Embark on the Tsum Valley Trek, Nepal’s hidden gem nestled in the Manaslu region. Explore remote Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, and untouched Himalayan beauty on this culturally rich journey.
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Nepal is a wonderland for anyone who wishes to trek. But, most of the trekking routes are rather crowded. So, if you are looking for a lesser known but still wonderful trekking experience, then Tsum valley trek might just be the golden route for you. This hidden gem of a trekking trail is one of Nepal's best-kept open secrets, where you can discover stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serene surroundings. The Tsum Valley trekking trail is far away from the crowded trails of Annapurna and Everest, and in this trekking experience, you can sense the humbling cold mountains and the warm hearts of the locals.
Here in this blog, we will explain various aspects of the Tsum Valley trek, Nepal's best-kept secret, in brief, like history and culture, itinerary, trek difficulty, and how much does Tsum Valley trek cost.
Highlights Of Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley is replete with the wonders of awe-inspiring nature, old Tibetan culture, and breathtaking views of the thick green forest. In addition to this, some of the most significant highlights of Tsum Valley treks are:
- The less-trodden and isolated trail offers breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, near the Tibetan border.
- Ancient trade route previously used for commerce with Tibet.
- Himalayan landscapes featuring Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and other towering peaks.
- Journey through the northwestern Himalayas of Nepal, within the Manaslu region.
- Scenes of dense green forests, thundering rivers, suspension bridges, cascading waterfalls, and ancient monasteries like Rachen Gompa.
- High mountain valleys and villages rich in Tibetan Buddhist heritage and traditions.
- Tsum Valley is known for its raw beauty and minimal commercialization.
- Diverse landscapes alongside the unique blend of Tibetan culture, ancient customs, and ethnic diversity preserved in ancient villages.
Do note that these are just the key highlights of the Tsum Valley trek.If you want to witness the magnitude of the highlights that we have outlined here, then you have to visit the valley and witness the awe-inspiring grandeur itself.
History and Culture of Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley once used to be a recessed region in Nepal, and the location carries deep history. Also known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness,” Tsum Valley was only opened to outsiders in 2008. Before this, the valley was restricted to foreigners, and because of this, the culture and tradition of this valley remain largely untouched by Western influence to this day.
The people of this valley are primarily of Tibetan descent and practice Buddhism, and the valley is home to many ancient monasteries and gompas. This includes gompas such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, which are known for their wall paintings, ancient scriptures, and sacred relics. The valley also holds a deep historical significance as it is believed that a revered Buddhist saint, Milaerpa, is said to have meditated in various caves of this region. The unique polyandry system, which is a system where one woman has multiple husbands at the same time (brothers of the same family in the context of Tsum Valley), was also practiced in this region in the past. It reflected the strong communal value alongside harmony, simplicity, and deep spiritual connection.
Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary: 11 Days
Now, following our brief about the history and culture of Tsum valley treks, the next aspect of Tsum valley trek that we shall discuss here is its itinerary. Do note that the specific itinerary for this trek depends on the package. Therefore, the one that we shall provide here is a general summary based on the one provided by The Himalayan Odyssey. Keeping this in mind, the Tsum Valley itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
As soon as you land in Kathmandu, one of our representatives shall greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can take the rest of the day to relax or explore Thamel, the city's vibrant tourist hub. In the evening, we shall hold a short briefing about the trek to help you prepare. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola
On this day, we leave the busy streets of Kathmandu and begin our journey to Machha Khola by vehicle. The drive offers beautiful views of terraced fields, rivers, and rural villages. After reaching Arughat, the road becomes more rugged, and we follow the off-road trail until we arrive at the riverside village of Machha Khola.
Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
The trail for this day includes moderate uphill and downhill walking. We pass through forests and cross several suspension bridges. Along the way, we reach the village of Khorla Besi, then continue to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. After a short break, we cross more bridges and pass small settlements like Dobhan and Yaru before finally reaching Jagat, a charming village by the Budhi Gandaki River.
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa
The fourth day of our journey begins with a gentle walk to Chisopani, then follows a narrow trail through Salleri and Sirdibas. After crossing the Ghatta Khola, we enjoy scenic views of the surrounding hills and mountains. The final stretch takes us to Lokpa, a peaceful village and our entry point into the Tsum Valley.
Day 5: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling
Today's route starts with a downhill hike to Lungwa Khola and then an uphill climb to Gumlung village. The route is now smoother from here, leading us to Chumling. The village offers wonderful views of the Shringi Himal and houses in typical Tibetan style.
Day 6: Trek from Chumling to Chhekamparo
We continue on the Shiar Khola in the upstream direction, trekking along pine forests and small monasteries along the way. The environment of Ganesh Himal adds to the scenery of the trek even more. Following a sustained climb, we reach Chhekamparo, the largest village in the valley. The overwhelming Tibetan culture becomes even more prominent here.
Day 7: Trek from Chhekamparo to Nile
As we trek further down into the valley, we follow old trade routes lined with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. We also trek past Milarepa's Cave where the famous Buddhist saint is said to have meditated. We trek past villages like Phurbe, Pangdun, and Chhule and then reach the Nile, a peaceful village at the Tibet border.
Day 8: Trek to Mu Gompa and return to Chhekamparo
The 8th day is spent climbing up to Mu Gompa, the highest point of our trek at an elevation of 3,700 meters.This monastery ne,arly 80 years old, offers us stunning views of surrounding mountains and glaciers. We can also get a glimpse of two mountain passes which are Mailatasachin and Thapla Bhanjyang. After exploring the area, we retrace our steps back down to Chhekamparo, passing through Pangdun, Phurbe, and Rachen Gompa along the way.
Day 9: Trek from Chhekamparo to Ekle Bhatti
We begin our descent from the Upper Tsum Valley. After crossing the bridge near Chhekamparo, we make our way back through Chumling and Lokpa. Along the way, we can witness the humbling views of Ganesh Himal and Sangrila Himal. The day ends at Ekle Bhatti, which is a quiet stop along the trail.
Our return journey continues through Philim and Jagat. On this day, we pass through a mix of uphill and downhill sections with more views of the Sangrila Himal. The trail takes us across rivers, ridges, and traditional villages like Khorlabesi and Khanibesi. Eventually, we reach Machha Khola, where we spend our last night on the trail.
Day 11: Return to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, retracing the same route we took earlier. Once in the city, you can relax and reflect on the amazing journey through one of Nepal’s most culturally rich and remote trekking regions.
Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty
Source: Wikipedia French
The Tsum valley trek is considered a trek of moderate difficulty and is ideal for trekkers who have prior experience in trekking along with a decent level of fitness. On this trek, you shall walk an average of 5 to 7 hours per day through a mix of various terrains, which includes but is not limited to forests, stone paved trails, narrow ridges, and suspension bridges. Although the paths are not technically challenging, they can be steep, rocky, and tiring. The highest point for this trek is Mu Gompa, which is located at 3,700 meters above sea level, which lowers the risk of altitude sickness. That said, you do need to acclimatize to reduce the risk even further.
So, although Tsum valley trek is not the easiest of the treks, it is still a manageable one as long as you are careful and have some level of physical fitness.
How Much Does The Tsum Valley Trek Cost?
It is rather hard to estimate the specific cost of the Tsum Valley trek since the cost depends on the package and the package provider. However, we can provide you with an estimation based on the package from The Holidayan Odyssey. As per this package, the Tsum Valley trek cost is $805. This includes:
- Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel upon arrival
- 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided during the trek
- Two servings of beverages per day throughout the trek
- Accommodation in local tea houses during the trekking period
- Round-trip transportation between Kathmandu and Machha Khola by public bus (private vehicle available for an extra $220 one way)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Restricted Area Entry Permit
- Licensed trekking guide and porter (one porter shared between two trekkers)
- All expenses for the guide and porter, including their meals, wages, and accommodation
- Water purification tablets provided during the trek
- A detailed trekking map for route guidance
- First Aid Kit carried by the guide during the trek
- Insurance coverage for all trekking staff
- Official trekking completion certificate
- Complimentary farewell dinner at the end of the trip
Do note that some exclusions apply to the cost as well. These exclusions include:
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Airport departure taxes for international flights
- Visa fees for entry into Nepal
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, extra porters, and showers
- Additional charges for excess baggage on domestic flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory for all participants)
- Gratuities for guides, porters, and support staff
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Any items or services not mentioned under the “Price Includes” section
Essential Tips For A Successful Tsum Valley Trek
Before we conclude, we shall also provide you with some of the essentials for a successful Tsum Valley trek. While it is not compulsory to follow these tips, following them can make your journey easier and more convenient. Some of these tips include:
- Train properly with daily cardio, walking, and stretching the legs as a form of physical training.
- Pack only essentials such as warm clothing, rain pants and jackets, hiking boots and sleeping bags.
- Though the altitude is gradual, you will have to let your body acclimatize by going slowly and consuming lots of water.
- Having your own snacks helps you trek during long days.
- Water purification tubes and tablets can also come in handy when using local water.
- Tsum Valley has deep Tibetan Buddhist roots. Dress modestly, ask before taking photos, and be mindful of monasteries and religious sites.
- Don't expect anything upmarket, because tea houses there are humble and have only the most basic of facilities.
- The weather is clearer in the mornings, and the trails are less crowded. Early morning departures guarantee you arrive at your destination safely with time to rest.
- The paths can be distant and confusing. A guide professional provides added safety and cultural insight, while a porter reduces your body burden.
- There are no ATMs on the trail. Carry sufficient Nepali rupees for personal expenses, tipping, or making small purchases.
- Make sure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation, just in case.
Conclusion
Tsum Valley is one of the hidden gems of Nepal when it comes to trekking. This trekking route features some of the best scenarios with the humbling peaks, stunning forest, and warm hospitality of the locals. That said, it is fairly less traveled, making it an ideal place for you if you want the greatest trekking experience without the crowd. Also known as the forgotten valley, you do have to note that this place was only opened to outsiders relatively recently and thus has its own rules that you must follow.
Regardless, if you are looking for one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal, Then Tsum Valley Trek is an ideal choice for you. So, are you ready to trek along the roads of this hidden gem of Nepal? Contact The Himalayan Odyssey, the best trekking and tour operator in Nepal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any restricted areas I should avoid?
Yes, Tsum Valley is a restricted area, but with the proper permits, you are allowed to trek there. As long as you're with a licensed guide and follow the designated route, you won't encounter any off-limits zones. It is mandatory to adhere to the planned itinerary in order to comply with local regulations and communities.
How do I book the Tsum Valley Trek with the Himalayan Odyssey?
You can easily book the trek through our official website or directly contacting our support team. We will walk you through it, from permits and preparation needed. Permits and special dates should be booked well in advance.
Can I customize my Tsum Valley Trek package with the Himalayan Odyssey?
Yes, we create customized itineraries based on your interest, time available, and physical fitness. Just tell us what you need, and we will customize the trek as per your requirement. The private options may include private vehicle, additional days for acclimatization, or side excursions for cultural visits.
What is the accommodation on the Tsum Valley Trek?
You’ll stay in local tea houses along the trail, which offer basic but comfortable rooms, usually on a twin-sharing basis. Facilities are simple, with shared bathrooms and limited electricity. In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a standard hotel with modern amenities.
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