Tsum Valley Trek - 18 Days

We shall explore the vibrant city- Kathmandu. Initially, we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa, which is very close to the center of Kathmandu, after breakfast at around 8 am. Swyambhunath is popularly known as the monkey temple as hundreds of monkeys live around the stupa. It is one of the world’s most magnificent Buddhist Stupa and is believed to be as antique as 2000 years old.

We then shall drive to the historic royal palace of Kathmandu Valley-the Kathmandu Durbar Square. These premises were the palace of ancient Kathmandu-Hanumana Dhoka Durbar Square with numerous other attractions as the temple of living goddess Kumari, Big bell, a large nagara, the Jagannath temple, and the Kastamandap temple (a temple believed to be made by a single tree), Taleju Bhawani and many more.

Subsequently, we transverse to Boudhnath Stupa. A visit to Boudhnath Stupa offers you to observe the main Stupa: the biggest stupa in Nepal and one of the famous stupas worldwide. We experience Tibetan Buddhist cultures and ways of living around.

Go around the Stupa and capture fruitful memory. Climbing upstairs to the monastery offers a clearer view of the monastery and different statues of the Buddhist monks and nuns. Boudhanath area is the authentic place to buy Tibetan stuff.

Our lunch will be at one of the cultural restaurants at Boudhanath. Then we shall head to the Pashupatinath Temple- one of the world's most popular and sacred Hindu shrines and a UNESCO world heritage site.

The core temple of Pashupatinath contains a large double roofed, gilt pagoda decorated with brass, and the gateway is plated with silver keeping Shivaling-the representation of Shiva in its womb.

There are other Shiva representations and other statues, shrines, and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. This place is quite famous for its cremate place, as well as most of the Hindus come to die and be cremated taken here.

In the evening, we will meet our guide and other trip members. According to their suggestions, we can buy/hire gear and equipment for the trip from the shops nearby.

After breakfast, we will be picked up for a scenic drive to Soti Khola, where our trek commences. Next, a scenic westward ride passing the Prithivi Highway leads to Malekhu. Then the journey turns towards Dhading Bensi-the administrative headquarter of Dhading district.

Driving past Dhading Bensi, the road turns curvy, dusty, and bumpier, leading us to Gola Bhanjyang, where one can see the enthralling panoramic views of the mountain peaks, including the Baudha and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Continuing the downhill drive, we come across the Ankhu Khola and later at Arughat Bazaar, where Budhi Gandaki River meets. A further drive up the west bank of Budhi Gandaki River finally brings us to Soti Khola.

The trek now actually begins after the first meal at our teahouse, following the route to Machha Khola (the name means 'fish river'). Initially, we cross a suspension bridge and trek via the lustrous sal woodlands, subsequently climbing onto a ridge above massive rapids on Budhi Gandaki.

The trail turns to be rocky which encounters several ups and downs, passing a couple of tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. Ultimately the way makes it's way down, leaving back some terraced fields reaching the Gurung village of Laubesi.

We are continuing the journey via a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens, and the Budhi Gandaki wanders among wide gravel bars. Drop to the sandy river bed and walk with rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village.

The journey continues to the more remote villages via narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi, a charming Gurung settlement at 970 m.

After a few more ups & downs, there is a small trailside hot spring from where we reach Tatopani. We climb over another ridge from the Hot spring, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge.

 We cross the Budhi Gandaki River using a suspension bridge to continue the journey over a ridge. Ascending on good crafter stairs, we reach Dhovan. As we cross Dobhan Khola nearby, the trails head s upwards to Duman.

Following the Budhi Gandaki River again, we reach Yaru Khola. Now passing a couple of settlements, suspension bridges, river gorges, we get the village of Jagat for an overnight stay. This village is the main entry point into the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA).

Initial hiking leads to the higher areas leaving behind some scattered settlements, continuing up-river on the left bank, up and down before crossing Nepal’s longest suspension bridge to the east bank, and a tiring climb up to prosperous Nagjet and Philim that is surrounded by rich fields of maize, potato, and millet.

After Philim walks through farm terraces, climb on a well-graded but exposed track through pines and rhododendrons, looking down on the other trail across the river. We shall risk stone falling from the cliffs above, especially if goats are grazing in case the slopes here have recently had their annual burn.

Now we shall climb a bit zigzag steps, increasingly exposed obtaining our first foretastes of the tiny lower Tsum. The journey is very sheer across the Shiar Khola that fixtures from the valley's top.

Mt. Himalchuli is standing just across the Budhi Gandaki River. We continue our journey via principally intact and quiet forests to Lokpa.

Following an old trade route to Tibet, we descend for 30 minutes to Lungwa Khola. Afterward, the trails become quite zigzag. Continuing the trek for the next 2 hours northwards, we reach Gumlang village leaving pine and rhododendron forests behind.

Spending 6-7 hours altogether, we reach Chumling from Lokpa today. Chumling is a gorgeous village situated on the south face of Shangri Himal. From here, we can witness a vivid view of Siringi Himal. The remaining time shall be used to explore the village and antique Chumling Gompa.

The journey continues after the first meat at our teahouse crossing attractive Chortens, Mane walls of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers, prayer flags, and other religious shrines.

Distinct settlements with unique houses can be witnessed today. The places are classic Tibetan with barricades of firewood on the roof, but without flat roofs, as it rains and snows here.

We are crossing a suspension bridge where we have fantastic views of the Ganesh Himal. The trail continues and takes us past Rainjam and across Seru Khola before arriving at Gho Village. Spending approximately 5-6 hours altogether on trekking, we reach Chokhangparo, a village where we have views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m).

A plethora of things to do today on the way to Nile. Initially, we pass Lama Gaon; the place where there is the famous Milarepa Cave. The main attraction for the day is a visit to Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu).

This ancient spot was the meditating place of Tibetan Gurus. Continuing the walk across the crop fields and river, you will arrive at the massive courtyard of Rachen Gompa/ Nunnery Gompa (3,240 m).

There are many things to witness along the way at Nile. On the trail, you first encounter Lama Gaon. Lama Gaon is the place where there is the famous Milarepa Cave. The main attraction for the day is a visit to Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu). This ancient spot was the meditating place of Tibetan Gurus.

Visiting Gompa, we shall spend some time along the border with Tibet. Reaching Lar, we shall see a micro hydropower plant. Along with several Buddhist monasteries, the trail is primarily full of stone boulders and dry. Continuing through Shiar Khola, Phurbe, and Pangdun village, we reach the day-destination Nile.

There is a monastery at Chule at the top. We shall observe a couple of magnificent waterfalls and the remains of the destroyed hydroelectric power system due to the recent avalanche. Glorious sunset can be observed over Churke and Kipu Himal from here.

The journey continues uphill to visit the largest monastery of this region-Mu Gompa. This monastery was established in the 1800s situates at the highest and furthest point of the entire Tsum. The monastery preserves some significant religious books and a statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Tara and Guru Padmasambhava- the great saint.

After the long day's trek, we have an exploration day ahead. We are close to the Tibetan border now. Today, we shall visit the monasteries as Mu Gompa and further to the Dhephu Doma Gompa.

Then we shall go for some small climbs in the snow-peaked mountains reaching the base of Pika Himal if interested. We get a spectacular view of Tibet and the beautiful peaks in the Tibetan region and the Ganesh Himal.

The downward hike has begun. We shall walk back the trail to Chule and Phurbe. Then, walking through the east bank of Shiar Khola, we shall arrive at Bhurgi village.

Bhurgi is a small but beautiful village that witnesses the spectacular views of the Churke Himal, Kipu Himal, and Pospyop glacier. Climb up to the Milarepa's Cave (Piren Phu) for more pictures.

The trek today is mostly downhill. Continue trekking watching the greenery of nature enjoying the dense pine and rhododendron forests, and descend down to Chhokang Paro again. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the subordinate Tsum Valley leads you to again Chumling.

The journey continues to Lokpa initially. The trail will be a bit flattened after lunch. On the way, we can enjoy magnificent Samba Falls. Spending approximately 6-7 hours on the trek, we reach Philim. The trail transversed via Philim village, leading to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.

The journey today continues to Khorlabensi via Jagat and Tatopani. Descending to Sirdibas, we continue our trek to Jagat. Having some rest at Jagat, we further descend to Yaruphant. The atmosphere changes now; the arid Tibetan climate gives way to subtropical green vegetation.

Following the stony ravine, we cross the Tharo Khola. We are descending further again to follow the route of Machha Khola village. Finally, traversing via the Budhi Gandaki riverbed, we reach Luabesi, the Gurung settlements.

 On the cliff side, we shall encounter a couple of magnificent waterfalls. Then we reach Khursane. Walking via Sal forests above the Ridge of Budhi Gandaki River, we come across a bridge reaching Soti Khola- our day destination. We conclude our trek and enjoy the evening.

Using a private vehicle, we drive back to Kathmandu via the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishiuli rivers, getting magnificent views of the green hills, dazzling waterfalls, farming terraces, and settlements on both sides.

Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the time can be spent relaxing at a hotel or exploring the rest of the shrines of Kathmandu Valley.

In the evening, we all shall gather in one of the cultural restaurants of Kathmandu for a farewell dinner organized by Holy Mountain Treks.

Our epic journey to Nepal comes to an end this day. However, if you have some more time, you can shop for Nepali handicrafts and other souvenirs for your beloved ones. A representative from our company will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Have a safe Journey!!!!