Tsum Valley Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Manaslu Tours who will transfer you to your hotel. To start your journey on a high note, we will be hosted for a welcome dinner in the evening, featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine and a warm welcome drink.

• SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
• BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-colored prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras)
• PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
• KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

After a nutritious breakfast, set off on a 5-hour drive to Gorkha Bazar. During the journey, marvel at the picturesque landscapes, cross over sparkling streams and follow the winding banks of the Darundi Khola. In the evening, embark on an excursion to the historic Gorkha Durbar, located on a hilltop. From this vantage point, take in panoramic mountain views and bask in the warm glow of a breathtaking sunset.

After having a big breakfast this morning, embark on a trek to Barpak. Drive along the Darundi Khola and Ranglung Khola to reach the village. The drive from Ranglung Khola to Barpak is steep, but the destination is worth it. Barpak is a stunning village located on a green ridge with stunning views of the misty valley below. In the evening, you may have the opportunity to experience a cultural show organized by the villagers, with proceeds going towards improving the village. The towering Bouddha Himal, a high snow-capped peak, provides a beautiful backdrop for sunrise and sunset photos.

Start the day early with a scenic climb up the narrow ridge, with Bouddha Himal providing a magnificent backdrop to the sprawling Barpak. After an hour or so of trekking, take a small stone trail to the right of the main path. After three hours of climbing, reach Momche Dada (2,950m), a pass that separates Laprak and Barpak. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic mountain views, including Bouddha Himal, Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang range, as well as herds of sheep grazing on the grassy hillsides. During the spring season, the surrounding rhododendrons bloom brilliantly in various hues of pink and red, making for great photos with the snow-capped peaks in the background. Another hour or two of steep descent leads to another large Gurung village, Laprak. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, including taking a walk down the hill and viewing the houses with their symbolic mud-brick wall murals.

We traverse Laprak's maze of village paths and reach the Jyabru Khola. After crossing a suspension bridge, we ascend steeply and pass terraced fields of pink sorghum. The narrow trail, often obscured, winds around hillsides and leads us to a small chorten below the village of Singla. From here, the hike becomes easier and we are treated to views of the Kutang and Sringi Himal to the north. Our path continues through more terraced fields and papaya trees, through the Gurung village of Khorla, before winding down to Khorlebeshi on the Budhi Gandaki River. Take caution on the rocky steps before the long suspension bridge to Khorlabeshi. Be mindful of local women weaving straw mats in the village. In the evening, we may receive a visit from the village's cultural ambassadors and experience another performance.

Today, we have a five hour trek ahead of us. We'll start by walking along the river, surrounded by tobacco and buckwheat fields and admiring rocks smoothed by the river's flow. Our journey will involve climbing stone steps to reach the hot springs in the terraced village of Tatopani. Here, we can take some time to soak our weary bodies in the hot water and even go for a swim in the nearby icy river. After drying off on the lovely riverside beach, we'll embark on a gentle hike through the woods with a spectacular waterfall. We'll cross an old wooden suspension bridge and continue through a short section of forest path to reach Dovan. Above Dovan, the Budhi Gandaki River presents steep rapids. Our trail will take us high above the river and down through calmer waters. We'll cross the river on a long, new suspension bridge and then climb stone steps to reach our camp below Jagat, the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation National Park. Before heading to camp, take a moment to wander around the beautiful, paved village of Jagat and admire the pride of the villagers who have recorded their contributions to the paving projects.

After descending a long series of stone steps from Jagat to the river, we climb up beautiful stone steps along a terraced hillside to reach the small hamlet of Salleri. From here, we are treated to an impressive view of the Sringi Himal 7,187m tall. Our journey takes us through the picturesque and paved village of Sirdibas. We cross the river once again at Ghata Khola on a long, high-suspension bridge. The path splits, with the right branch leading towards the Ganesh Himal. Our route continues upstream with a steep climb to Philim. We first cross the river at a narrow section of the gorge using a new suspension bridge and then ascend gradually along a wide hillside through an open forest. We cross the river two more times in the next two hours, using small bridges. The first bridge is located at the intersection of Tsum Valley, a remote valley leading to Tibet.

Descend into a gorgeous forest, crossing three streams via bridges. Circle under a towering bluff on the river and then ascend steeply on sturdy but exposed stairs. After approximately 30 minutes, traverse north through pine trees and rhododendrons, continuing to climb with very steep inclines. Ahead lies the alluring hidden valley of Tsum. Finally, descend to the isolated Ghumlong (2,130m) on the river. The path ahead climbs steeply to Ripchet (2,470m) in about an hour, while the path to Chumling (2,360m) crosses the Shiar Khola on a wooden bridge and ascends. After about 30 minutes near Chumling, the trail takes a level route to the right (east) for 15 minutes to reach the final hotel in Tsum. In the evening, visit the old monastery, traditional houses, orchards, clinic, and beautiful stone streets. This is an agricultural area where Buddhism is practiced, with conical haystacks made of pine needles among prayer flags. From here, trails are lined with decorative chortens and mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs engraved with deities and prayers.

Head east and cross a suspension bridge to journey through fertile farmland filled with maize and potatoes. Along the way, you will come across a massive landslide that has cleared an area all the way to the opposite bank, which is now covered in a forest of young trees with stunning views of Mt. Ganesh Himal. Continue your journey by crossing the Serpu Khola and climbing a well-graded but exposed track for 2.5 hours to reach the upper Tsum and the large village of Chhokangparo (3,010m), where you'll find stone houses tucked under cliffs, with not a single iron roof in sight. The valley opens up into vast fields of barley, maize, buckwheat, and potatoes, with herds of thar often grazing on the rugged cliffs to the north. You can catch an impressive view of Mt. Himalchuli (7,893m) from the fields in the valley.

Journey east through quaint villages and a local school, trek over a ridge dotted with chortens, and past Lamagaon (3,202m) through flat fields with expansive crops and a river view of the grand Rachen Gompa (3,240m). Hike up to Milarepa's Cave (Piren Phu), where the famous Tibetan Buddhist teacher is said to have meditated. The cave is undergoing restoration. Cross the Shiar Khola, pass by the hamlets of Phurbe (3,251m) and Pangdun (3,258m) and an unusual round stupa, before reaching the larger village of Chhule (3347m) with a distinctive entrance gate. The children here wear traditional Tibetan chubas and there are many yaks in the area. Continue upstream to cross the bridge and hike to the Nile (3,361m). These villages feature traditional designs with livestock compounds integrated into homes and sheltered verandahs for drying crops. However, the cold weather makes staying in people's houses uncomfortable and there is a lack of privacy.

The trail from the Nile gradually rises to reach Mu Gumba, the largest and highest monastery in the Tsum Valley. Established in 1895 AD, Mu Gumba is located at an altitude of 3700m and houses important religious texts, including the Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. The historic Dephyudonma Gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley, located in rugged mountains and reachable by a 2-hour walk from the villages of Chhule and Nile. The monastery has a strong connection to the inception of Buddhism in the valley and is run by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang from the Kangin sect. There are a few camping sites and drinking water sources available.

From Mu Gumba, the trail leads to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery located in the Shiar Khola Valley at the foothills of the Nepal-Tibet border. Established in 1905 AD, Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley and is home to nuns from the Ngak-pa sect, who observe a vegetarian lifestyle. The nunnery boasts one thousand clay statues of Avalokiteshwara, a beautifully carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is adorned with richly painted murals depicting Buddhist history and teachings.

Descend down a narrow trail along the Shiar Khola and cross the bridge to reach Dhumje (2440m), a village with a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. Climb steeply on a rugged trail through pine and rhododendron forests until you reach a mani wall with prayer flags. The trail is narrow and exposed but eventually leads to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m), a small nunnery perched on a ridge surrounded by beautiful rhododendrons. With 40 nuns in residence, the gompa offers intense worship from 6.00-7.30 pm each night and boasts stunning mountain views in all directions. Our nine trips to Nepal highlight this as the absolute highlight.

Cross the Laudang Khola over a wooden bridge to the west bank and ascend through a forest of pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. There's a hut halfway up, and the track continues behind it, then up a dry creek bed with birch trees. The climb leads to grassy flats behind the Toro Gompa glacier's lateral moraine, with seasonal yak huts and a track with views of the surrounding mountains. The Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m) is reached in about 4 hours. The map shows another base camp on the east side of the glacier, but no obvious track connects them. Retrace your steps to Gumba Lungdang for the evening puja. Despite the altitude, the unspoiled forest and views make this trip remarkable.

Start early as today may be demanding. Take the upward track from Gumba Lungdang and cross Laudang Khola, staying on the south bank of Shiar Khola. Navigate through deep gorges and shaky bridges to reach Ripchet (2,470m), a picturesque valley of barley and buckwheat with chortens in the fields surrounded by pine forests. Descend the steep stairs to Ghumlong (2,130m), a lone lodge on the river, which was passed six days ago. Climb through the temperate forest to reach Lokpa (2,240m) and stay in a comfortable lodge there.

The trek from Lokpa to Tatopani (hot spring) takes 7 to 8 hours and primarily consists of a descent. Upon arrival, soothe your weary muscles in the hot spring and rejuvenate after several days of hiking.

Today, we traverse terraced fields and encounter tropical waterfalls flowing from towering cliffs, and rivers rushing through steep gorges. We will set up camp at Soti Khola, a Gurung village, marking the end of our trekking journey. Celebrate this final day with your trekking crew.

We will be ready for breakfast at 6:00 am, as advised by your trekking guide or as per your preference. The return journey to Kathmandu will be by road, passing through picturesque terraced fields, streams, rivers, charming local villages, and hilly terrain. The bus/jeep ride is estimated to take 6 to 7 hours, and will bring you back to your hotel in Kathmandu. However, please note that the duration of the journey may vary depending on the road conditions.

Today, we have a free day to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu on our own. You may want to spend the day indulging in some souvenir shopping, wandering around the colorful streets and bazaars, or enjoying the local cuisine. You could also visit some of the popular tourist attractions in the city, such as the Bhaktapur, or Patan which showcase Nepal's rich cultural and historical heritage. Alternatively, you could engage in other activities like hiking, biking, or adventure sports, or simply relax and rejuvenate in one of the city’s many spas and wellness centers. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to soak up the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this wonderful city.

Today, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for our departure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will gather our belongings and make our way to the airport. We will ensure that we reach the airport well in time to complete all the necessary formalities and board our flight. Before we bid adieu to this enchanting country, take one last look at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and take a moment to appreciate the warm hospitality and kindness of the Nepalese people. This marks the end of our tour, and we hope you had a memorable and enjoyable time in Nepal.