One of Nepal's undiscovered treasures is supposedly the remote Tsum Valley. Visitors' expectations will be far exceeded by the region's incredibly stunning natural scenery. The Beyul Kyimolung, a sacred secret valley of bliss and satisfaction first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century, is another name for the 20-day trek across the Tsum Valley that locals use. Legend has it that Milarepa meditated in the Piren Phu caverns, where nunneries that are thousands of years old and as old as the sun can be found.
Tsum is a Tibetan word that means "glowing." This valley presents itself as a huge mountain range that surrounds it, acting as a natural amphitheater. The majority of Gurung ethnic communities have maintained the Tsum Valley's old culture and traditions. They also adhere to Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Since all nonviolent activity and the killing of animals are prohibited here, the land itself is most honored by the name. The valley rigorously prohibits the killing of animals, the consumption of meat, the hunting of honey, and the lighting of bonfires in the bush.
When the ascending portion of your walk takes place, visitors will also receive fantastic views of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. A portion of this trekking route is located within the Manaslu conservation area, which protects and preserves the local fauna. Ancient caves where the saint Milarepa meditated are also located in the valley.
Trekkers typically begin their journey from the mid-hills, moving through the gorgeous green landscape and passing bustling tiny Hindu communities.
By turning right off the main route, you may access the Tsum Valley and quickly find yourself in a lovely forest full of pine trees and lovely rhododendrons. As we slog on eastward, the valley gradually opens out to reveal a stunning landscape and several tiny Tibetan-style villages, their prayer flags flowing in the wind as they whisper odes of devotion to the villagers' departed residents. You will experience an adventure with the Great Everest Treks that you won't soon forget.
Day 2: Orientation and Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar
Day 4: Arughat to Soti Khola
Day 5: Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Day 6: Machha Khola to Doban
Day 7: Doban to Philim
Day 8: Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum)
Day 9: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum)
Day 10: Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way
Day 11: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m)
Day 12: Extra day for the outing
Day 13: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa
Day 14: Rachen Gompa to Dumje
Day 15: Dumje to Philim
Day 16: Philim to Tatopani
Day 17: Tatopani to Soti Khola
Day 18: Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar
Day 19: From Arughat Bazar drive to Kathmandu
Day 20: Depart Kathmandu for that familiar place called ‘home’’
Cost Includes:
Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle.
Accommodation at standard in Kathmandu with breakfast in twin accommodation
Accommodation at Mountain Lodge or Homestay on a sharing basis during the trek
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by English-speaking local guide and inclusive entry fees
Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant
Full board meal during the trek
English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide as per the group size, porters (2:1)
All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) fee
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card fee
Public Bus/Jeep transfer for Kathmandu/Sotikhola
Public Bus/Jeep transfer for Dharapani/Kathmandu
All government and local taxes as applicable
Cost Excludes:
Nepal Visa - (Cost- US$- 30 for 15 days & $- 50 for 30 days)
Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome dinner)
Travel Insurance
Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or Coca-Cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phone bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry, etc.
The cost incurred during an emergency, evacuation
Tips for Guide/porters/driver
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu – 1345m
Our office reps will be on standby with our vehicle to receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and our signboard will be displaying Tashi Delek Nepal Treks outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel. This will be your first overnight in the ancient valley of temples (probably the most in the world) in the capital city of ancient Kathmandu (B/fast included)
Day 2: Orientation and Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the traditional soul of Nepal and has been a well-known destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city is a neat combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a half-day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, and Swoyambhunath. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in the Thamel area nearby your hotel. Your first Overnight at your hotel in the valley of cows that roam free, you probably won’t see this in any other city in the world. (Breakfast Included)
Day 3: From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar (8-9 hours)
We take an 8-9 hrs bus ride to Arughat Bazaar in Gorkha district. The village of Arughat is in two parts, on opposite sides of the Buri Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean, and prosperous with hotels and shops selling cloth, food, and hardware. Overnight camp
Day 4: Arughat to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
From Arughat Bazar we trek to Soti Khola. Along the way, we enjoy great views of Shringri Himal. We trek through Gurung and Magar villages, past fields and cascading waterfalls, till we reach Soti Khola. We set up camp on the banks of the Soti Khola (‘Khola means river in Nepali). Overnight camp
Day 5: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hours)
We trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (Fish River). Machha Khola is a village situated above a stream with the same name. We camp for the night at a wide campsite.
Day 6: Machha Khola to Doban (6-7 hours)
The trail from Macha Khola to Doban involves some steep ascents and descents. We climb a well–crafted staircase over a ridge to Doban. Doban lies at the coming together of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpu Khola, which flows from the west. Overnight camp
Day 7: Doban to Philim (6 hours)
The route climbs on a rugged rocky trail. We climb up and down ravines and jagged trees. We get good views of Sringri Himal as we continue up to the village of Philim at 1550m. This is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. There are several good campsites and we set up camp surrounded by alder, blue pine, and poplar trees.
Day 8: Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (7 hours)
We take the trail up through Philim and head up over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp and Chumling (Lower Tsum). We camp for the night at Chumling. There are several good campsites at Chumling.
Day 9: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (5-6 hours)
From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum Valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) is open from Chhokangparo. Chhekamparo is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. From the valley, the Ganesh Himal range can be seen directly to the south where it provides superb views of the Baudha and Himalchuli peaks to the southwest. Some households in this village practice polyandry. Overnight camp
Day 10: Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (6-7 hours)
From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/ Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. The Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule. On the way, we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gompas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. Fantastic views can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains, and settlements amidst huge agricultural land. Overnight camp
Day 11: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4 hours)
From the Nile, the trail gradually ascends to Mu gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley. Mu Gumba was established in 1895 AD and is situated at an altitude of 3510m. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Dephyudonma Gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley and is situated in the rugged mountains, a 2 hr walk from the village of Chhule and Nile. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. The monastery is run by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang from the Kangin sect. There are a few campsites and drinking water facilities. A good place to camp out for the night.
Day 12: Extra day for the outing
We take a hike up Mu Gumba and reach the base of Pika Himal (4865m). We are quite close to Tibet and get a good view of the Tibetan peaks as well as the Ganesh Himal range. After the day's excursion, we return to our camp at Mu gumba.
Day 13: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (5 hours)
From Mu Gumba we take the trail to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. It houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter. The nunnery houses one thousand clay, molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The center is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. Overnight camp
Day 14: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hours)
From Rachen Gompa we proceed towards Dumje, a small village with about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed.
Day 15: Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (6-7 hours)
From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. On the way, we pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Overnight camp
Day 16: Philim to Tatopani (6-7 hours)
From Phillim we trek to Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. You can relieve your weary muscles by drenching yourself in the hot spring. Overnight camp
Day 17: Tatopani to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
From Tatopani we trek to Soti Khola. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls and finally set up camp at the village.
Day 18: Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar (6-7 hours)
As we make our way from Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar, we come to the last leg of our journey. Overnight camp
Day 19: From Arughat Bazar drive to Kathmandu (8-9 hours)
We drive to Kathmandu. This day is free for you to do your things at leisure. In the evening, we visit a well-known Nepali kitchen for a good Nepalese dinner. As we enjoy our dinner, we will be entertained by a thrilling cultural dance performed by the local bells. This is a complimentary outing arranged on behalf of Tashi Delek Nepal Trek for the good welfare of our respected guests. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 20: Depart Kathmandu for that familiar place called ‘home’’
Our support team will have a vehicle on standby to take you to the airport for your flight home. Sayonara! We hope to see you again someday my friend.
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Visa Information
All visitors are required to arrange a visa to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or the Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry points at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months and a recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days to date.
Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport-sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets, and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.
Weather Information
The weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. The months of winter (January and February) are a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during January, February, and December in the Himalayan areas.
Best time to travel
Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel depends on your destination, activities, and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is from June – August.
Physical Fitness
Even though physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be a super athlete or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal. Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself beforehand by doing some yoga which will prepare you for your breathing as you will be going to a higher altitude. Running or hiking on hills, or going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in an urban area running down the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. Though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things at a moderate pace for two months or even less? And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.
Travel Insurance
Doing insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us to scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.
Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you take vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, etc, it is not really must but recommended.
Booking Process
While you chose which trip you wanted to go on, contact us at our head office, Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is a more easy and clear option, as soon as we get your email or call, we will process your booking. We need a 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card), or online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions, or others. After we get the 20% amount, we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Safety Guidelines
Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are a legally registered travel agency.
You should be well acquainted with travel health and travel insurance before traveling.
Have an idea about the climate, geography, temperature, and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
The majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are a few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid, for example, ‘holy men who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding payment for it on streets.
Be careful while buying medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you to take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
Never get involved in doing drugs, trafficking, and sexual relations with minors as there are strict rules for these cases, and might get you into a big problem.
Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket, and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.
