Tucked away in the remote northern region of Nepal, Tsum Valley is a mystical land of ancient Buddhist culture, rugged landscapes, and sacred monasteries. This off-the-beaten-path trek offers an intimate look into the lives of the Tsumba people, whose traditions remain deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Unlike the more commercialized treks of Nepal, Tsum Valley feels untouched and frozen in time, making it a truly unique experience.
With Tidy Himalaya, you embark on an adventure through lush forests, roaring rivers, suspension bridges, and high-altitude villages, surrounded by the mighty Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. Along the way, you’ll explore centuries-old monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, witness sacred caves where Buddhist saints meditated, and experience warm hospitality from the locals.
The Tsum Valley Trek is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a journey of the soul, where nature and spirituality intertwine. If you’re looking for a trek that offers raw Himalayan beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of peace, then this is the perfect adventure for you.
Itinerary – Tsum Valley Trek (18 Days Itinerary)
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,344ft)
Your adventure in Nepal begins! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Tidy Himalaya will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you can take a rest or explore the bustling streets of Thamel, a lively area filled with local markets, restaurants, and souvenir shops. In the evening, we’ll have a briefing session about the trek, where you can ask any last-minute questions and make any necessary preparations before heading into the Himalayas.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (550m) – Soti Khola (730m) (8-9 hours)
We start the journey with an early morning scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, a small town by the Budhi Gandaki River. The drive takes us through rolling hills, rivers, and terraced farmlands, offering our first taste of Nepal’s countryside. After a lunch break in Arughat, we continue on a rugged dirt road towards Soti Khola, a peaceful riverside village surrounded by lush forests. We settle in for the night, listening to the sounds of the river as we prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 03: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m) (6-7 hours)
Our first day of trekking begins with a gradual walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through sal forests and small Gurung villages. The trail is filled with scenic landscapes, from terraced fields to waterfalls tumbling down steep cliffs. We cross a few suspension bridges and navigate some rocky trails before reaching Machha Khola, a charming village where we spend the night.
Day 04: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,400m) (6-7 hours)
Today’s trek takes us along narrow ridges, riverbanks, and small settlements, as we gradually gain elevation. Along the way, we pass through Tatopani, a natural hot spring where we can take a short break to soak our feet. The trail then leads us through forests and steep hills before finally arriving at Jagat, a beautiful stone-paved village where we register our permits to enter the restricted Tsum Valley region.
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) (6-7 hours)
Leaving Jagat, we follow an undulating trail through deep forests, crossing a few wooden bridges and small waterfalls along the way. As we ascend, we get our first glimpse of Ganesh Himal, standing tall against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. The trail continues through small Gurung villages and Buddhist prayer walls before we finally reach Lokpa, the official gateway to Tsum Valley.
Day 06: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m) (6-7 hours)
The landscape becomes more dramatic as we ascend into Tsum Valley, with its unique Tibetan Buddhist culture and isolated villages. The trail is steeper today, but the views are spectacular, with deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. We arrive at Chumling, a charming village with ancient Gompas (monasteries) and prayer wheels.
Day 07: Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo (3,031m) (5-6 hours)
Today, we trek deeper into Tsum Valley, crossing wooden bridges and terraced fields, and passing mani walls (stone walls with Buddhist prayers inscribed on them). The higher we go, the more spectacular the mountain views become, with Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli dominating the skyline. By the time we reach Chhokangparo, we are fully immersed in the Tibetan culture of the region.
Day 08: Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile (3,361m) (5-6 hours)
As we continue through small villages and ancient monasteries, the valley opens up, revealing breathtaking landscapes. The trail is relatively easy today, and we get to interact with the friendly Tsumba people, who have preserved their Tibetan way of life for centuries. Our destination, Nile, is one of the last settlements before Mu Gompa.
Day 09: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m) & Visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4,060m)
Today is a special day as we reach Mu Gompa, the highest and most significant monastery in Tsum Valley. The monastery is over 100 years old and houses sacred Buddhist relics, manuscripts, and ancient thangka paintings. After exploring Mu Gompa, we take a short hike to Dhephyudonma Gompa, an isolated monastery built into the cliffs, offering incredible views of the valley.
Day 10: Trek from Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (3,240m) (5-6 hours)
After a peaceful morning at Mu Gompa, we trek down to Rachen Gompa, one of the largest nunneries in the region. Here, we get a unique insight into the lives of the Buddhist nuns, who dedicate their lives to meditation and spiritual practice.
Day 11: Trek from Rachen Gompa to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m) (6-7 hours)
We continue through the scenic Tsum Valley, trekking through dense forests and riverside paths before reaching Gumba Lungdang, a small monastery with an unmatched panoramic view of Ganesh Himal.
Day 12: Trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m) & Return
Today is a challenging but rewarding day as we hike up to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, where we are greeted with unobstructed views of towering snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. After soaking in the views, we return to Gumba Lungdang for the night.
Day 13: Trek from Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa (2,240m) (6-7 hours)
We begin our descent, retracing our steps back to Lokpa, where we spend the night.
Day 14: Trek from Lokpa to Jagat (1,400m) (6-7 hours)
As we exit Tsum Valley, we pass through familiar landscapes, taking time to appreciate the beauty of the region one last time before reaching Jagat.
Day 15: Trek from Jagat to Lapu Bensi (900m) (6-7 hours)
A pleasant trek along the riverbanks leads us to Lapu Bensi, where we enjoy one of our last nights in the Himalayas.
Day 16: Trek from Lapu Bensi to Arughat (535m) (5-6 hours)
A final scenic trek takes us to Arughat, marking the completion of our trekking journey.
Day 17: Drive from Arughat to Kathmandu (7-8 hours)
We take a long but rewarding drive back to Kathmandu, where we celebrate our successful trek with a farewell dinner.
Day 18: Farewell & Departure
With unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the Himalayas, we bid farewell. A representative from Tidy Himalaya will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
This Tsum Valley Trek is more than just a physical adventure; it’s an immersion into a sacred land, untouched by modernity, where spirituality and nature exist in perfect harmony. Tidy Himalaya ensures a well-organized and enriching experience, making this journey one you will cherish for a lifetime.