. Your route takes you to Nauli Khola, which you'll cross to reach the destination of Maccha Khola. The day's trek unfolds amidst diverse landscapes, providing a mix of lush forests, ethnic villages, and the soothing presence of the river.

Following an early morning breakfast, your trek takes you through a fertile landscape, navigating various ascents and descents until you reach Tharo Khola. Crossing this river brings you into Khorlabesi. Leaving Khorlabesi behind, your journey progresses to Tatopani. The Nepali term "Tatopani" translates to hot water, and true to its name, this area is home to a natural hot spring, providing a relaxing opportunity for trekkers.

As you continue, the valley narrows, leading you to the Budhi Gandaki River, which you'll cross using a suspension bridge. A stone staircase adorned with prayer flags awaits, guiding you to Tharo Bharyang. The path, now paved with stones, leads you to Jagat, a town situated to the west of the Budhi Gandaki River. This segment of the trek introduces you to a mix of natural wonders, from hot springs to river crossings, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Nepalese landscape.

Before proceeding to Lokpa, the day's journey begins with the mandatory registration of permits for Manaslu and Tsum Valley at the entry checkpoint in Jagat. Following this administrative step, the trek advances by ascending over a rocky ridge to Salleri. Here, a pause allows you to soak in the breathtaking views of Mount Sringi before descending to Sirdibas.

Upon reaching Sirdibas, a noteworthy highlight is the crossing of the longest suspension bridge in Nepal, leading you into Philim. Continuing the trek, you'll pass through Ekle Bhatti and eventually reach Lokpa, serving as the entry point to the Tsum Valley. This village, the first in the Tsum Valley, offers splendid views of the majestic Manaslu range. Known for its isolation, Lokpa is steeped in history, believed to have been blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago. The day's journey unfolds with a blend of administrative formalities, natural wonders, and cultural richness.

The day commences with a trek from Lokpa village, marking the initiation of the journey into the Tsum Valley. The trail leads through a deep, slender, and narrow gorge, offering stunning views of Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal. As you navigate this picturesque path, the route descends to the Lungwa river valley, guiding you through a dense forest adorned with rhododendron, juniper, and pine.

Subsequently, you'll reach Gumling, and a short distance later, you'll arrive at Syar Khola, marking your entry into the village of Chumling. The relatively short trek allows ample time to explore the three main monasteries of Chumling: The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa. This day's trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration as you delve deeper into the unique and enchanting Tsum Valley.

On this day, your destination is Chhokangparo, and the journey begins early in the morning. The upper Tsum Valley unfolds as you approach Chhokang Paro, which is situated on flat land. Notably, Chhokangparo consists of two settlements, namely Chhokang and Paro. Following the course of the Shair Khola, you'll eventually arrive at Domje, the largest town in the Tsum Valley.

From Domje, the trail ascends uphill, leading you to Chhokangparo. This vantage point offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. The local hospitality is sure to enhance your experience, and you may have the opportunity to savor the unique Tibetan tea, known as butter tea. The day's trek combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and the warm embrace of the local community in the upper Tsum Valley.

The Nile village stands on the western side and represents the northernmost settlement in the upper Tsum Valley. Positioned on the sunny side of the Shiar Khola, it takes around twenty minutes of walking from Chhule to reach the Nile. En route, you will encounter the sacred Phiren Phu Cave, also known as Pigeon Cave. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist master Milarepa meditated in this cave, leaving his footprints imprinted.

Continuing the trek, you'll pass through lush green meadows and fertile yet narrow landscapes. The region is adorned with two more gumbas, richly painted with Buddhist murals. These gumbas showcase artistic scripts carved onto stones, along with written scripts on papers and prayer flags, contributing to their significance as socio-cultural assets. To reach the Nile village, you'll cross a suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola, culminating your journey in this unique and culturally rich part of the Tsum Valley.

Following an early morning breakfast, your trek leads you out of the Nile Village on a trail that gradually ascends towards Mu Gompa, which happens to be the largest monastery in the region. However, approximately two hours into the trek from the Nile Village, you'll first arrive at Dephyudonma Gumba (monastery). This ancient monastery holds historical significance as one of the oldest in the area, marking the dawn of the Buddhist religion in the Tsum Valley.

Continuing the ascent, Mu Gompa, established in 1895, awaits at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley. The monastery houses numerous religious books, including the Kangyur, a life-size statue of Avalokiteshwara, and portraits of Buddhist masters Padmasambhava and Tara. To reach Mu Gompa, the trek takes you through several yak pastures and the arid Trans-Himalayan terrain, offering a unique and spiritually enriching experience in this remote and sacred region.

After a brief breakfast, your journey takes you to Rechen Gompa, a nunnery nestled in the Shiar Khola Valley, situated in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. The route retraces through Chhule and continues downstream until you reach Phurba. From there, the trail proceeds along the east banks of Siyar Khola, traversing boulder-covered plains to finally arrive at Rachen Gompa.

Built in 1905, Rachen Gompa serves as a home to the Ngak-pa sect nuns. The interior of the Gompa is adorned with several murals that depict aspects of Buddhism and its rich history. This spiritual and scenic journey allows you to explore the unique cultural and religious heritage of the region while being surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Tsum Valley.

The trek takes a southward direction, leading to Chhokangparo and onward to Chumling. Approximately two hours into the journey, you'll come across a small white Gompa at Gho (2,485m). Descending from this monastery, the trail leads to a wooden bridge spanning the Siyar Khola. Upon crossing this bridge, you'll reach Domje, where a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and a school are situated.

From Domje, the journey proceeds east, ascending through a landscape adorned with pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests. Along the way, you'll encounter several mani walls and prayer flags. The trail continues upward through the silver pine forest until you reach Lungdang Gompa. Particularly in the spring, the trek offers breathtaking views, featuring blooming rhododendrons along the trails.

Gumba Lungdang is home to approximately forty nuns and is renowned for its intense puja, conducted from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. From the gompa, you can relish beautiful and astonishing views of the surrounding mountains, creating a serene and spiritually enriching experience.

Today's trek promises excitement as you embark on a journey to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The trek initiates with an ascent, and although the path may be challenging, the breathtaking views along the way are a rewarding spectacle. The trail meanders through smaller valleys, and while fewer trekkers venture towards the Ganesh Himal Base Camp, our experienced guides will ensure you find the way.

The trails leading to the base camp might not be as well-trodden, but you need not worry as our guides will guide you through. The ascent to Ganesh Himal Base Camp takes approximately four hours. Once you reach the base camp, the panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range will offer a spectacular reward for your efforts. After soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the base camp, you will return to Gumba Lungdang for the night, marking the end of an exhilarating day filled with mountain vistas and adventure.

takes you to Domje, opting for the upper track and crossing the Laudang Khola. From Domje, the trail heads south, leading you through beautiful dense forests and over suspension bridges until you reach Ripche (2,470m). Continuing on, you'll descend to Batti Ghumlong and ascend a bit further to finally reach Lokpa. The trek encompasses a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to river crossings and ascending trails, offering a diverse and memorable experience as you make your way back to Lokpa.

The descent to Jagat begins, and soon you'll find yourself rejoining the Budhi Gandaki river. Along the trails, you'll catch a few glimpses of the mountains, adding to the scenic beauty of the journey. Today's hike, characterized by forests and downhill terrain, offers a pleasant and relatively easy trek for your legs. As you continue, you'll cross several suspension bridges, eventually reaching the village of Sirdibas before arriving at Jagat. The day's trek combines the beauty of the natural surroundings with the gentle descent, providing a satisfying and enjoyable journey back along the Budhi Gandaki river.

Following an early morning breakfast, the descent continues, leading you to Lapu Bensi. The trek predominantly involves a pleasant downhill walk, with the added excitement of crossing suspension bridges along the way. Before reaching Lapu Bensi, you'll pass through Machha Khola. Crossing a suspension bridge over Nauli Khola, you'll then follow the sandy bed of the Budhi Gandaki river to arrive at Lapu Bensi—a beautiful Gurung village. The combination of natural scenery, river crossings, and cultural encounters adds to the charm of this day's trek, offering a mix of adventure and serenity.

The trek on this day back to Arughat Bazaar is relatively short. Initially, you'll follow the Budhi Gandaki river for a few hours until you reach Soti Khola. From Soti Khola, the journey continues with a jeep ride to Arughat Bazaar. After a couple of hours of driving, you'll arrive at Arughat Bazaar. This bustling market town offers small cafes and shops that you may consider visiting, providing a chance to relax and explore before concluding your trek. The mix of walking along the river and a scenic drive back to Arughat Bazaar ensures a varied and comfortable return journey.

Following an early morning breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey along the side of the beautiful Trishuli river offers picturesque views of the green hills. As the bus heads east via the Prithivi Highway, you'll be treated to eye-pleasing landscapes. Once you reach Kathmandu, your trek package officially concludes, and you are free to spend your time in Kathmandu as you wish. Whether it's exploring the city, relaxing, or engaging in any desired activities, the choice is yours to make.