Tsum Valley view during Tsum valley trek with mountains and valley under clear blue sky in one frame, captured by North Nepal Trek
30 Jan, 2025 - North Nepal Travels and Treks

Tsum Valley Trek Blog|North Nepal Trek(2025 )

Tsum Valley pronounced as “Chum Valley” is an isolated place in the distant land of the Himalayas. Hidden and isolated from the crowd and reach of the public, it was opened for trekkers and foreigners in 2008. Tsum Valley trek lies in the Manaslu region bordering Tibet to the North.

No surprise, if I say, “Culture and religion of Tsum Valley are influenced by Tibet ” Tsum Valley Trek is known for its unique landscapes, Tibetan-Buddhist culture, and ancient villages with Monasteries. And how can you forget about the glimpse of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal?

Tsum Valley Trek is not as crowded as other trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Circuit Trek. Best for those, who are seeking a peaceful walk indulging in Himalayan landscapes and witnessing centuries-old Hidden civilization far in the mountains. We trekked into the mysterious land with Divas who was our trek guide to Tsum Valley who has been working for North Nepal Trek.

Facts about Tsum Valley Trek

  • Known by many names; Little Tibet, Hidden Valley, Separate Valley
  • Non-violence inside the Tsum Valley
  • Meat is prohibited
  • One of the most organized settlements in the Himalayan region
  • People still make their clothes
  • You can find Gumba in every village. 
  • Mu Ghumpa, Gumba Lungdang, and Serang Gonpa are the oldest monasteries in the valley.

 

Trekkers from North Nepal Trek holding banner of North Nepal before the entrance to Tsum Valley during Tsum Valley Trek.

Day 1: KTM/PKR to Jagat

We drove to Maccha Khola from Pokhara by Bus. If you are traveling from Kathmandu you can ride a bus or reserve a Jeep from Gongabu, Kathmandu Bus Park. Riding for about 3 hours on narrow and off-road, we reached Jagat. The road to Jagat is a Jeep ride along the Budhi Gandaki River, scenic hills, and different communities. The Budhi Gandaki River is one of the important rivers in Nepal. It originates from Mt. Manaslu and meets with the Trishuli River. 

Jagat is a small settlement on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. It mainly serves as a resting or night-stay place for travelers and trekkers. Jagat has a police station where you have to register before entering Tsum Valley Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek. 


Day 2: Jagat to Lokpa

After eating a delicious breakfast, we started our trek to Lokpa. Like any other trekking trail, there was an entry point to register necessary details before entering Tsum Valley. People needed to register. After registration, we followed the turquoise-colored Budhi Gandaki River.

Walking down the hills and pristine river is a true blessing. Away from the chaos of city and pollution, the trek to Tsum Valley was a real treat. We were in the detox phase. On the way, we saw the Hydropower of Sridibas. Hydropower is one of the clean sources of energy in Nepal. It is a gift from nature.

We reached Sallari in 2 hours. My heart and lungs were racing fast by walking uphill. Sallari was a great resting spot for us. Sallari is the small village during your trek to Tsum Valley. A small settlement with farming land is a great sight. Rivers like Budi Gandaki have been playing an important role in civilization since ancient times.

From Salleri we reached Philim Village. The walk to Philim can be tiresome because of the uphill walk. Reaching Sridibas, we took the original trekking route for Tsum Valley via Philim. It took us about 50 minutes to reach Philim Village. Hari, a guide from North Nepal Trek told us that Philim was the biggest village in Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek. Scattered on the vast flat land, it has major governmental offices. After lunch and a short rest, we headed towards Lokpa.

After walking for 8 hours, we reached Lokpa. If you can walk faster, you can make it in 6-7 hours as well, We passed through Ekle Bhatti village. Crossed the Budi Gandaki River from Nyak Phedi and entered Lokpa. When you reach Nyak Phedi, the trail splits. One heads towards Manaslu Circuit and another to Tsum Valley. We choose the latter.

Lokpa is the gateway to Tsum Valley. It is not a settled village like other villages you see during Tsum Valley trek in Nepal. Primarily, it serves as the accommodation place for trekkers. Well-organized teahouses and lodges make Lokpa a suitable night stay. It is settled at an altitude of 2,240 meters sloppy hills surrounded by hills. Stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Shringi Himal calm you.  


Day 3: Lokpa - Chumlig - Gho Village

Chill air touching your bare skin. The view of the snow-white mountains and the music of the forest was like a fairytale. It was great to see other trekkers enjoying the delicious breakfast and the view. Spring welcomes many trekkers in the Tsum Valley as well as other trekking destinations like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Mardi Himal Trek.

After breakfast, we headed for Gho Village. Our trek had its share of up and downhill. Those steep trails tested the stamina and strength of our legs but the endurance was worth it. The natural ambiance of the Chumling Village compensated for our walk.

Chumling is a Tibetan-Buddhist ancient village surrounded by forests of Pine, Juniper, and Rhododendron. Since it is closer to the mountain, the climate is cold. Winter can go extreme with snowfalls. Chumling has an important spiritual and cultural side to it. Chumling is home to Panago and Gurwa Gompas. This religious heritage dates back to ancient times.

After lunch, we again started our trek. This time, I had the unique experience of walking on the bridge. The Cantilever bridge. It was a unique and wild experience walking on the cantilever trail. Probably, it is the first Cantilever Bridge lingering close to the hill.

After 7 hours of trekking in the Manaslu region of Tsum Valley trek, we reached Gho Village. To reach Gho, we covered about 17 km, crossing a few suspension bridges. We would often open the Tsum Valley trek map to navigate. People said there is only one guest house in Gho Village. We had thought of walking to Renzam. Luckily we found one.  It was satisfying to sit and rest in the warmth of the fire. We relished our dinner at Gho.

Gho is a small Tibetan settlement at an altitude of 2,415 m. Gho is best known for its natural beauty. Mountain peaks, cool weather, and Buddhist monasteries add beauty to Gho. Gho was initially well-organized teahouses and lodges for accommodation.


Day 4: Gho Village to Chhekampar to Nile

On this day we started our trek to the Nile with an early breakfast from Gho. It was very comforting for us to hear the trail was not very steep. We reached Chekampar, walking for 2 hours from Gho. The trail was up and downhill. The moment we trekked down to Chekampar, we were surprised. It was a huge flat land of Tibetan-Buddhist hidden between hills and mountains. Farming on the huge flat land below the northeast hills of the Manaslu region was a fascinating sight to see. The sound of Shayr Khola, the mountain view, and arid landscapes were gifts from nature. Walking on the flat land of Chekampar was as comforting as walking on the road of bulky cotton.

The scene from Gho to Chhekampar to Nile is beyond description during the trek to Tsum Valley. It is truly captivating and mesmerizing, offering a glimpse into the beauty of the Tsum Valley. The view of Ganesh Himal which is 7,422 m. Leru Waterfall. Congested settlement is truly magical. The path to the Nile is full of Tibetan Monasteries and Maney walls. It was like a journey into a divine world.

There are many Buddhist Monasteries before entering the Nile. You can see Tsadark Monastery on the top of the hill after crossing Chhokang Village. Rachen Gumba is a few meters away from Chhokang. Opposite to Rachen Gumba, there is Piren Phu Cave. Walking a few meters from Rachen Gumba, there is Manidungkyut Gumba. A few meters away there is another shrine called Chule Mandir.

After walking for 7 hours covering a 17 km distance, we reached the Nile. Stunning vistas of the rugged landscapes with towering cliffs and lush greenery, Tsum Valley trek is short of words to describe. The trijunction of dense settlements around the glacier stream was amazing. While reflecting about our journey with Divas, I realized that it was our best itinerary for the Tsum Valley trek. 


Day 5: Nile to Mu Gompa to Chhekampar

On the fifth day of our Trek, we were excited to reach our final destination. We were excited and curious as a child to know about Mu Gompa. Except for our guide who was used to this palace. After breakfast, we started our trek to Mu Gompa from the Nile.

We followed a flat trail along the small Khola which originates from the mountains. After a short uphill, we reached Mu Ghumpa. It took us around 3 hours. The Mu Gompa looks like a village from afar, but everyone here stays in Gompa and belongs only to Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is very close to Tibet. Therefore, its culture and traditions are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Everyone follows Buddhism as their religion.

Mu Ghumpa being on the hill also acts as a viewpoint to watch majestic mountains. We had the privilege of witnessing views of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Ganesh Himal II (7,118 m ), the North face of Manaslu (8,163 m), and Himalchuli (7,893 m).

Mu Gompa is an ancient monastery with a rich history, culture, and traditions. It is situated at a height of 3650 m above sea level. It contains a lot of ancient treasures. The people of Mu Gompa are still preserving the 125-year-old traditional stone sculpture of Buddha. Old thangkas paintings with lots of scratches are still hung on the wall of Gumba. Ancient scriptures are still preserved and displayed to visitors.

We were surprised that photography or videography was not forbidden inside the Monastery of Mu Gumpa. We took images without any objections from the authorities. I remember we were forbidden to take pictures or videos during our visit to the Upper Mustang and Langtang region. Different places have different rules, it is one of the important rules to follow the local rule as a visitor or guide. In Mu Gompa, foreigners, along with their guides, are also welcome to stay overnight here. There are no lodges so you have to accept whatever they provide you as a meal. We headed down to Chekampar for a night stay as the evening approached.


Day 6: Chhekampar to Chumling 

Our sixth day we had time to and prepare for the return journey. After having early breakfast, we started our trek to Chumling. Passing through the green agricultural fields of Chhem Kampar was a delightful experience. After trekking for a few hours up the Chhemkampar Village, most of the trail followed a downhill walk. We were told that Himalayan Blue Sheep could be spotted but luck was not on our side. But our guide was. He spotted Grey Langurs (Leaf Monkey).

Walking along the forest, crossing suspension bridges hung with prayer flags, and enjoying the mountain view of Ganesh Himal and Buddha Peak we reached Chumling. Normally, it is a 6 hours walk but we were quite slow. It took us 7 and a half hours to cover 15 km of distance. Not because we were exhausted but because we were living the slowness in the hidden valley of Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek. We were indulged in the beauty of nature.

Chumling is the second biggest village in the Tsum Valley trek. The majority of the people follow Buddhism as a religion. It is closer to the Tibet border, so the culture and tradition are deeply influenced by the Tibetan region. Most of the people follow agriculture as their main occupation. People grow Phapar/Uwa (Buckwheat), Barley, and Potatoes. People of Cumling are also involved in animal husbandry like Yaks and Sheep.


Day 7: Chumling to Philim

After early breakfast in Chumling, we started our walk to Philim. The trail to Philim took us through terraced farming fields, a forest, and suspension bridges. On the way, we encountered Samba Falls. We stayed there for some time to take pictures and videos. After walking for 5 hours, we reached Philim.

Philim is the biggest village in the Manaslu Circuit trek of Gorkha district. Buddhism is the primary religion. Once you enter the village, you can see many Buddhist Monasteries, Memorials, and Mani walls. Houses are mainly built with local stone and roofed with slate stone. Lands of Philim are very good for farming, therefore the majority of people are engaged in farming. They grow Potatoes, Buckwheat, and Maize as their primary crops. Yak and Shee herding is also another source of income for people. After the bombing of tourism, many people are also engaged in the tourism sector. 

Philim also serves as the headquarters district. The majority of governmental and administrative buildings can be found in Philim.


Day 8: Philim to Jagat Drive to PKR/KTM

It was time to wrap up our trek to Tsum Valley in the Manaslu region. After early breakfast in Philim, we started our downhill trek to Jagat. Walking back to Jagat was quite easy. Tracing back the same route means enjoying the same view of nature. Walking past the Tibetan Villages, Budhi Gandaki River, and Hills was an emotional moment for us. It was a nostalgic hit even for a short duration.

Tracing back the Tsum Valley, we reached the beautiful village of Arughat, on the other side of the Budhi Gandaki River. Continuing our drive, we headed to Pokhara. You can drive straight back to Kathmandu along the Trishuli and Dhading Besi.

Conclusion: Tsum Vallley Trek Guide

Trekkers from North Nepal Trek during Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek was one of the most beautiful trekking experiences in the Manaslu region of Gorkha, Nepal. Yes, we had to test our endurance and stamina but racing to our destination was worth it. The moment we entered the Hidden Valley, the weariness of the body was gone with the cold wind. The Tsum Valley trek was moderate in terms of difficulty. Beginners with a basic fitness level as well as pro-trekkers can easily complete this trek

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