Tsum Valley Trekking

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu (1300mt.) transfer to hotel.
Experiencing a clear day’s flight into Kathmandu is a breathtaking adventure. The sight of snow-capped mountain peaks stretching beneath you is truly exhilarating, marking the beginning of a series of unforgettable moments that linger in your memory for an extended period. Upon landing, our dedicated support team will warmly welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. Enjoy welcome drinks and spend the night at your chosen accommodation.

Day 2 : From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar (8-9 hours)
We embark on an 8-9 hour bus journey to Arughat Bazaar in the Gorkha district. The village of Arughat is divided into two parts, situated on opposite sides of the Budhi Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar itself is expansive, well-maintained, and thriving, featuring hotels and shops that offer a variety of goods, including clothing, food, and hardware.

Day 3 : Arughat to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
Starting our journey from Arughat Bazaar, we trek towards Soti Khola, savoring breathtaking views of Shringri Himal along the way. Our trek takes us through charming Gurung and Magar villages, meandering through fields and passing by cascading waterfalls until we finally arrive at Soti Khola. Here, we establish our camp along the banks of the Soti Khola, where “khola” translates to river in Nepali.

Day 4 : Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hours)
Our trek continues as we journey from Soti Khola to Machha Khola, named after the Fish River that runs beneath it. Machha Khola is a village perched above a stream sharing its name. For the night, we set up camp in a spacious campsite near the village.

Day 5 : Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hours)
The path from Machha Khola to Doban presents challenging terrain with steep ascents and descents. Negotiating this, we ascend a skillfully constructed staircase that leads us over a ridge to Doban. Positioned at the confluence of the Shiar Khola from the east and the Sarpu Khola from the west, Doban marks a significant juncture along our trek.

Day 6 : Jagat to Philim (4 hours)
The journey follows a challenging, rocky trail, navigating through rugged terrain with climbs and descents across ravines and notched trees. As we ascend, we are rewarded with impressive views of Sringri Himal. Continuing our trek, we reach the village of Philim at an elevation of 1550m. Philim is a sizable Gurung village adorned with fields of corn and millet. Amidst the natural surroundings of alder, blue pine, and poplar trees, we find several excellent campsites to set up camp for the night.

Day 7 : Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (7 hours)
Ascending from Philim, our trail leads us over a ridge towards Ganesh Himal Base Camp and Chumling, which is situated in Lower Tsum. We choose one of the numerous excellent campsites in Chumling to spend the night, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area.

Day 8 : Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (5-6 hours)
Moving forward from Chumling, our trek takes us to Chhokangparo, marking the opening of the Upper Tsum Valley, a part of the Inner Himalaya. Chhekamparo is a village situated on level ground and comprises two settlements, Chhekam and Paro. The valley offers direct views of the Ganesh Himal range to the south, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Baudha and Himal Chuli peaks in the southwest. Notably, some households in this village follow the practice of polyandry.

Day 9 : Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (6-7 hours)

Our journey from Chhokangparo continues as we trek to Nile/Chulle, which stands as the northernmost village in the Upper Tsum Valley. Nile is situated on the sunny western side of the Shiar Khola, just a short 20-minute walk across from Chhule. En route, we come across the Piren Phu cave, also known as the Pigeon Cave. This cave holds immense sacred significance in the Tsum Valley.

Nestled at the base of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji, Piren Phu is believed to be a meditation site of Milarepa, the renowned Tibetan saint. The cave is adorned with two separate gumbas, featuring richly painted Buddhist murals, intricately carved artistic scripts on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts. This cave stands as a crucial socio-cultural asset in the valley. The surroundings offer beautiful views of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, mountains, and settlements amid vast agricultural land.

Day 10 : Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4 hours)

From Nile, the trail gradually ascends to Mu Gumba, renowned as the largest monastery in the region. Positioned at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley, Mu Gumba was established in 1895 AD and sits at an altitude of 3510m. Within its walls, the monastery treasures religious books, including the Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara.

Additionally, the region hosts the Dephyudonma Gumba, one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley. Situated in the rugged mountains, this monastery is a 2-hour walk from the villages of Chhule and Nile. Its history is intimately linked to the inception of Buddhism in the valley. Lama Serap from the Kangin sect oversees the monastery’s operations. The site offers a few campsites and drinking water facilities for visitors.

Day 11 : Extra day for excursion
Embarking on a hike from Mu Gumba, we ascend until we reach the base of Pika Himal, standing at 4865m. This vantage point offers a close proximity to Tibet, providing panoramic views of the Tibetan peaks and the majestic Ganesh Himal range. After a day filled with exploration and breathtaking scenery, we make our way back to the comfort of our camp at Mu Gumba.

Day 12 : Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (5 hours)

Departing from Mu Gumba, we follow the trail leading to Rachen Gumba, a significant nunnery situated in the Shiar Khola Valley amidst the foothills of the mountains that form the border between Nepal and Tibet. Established in 1905 AD, Rachen Gumba stands as one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. The nunnery is home to practitioners of the Ngak-pa sect, a group that adheres to a commitment against animal slaughter.

Within the walls of Rachen Gumba, one can find a thousand clay-molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a vividly colored carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is adorned with richly painted murals depicting Buddhism and its historical narratives.

Day 13 : Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hours)
Continuing our journey, we move from Rachen Gompa towards Dumje, a quaint village comprising approximately eight houses along with an adjoining cattle shed.

Day 14 : Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (6-7 hours)
Our trek from Dumje takes us to Philim, crossing Ripchet along the way. En route, we encounter one of the Lower Tsum Valley’s most stunning waterfalls, known as Samba Tingding Chhupyang.

Day 15 : Philim to Khola Besi (6-7 hours)
Day 16 : Khola Besi to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
Starting from Khola Besi, our trek leads us to Soti Khola. Along the way, we traverse through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls, culminating in setting up our camp at the village.

Day 17 : Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar (6-7 hours)
As we journey from Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar, we approach the final stretch of our expedition.

Day 18 : From Arughat Bazar drive to Kathmandu (8-9 hours)
We conclude our adventure by driving back to Kathmandu.

Day 19 : Depart from Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will escort you to the airport for your return flight home. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay, you can explore additional options such as short tours like a game drive at National parks, wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour, or even engage in mountain biking.