Tsum Valley Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.

Drive from Kathmandu along scenic hillside highways through Dhading Besi and Arughat, continuing on a rough dirt road alongside the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Soti Khola.

Trek through dense sal forests, pass cascading waterfalls, walk across rocky ridges, and traverse suspension bridges above the rushing Budhi Gandaki River to reach Machha Khola.

Cross the Thado Khola, pass through Tatopani hot springs, and climb stone staircases along cliffside trails to reach Jagat, the entry checkpoint for the restricted areas.

Trek past Philim village, cross the Budhi Gandaki river, and climb uphill through pine forests until you reach Lokpa, the gateway village leading directly into the hidden Tsum Valley.

Descend into a deep gorge and cross the Shiyar Khola river, enjoying stunning views of Ganesh Himal before arriving at the traditional village of Chumling (Lower Tsum).

Cross a suspension bridge over the Shiyar Khola, pass through farming settlements and long mani walls, and climb up to the twin villages of Chhokang and Paro.

Trek deeper into Upper Tsum past ancient chortens, traditional houses, and Rachen Gompa (a historic nunnery well worth visiting on route) to reach Nile, the final permanent village in the valley.

Take a rewarding day trip up to Mu Gompa—the largest and most important monastery in Tsum Valley sitting at 3,700 meters—and explore the high Tibetan border terrain before returning to Nile.

Descend the valley to Rachen Gompa, one of the largest nunneries in the region. Spend time experiencing the serene spiritual environment and interacting with the resident nuns.

Retrace your steps down the valley past Chumling and Lokpa, rejoining the main Manaslu trail corridor as you descend toward Deng.

Cross rivers and ascend through pine forests past mani walls and carved stones into the culturally rich village of Namrung.

Continue upward past Sho and Lho villages with magnificent close-up views of Mt. Manaslu, arriving at the large settlement of Sama Gaon.

A short trek out of the tree line through wide glacial valleys past stone-walled pastures up to Samdo near the Tibetan border.

Climb steadily past ruined trade settlements up to Dharmashala, the base camp for crossing the upcoming high pass.

Conquer the strenuous Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)—the highest point of the trek—surrounded by frozen lakes and giant peaks, followed by a long descent to Bimthang.

Descend through rhododendron forests to Tilije and Dharapani, where your private jeep awaits to drive you back via Besisahar.