Tsum Valley Trek

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Majestic Trails Nepal will greet you with a warm smile and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Today is all about settling in, relaxing after your flight, and getting a full briefing on the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner as you prepare mentally for your adventure into the Hidden Valley of Happiness.

Leaving the chaos of Kathmandu behind, we drive west through the beautiful countryside, passing hills, rivers, and traditional villages. After crossing Dhading Besi and Arughat, the road becomes rough, offering a bumpy but scenic ride through Soti Khola and finally to Machha Khola. This riverside village, nestled beside the Budhi Gandaki River, marks the true beginning of your Tsum Valley Trek.

We start our trek early along a narrow trail beside the river. The path winds through forested ridges, crossing several suspension bridges and waterfalls. You’ll pass the hot springs of Tatopani and small settlements like Khorlabesi and Dovan. After a long climb past stone staircases, we reach Jagat, a stone-paved village that marks the official entry into the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.

This is a transformative day. After breakfast, we trek through lush forest trails and terraced fields toward Philim and Ekle Bhatti. At the intersection beyond Ekle Bhatti, we leave the Manaslu Circuit and veer right, officially entering the Tsum Valley region. The forest becomes denser and the trail quieter. Lokpa, a peaceful village surrounded by rhododendrons and pine, offers your first overnight stay inside the Hidden Valley of Happiness.

We descend briefly before climbing steeply along a narrow trail that opens to spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. The terrain alternates between thick pine forest and dramatic gorges. Several long suspension bridges carry us over deep canyons. After a steady final push, we reach Chumling, a quiet village with stone houses, Tibetan prayer wheels, and a welcoming local monastery.

Today we head higher into the sacred core of the Tsum Valley. The trail crosses a wooden bridge and winds through barley fields, mani walls, and isolated hamlets. As we gain altitude, the views expand to include Ganesh Himal’s snowy peaks. Eventually, we arrive at Chhokang Paro, a pair of villages on a broad plateau—surreal, silent, and surrounded by Himalayan grandeur.

The air is thinner, and the terrain more open. The trail moves past spiritual landmarks, ancient chortens, and cliffside murals. We walk through Lama Gaon and Pangdun, small settlements with deep Buddhist heritage. The path eventually leads us to Nile, the last permanent village before the Tibetan border, flanked by mountain views and endless silence.

Today is the spiritual highlight of your Tsum Valley Trek. We hike to Mu Gompa, the most sacred monastery in the valley, situated near the border with Tibet. The route is exposed and breathtaking, with panoramic views all around. At the monastery, meet resident monks, soak in centuries-old traditions, and enjoy unmatched peace. Return to Nile for the night or stay at a basic lodge near the monastery.

We descend along the same route but detour toward Rachen Gompa, a serene nunnery nestled in open meadows. Female Buddhist practitioners run this monastery and offer a different spiritual vibe. With beautifully painted interiors and fewer visitors, it’s a perfect place for quiet reflection and immersion in Buddhist life.

We retrace our steps back down the valley, passing through Chhokang Paro and smaller settlements. The trail now feels familiar, but with new angles and lighting. Return to Chumling, where you’ll rest beneath prayer flags fluttering in the wind and reflect on how far you’ve come.

Descending deeper into the forested section of Tsum Valley, you’ll retrace your way over suspension bridges and peaceful valleys until you reach Lokpa. This is your last night within the sacred zone of Tsum.

Rejoining the Manaslu trail, we descend through the forest trails and agricultural terraces, eventually returning to Jagat, where the familiar warmth of teahouse hospitality awaits.

A long descent through subtropical landscapes, waterfalls, and riverside trails takes us back to Machha Khola, where our adventure first began on foot.

We begin the day with an early breakfast and say goodbye to the Budhi Gandaki River. A long but scenic drive brings us back to Kathmandu, where your comfortable hotel and a hot shower await. Celebrate the successful completion of your Tsum Valley journey!

We’ll drop you at the airport as you head home with unforgettable memories of the sacred valleys, ancient monasteries, and incredible Himalayan hospitality that made your Tsum Valley Trek an experience of a lifetime.