Tsum Valley Trek

Despite recent earthquakes damaging many architectural gems, Kathmandu Valley's cultural heritage sites remain enriching. Enjoy a daily tour of 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Swayambhunath, also referred to as the "monkey temple"; the historical Durbar Square in Kathmandu, featuring ancient temples and also the chance to work out the living goddess, Kumari; Patan's Durbar Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath; and Bouddhanath, the biggest stupa within the world. A car and driver will escort you to every location, waiting while you explore (note: entry tickets and lunch aren't included).

Depart from Kathmandu and drive west towards Pokhara, passing through Middle Hill rural communities to Malekhu. After crossing the Trisuli River, head north to Dhading Besi, then follow a slow, rutted dirt road northwest over the Gola Bhanjyang, which offers panoramic views of the Baudha and Ganesh Himal. Beyond now, occasional views of Ganesh IV and VI appear above the valley walls on the way to Khorlabesi. The Baudha Himal is visible from Philim and again to a higher place within the Tsum Valley, while the Ganesh Himal is seen spectacularly from Gumba Lungdang. Note that Manaslu isn't visible from Tsum Valley. Continue the journey to Arughat alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, which drains the Manaslu-Tsum region. Drive approximately four more hours up the geographic region to achieve Machha Khola, where you'll stay overnight.

Cross the Thado Khola and descend stone stairs, then follow the bar to Khorlabesi at 970 meters, where you'll observe coffee and tobacco crops. Here, the nice Himalaya Trail (GHT) through Gorkha, crossing through Barpak—the epicenter of the earthquake on April 25, 2015—intersects our trail, heading east from Manaslu towards the Langtang and Everest regions. Proceed into a lush, narrow gorge that constricts the river’s flow. Navigate across a landslide on a precarious path before reaching the three outpouring spouts in Tatopani at 930 meters. Climb a ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki River to bypass a cliff face and waterfalls. A staircase leads past another landslide before climbing to a ridge that takes you to Dobhan, where you'll spend the night.

Exit over the Dobhan Khola, then follow the east bank to Thulo Dhunga at 1,840 meters, situated above cascading cataracts. As you progress, the valley widens and therefore the water becomes placid at Yaruphant, 1,170 meters. Cross the Yaru Khola, fed by Ganesh II and VI, via an old span, then climb to the teahouses at Thado Bharyang. From there, cross back to the geographical region and ascend gently to the historically paved village of Jagat at 1,410 meters, which is the doorway and checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. After crossing a tributary, follow a cliff-side trail to Salleri, featuring views of Shringi Himal at 7,187 meters to the north. Descend to Sirdibas, where the primary symbols of Buddhist culture emerge. Continue past Ghatta Khola at 1,480 meters to the east bank, resulting in a steep climb up to Philim, a prosperous Gurung village nestled among millet and maize fields. Visit the Chholing Sandu Gompa here. Overnight in Philim.

The trail ascends through scrub and plush grasses into the narrowing valley resulting in the high millet fields of Chisopani, then to Ekle Bhatti at 1,600 meters, marked by a solitary house. still gradually descend, passing a shocking waterfall into the gorge, reaching a junction. Left ends up in 'New Bridge' and therefore the Larkya La pass; right takes a well-graded trail that zigzags up through blue pines and rhododendrons to Lokpa within the narrow Lower Tsum Valley, home to approximately 4,000 people across 18 villages. The path then drops down through the forest before tackling an extended, steep climb up the south wall of the Siyar Khola gorge, rising above the river that drains Tsum. At the summit, adorned with prayer flags, overlook colorful fields of potatoes, beans, and grains with Shringi Himal towering above. Descend to Gumlung, cross the river, and make a final, gentler ascent to Chumling. The architecture here is distinctly Tibetan, featuring sloping roofs designed to shed rain and snow. Overnight in Chumling.

Cross the river to traverse new forest growth on an ancient landslide. Along the way, pass a water-powered petition on a 'Nepali flat' trail within deep forest, where you may spot chattering white-faced langurs. In Tanju at 2,480 meters, the tiny Damphe Gompa houses many small Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion) ceramic statues, a typical feature in Tsum's gompas. Beyond Dumje, the trail offers views of Baudha Peak and therefore the Ganesh Himal. After passing Rainjam Farm, cross the Sarphu Khola, which drains the Syakpa Glacier from Shringi Himal. Then, commence a roughly 2½-hour climb through birch, larch, and pine forests, resulting in the broad and comparatively flat Upper Tsum Valley. Approaching Chhokang and Paro, collectively called Chhekampar (place of wisdom), you'll encounter landmark slate chortens facing Ganesh II and a kani gate. Houses here are closely nestled to maximise agricultural land for barley, buckwheat, maize, and potatoes—crops suited to the high altitude and short growing seasons. Yaks and tahrs roam the pastures and cliffs, requiring vigilance to stop crop damage. Overnight in Chhekampar.

Spend two days exploring northeast of Chhekampar, starting with a full morning north of Nile visiting Mu and Doma Dephyu Gompas. The Siyar Khola flows southwest down the valley's center, crossed by two bridges—the first near the dual villages of Ngakyu and Leru, south of the Rachen Nunnery, and therefore the second north of Lamjung near Milarepa’s Cave. Notably, a road is under construction during this area. Northwest of the Siyar Khola, practise the scenic, joined villages of Ngakyu and Leru at 3,200 meters, adorned with mustard fields and apple orchards. still Lama Gaon at 3,300 meters and Burji at 3,380 meters, where a key and an Rs300 per person ticket are needed to go to Milarepa's Cave, best visited on the ascent with a stop at Rachen Nunnery on the descent. A challenging half-hour side path ascends past chortens to Milarepa’s Caves (Piren Phu – Pigeon Cave) on the slopes of Langju Himal. Here, you'll see an impact of Milarepa’s foot, an elephant-shaped rock, and two small gompas—one above his meditation spot and another dedicated to local Nyingma-pa deities. the traditional retreat monastery, Chi Phu, clings to higher slopes. Southeast of the Siyar Khola, north of the cave, the trail crosses the second bridge to the southeast bank, joining the Rachen – Nile trail before reaching Phurbe at 3,250 meters. Ascend to Pangdun at 3,260 meters, where the gompa houses an oversized petition. The valley curves gently north, passing an unusual stupa before reaching an entrance kani to Chhule at 3,350 meters (Chhu Li, "shady side"). The 700-year-old, well-endowed double-story Gonhgye Monastery could be a half-hour east, offering excellent views. Cross a tributary from a high waterfall, then the Siyar Khola, and climb to the Nile (Nyi Li, "sunny side") on the northwest bank. The glaciers of Pashubo border the east. Overnight in Nile.

Start early for a rewarding day with a but 2-hour trek past snow ridges to Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters, a 70-year-old site that's Tsum’s highest and last permanent settlement. It offers a commanding view of the valley and western Ganesh Himal, including Ganesh I. Continue climbing above Mu for a steep ¾ hour to succeed in the small Dephyu Doma Nunnery at 4,000 meters, 856 years old and called the "place of the birth of sunshine," perched on a challenging slope but offering magical, exclusive views of Ganesh II and a part of the western Himalayas. The trail then heads north of Mu to high-grazing kharkas (pastures) with goths (herder’s huts), some of which provide seasonal teahouse facilities on the 2 pass routes to Kyirong in Tibet. Return to the Nile for lunch, then retrace your steps to Phurbe and still Rachen Nunnery at 3,240 meters, a 110-year-old site of the Ngak-pa sect, which forbids animal slaughter. Visit the intimate original monastery near the gate, with old murals depicting the history of Buddhism. Residential cells for the nuns and retreat buildings are arranged along and within the walls. A new, imposing temple with tall glass-fronted cases housing deities stands further back on the grounds. Cross the bridge below Rachen and return to Chhekampar overnight, concluding a protracted but enriching day of trekking and cultural immersion.

Return to the grouped chortens and descend into the Lower Tsum Valley, making your thanks to the Gho gompa. From there, turn south and cross the river to Dumje, where the Gumba Monastery supports atiny low school, a herbal medicine clinic, and fields. begin a strenuous approximately 3 ½ hour climb through beautiful oak, rhododendron, and pine forests, arriving at a landmark mani wall offering views of the nearby gompa. Continue through an exposed section, then land up through towering silver pines to a ridge resulting in the nunnery. Gumba Lungdang, 110 years old and residential to about 20 nuns, is dramatically situated with expansive views all around. Receive a warm welcome and participate in their evening puja, a spiritual highlight. The morning views from here are expected to be among the trek's most memorable. Spend the night on the Gompa’s veranda for a novel experience under the celebs.

Descend through dense forests to alittle chorten and take the left fork onto a narrow trail to cross the Langdang Khola. Afterward, climb steadily, crossing two high bridges over impressive narrow gorges, leading up to Ripchet—a secluded agricultural village carved out of the encompassing forest. Enjoy lunch in Ripchet before descending steeply down a series of stairs to Gumlung by the river. Then, re-engage with the forested pass, completing the ultimate ascent back to Lokpa. Spend the night in Lokpa, wrapping up each day of challenging and scenic transitions.

After breakfast, descend to the trail junction for Manaslu, then ascend to a high waterfall and Ekle Bhatti, enjoying great rear views along the way. still Philim for lunch, then follow the riverbank trail to Sirdibas, the last Buddhist village on this route. Overnight in Sirdibas.

Today, swap alpine flora for lush, subtropical vegetation and more humid conditions. Retrace your steps leisurely through Salleri, Jagat, Yaruphant, Dobhan, and Tatopani, reaching Khorlabesi for a few local coffees. Continue following the river bar to the hewn steps and also the 'bridge with a waterfall' resulting in Machha Khola. Overnight in Machha Khola

Board your jeep and begin your drive from Machha Khola to Arughat, exiting the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Still Dhading where you'll encounter improved road conditions resulting in Malekhu. From there, join the highway back to Kathmandu. After the scenic yet adventurous journey, spend your night relaxing in Kathmandu.

Having completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it’s time to journey onwards to your home or next adventure. Our airport team will facilitate your transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. We welcome your feedback and proposals and attempt to enhance our services supported by your insights. Safe travels!

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