Tsum Valley Trek 2026

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway and into the rugged foothills of the Gorkha district. The journey offers stunning views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and the Trishuli River before following the Budhi Gandaki River valley. Upon reaching Soti Khola, a small riverside village, you will meet your Marvel Treks guide and prepare for the journey ahead, spending the night by the roaring river.

The trail follows the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through tropical waterfalls and lush forests. You will trek through the villages of Labubesi and Khanibesi, where you may encounter local farmers and herders. The path can be hot and humid, but the sound of the rushing river keeps you cool as you make your way to Machha Khola (Fish Village) for your overnight stay.

Today’s trek involves a steeper climb as you navigate a winding trail that ascends to the village of Khorlabesi. After crossing the Tharo Khola, the trail enters a narrow gorge before opening up at Dobhan. You will continue climbing to the picturesque village of Yaru and finally arrive at Jagat. Jagat is a beautiful stone village acting as the entrance gate to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you will present your permits for the first time.

Leaving Jagat, the trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki, but the landscape begins to change as you ascend higher. You will pass the Salleri village and traverse a scenic ridge before descending to the river again. After crossing the bridge at Philim, the official checkpoint for the Tsum Valley, the trail branches north. You ascend through pine forests to Lokpa, the first village in the Tsum Valley region, marking the beginning of the cultural immersion.

Today you descend briefly to the Siyar Khola and cross the suspension bridge to begin the true climb into the Tsum Valley. The trail winds up through alpine forests and small settlements, offering the first glimpses of the towering Ganesh Himal. You arrive at Chumling, the lower Tsum Valley’s largest village. Here you can explore the old Chortens and visit the distinct monastery, witnessing the unique blend of Tibetan architecture and Nepali lifestyle.

Crossing the Siyar Khola once more, you climb steeply towards the upper valley. The trail passes through rain shadow landscapes where vegetation becomes sparser, replaced by rugged cliffs and glacial valleys. As you reach Chhekampar (Upper Tsum), the transformation is complete; the houses are built in the Tibetan style, and the air is filled with the smell of juniper incense. You are now deep in the “Hidden Valley.”

Walking through the wide, flat valley floor, you head toward the village of Nile. The trail is dotted with long mani walls made of stone slabs carved with prayers and chortens, making for a spiritual walking experience. Nile is located on the western side of the valley, opposite the Mu Gompa, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The atmosphere here is peaceful and deeply monastic.

Today you hike up to the highest and most remote monastery in the Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa. The trail offers panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau and the snow-capped peaks bordering Nepal. Mu Gompa is a centuries-old monastery housing ancient scriptures, statues, and thankas. You will also visit the nearby Dephyudonma Gompa, a nunnery perched on a cliff. This is a highlight for spiritual seekers and those wanting to experience high-altitude solitude.

After witnessing the sunrise over the high mountains from the monastery, you retrace your steps back down to Chhekampar. The descent is easier, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the valley floor and the intricate details of the mani walls you passed earlier. You have the afternoon to explore the local village, interact with the friendly “Tsumbas,” and observe their daily farming and weaving activities.

Leaving the main valley floor, you take a detour to visit the significant Gumba Lungdang nunnery. The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and pine forests, offering dramatic views of the Ganesh Himal. The nunnery is a serene place with breathtaking views of the mountains, and you are often welcomed by the nuns chanting prayers. It is a perfect spot for meditation and reflection before beginning the return journey.

The return journey begins with a steep descent to the river, followed by a gradual trek back through the valley you came. You pass through the villages of Chumling and Dumje, re-entering the denser forests. The descent continues as you make your way back to Lokpa, enjoying the changing landscape and the cooler air of the lower altitudes.

Today you retrace your steps along the trail that originally brought you into the region. You descend along the ridge overlooking the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through Philim and Salleri. The downhill trek is easier on the lungs but hard on the knees, leading you back to the stone-paved streets of Jagat, where you will spend the night outside the restricted zone.

The final day of trekking descends the gorge of the Budhi Gandaki. You pass through Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs—a perfect place to soak your tired muscles. Continuing along the river banks, you navigate the winding paths back to Khorlabesi and eventually arrive at Soti Khola, marking the end of your mountain trek.

You will wake up early for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey retraces your route along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, passing through local towns and enjoying the lush countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, celebrate the successful completion of the Tsum Valley Trek, and enjoy a final farewell dinner with the Marvel Treks team