Tsum Valley Trek - Less Trodden Trekking Close to Tibet

Experience one of the best offbeat treks in Nepal. This Tsum Valley Trek is ideal for those who want to explore the remote and less trodden hidden valley trekking experience in the Himalayas. Tsum Valley is a part of the Tibetan Plateau that lies in the remote Himalayan section of the Gorkha District. The three-week-long Tsum trekking takes you along the traditional Tibetan settlements of the Tsumba people towards Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Gonhgye Gompa. Local people at Tsum valley still practice the polyandry system marrying a girl between all the brothers in a family. Very few adventure travelers have made it to this high and mysterious hidden valley, which used to be an important trade link junction between Nepal and Tibet.

Witness the remote lifestyle and occupation of the Himalayan tribes residing in the Chumche and Chhekampar valleys of Tsum. The exposed glaciated valley of Chhekampar offers magnificent views of Ganesh Himal (7422 m), Sringi Himal (7165 m), and Boudha Himal (6672 m).

Tsum Valley Trekking with Manaslu Hike en Route

Tsum Valley Trek begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu City. Before embarking on the trek, you'll indulge in a brief cultural sightseeing tour around the historic city. Home to seven different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will visit numerous tourist destinations such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudhanath.

Leaving Kathmandu Valley, you’ll embark on a whole day road journey along the enormous Trishuli and Budi Gandaki Rivers towards Arughat Bazaar. Arughat in Gorkha District offers access to the remote Tsum Valley. The trail gradually advances upstream along the Budi Gandaki River. Witness the traditional settlements located along the banks of the Budi Gandaki.

The trail rises towards Soti Khola and continues to climb upstream towards Machha Khola Valley of the Manaslu region. Then, you’ll enter the Lower Tsum Valley or Chumche. Walk past Philim and Chumling village to enter the Upper sum Valley of Chhekampar. As you enter the high valley, you’ll begin witnessing the rugged terrain and glaciated path.

A part of the Tibetan Plateau, you’ll get to witness the traditional Tibetan settlements. Continue trekking upstream along the Shiar River to arrive at Mu Gompa. The Mu Dephyudonma Gompas are the largest and the highest Buddhist monasteries in the region. Leaving Mu Gompa behind, you’ll begin traversing Rachen Gompa and Gonhgye Gompa before retracing your path back to the Soti Khola trail. The trail gradually descends downstream along the Budi Gandaki River to arrive at Arughat Bazaar. The trek concedes upon your return to Kathmandu. Trekking to another trekking route to Manaslu en route to Tsum valley is another high light on this Tsum Valley trek in the Himalaya

Tsum Trekking: Rich Culture and Diverse Topography

Catch the breathtaking view of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal along the trail. The scenic trail follows the ancient Kyimu Lung pilgrimage trail that explores the legacy of Guru Milarepa. Visiting Milarepa Piren Caves is another highlight of this trek. Along with obtaining the restricted area permit for Tsum Valley, you must obtain the permits to Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).