The Tsum Valley Trek, in northern Manaslu near the Tibetan border, is a culturally rich Himalayan journey. Opened to trekking in 2007, the valley remains well-preserved and largely untouched, offering a rare glimpse of traditional Tibetan-influenced life. It is inhabited mainly by the Tsumbas, an ethnic group of Tibetan origin. Daily life revolves around farming, yak and sheep herding, and monastic practices, with mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and monasteries reflecting centuries-old spiritual traditions. Tsum is considered a beyul, a hidden sacred land blessed by Guru Rinpoche and associated with the yogi Milarepa.
The trail passes fertile fields, terraced farms, and remote villages beneath towering Himalayan peaks, offering isolation and natural beauty. The path is narrow, rocky, and at times steep, requiring good fitness and stamina, and it may involve high-altitude challenges, unpredictable weather, and limited facilities. The journey reaches Mu Monastery, the last village before the Tibetan border, where Buddhist rituals remain central to community life.
The return route follows the same path via Lokpa and Barpak before driving back to Kathmandu. The trek blends stunning mountain scenery, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual insight, making it a moderate to challenging high-altitude journey and one of Nepal’s most authentic Himalayan experiences.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m). Transfer to hotel.
Your memorable holiday begins in Kathmandu. After arrival, you will have time to freshen up before meeting your guide for an afternoon briefing. This is the perfect moment to organize your trekking gear and prepare your bags for the journey ahead.
Kathmandu - Machha Khola (900 m)
Today, we drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola by jeep. We first follow the highway to Muglin, then head toward Arughat. After that, the road becomes rough and passes through villages like Soti Khola, following the Budi Gandaki River. The drive is scenic with hills, rivers and fields, ending at Machhakhola, the starting point of the Manaslu trek.
Machha Khola - Jagat (1,430 m)
After breakfast, we hike to Jagat following the Budi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing small villages. The trail gently climbs through forests and farmland. After about 5-6 hours, you reach Jagat, a stone-paved village and the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. The route offers nice river views and local village life. .
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain: 1100 m. Elevation loss: 700 m. 7 hours walking.
Jagat - Lokpa (2,040 m)
Today is a scenic journey that gradually leads deeper into the secluded Tsum Valley region. Starting from the stone-paved village of Jagat, the trail descends to cross a suspension bridge before climbing gently through terraced fields and lush subtropical forests. Along the way, trekkers pass through the picturesque village of Sirdibas and continue to Philim, a larger Gurung settlement known for its cultural charm and checkpoint for permits. From Philim, the route branches off from the main Manaslu Circuit and heads toward Tsum Valley. The path winds through dense pine forests, waterfalls and narrow gorges, offering a peaceful and immersive nature experience. After hours of trekking, you reach Lokpa, a small village perched on a ridge - the first entry point into the culturally rich and remote Tsum Valley.
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain :1150 m Elevation loss: 250 m. 5/6 hours walking.
Lokpa - Chumling (2,386 m)
Today, we starts with a steep descent through forest to a river, followed by a suspension bridge crossing. From there, the trail climbs steadily along a narrow gorge with waterfalls and views of Ganesh Himal. After several hours of uphill walking, you arrive at the traditional village of Chumling, rich in Tibetan culture and home to ancient monasteries.
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain :250 m Elevation loss: 90 m. 3/4 hours walking
Chumling - Chhokangparo (3,010 m)
Early morning, we start a steady but rewarding journey deeper into the heart of the Tsum Valley. As you leave Chumling, the trail starts with a gentle descent and crosses a long suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola. After the crossing, the trail gradually ascends through dense pine and rhododendron forests, with scattered mani walls and chortens hinting at the deep Buddhist culture of the region. You pass by small traditional villages and cultivated fields with barley and buckwheat, with the landscape opening up as you climb higher. The route offers striking views of Ganesh Himal and other snow-capped peaks as you approach the wider upper valley. After hours of trekking, you reach Chhokangparo, a picturesque twin village perched on a broad plateau. From here, you’re greeted with sweeping mountain views and a warm welcome into a deeply spiritual, remote community.
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain :700 m Elevation loss: 200 m. 4/5 hours walking
Chhokangparo - Chule-Nile (3,361 m)
From Chhokangparo, we follows the Shiar Khola, passing mani walls and small villages. You first reach Chule, a traditional village with stone houses. Then, a short uphill walk takes you to Nile (3,361 m), the last village before the Tibetan border, known for its peaceful setting and mountain views.
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain :300 m Elevation loss: 450 m. 5/6 hours walking.
Nile - Mu Gompa (3,700 m) - Lamagoun (3,300 m)
Today, the trail gently ascends along the Shiar Khola, passing mani walls and yak pastures, with amazing views of Ganesh Himal. After hours, you reach Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the highest and most spiritual monastery in Tsum Valley. After exploring the monastery and its surroundings, you retrace your steps downhill and continue past Nile to reach Lamagoun for an overnight stay. The route blends scenic beauty with deep cultural experience.
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain :350 m Elevation loss: 450 m. 5/6 hours walking
Lamagoun - Ripchet (2,470 m)
Today's trek is mostly downhill, passing through alpine meadows and forests. You follow the Shiar Khola, cross a suspension bridge and walk through pine and rhododendron woods. The trail is peaceful and lined with prayer flags and chortens. After a few hours, you reach Ripchet, a quiet village with traditional homes and farmland, offering a glimpse into the simple life of Tsum Valley.
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain :100 m Elevation loss: 700 m. 4/5 hours walking
Ripchet - Jagat
After a fresh morning, the trail from Rimpchet starts with a gentle descent through oak and rhododendron forests. It then becomes steeper and rockier as we move down into the valley, where the forest gradually opens up to reveal scenic views before reaching the tranquil village of Dobhan
Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
Elevation gain : 40 m Elevation loss: 1260 m. 5/6 hours walking
Jagat- Kathmandu
Today, we drive to Kathmandu by jeep, depending on road conditions. The route follows the Budi Gandaki River down to Arughat or Soti Khola, then joins the main highway through Gorkha, Muglin and finally reaches Kathmandu. It’s a long but scenic journey through hills, rivers, and villages.
Accommodation: Hotel. Meals included: morning.
Transport : 8/9 hour drive by jeep (Kathmandu).
Kathmandu - Souvenirs day | Sightseeing Day.
If you choose sightseeing, this full-day cultural tour offers a well-rounded experience of Kathmandu’s history, spirituality, and art, guided by a certified expert who will enrich your understanding of the city’s unique heritage.
Suggested itinerary (maximum three sites per day):
- SwayambunathThe price includes a certified cultural guide, a reserved vehicle, and a professional driver for the day.
Pricing per person:
2 - 3 People: €70Final Departure / Back to Native Land
According to your flight schedule, we will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.
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