Tsum Valley Trekking - 17 Days

Arrival Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu(1300m/4260ft).

After finishing passport, immigration and visa requirement formalities, our guide and representative receives you for short transfer to your hotel. The shedule for this day is afternoon free, evening a welcome dinner, where you will enjoy special Nepali taste with typical Nepali cultural performances introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check on necessities and overnight at hotel.

: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing UNESCO World Heritage Sites Included (Kathmandu Durbar Square,Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Boudhanath) and trekking preparation. (1300m/4260ft).

After morning breskfast our city guide will take you for a day tour around Kathmandu valley including five of cultural world heritage sites: Swayambhunath, the popularly known as “monkey temple”; the city’s historical Durbar Square with ancient temples, unique art and architecture as well as the Kumari (living goddess); Patan’s Durbar Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath, the world’s largest stupa. If time favors we may visit nearby temples, monastery and museums as well. Our tired but interesting day will end at our hotels in the evening where we will brief you about our tour/trek outside Kathmandu.

Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m/2330ft)via Arughat(670m/2200ft):a 135km drive in 8-9 hrs.

In the morning, as per group size either in car, four-wheel or coach drive will lead you mid-west from Kathmandu towards Pokhara through Middle Hill rural communities to Malekhu crossing the Trisuli and head north to Dhading Besi.There is a slow, rutted, dirt road headed north-west: over the Gola Bhanjyang where panoramic views of the Baudha and Ganesh Himals are waiting for you.Besides this, an occasional views of Ganesh IV and VI seen above the valley walls as far as Khorlabesi are also amazing. From Salleri to Philim Shringi and Baudha Himal are seen. Baudha and the Ganesh Himal are visible from Gumba Lungdang.

Driving on to Arughat and the Budhi Gandaki that drains the Manaslu–Tsum area,a further three hrs needs to drive up the west bank to reach Soti Khola we will stay overnight in Soti Khola.

Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m/2920ft): 6-7 hrs.

The Budhi Gandaki, rise from the glaciers north west of the Larkya La, has tributaries including the Siyar Khola from Tsum.Importantly, remarkable amount of water is added by the Tum Khola from the Tibetan highlands. The resulting flow of the river travels more steeply into the rising ranges than in most other regions. Therefore, the lower trail has to negotiate the steep sided main gorge, and several incoming tributaries.

There is generally narrow trail undulates upwards through Sal forests and terraced ridges crossing inumerable waterfalls. At the same time, it sticks either to cliff faces or drops through rice paddies to the river gravels. Labubesi (880m) is an lncomparable Gurung village before the amazing Nauli Falls and a long suspension bridge. Consequently, as the valley broadens, the river flows more peacefully and the trail follows to Machha Khola(fish stream).We will stay overnight at the hotel in Machha Khola.

Trek Machha Khola to Dobhan (1 000m/3280ft):6-7 hrs.

After crossing the Thado Khola, descend stone stairs, then, cross the bar to Khorlabesi (970m) as well as coffee and tobacco crops. The trail through Barpak of Gorkha district crosses, heading east from Manaslu to the Langtang and then, Everest regions.

The river continues to flow through the narrow gorge constricting the river’s progress and crossing a landslide with a dicey path before reaching in Tatopani (930m) where three hot spring spouts exist. When we climb a ridge, we have to cross the Budhi Gandaki. A staircase then guides to a landslide before climbing up to a ridge; and Dobhan. Finally, we live overnight in Dobhan.

Trek Dobhan to Philim (1590m/5 216ft): 6-7 hrs.

After Dobhan Khola, there is the hamlet of Thulo Dhunga (1 840m); above cataracts. The valley,then, widens and the water is placid at Yaruphant (1170m). After crossing the Yaru Khola (from Ganesh II and VI) across an old suspension bridge, we ,then,climb to the teahouses at Thado Bharyang.There is an old paved village named Jagat (1410m) where the entrance and checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area are seen.

A tributary before a cliff-side trail to Salleri is the view point of Shringi Himal (7187m) to the north. Descending to Sirdibas, an outstanding Buddhist culture is exemlified from its root. Philim, a prosperous Gurung village, can be reached after crossing the bridge beyond Ghatta Khola (i.e.water mill) in 1480m. To the east bank, we see the Chholing Sandu Gompa. We will spend night in Philim.

Trek Philim to Chumling (2390m/7840ft) via Lokpa(2240m/7350ft): 6-7 hrs.

Another day,the further travel, starts through scrub and lush grasses up the beautiful narrow valley to a bit high millet fields of Chisopani, then Ekle Bhatti (i.e.one house at 1600m height).After gradual descending, passing a spectacular waterfall nearby, through the narrow lower gorge and a junction, left to ‘New Bridge’ is the Larkya La. Turning to the right, a well-graded trail zigzags up through a jungle full of pines and rhododendron and Lokpa is in the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. Tsum has 18 villages and is residential area for more than 4000 people.

Going down through forest, Siyar Khola is draining Tsum and then, we have to climb up a long, steep south wall of the gorge. The ‘summit’ is decorated by flags; overlooking colourful potato, bean and grain fields with Shringi Himal above.A continuous descending to Gumlung takes us to the river and a final, gentler ascent brings us to Chumling. The buildings are found classic Tibetan with the sloping roofs seem to save from rain and snow. The day finishes, overnight is in Chumling.

Trek Chumling to Chhekampar (3 030m/9940ft): 5-6 hrs.

The trail,then, passes the river through a new forest watching out chattering white-faced langurs on an old landslide area. At Tanju (2480m),there is the small Damphe Gompa houses where hundreds of small Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion) ceramic statues are found.

Beyond Dumje, there are panaromic views of Baudha Peak and the Ganesh Himal.When we go beyond Rainjam Farm, we come across the Sarphu Khola which is flowing the Syakpa Glacier from Shringi Himal. After climbing for more than 2? hrs, passing Gho through birch, larch and pine forest, there is the broad flatter Upper Tsum Valley.

The villages of Chhokang and Paro; jointly called Chhekampar ( means- the place of wisdom) which are facing Ganesh II are joined with road. Houses are nestled together where barley, buckwheat, maize and potatoes are the crops that are ripen in high, short growing seasons. Chhekampar is the place to take night rest.

Trek Chhekampar to Nile (3 360m/11020ft): 4-5 hrs.

Two days are spent in Chhekampar to visit a full morning is Nile ,Mu and Doma Dephyu Gompas. The Siyar Khola flows down the south west centre of the valley; crossing two bridges over it: one before twin Ngakyu and Leru, another north of Lamjung and Milarepa’s Cave.

Northwest of the Siyar Khola:

Walking northwest up through the attractively joined villages of Ngakyu and Leru (3200m), you can see mustard fields and apple orchards. After that, there is Lama Gaon (3300m) and Burji (3380m) where you may visit a cave that is the best visited on the ‘up day’ by paying small amount of money.To reach Milarepa’s Caves,it takes about half an hour on the slopes of Langju Himal. There is an impression of Milarepa’s foot, an elephant shaped rock and two small gompas: one being meditation place and the other devoted to local Nyingma-pa deities. The old monastery, Chi Phu, clings to slopes with its valuable architecture.

Southeast of the Siyar Khola:

In the southeast of the Siyar Khola , the trail crosses the second bridge to the bank, joining the Rachen – Nile trail before Phurbe (3250m). Climbing up to Pangdun (3260m),the gompa has a large prayer wheel. The valley now, is extended in curves to the north, crossing an unusual stupa before an entrance kani (gate) to Chhule Chhu Li(3350m). The Gonhgye Monastery, 700 years old and well-endowed double storeyed, is half an hour to the east.

After crossing a tributary (from a high waterfall) of the Siyar Khola, you have to climb to Nile (Nyi Li, means sunny side) on the northwest side.And along the eastern border, the glaciers of Pashubo is standing.You will pass overnight in Nile.

Day for exploration: Nile to Chhekampar (3035m/9958ft) via Mu Gompa(3700m/12140ft): 6-7 hrs.

This trip can be a bit long but the most memorable day. You set out early in the morning for the 2 hrs trek past snow ridges to Mu Gompa (3700m,70 yrs old). This is Tsum’s highest and last permanent human settlement that makes possible to overlook the valley and western Ganesh Himal, together with Ganesh I. Above Mu for a steep 3/4 hrs to the small Dephyu Doma Nunnery (4000m, 856 yrs old, place of the birth of light) from its slope offers magical and exclusive views of Ganesh II and part of the western Himal.

As the trail continues north of Mu to high grazing kharkas (pastures) with goths (herder’s huts), some seasonal teahouse facilities are on the two pass routes to Kyirong in Tibet.

We, then, return to Nile for lunch and step to Phurbe and on to the extensive walled grounds of Rachen Nunnery (3240m, 110 yrs old, of the Ngak-pa-sect; that prohibits animal hunting). We will visit the original monastery which is in the south west corner of the complex. Its old murals exemplify the history of Buddhism. Along and within the walls, residential cells for the nuns and retreat buildings are established. We will cross the bridge below Rachen and walk back to Chhekampar for the night stay.

Trek Chhekampar to Gumba Lungdang (3200m/10500ft): 5-6 hrs.

We return to the grouped chortens and walk down the lower Tsum Valley and reach the gompa at Gho. Then, we turn south, and cross the river to Dumje which is a gumba monastery having a small school, herbal medicine clinic and fields.We walk 3 and half hrs through glorious oak, rhododendron and pine forest leading to mani wall ,gompa and the Nunnery. This is the dramatically placed site with outstanding views. The current home of nuns, Gumba Lungdang (110 yrs old) and their evening puja will welcome warmly. Morning views will also major highlights.The Gompa veranda will be the place for overnight.

Trek Gumba Lungdang to Ripchet (2470m/8100ft) to Lokpa (2240m/7 350ft): 7-8 hrs.

Descend through the forests to a small chorten and left fork onto a narrow trail to cross the Langdang Khola. Later climb steadily crossing two high bridges over impressive narrow gorges up to Ripchet: an agricultural village cut from surrounding forest. After lunch, drop steeply down stairs to Gumlung at the river before re-tackling the forested pass and final ascent back to Lokpa. Overnight in Lokpa.

Trek Lokpa to Sirdibas (1 430m/4 690ft): 5-6 hrs.

After breakfast, you will walk downhill to the trail junction for Manaslu and trek up to the high waterfall and Ekle Bhatti.You will walk to Philim for lunch and then, follow the river bank trail back to Sirdibas; the last Buddhist village.You will pass overnight in Sirdibas.

Trek Sirdibas to Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft): 5-6 hrs.

Today’s route exchanges alpine flora for green and dense subtropical vegetation. Retrace your steps, leisurely, through Salleri, Jagat, Yaruphant, Dobhan and Tatopani to Khorlabesi (for testing local coffee).You will sleep overnight in Khorlabesi.

Trek Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (710m/2 330ft):5-6 hrs.

Follow the river bar to the ‘bridge with waterfall’ to Machha Khola, you will take over tributary crossings to Khanibesi, the Nauli Khola Falls and reach Labubesi for lunch. The final trek will the cliffside walk to Khursane and the Sal forested ridge walk above the river to Soti Khola. You will have overnight in Soti Khola.

Drive Soti Khola to Kathmandu (1 300m/4 260ft) via Arughat:8-9hrs.

Start your jeep for the drive to Arughat, then out of the Budhi Gandaki Valley to Dhading; the better road to Malekhu and finally the highway to Kathmandu. Your overnight is in Kathmandu.

Final Departure

This is the day for departing but it is a start for other visits! You are leaving this small heaven; missing the life and time you spent here. You will fly back to your destination/home taking memory of the country of Lord Buddha. Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition will be with you to drop off at the Airport/Bus Station. We must plan to reach airport about 3 hours for boarding and customs purposes.