Tsum Valley Trek

Today, we embark on our trek from Soti Khola after breakfast. The trail gradually rises through forested and terraced ridges passing through two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. Then we descend down, eventually passing through rice terraces up to the Gurung village of Labubesi (885m). Then we climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed and walking along with rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Heading down again to the river and traversing to Machha Khola village. We stay overnight at Machha Khola. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After crossing Thado Khola, we follow a rocky ravine in order to reach Khorlabesi. Continuing our walk, we reach Tatopani where we can find a small trailside hot spring. From here, we climb over another ridge, to cross the Budi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Then we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, across a landslide, and over a ridge to Doban. Ascending up again to the Budi Gandaki, we reach Yaru Khola. Here also, we have to cross a suspension bridge and climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Thado Bharyang. Further, we cross the west bank of the Budi Gandaki and climb over a ridge trekking along the river and climbing towards the village of Jagat. We stay overnight at Jagat. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the early part of our trek, we ascend over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descend down to Sirdibas via a flat level path. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge and climb up to Philim, a big village mainly inhabited by the Gurungs. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest and with the views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. We stay overnight at Chisopani. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This day is challenging as it is an ascending path that stretches almost the entire route. Entering through the pine and rhododendron tree forest, we descend down to the trail which leads us to Tsum Valley. En route, you can see the panoramic views of mountains. Continuing our walk, we pass through a small beautiful village called Lokpa. It is along the old trail route. From Lokpa, we have to descend down for half an hour up to Lungwa Khola and then climb on a zigzag trail for a further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons until we reach Gumlung. After crossing the Siyar Khola, we finally arrive at Chumling. It is the lower Tsum valley. Chumling is located on the south face of the Shangri Himal from where we can see an eye-catching view of Shringi Himal. You can also visit the old Chumling Gompa and the stone streets of the village. MEALS:-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The scenic views of the valley and views of Ganesh Himal amply compensate for today's walk. Cross a huge slip where rocks and flood cleared the area even up onto the opposite bank, killing five in 1999, but is now covered with a forest of new trees. Up the valley to the east are superb views of several of the 7000-7400m Ganesh Himal, of long suspension bridges on the opposite bank, and far above the perched village of Ripchet (2468m) Passing through Rainjam and crossing Serpu Khola, we climb for over two hours on well-graded but exposed track to upper Tsum and the join villages of Chokhangparo, stone houses with a few iron roofs nestled under cliffs. Chokhangparo is situated on flat land and consists of 2 settlements, Chokhang and Paro. If the weather permits, enjoy the views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m).This area is prominent for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ascending from Chokhangparo, we head east through small villages. Stop for the magnificent view. Gradually climbing over a ridge of chortens, we pass Lama Gaon (3202m) through the flat fields, looking across the extensive crops and river to the huge courtyard of the Rachen Gompa/ Nunnery Gompa (3240m). The friendly people speak Tsumba, related to Tibetan, but often little Nepali and are quite unused to visitors. We continue walking through the well-managed villages Lar (micro hydropower), Phurba, and Pangdun. The Nile is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum valley. This area is massively deforested. This village is situated on the banks of the Shiar Khola and it consists of a large number of households. Both villages are in traditional style with the inclusion of livestock compounds into the houses and sheltered verandahs for drying crops. We stay overnight at the Nile. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We have a very short and pleasant walk today. We walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. After about three hours of walk from Nile we reach Mu Gompa through dry Tibetan country, with rows of chortens and widening mountain vistas. Mu Gompa is a very old monastery with over 100 monks and there are no village establishments here. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. It is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. In an ancient period, this Gompa was visited by David Snellgrove (Himalayan Pilgrimage) in 1956. This trail is used to import and export things to and from Tibet. You may come across several yak trains supplying goods to local villages. As we have enough time left after arrival, we can explore around the Mu Gompa. We can also visit the monastery, Dhephu Doma Gompa. The isolated 600-year-old Dhephu Doma Gompa (3900m) is 30 to 45 minutes uphill on the obvious westward track and has two resident nuns who report seeing snow leopards and musk deer and may give you tea. The inside of the Gompa has been repainted by monks from Tibet and there is some ancient Thanka. Or taking a half-day walk to the Nunnery and to a small pond a bit further up to Nunnery is also a good option. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We leave Mu Gompa and trek back through Chhule and Phurba, passing through the east bank of Shiyar Khola. After about five hours of walking, we reach Burgi village. Burgi is a small beautiful village. Then we climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave(piren Phu). This Cave is known for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal, and Churke Himal.In the path you can have the traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meals. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Continue trekking down to Chhokang Paro again. From there, continue descending to Gho. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the lower Tsum Valley takes you to again Chumling. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We leave Chumling and continue our walk. We move ahead on a flat trail and reach Lokpa. En route, you can also enjoy the view of Samba Falls. After a walk for about seven hours, we will reach Philim. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trek starts today from Philim to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani. Descend down to Sirdibas and continue until we finally reach Jagat. Further descent takes us to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. Continue trekking to Dobhan. Finally arrive at Tatopani, where there is a hot spring. If interested, you may dip in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles! If not, continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We cross the Thado Khola following a rocky ravine. Then we descend down to the river and traverse through Machha Khola village. We walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Gurung village of Labubesi. Passing through two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff we reach Khursani. You can enjoy the pristine beauty of the waterfalls on both sides of the river. Walking along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and crossing the Sal forests, we continue our walk and finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola where we will spend our overnight. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will be driven to Kathmandu which takes about 8 to 9 hours along the Prithivi highway. Marshyangdi and Trishuli River will be on your side throughout the drive with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces, and villages. Then you head up to Dhading Besi and Malekhu which is famous for delicious fish. After your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a hotel. MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch.