Name: Tsum Valley Trek
Brand: Himalaya Summit Club
Rating: 5 (207 reviews)

Overviews

Explore the off-beat trail of the discreet Tsum valley, and relish the opportunity of witnessing the culturally rich Buddhist villages on the Tsum Valley Trek. Located in an entirely remote Himalayan territory along the Manaslu circuit, Tsum Valley Trek explores the wild nature, Tibetan settlements, rich Buddhist culture, and traditional villages. The trek takes you to the foothills of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges, the abode of the Tsum and Nubri communities.

The trip length spans to 19 days in total. Your arrival in Kathmandu will follow with a scenic cultural sightseeing tour of the historical Kathmandu city. In this tour, you’ll get to witness some of the pristine UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath. Afterward, you’ll drive northwest to Barpak village in the historical Gorkha District. The trek commences at Barpak and advances northward through the traditionally rich and cultural settlements of Gurung, Magar, and Tibetans. You’ll cross Laprak, Khorlabesi, Jagat, Chisopani, and Chumling, Chhokang Paro, and Nile villages before arriving at the high-altitude Himalayan region of Mu Gompa bordering with Tibet in the north. Mu Gompa is home to the largest Buddhist monastery in the region along with sacred caves where the renowned Buddhist saint ‘Milarepa’ is said to have meditated. Tsum valley is also home to Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, and few other monasteries including Rachen Gompa and Dephu Doma Gompa. After exploring Mu Gompa, you’ll retrace your path and head down to Soti Khola via Burgi, Chumling, Philim, and Khorlabesi while enjoying the majestic Himalayan panorama of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. The trek to the valley of ‘Tsumbas‘ is generally accessible during spring and autumn seasons.

At Himalaya Summit Club, we intend to provide the best services possible. Along the trips across the country, we do not allow unnecessary hassles to compromise the quality of your experience. We also help you have a memorable journey in the company of a local guide, comfortable accommodation, and transportation.

Trip highlights of Tsum Valley Trek

Scenic trekking through the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation areas
Trek to the restricted area of Tsum valley
Enjoy observing the Tibetan culture, lifestyle, and tradition
Explore the traditionally rich Tsum and Nubri heritage trail of Manaslu and Tsum Valley
Enjoy the soothing natural hot water springs at Tatopani

Travel Itinerary

Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will warmly receive you and escort you to your hotel located at the heart of Kathmandu city. In the evening, you can go out to take a stroll. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Accomodation:Star Level Hotel

Place:Kathmandu

Altitude:1,350m

Meals:Welcome Dinner

In Kathmandu, you visit some of the world heritage sites in the valley. Commencing with a visit to the Buddhist stupa on the northwest hill surrounding the valley, the tour heads to the historic palaces and monuments in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Also the home to the living goddess Kumari, the tour heads east to Pashupatinath. The Hindu rituals and practices are quite vividly displayed in the temple and the tour ends at Boudhanath stupa, thereafter. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Accomodation:x

Place:Kathmandu

Altitude:1,350m

Meals:Breafast

After an early morning breakfast, you’ll embark on a road journey to Gorkha Bazaar. Gorkha lies 5hr drive away to the northwest of Kathmandu. You will observe beautiful landscapes, numerous streams, and Daraudi Khola en route. Once at Gorkha, you can briefly enjoy the local scenery and the historical sites. Afterward, you’ll catch your commute and drive north to the village of Barpak situated overlooking the Gorkha valley below. Overnight stay at Barpak.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Barpak

Altitude:1,915m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll start climbing the ridge leading all the way to Laprak village. You’ll get to enjoy the scenery of Boudha Himal throughout the trail. A couple of hour of uphill climb will bring you to Gupsi Dada which separates Laprak and Barpak village. Another steep climb down the hill will bring you to the large Gurung village of Laprak. Overnight stay at Laprak.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Laprak

Altitude:2,100m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll begin descending through the village setting to the Machha Khola River. After crossing a bridge, you’ll keep climbing the hill passing along the terraced fields of pink sorghum and rice. You’ll arrive at Singla. From here, the trail is fairly easy. A narrow winding trail will take you directly to Khorlabesi located on the banks of Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight stay at Khorlabesi.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Khorlabesi

Altitude:975m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll leave Khorlabesi and start hiking along the river by buckwheat fields. You’ll walk past rocks washed smooth by the river, often climbing the stone steps, to arrive at the hot springs of Tatopani. You can choose to spend time soaking up in the gushing hot water. A gentle climb through the woods and the forested path will take you directly to Dobhan followed by Jagat. Jagat serves as the gateway to Manaslu Conservation National Park. Overnight stay at Jagat.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Jagat

Altitude:1,300m

Meals:Breafast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll obtain the Manaslu Conservation Area park permit at Jagat before advancing through the rocky ridge to Salleri. You’ll descend to Sirdibas which opens up a wide valley leading all the way to Ghatta Khola. You’ll continue trekking upstream towards Philim, a large Gurung village. A short walk from Philim will bring you to Chisopani. Overnight stay at Chisopani.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Chisopani

Altitude:1,660m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Leaving Chisopani, you’ll ascend uphill and cross a huge waterfall to arrive at the pristine pine tree forests at Lokpa. From here, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Boudha Himal en route. A decent half hour downhill trek will bring you to Lungwa Khola. After crossing Siyar Khola you’ll arrive at Chumling from where you can enjoy the majestic sight of Shringi Himal range. Overnight stay at Chumling.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Chumling

Altitude:2,386m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The uphill trail from Chumling will advance to the Upper Tsum valley of Chhekampar. You’ll head towards the beautiful Buddhist village of Chhokang Paro with the magnificent sight of Ganesh Himal (7422m) almost throughout the trail. You go past Rainjam village and cross the suspension bridge to arrive at Gho. A continuous uphill trail from Gho will bring you to the village of Chhokang Paro. Overnight stay at Chhokang Paro.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Chhokang Paro

Altitude:3,010m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll leave Chhokang Paro and leave for the village of Lamagaon. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and arrive at Rachen Gompa (monastery). It is the only nunnery in the entire region. You can briefly visit the nunnery and continue trekking past Siyar Khola towards Lar (micro hydropower), Phurbe, and Pangdun villages to arrive at the Nile. Overnight stay at the Nile.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Nile

Altitude:3,361m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

As you approach the Nepal-Tibet border, you’ll witness rich Tibetan landscape, Tibetan styled thatched roof houses, and lifestyle. The Tibetan influenced settlement is one of the highlights of this trek. A short trek west of the open valley through the Tibetan-influenced landscape will take you to the aloof area of Mu Gompa. You will visit the historical monastery of Mu Gompa and later explore the Dephu Doma Gompa. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.

Accomodation:At Mu Gompa

Place:Mu Gompa

Altitude:3,700m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today you’ll spend time exploring the remote Mu Gompa and the quaint surrounding. You will witness the Tibetan landscape continuing to the other side of the border. Mu Gompa monastery lies at the altitude of 3700m. Due to its acute location, not many tourists or locals can be found in the area. You can also consider heading to the Pika Base Camp from Mu Gompa. Overnight stay at Mu Gompa.

Accomodation:Mu Gompa

Place:Mu Gompa

Altitude:3,700m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After exploring the Mu Gompa region you’ll begin descending to the village lying below the ridge. You’ll walk past Chhule and Phurbe villages to Burgi village. The 5hr descent will take you through the landscape of Chhekampar. En route, you’ll climb the Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu) to catch the magnificent sights of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal, and Churke Himal before heading back to Burgi village. Overnight stay at Burgi.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Burgi

Altitude:2,386m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll continue descending along the sparsely forested trail. The trail passes through the lush pine and rhododendron forest towards Chhokang Paro. A short walk through Gho and Sarpu Khola will take you directly to Chumling village. You also pass Kowo, Yarchyo, and Tanju along with numerous small settlements on the way to Chumling. Overnight stay at Chumling.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Chumling

Altitude:2,386m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, you’ll leave Chumling and head back to Philim via Lokpa village. From Lokpa, the trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River for the entire period of the walk. You can enjoy the scenic Samba Falls along the trail before arriving at the flat land which leads directly to Philim village. Philim also allows a different route to head towards the base camp of Ganesh Himal. Overnight stay at Philim.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Philim

Altitude:1,570m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll continue descending along the Dobhan Khola and make your way across Jagat and Tatopani villages to reach Khorlabesi. A short descent from Philim will take you to Sirdibas. A track leading through the lushly forested trail will take you back to Jagat. Tatopani lies en route where you can choose to take a dip to relieve your aching body. Further down Tatopani lies the village of Khorlabesi. Overnight stay at Khorlabesi.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Khorlabesi

Altitude:970m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, you’ll cross the Tharo Khola to arrive at Machha Khola village. A short downhill trek along the Budhi Gandaki River will take you to Lapubesi from where you’ll trek past two waterfalls to arrive at Khursane. A short walk along the ridges above Budhi Gandaki opens a valley which directly leads to Soti Khola. The trek concedes at Soti Khola. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.

Accomodation:Lodge

Place:Sotikhola

Altitude:700m

Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today you’ll catch your commute back to Kathmandu from Soti Khola. The 6hr ride will go past Kuerepani to arrive at Arughat Bazaar. After a brief stop, you’ll continue driving towards Prithvi Highway which connects you to Kathmandu. The road leads through the serpentine roads of central Nepal along the massive Trishuli and Marsayangdi rivers. Once at Kathmandu you’ll be escorted back to your hotel.

Accomodation:Star Level Hotel

Place:Kathmandu

Altitude:1,350m

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner

As the curtain closes in an epic adventure to one of the most secluded regions of Nepal, you will head to your destination on a scheduled flight. A company representative will help you will the official formalities prior to the flight.

Accomodation:x

Place:Kathmandu

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Cost Includes

Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle.
3 star categories Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.(room is twin sharing Base)
Guided Tour of Kathmandu City with expert tour guide and private vehicle
Government license holder experienced trek guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid& altitude sickness) and porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance, clothing and medicine.
Local transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek by local bus, private jeeps are available on adding the extra cost lets us know before you book the trip.
All meals during trekking 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
Special Trekking Permit for Tsum Valley Trek. Manaslu Conservation fee, Annapurna Conservation permit.
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Himalaya Summit Club duffel bag. ( If you need, please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in our pre- meeting at our office)
Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
Welcome/Fare well Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
All necessary paper works, office Service charge and all Government Taxes

Cost Excludes

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee, you can get Nepal visa up on arrival in the Airport.
International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, camera battery charging.
Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
Personal trekking gears
Tips for tour/ trekking staffs and driver
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

Useful Info

The Trekking Group

For the Tsum Valley Trek, there will be one UIAA Certified Trek leader, assistant Trek leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but usually, it is a maximum of twelve people as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a large group then that can be arranged too.

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Marshyandi/Moon light Hotel/Yatri Suites Spa Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD. Himalaya Summit Club will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition upon joining any of Himalaya Summit Club trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization

This trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less-oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is set aside in Mu-Gompa for acclimatization.

Himalaya Summit Club advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out “Altitude illness” by Dr Jim Duff, whether once you getting in Kathmandu you can we will arrange to meet with Expedition Doctor Mr. Nima Namgel Sherpa. Himalaya Summit Club itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Himalaya Summit Club before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) are the best months for this trip. Although this trip can be taken during winter, there might be a problem due to obstructed pass due to ice or snow. The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during Monsoon and Winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.

Equipments & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

Head

Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket
Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

Lower Body

Non-cotton underwear briefs
1 pair of Hiking shorts
1 pair of Hiking trousers
1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, broken in )
1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
Cotton socks (optional)
Gaiters (winter only), optional, low ankle high version

Sleeping

1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
1 large duffel bag
A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

first-aid kit. (simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid Small, personal tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Water purification tablets or water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
1 compass or GPS(optional)
1 alarm clock/watch
1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
large Ziplocs
2 water bottles (1 liter each)
1 small folding knife
Binoculars (optional)
4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

1 medium-sized quick drying towel
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue /toilet roll
Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

Reading book
Trail map/guide book
Journal and pen
iPod
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
1 modest swim suit
Binoculars (optional)
Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow