1 People (per pax) | 2-7 People (per pax) | 8+ People (per pax) |
---|---|---|
$1783 | $1550 | $ 1488 |
Pay $357 Now & $1426 on arrival | Pay $310 Now & $1240 On arrival | Pay $297 Now & $1190 on arrival |
The Tsum Valley, according to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, is a valley blessed by Padmasambhava as one of his retreats. It's a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley set against the backdrop of Ganesh Himal (south), Sringi Himal (north), Himal Chuli, and the Boudha Range (west) in northern Gorkha.
The valley is divided into two remote villages: Chumchet (lower Tsum) and Chhekampar (upper Tsum). It is one of the most remote Himalayan valleys in the world, preserving a long history of Buddhism as well as ancient art, culture, and a very distinct dialect. Both geographically and culturally, the place is unique.
Few adventurers have made it to this high and mysterious valley, which was off-limits until 2008. Those who haven't yet planned a trip to the Tsum Valley will definitely miss the wilderness trek to the Hidden Valley, accompanied by artistic chortens and mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and inscribed with prayers; ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom; living Buddhist culture; centuries-old nunneries; ancient monasteries such as Rachhen Gumba, Mu Gumba, Lungdang; Kiymu Lung pilgrimage; intact Tibetan culture and tradition; remoteness and inaccessibility untouched for centuries; rich wildlife including Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep; unique Tsumba festivals such as Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa and Fanning and the variation in altitude within the valley (lowest point Lhokpa-1905m and highest point Ngala Dhojhag Pass- over 5093m on the Tibetan border).
Interesting facts: i) hunting and fishing are prohibited, ii) people still practice polyandry, and iii) the existence of 'Yeti' (as claimed by many locals).
The valley is like a paradise that can only be reached by extreme hardship. After struggling along the Manaslu Circuit Trail to the junction of the Ghap and Tsum Valley trails, we enter a beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons, which opens up to reveal a small Tibetan-style village nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Tsum Valley. If you are looking forward to this trek, spring, and autumn are more rewarding and supportive.
Tsum Valley Trek 16 days is a standard trekking package designed by Amigo Treks and Expedition. It includes full board (basic meals + accommodation) during the trek and 3-star standard bed and breakfast in Kathmandu, all ground transportation, and an English-speaking, knowledgeable, licensed, and experienced guide.
The package is fully customizable and any customized package comes with a special group discount. You can customize your departure date (100% guaranteed departure) or join our upcoming departure at your convenience.
Moreover, Nepal's other best remote trekking includes the Upper Mustang Trek, Manaslu Trek, and even the Lower Dolpo Trek.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m/2,952ft) 6-7 hours
Day 04: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (2,340m/7,676ft) 6-7 hours
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Chisopani (1,660m/5,445ft) 4-5 hours
Day 06: Trek from Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft) 6-7 hours
Day 07: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,010m/9,903ft) 4-5 hours
Day 08: Trek from Chhokang Paro to the Nile (3,361m/11,058ft) 5-6 hours
Day 09: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft) 3-4 hours
Day 10: Explore day (Mu Gompa) (3700m/12,174ft)
Day 11: Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m/10,644ft) 5 hours
Day 12: Trek from Burgi Village to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft) 5-6 hours
Day 13: Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft) 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft) 6-7 hour
Day 15: Trek from Khorlabesi to Machha Khola and Drive to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) 7-8 hour
Day 16: Departure day (1,300m/4,264ft)
Trip Include
Trip Exclude
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition. Therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will escort you to a 3-star standard hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office for the briefing regarding the trek, which is followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arranged a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can enjoy ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, the meeting and dinner can be scheduled for the following day. Meals included: Dinner (Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music, and Ethnic dance)
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft) The capital, Kathmandu Valley, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural, and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few-hour tour to the major attractions of Kathmandu Valley. After spending a few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gear (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags, etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath – (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia). Optional site: Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ and other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, and Kumbeshwor Temple.)
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m/3,051 ft) Our destination set for today is Machha Khola, which is about an 8-10 hour drive from Kathmandu. Therefore, early in the morning, after having breakfast, you will be escorted to the bus park to catch a bus to Machha Khola. Leaving Kathmandu, the bus heads towards the western part of the valley, following the Prithvi Highway. The bus follows the highway for about 150 kilometers from Kathmandu, which then leaves the highway, crosses the Trisuli River, and heads towards the Dhading Besi. We stop here for lunch. From Dhading Besi, the bus heads towards Arughat. After about 4-5 hours of ride on a bumpy road, we reach Machha Khola (which is the starting point of the trek. The night will be spent at a lodge in Arughat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Experience of winding Highway, blacktopped road as well as bumpy road accompanied by the breathtaking view of waterfalls, rivers, jungles, green hills, hamlets higher up on the hills, terraced fields flaunting seasonal crops, a variety of vegetation and the curious faces of people running motels, restaurants, and lodges with the experience of Newari community away from the Kathmandu valley – all in a single day.)
Day 04: Trek from Machhakhola Gaon to Jagat (2,340m/7,676ft) 6-7 hours our destination for today is Jagat. Starting at Machhakhola Gaon, we continue through the narrow trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. After a few ups and downs, we cross a bridge to reach Khorlabesi which offers one of the best views of the Ganesh Himal. A few additional ups and downs from here will take us to Tatopani. Climbing the ridge over Tatopani, we cross a bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River. Now, walking on the river's eastern bank on wide steps, we cross the landslide and walk up to the Dobhan, to cross the suspension bridge across the Dobhan River. On crossing the river, the walk continues on a rocky trail, crossing another landslide, towards a 93 m-long suspension bridge over the Yaru River. We cross this bridge, pass the landslide on the stone steps and then drop down to cross one more bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Then, following the west bank of the river, we continue following the stone steps until we reach the village of Jagat. The night will be spent at a lodge in Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Best view of Ganesh Himal from Khorlabesi and Singi Himal from Jagat, the experience of rocky trail, stone steps, landslides, and rock fall areas, view of the organic coffee garden at Khorlabeshi, numerous suspension bridges over different rivers including the roarings Budhi Gandaki River, waterfalls and few Chortens and Mani walls.)
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Chisopani (1,660m/5,445ft) 4-5 hours our destination for today is Chisopani. The team leader will take care of the necessary formalities at the office of MCAP located at Jagat. Leaving Jagat, we walk up the river bed and hike over a rocky ridge to Salleri. Following the river, we further hike up to Sirdibas and then continue towards the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, enjoying a few signs of Buddhist culture. On crossing the bridge we climb up to Philim, which is a large Gurung village surrounded by fields of potato, millet, and maize. From Philim, the walk continues towards the north, across the forest, where we finally reach Chisopani. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chisopani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Potato, maize, and climbing bean field, pleasant view of Sringi Himal, various signs of Buddhist culture, Chortens, and the prosperous Philim village of Gurung people surrounded by the fields of maize, potato, and millet. This village also features Chhyoling Sandu Gompa, a School made by Japanese, a police station, and a large campsite offering a view of Sringi Himal.)
Day 06: Trek from Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft) 6-7 hours our destination for today is Chumling. With the Budhi Gandaki River on our left, we traverse Ekle Bhatti and then the gorge to reach a large waterfall before entering the pine forest. The trail then drops to a trail junction of Ghap and the Tsum Valley. Following the trail leading towards the Tsum Valley, the walk continues through the pine and rhododendron forest, which will take us to the beautiful small village of Lokpa. We further walk down to cross a suspension bridge over Lungwa River and then cross Sarti River and Sarti Gorge following the zigzag path, we head towards Gumlung. We then cross a bridge over Siyar Khola and reach Chumling, also known as Lower Tsum. On reaching Chumling, we also visit Chumling Gompa and walked around the village. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chumling. (Highlights of the day: A walk through pine and rhododendron forest enjoying the pleasant view of Himalchuli and Shringi Himal, waterfall, Sarti Gorge, and beautiful rivers and lifestyle of people in small settlements like Lokpa and Chumling, and Chumling Gompa.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,010m/9,903ft) 4-5 hours our destination for today is the villages of Chhokang Paro. Initially, we transverse through maize and potato land, and enjoying the great views of Ganesh Himal and a few gompas, we walk down to the Sarpu River crossing Rainjam. Crossing the bridge we walk up to Gho Village and a further 2 hours of the upward hike on a well-graded track will take us to the settlements of Chhokang and Paro situated on flat land. The evening can be spent exploring these settlements and Gompas. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhokang Paro. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Highlights of the day: Views of rich farming land of potatoes and maize, classic Tibetan style houses with firewood on the roof, superb view of Ganesh Himal to the east and Himal Chuli down the valley, wonderful view of the settlement of Ripchet, view of stone houses with iron roofs, spacious fields of barley, maize, buckwheat and potato, the herds of Thar grazing the wild cliffs towards the north and various important gompas (Galdang Gumba) in Chhokang Paro and en route. We can also visit Geshe Lama Konchog Retreat Cave, where Lama Kongchog died after 26 years of meditation, and enjoy the Tsumba language.)
Day 08: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft) 5-6 hours our destination for today is the Nile. Climbing further from Chhokang Paro requires lots of caution, as one can experience altitude sickness. Leaving Chhokang Paro behind, we climb over a ridge of Chorten and walk past Lama Gaon to reach a nunnery Gompa, the Rachen Gompa. At Lamagaon, you can also get a key to visit Milarepa’s Cave. After spending some time in this Gompa, we walk towards the suspension bridge over the Shiar River, crossing micro hydropower and a big statue of Lord Buddha. Then we pass through the hamlets of Phurbe and Pangdung, an unusual stupa, and a waterfall before entering the beautiful village of Chhule, through a notable entrance gate. From Chhule, we head upstream to cross the bridge over the Shiar River and reach the Nile. Homestay at the Nile. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Highlights of the day: Gompas like Galdang Gompa, Sarphu, ChiPhu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Gonhgye Gompa, a visit to Milarepa’s Cave, a number of hydropower and wind power, beautiful hamlets, unusual stupa, a statue of Lord Buddha, lifestyle and settlement of people and a beautiful waterfall en route. )
Day 09: Trek from Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft) 3-4 hours our destination for today is Mu Gompa. Leaving the last settlement of the area, Nile, we cross a suspension bridge and ascend towards the Tibetan border, through the dry Tibetan country, passing the rows of Chortens and Mani walls. The walk continues up to Mu Gompa. From Mu Gompa, we hike up to the Dhepu Doma Gompa (Nunnery Gompa). After exploring the Gompa, we hike down to Mu Gompa. The night will be spent at the accommodation provided by the Gompa. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Highlights of the day: Mu Gompa- situated at the highest altitude in the region, the monastery is also the largest monastery and features religious books, including Kangyur, a statue of Avalokteshwara and Guru Padmasambhava and Tara, an extensive view of yak pastures surrounding Mu Gompa, Longnang Glacier on the east. Dhenphu Doma Gompa, an isolated 600-year-old nunnery Gompa exhibiting ancient Thankas.)
Day 10: Explore day (Mu Gompa) (3700m/12,174ft) Today we spent our day exploring the Mu Gompa area. After exploring the Mu Gompa area, we have an option to hike to the base of Pika Himal. After getting to the base camp of Pika Himal, we get back to the Mu Gompa for an overnight stay. (Highlights of the day: Visit the largest Gompa with contains more than 100 monks, and explore their lifestyle, culture, and language. Enjoy the view of the magnificent peaks of Tibet and Nepal, especially the Ganesh Himal Range.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m/10,644ft) 5 hours our destination for today is Burgi Village. Following the east bank of Shiar Khola, we hike down to Burgi Village, crossing the Nile, Chule, and Phurbe. We then climb to Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu) and enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers and mountains. The night will be spent at a lodge in Burgi Village. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Explore the lifestyle and culture of Burgi Village, and enjoy the magnificent view of Phoshyop Glacier and mountains like Kipu and Churke.)
Day 12: Trek from Burgi Village to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft) 5-6 hours our destination for today is Chumling. We retrace the path walk earlier and walk to Chhokang Paro. From Chhokang Paro, we continue the downward walk until we reach Chumling, which is the lower part of Tsum Valley. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chumling. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Cultivated land of potatoes, buckwheat, buckwheat and maize, classic Tibetan style settlement, magnificent view of Ganesh Himal to the east and Himal Chuli down the valley, the herds of Thar grazing the wild cliffs towards the north and various important gompas in Chhokang Paro and en route.)
Day 13: Trek from Chumling to Philim (1,570m/5,103ft) 6-7 hours our destination for today is Philim. On crossing the suspension bridge over the Shiar River, the walk continues towards the south on a flat zigzag trail. The trail passes through a beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron to the trail junction. We further descend crossing the beautiful Samba waterfall and with the Budhi Gandaki on our right-hand side, the trail descends to the village of Philim. The night will be spent at a lodge in Philim. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Highlights of the day: Long but pleasant walk through the forest of pine and rhododendron where you can enjoy various species of birds, rivers, and waterfalls. The beautiful landscape and the settlement of people in PhilimVillage.)
Day 14: Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft) 6-7 hour our destination for today is Khorlabesi. The trail completely descends, leaving the cultivated region of Philim, following the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail first takes us to Jagat. From here, following the stone steps we walk down to Yaruphant. We further descend to Tatopani, crossing Dobhan. You can enjoy a dip in the natural hot spring at Tatopani and relax your tired muscle. Or you can simply continue to walk down to Khorlabeshi without resting at Tatopani. The night will be spent at a lodge in Khorlabesi. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Highlights of the day: A long descent accompanied by a number of waterfalls, small settlements, monasteries, and the magnificent view of Ganesh Himal.)
Day 15: Trek from Khorlabesi to Machha Khola and Drive to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) 7-8 hour we will leave Khorlabesi and continue on toward Machha Khola, which is located along the Budi Gandaki River. The trail will take you through dense forests, over suspension bridges, and past numerous waterfalls as you make your way toward your destination. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peaks of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. You may also encounter local villagers going about their daily lives, offering a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the region. once will arrive at Machha Khola, where you will be met by a vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. The drive will take you through the picturesque countryside, passing through small towns and villages along the way. As you are near Kathmandu, you will have the chance to see the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) and the bustling streets of Thamel. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Kathmandu, where you can rest and reflect on the amazing journey you have just completed.
Day 16: Departure day (1,300m/4,264ft) This day is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Amigo Treks and Expedition. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to spend some extra days in Nepal, Amigo Treks and Expedition can also make the arrangements for some other top adventurous activities that you can attend while you are in Nepal. Meals included: Breakfast (The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu at about 12-1pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm. Both Nepali and Western food (subject to availability) are served during the trek. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge, guest houses or accommodations provided by the gompas or also in a tourist standard hotel (subject to availability) where we stop for overnight.
While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)
With 3 friends we trek up the Tsum Valley supported by our guide Dawa and porters Shambu and Anil… a fantastic trip. Beautiful, fascinating, great food and lodging…. From Kathmandu to the Valley. My Gong is more basic but sitting in with the monks at prayer time and glimpsing life and devotion is extraordinary. Dawa was excellent from the safe crossing of old landslides to making us nettle soup and it helped us understand where the valley came from and what is happening now. Amigo travel, get again, a superb experience. Thanks, Tika.
This was my first trek in Nepal though not for my three friends who had trekked in Nepal before and used Amigo Treks. I cannot fault Tika or his business; he is personable and likable and thorough in his preparation and communications. Everything went as planned From when we met at Tribhuvan Airport until we were farewelled.
We chose Tsum Valley ('Grade 3') partly because of my age (mid-seventies) and because of the Valley's isolation, varied landscapes, and traditional culture of its people. Our actual trek time (excluding a couple of days at Katmandu and driving time) was an unhurried 13 days - we started each day by 0800hrs and aimed to be at our destination village by mid-afternoon. The trek culminated at MuGumba - a monastery where we overnighted.
Amigo Treks provided us with an excellent Guide who interacted with all of us, knew the tracks, and chose good tea houses. The two porters trekked with us and were good company. All in all a wonderful (if occasionally tough) experience.
With 3 friends we trek up the Tsum Valley supported by our guide Dawa and porters Shambu and Anil… a fantastic trip. Beautiful, fascinating,