Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Manasulu

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Hiace & Local bus

  • Duration

    18 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Strenuous

  • Altitude

    5,093 m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-Nov

  • Start/End Point

    Machha Khola/Machha Khola

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Manasulu Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Hiace & Local bus
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
18 Days Strenuous 5,093 m March-May & Sept-Nov Machha Khola/Machha Khola

Trip Overview

The Tsum Valley trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River north to a restricted valley near the Tibetan border, where Tibetan Buddhist culture is still part of daily life.Trekking for 18 days through spectacular gorges, forested areas, ancient monasteries and a nunnery with a high point of Ngula Dhojyang (5,093m) on the border of Tibet and Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m). There will be far less trekkers than in the Everest region or Annapurna.

 

On day 3 we will drive to Machha Khola (157km from Kathmandu) and begin our trekking activities. We head along the trail towards Jagat and Lokpa. This route detours from the main Manaslu Circuit route into the Tsum Valley. We follow the Shiar Khola upstream. Passing chortens, mani walls and ancient shrines. Passing through Chumling and Chhaikampar.

 

We stay two nights in Mu Gompa (3700m) which is the highest monastery in the valley. On our extra day we head up to Ngula Dhojyang (5093m) following an ancient salt caravan route. From here we enjoy some beautiful views across the border. We descend back to Mu Gompa to stay the night. On our return we visit Rachen Gompa an ancient nunnery and head across to Gompa Lungdang a remote nunnery under Ganesh Himal. We make a day trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. We then follow the same route back to Machha Khola and drive back to Kathmandu.

 

This trek can be described as a medium to difficult trek. Most days we are walking between 4-7 hours. With the two high days being 8-9 hours. We won’t go above 3700m in altitude. We have two high days with us going high and sleeping low. The tea houses are very basic. Long drives will be involved. This is a good trek for those with good fitness and happy to walk for several days on a regular basis. Previous climbing experience is not required.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek through the Tsum Valley, a remote Himalayan valley known for its Tibetan-influenced culture, old monasteries, traditional villages, and mountain scenery.
  • Follow the Budhi Gandaki River through deep gorges, waterfalls, suspension bridges, forests, and traditional Gurung settlements.
  • Stop at Lokpa, the traditional entry point to the Tsum Valley, with views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal.
  • Walk through forests of pine, rhododendron, oak, and other Himalayan trees.
  • Enjoy wide views of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and other peaks throughout the upper Tsum Valley.
  • Follow an old trade route toward Tibet, passing chortens, stupas, mani walls, and monasteries that show the valley’s long connection with Tibet.
  • Visit Milarepa Cave (Piren Phu), linked to the Tibetan Buddhist master Milarepa and one of the most important cultural stops on the trek.
  • Spend two nights at Mu Gompa, one of the highest and most important monasteries in the Tsum Valley.
  • Hike toward Ngula Dhojyang Pass (5,093 m), the highest point of the journey.
  • Reach the Tibet border area and see the old trading corridor that links the Tsum Valley with Tibet.
  • Watch for Himalayan wildlife and birds along the trail, such as Himalayan thar, musk deer, langurs, pheasants, and eagles.
  • Take the alternative route through Rachen Gompa, one of the valley’s main nunneries and a center of Buddhist practice.
  • Learn about the distinctive Tibetan Buddhist culture of the valley.
  • Meet local Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities and see traditional Himalayan ways of life.
  • Trek to Gompa Lungdang, a secluded nunnery beneath Ganesh Himal, and enjoy a simple, authentic stay.
  • Take a challenging side hike from Gompa Lungdang to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m).
  • Relax at the natural hot springs of Tatopani on the walk back.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest after your flight or take a walk around Thamel to get oriented.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through route details, checking your gear list, sorting out restricted area permits with immigration, and packing your duffel bag. If you need any final personal items, you will have plenty of time during the day in Thamel.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Driving time: 8 to 9 hours | Distance: 157 km
  • We leave Kathmandu early morning by private vehicle, taking a scenic drive through Dhadingbesi, Arughat, and Soti Khola along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Machha Khola.
  • Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours | Distance: 17 km
  • We cross the Thado Khola, pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani (natural hot springs), climb over a steep ridge above the Budhi Gandaki gorge, and pass through Doban and Yaruphant to reach the flagstone-paved entry village of Jagat.
  • Overnight stay in Jagat.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours | Distance: 14 km
  • We ascend to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas, crossing a long suspension bridge to reach Philim. Continuing along high cliffside paths, we fork off the main Manaslu circuit trail into dense rhododendron and pine forests to reach Lokpa.
  • Overnight stay in Lokpa.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours | Distance: 8 km
  • Descending into the wild gorge of the Siyar Khola, we cross suspension bridges and ascend steep forested trails filled with pine, rhododendron, and bamboo, enjoying views of Ganesh Himal as we reach Chumling.
  • Overnight stay in Chumling.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours | Distance: 11 km
  • We follow the Shiar Khola upstream as the valley widens. Passing chortens, mani walls, and ancient shrines with Ganesh Himal backdrop, we make a steady climb into Upper Tsum at Chhaikampar (Chhokangparo).
  • Overnight stay in Chhaikampar.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours | Distance: 15 km
  • Trekking up the upper valley, we visit Piren Phu (Milarepa's Cave) and pass through Lar, Phurbe, Pangdun, Chule, and Nile before ascending to Mu Gompa, the highest monastic site in the valley.
  • Overnight stay near Mu Gompa.

  • Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours total
  • An ambitious high-altitude pass excursion. We ascend open alpine terrain along an ancient salt-caravan route to Ngula Dhojyang (5,093 m) on the border of Tibet, enjoying panoramic border views before retracing our steps back to Mu Gompa.
  • Overnight stay near Mu Gompa.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours | Distance: 15 km
  • We descend from Mu Gompa toward Lar and take an alternative route to visit Rachen Gompa, a major historical nunnery in the valley, before continuing back down to Chhaikampar.
  • Overnight stay in Chhaikampar.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours | Distance: 12 km
  • We descend toward Dumji and cross the Shiar Khola before ascending steeply through dense pine and rhododendron woodland up to Gompa Lungdang (3,200 m), a remote nunnery set beneath Ganesh Himal.
  • Overnight stay at Gompa Lungdang.

  • Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours total
  • We hike with daypacks leaving the forest behind and ascending rugged alpine terrain and moraine ridges to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 m), taking in vistas of Ganesh Himal before returning down to Gompa Lungdang.
  • Overnight stay at Gompa Lungdang.

  • Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours | Distance: 17 km
  • We descend through deep forests via an alternative route passing Ripchet. Crossing suspension bridges over the gorge, we reconnect with the lower Tsum Valley trail and arrive back in Lokpa.
  • Overnight stay in Lokpa.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours | Distance: 14 km
  • We leave Lokpa and re-join the main Budhi Gandaki trail, passing through Philim and Sirdibas along riverside paths down to Jagat.
  • Overnight stay in Jagat.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours | Distance: 17 km
  • Our final walking day. Retracing our steps through Tatopani and Khorlabesi along the riverbank, we finish our trekking loop in Machha Khola.
  • Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

  • Driving time: 9 to 10 hours | Distance: 157 km
  • We board our private vehicle from Machha Khola for the scenic drive along mountain roads back to Kathmandu. Check in to your hotel with the evening free to rest.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A dedicated day to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, our guide and private driver take you to visit iconic heritage spots, including Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 18-day Tsum Valley trekking adventure in Nepal. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Four nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • All overland ground transportation between Kathmandu, Machha Khola, and Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • All accommodation during the trek in handpicked local teahouses, lodges, and monastery guest houses.
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking days with a cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • Fresh seasonal fruit provided after dinner during the trek (if and when available).
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and local porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • Complete staff insurance, daily wages, meals, accommodations, equipment, and transportation.
  • Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites by private vehicle.
  • Complimentary use of an Earth Matter Treks duffel bag for the duration of the trek.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
  • Entrance ticket fees for heritage sites, monuments, and temples during the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (including mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking above 5,000 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation).
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees.
  • Personal trekking equipment and gear (e.g., down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, hiking boots).
  • Tips for guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip.
  • Extra expenses resulting from unforeseen weather disruptions or road blockages.

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