Trekking in the Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley is known as the Hidden Valley, a land of monasteries and hamlet with totally Tibetan population. It lies on the northern part of Manaslu on the Nepal Tibet border and used to be a restricted area until 2008.

Although the region lies within Nepal, the Buddhism influence is very strong in this isolated valley. Traditionally, Tsum used to be a separate area different from both Nepal and Tibet.

The Tsum Valley region is still less exposed in comparison to other touristic areas, with relatively virgin and less beaten paths in comparison to the more popular regions.

The Tsum people have their own way of family life, which may be quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

Compared with other areas, The Tsum Valley and Manaslu area is full of imminent mountains, passes, deep gorges, hamlets, gompas, chortens, and mani walls.

The trek to Tsum Valley takes you into the majestic surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. In the initial days of the trek, we explore the Budhi Gandaki Valley through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields and hilltop villages.

As we leave the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, suddenly we get a feeling of entering truly into the hidden valley. While on the trek, we also pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. We also visit the ancient Buddhist Gombas of the region including the Milarepa’s Cave, Rachen gompa, Mu Gompa among others.

Please find below the program I usually propose for this fantastic trekking.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel, overnight at hotel

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazar (8-9 hours), overnight at camp

Day 03: Trek from Arughat to Soti Khola 6-7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 04: Trek from Sotikhola to Macha khola 6-7, overnight at camp

Day 05: Trek from Machi khola to Dovan 6 hours, overnight at camp

Day 06: Trek from Doban to Philm 6 hours, overnight at camp

Day 07: Trek from Philm to Chimling (Lower chum) 7 hours, overnight camp

Day 08: Trek from Chiming to Chokhangkarpo (Uppr Tsum) 6 hours, overnight at camp

Day 09: Trek from Cho khagkarpo to Nile/Chaule, visit Milarepa Piren phu cave on the way, 7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 10: Trek from Nile Chaule to Mu Gompa 3700m. (visit Buddhist Nigma Gompa) 5 hours, overnight at camp.

Day 11: Rest Day at Mu Gompa

Day 12: Trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa 5 hours, overnight at camp

Day 13: Trek from Rachan Gompa to Dumje 6-7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 14: Trek from Dumje to flim 6-7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 15: Trek from Flim to tatopani 6-7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 16: Trek from Tatopani to Soti Khola 6-7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 17: Trek from Sotikhola to Aru Ghat Bazar 6-7 hours, overnight at camp

Day 18: Drive from Arughat Bazar to Kathmandu, 8-9 hours, overnight at the hotel

Day 19: Transfer to the international airport for departure to your home country.

Please contact me if you are interested by this beautiful trek. I will be happy to tell you more about it and organise for you what you are looking for, in terms of hike, cultural experience…

Extra details

Not included in the price

– Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

– Emergency helicopter evacuation

– International airport departure tax

– Cargo custom clearance

– Bar bills & beverage

– Personal Satellite phone with e-mail & internet permit

– Talkie talkies permit

– Extra expenses of personal nature

– Tips for crew members

Included in the price

– Airport Pick up and drop

– 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast

– Land transport Kathmandu /Arughat Bazar / Kathmandu /

– Lodge and camping accommodation during trek

– National Park Permit

– TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card

– 3 Meals a day during the trek

– Dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, shower tent table, chair, mattress during trek

– All crew members and porters insurance, daily wages, food, accommodation

– Mule or porter for trek

– Safe drinking water

– Emergency medical kit bag

– All necessary taxes including 13% VAT

Price

Please get in touch with me for the price. It will vary based on options you will take and which we will discuss together.

Spots of interest

Starting point