Tsum Valley Trekking: 14 Days

Route: Kathmandu → Dhading Besi → Arughat → Soti Khola → Machha Khola

With an early morning breakfast, you will leave the city area. A well-paved road passing through hilly terrain and riverside towns, you’ll follow the Prithvi Highway. The initial part of the journey from Kathmandu has well-paved roads but as you get closer to Dhading Besi you’ll experience rougher and more uneven road conditions. The rough and dirt tracks will lead you towards Arughat, a scenic hub! Despite the bumpy route, you’ll get to see beautiful views of the mountains and rural Nepalese countryside.

Beyond Arughat, you’ll face some less maintained pathways and follow the Budhi Gandaki River. With a hefty 1.5 to 2 hours ride from Arughat, you’ll reach Soti Khola. Enjoy the lovely views of the surrounding mountains, lush terraced fields, cascading waterfalls and river gorges and then you are at your final destination of the day, Maccha Khola.

Maccha Khola, known as “Fish River”, highlights the river’s rich aquatic life. It is a charming village and also the gateway to Manaslu region. Leave your bags at the designated teahouse and stroll around in the evening from a serene experience. You’ll get to see the changing colors of the sky, a warm and golden glow. Meet the villagers, get to know them. Feel the chilly air and listen to the gentle sound of the river water. A perfect environment to relax and soak in the natural beauty! You’ll end your day with a hearty dinner and get ready for the next day.

Route: Machha Khola → Khorla Besi → Tatopani → Dovan → Jagat

A great morning at Maccha Khola, then you’ll trek towards Jagat. From day 3 you’ll walk towards your destination. The trail can be rough and uneven at times. Although the steep climbs and descents, you’ll get to see the stunning views of the Budhi Gandaki River and encounter several suspension bridges before you reach Khorla Besi. The mix of challenging and rewarding experience you’ll get at this gurung village, Khorla Besi.

From there, a gentle climb to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs where you can relax and unwind. You’ll resume your trek to Dovan. The path is rough and uneven but it’s all worth it as you can see the beautiful views of Ganesh Himal and Himachal ranges. A section of steep climbs and descents, you’ll stop at Thulo Dhunga, Dovan for lunch around noon.

The final stretch, the steep ascents and you’ll reach Jagat, a traditional stone village with narrow streets. Jagat is a home to many Gurung and Tamang ethnic groups. Freshen up, meet them and get to know about their unique traditions and religious practices. As you roam around, you’ll get to witness cultural performances with breathtaking views of the towering mountains and picturesque landscape. Explore as much as you want but do swing back for dinner!

Route: Jagat → Salleri → Sirdibas → Ekle Bhatti → Lokpa

Leaving behind Jagat, you’ll now head towards Lokpa. With a glimpse into local culture, you’ll pass through the village and ascend to Salleri via stone steps that provide you an exhilarating experience also the panoramic views of the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The path can be rough and uneven, a strenuous hike all with lush greenery and winding river. You’ll then pass through Sirdibas, a quaint village with traditional homes built in a unique architectural style. The colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind reflects and will add the spiritual touch to your journey.

Soaking in the beautiful surroundings, you will now take a rest and enjoy a cup of tea at Ekle Bhatti. The sound of the flowing river will provide a soothing backdrop for you to take a sweet pause. Have a quick glimpse of the snow-capp ed summits with green valleys below. Carry on with your adventure, the final destination at Lokpa. A few hours walk and you’ll reach the serene and culturally rich village that will offer you the glimpse of traditional Tibetan way of life in the Himalayas.

Lokpa is nestled within a deep valley surrounded by the towering mountains, a home to the Tsumba people. After you check-in to your teahouse, be ready to explore the surroundings. You’ll experience the soothing sounds of nature including the gentle flow of Budhi Gandaki River. The village has several small temples and monasteries where you can observe the locals perform daily prayers and rituals. The villagers are skilled in traditional crafts, you can also observe them weaving, knitting and wood carving and possibly buy some handmade/ customized wooden artifacts or other handicrafts. Enjoy the warm hospitality and a good sleep preparing for the following day!

Route: Lokpa → Gumlung → Siyar Khola → Chumling

You’ll now leave Lokpa and enter the Tsum valley, the highlight of your excursion. The trail from Lokpa to Chumling is a fascinating journey. You’ll first descend through lush forests and pass suspension bridges. The scenery is breathtaking but the trail can be steep and narrow at some places. You’ll now reach Gumlung village, known for its rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Following the trail along the banks of Siyar Khola, you’ll be involved in some climbing and steep descent. All these struggles accompany you with the sound of the river, dense vegetation and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. From here, you’ll make your way towards Chumling, today’s final destination. Navigate through dense pine and rhododendron forests appreciating the towering Himalayan peaks and traditional Tibetan stone houses.

Wrapping up, you’ll now reach Chumling, the village situated on the south face of the Shingri Himal. As you refresh yourself, visit one of the notable attractions that is Chumling Gompa, not that large but well-known small monastery in the village. It is also a serene spot for everyone famous for meditation and panoramic views of the valley. The people at Chumling are primarily from the Tsumba community known for its rich cultural heritage. As you explore, you’ll get to know how they spend their daily lifestyle, subsistence farming and livestock rearing. The day draws close and the setting sun gives a golden look to the village and the surrounding peaks. Wander as much as you want and come back for your warm meal!

Route: Chumling → Rainjam → Gho → Chhokangparo

The sixth day of your trek is a fascinating part of the Tsum Valley journey. You’ll cross the Siyar Khola and ascend gradually along the ridge passing through Rainjam, a small settlement. The starting trail is relatively gentle making it a pleasant walk. Passing through the lush green landscapes and crossing multiple suspension bridges, you’ll enjoy the beautiful views of river valleys. You’ll also come across local villagers and their daily routines, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life and finally reaching Gho village.

Gho is a  small traditional village with warm hospitality however, you’ll experience some dramatic elevation gain. The trail is more rigged but offers spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Hinal, along with picturesque terraced fields. With the gradual climb, you need to hike at your own body’s pace to avoid the risk of AMS. The last lap to Chhokangparo village is a bit more challenging due to its higher altitude. The effort, the steep ascent is all worth it to observe majestic Ganesh Himal in the background. Away from the city life, this nature’s beauty is everything!

Chhokangparo is located near the Nepal-Chinese border, with the Mu-Chhule Nile river running below the valley. After you reach and freshen up, roam around to know about the village which is rich in Tibetan culture and traditional way of life. Also soak in to the natural beauty with the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. You can also engage with the villagers in their traditional farming practices and sightsee the terraced fields and livestock grazing in the pastures. The locals of this village are also involved in handicraft. You can observe them weaving and knitting and also crafting beautiful woolen items which you can purchase. It is the type of village that you want to explore more and more but you also need to have a proper rest. Get back to your teahouse to relax, have a warm dinner and prepare for the next day.

Route: Chhokangparo → Lama Gaon → Burji → Milarepa Cave → Nele

Following the breakfast, you’ll leave Chhokangparo and ascend to Lama Gaon. The trail is comparatively gentle, walking through beautiful landscape with terraced fields and traditional villages. The lush greenery and traditional Tibetan houses is the charm to the trek and the next thing you know is that you’re at Lama Gaon. Further, the route involves suspension bridges and dense forests. You’ll follow a relatively flat trail to Lama Gaon and then ascend to Burji village.

At Burji you’ll see traditional chortens (stupas) and mani walls along the way. Walking further you’ll reach Milarepa Cave at Burji, a sacred cave named after the famous Tibetan saint, Milarepa. It is a significant pilgrimage site located on a hillside that also offers the stunning views of the nearby peaks and valleys. The cave area is itself a serene and peaceful place. As mentioned by the locals, it is the place where the saint Milarepa has meditated so for you also, it is a perfect spot for self-reflection.

The final stop is Nele, a remote settlement which is one of the most isolated and culturally rich villages in this area. Once you’re nearer to Nele, you’ll have more spectacular views of the village and also the distant peaks. The trail is one of the most wonderful trekking experiences involving a mix of both ascents and descents. Drop off your bag at the teahouses and start to discover the warm hospitality and welcoming nature of the locals. Observe their daily lifestyle, their traditional way of living and the traditional Tibetan-style houses and wooden roofs, adorned with colorful prayer flags. Here, the spiritual ambiance is so apparent that you can almost feel it physically and you can often participate in local rituals and ceremonies. With all this do remember to dine!

Route: Nele → Chhule → Nile → Mu Gompa

The trek to Nele to Mu Gompa is an enriching experience. Post breakfast, you’ll follow the gentle ascent through beautiful and flourishing scenery walking in both dirt paths and rocky sections. As you go ahead, you’ll pass though lush green fields and terraced landscape, with the serene atmosphere of traditional Tibetan houses. The path is relatively flat and in a few hours you’ll reach Chhule, a charming village where you can observe the daily lives of the locals.

Continuing the journey, you’ll walk more towards terraced fields. You’ll have this stunning surrounding with gentle trails. On the way, you’ll also find many traditional Tibetan houses and mani walls enhancing the cultural experience as well. After a few hours you’re at Nile village. It is known for its serene environment and beautiful landscapes. This is the perfect place to stop and rest before your final ascent.

The final ascent is comparatively steeper but incredibly rewarding. Walking on the rockier path and thinner air, you’ll reach Mu Gompa, a remote monastery and a significant pilgrimage site. Along the way you’ll see many traditional chortens (stupas) and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Once you’re at Mu Gompa, leave behind your bags to explore the monastery and its surroundings. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance of the area make it ideal for meditation and self-reflection. As the sun sets, you’ll see the golden glow that creates a peaceful and mystical atmosphere around you. With little to no light pollution, you’ll have the perfect view to stargaze. Remember to interact with the monks and learn more about their way of life. Spend time with the locals, learn about their life, their struggles, and also traditions and cultures. You’ll also get to see prayer halls, decorated with colorful murals and Thangka paintings. The time is never enough to explore Mu Gompa but you need to rest as well. Enjoy the traditional meal and get back to sleep!

Enjoying the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas, have a great morning at Mu Gompa. For the last few days, you have been walking and struggling a lot. So, this day, acclimatization day is for you to rest and also to explore your surroundings.

The first light of the day is breathtaking. It has this soft and golden glow that you never want to take your eyes off from. Snow-capped mountains with golden hours are always heavenly and worthy of all the difficult time that you went through. Take a quiet walk, join the monks for their morning prayers. The air will be filled with a sense of peach and spirituality, indulging into the melodic chanting and sound of traditional instruments. As the day begins, have your morning meal and get started to visit Mu Gompa monastery. The stupa holds great spiritual significance and is built in proper traditional Tibetan style. It is also an ideal location for meditation and self-reflection.

Engage with the locals and observe them in their daily routine. Learn about agriculture; farming practices and livestock. The houses at Mu Gompa are built differently, with the help of stone and wood, and flat roofs designed to support snow in winter. The locals are very welcoming so you may get to see the interiors adorned with colorful Buddhist symbols. The people living there often engage in weaving traditional garments and knitting woolen items. You can learn and possibly purchase from them. Their way of living life is completely different from ours so as you explore you’ll know different perspectives of living a life. Enjoy your time there and cherish the connections and also take joy in traditional cuisine as dinner!

Route: Mu Gompa → Chhule → Nile → Rachen Gompa  

The journey is near to its end. From this day, you’ll retrace your steps back down the valley and reach Rachen Gompa. While enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and rich Buddhist culture, you'll descend through traditional villages such as Chhule and Nile. Passing by, have a glimpse into the simple yet vibrant lives of the locals. Notice the rural way of life with terraced fields, small farms and stone horses blending harmoniously into the landscape. The lush greenery and towering peaks create a perfect backdrop, enhancing the tranquility of this part of the trek. As you come down, you get occasional vantage points to view other mountain ranges such as Kanchenjunga and Shambhala. The forests that are passing by have numerous plants and trees, as well as animals, which makes the sightseeing rather untroubled. 

This section of the journey provides a wonderful opportunity to absorb the beauty of the remote Tibetan landscapes, with its untouched natural beauty and rich Buddhist heritage. It is a peaceful descent through ancient villages where you can experience the authentic spirit of the region. As you descend you'll reach Rachen Gompa, a peaceful retreat, where you can explore the nunnery, its prayer halls, and meet the resident nuns who follow a simple yet devout lifestyle. The area offers a perfect spot for reflection and connecting with the spirituality of the region. End your day with a warm meal and rest for the day.

Route: Rachen Gompa → Lama Gaon → Gho → Chumling  

The trek from Rachen Gompa to Chumling takes you on a scenic descent through lush pine forests, terraced fields, and quaint Tibetan villages. The journey starts with a steady descent, passing through Lama Gaon and Gho, where you can observe the rural lifestyle and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Anytime you are in the lower valley, you can view the beauty of the alpine region, which is slowly being replaced by the subtropical region. The route is straightforward; you will see tiny stone houses, monasteries, and quiet monasteries, and also explore the cultural spirit of the valley.

There is always an opportunity to engage with people you meet on the trek; they are friendly and hospitable. You’ll come across farming regions that are purely based on rain-fed agriculture and animal husbandry. These villages are culturally active – the people of Lama Gaon and Gho still follow Buddhist traditions. While passing the forests and the fitted fields landscape, you can hear the sound of the prayer flags and sometimes the whispering of the nearby stream. The topographical features of the region, in terms of the mountains in the periphery and other vegetation depictions, add beauty and aesthetic value to the day’s exploration.

After a fulfilling day of trekking, you’ll arrive in Chumling in the evening. Here, you'll enjoy a hearty dinner at a local guesthouse, typically including Tibetan specialties such as momos (dumplings), lentil soup, rice, vegetables, and hot tea. Finally, as the sun sets and stars are slowly visible at night, you can sit back and feel how quiet and serene the village is.

Route: Chumling → Lokpa → Ekle Bhatti → Philim   

This trail from Chumling to Philim is one of the most striking, and it is close to beautiful valleys and happy villages. The walk starts along ridges, which offer fascinating panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. When you walk on the ridges, you cross several suspension bridges over the clear water of various rivers, making the trek more adventurous. The route then gently descends and gets to Lokpa—a tiny settlement that is a perfect place to stay before proceeding to the rest of the valley.

From Lokpa, the trail becomes tough until you reach the next lower valley, which has excellent forests and terrace farmland. This is an important place to stop before proceeding with the last part of the trek to Philim, a village of Ekle Bhatti. 

The following segment presents significantly more greenery and more extensive views of the mountains surrounding this part of the route. As you enter the lower valley, the climate begins to warm up, and the vegetation becomes more subtropical and is easily recognizable to the naked eye. Because of this, the descent is rather steep, but the effort will be worth it because of the views.

As you get to Philim, you can observe the village with its living stone houses, some shops, and serenity. The village is also an excellent place for a holiday and to enjoy the stunning nature. The day ends with a hearty dinner at a local guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy delicious Tibetan food.

Route: Philim → Jagat → Tatopani → Machha Khola

A cup of porridge, boiled eggs, and tea in the Philim Bazaar will set you up for this beautiful cultural tour. The trekking path from Philim to Machha Khola follows familiar routes yet offers new vantage points as it descends into the valley's lower form. The trek starts with a down gradient; villages on the way include Jagat and Tatopani. The subtle rise in temperature of the subtropical region becomes apparent from here. 

Moving further through the valley, the landscape changes from subtropical vegetation into more clinging forests, deep ravines of rivers, and waterfalls. There’s always a soft rumble of one or the other water body in the background, making for a pleasant noise. Walking through Tatopani, a village with natural Hot springs, gives the trekker a good chance of resting and recuperating before the trek continues. Many trees and crops grow along the route; these breathtaking forests and terraced fields provide the beautiful heritage of the trail.  

When you get to Machha Khola, it is a small crossroads village on the main negotiable road on the edge of the river bed.  The energy and feel of the place are lively but tranquil. In the traditional teahouse, there is an option for dinner. It also serves local cuisine such as dal bhat noodles or any other Nepali meal, which are enough to recharge muscles used during the trekking period. The trek to Machha Khola provides challenging views and an additional opportunity to observe the life and culture of lower valley-dwelling people.

Route: Machha Khola → Arughat → Dhading Besi → Kathmandu

With an early morning breakfast, you will prepare to leave Machha Khola and begin your drive back to Kathmandu. The journey starts by retracing the scenic trails along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush terraced fields, cascading waterfalls, and rugged river gorges. The road is picturesque as you see the mountains ahead and the Nepalese countryside landscape as you approach Arughat, a lively town and one hub for tourists exploring Samba. The road after Machha Khola is poorly maintained and has uneven and dirt tracks, adding flavor to rough driving.

From Arughat, you are formally on the Prithvi Highway, crossing a hilly country and several riverside towns. The ride becomes easier as the roads near Dhading Besi become even better paved. As you approach Kathmandu, the windows offer flashes of village life, green slopes, and rivers running parallel to the motorway.

After arriving in Kathmandu, you will have some spare time to think about the great experience you are going through. The change from the isolated and picturesque mountains to active life in the city is a nice end to an extraordinary experience.

End the day with a relaxing evening and a hearty meal, celebrating your trek's completion and driving through some of Nepal's most beautiful landscapes.