Tsum Valley Luxury Trek
Overview
The Tsum Valley, a sacred hidden Himalayan valley on the border of Tibet, was closed to outsiders until 2008. This restricted-area trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river into a pristine U-shaped glacial valley where Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives unchanged. With no passes above 3,700m, this is an accessible yet deeply rewarding cultural trek through one of Nepal's most spiritual and unspoiled regions.
Route
Kathmandu → Arughat → Soti Khola → Lokpa → Chumling → Chhekampar → Nile → Mu Gompa → return → Arughat → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Explore a sacred Beyul (hidden valley) revered in Tibetan Buddhist tradition
- Visit Mu Gompa (3,700m), one of Nepal's largest and most active nunneries
- Experience authentic Tibetan culture preserved in complete isolation until 2008
- Trek without extreme altitude — highest point 3,700m makes it widely accessible
- Visit ancient monasteries, mani walls, and chortens dating back centuries
- Restricted area permit ensures minimal visitors and preserved heritage
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 16 Days / 15 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 3,700m
- Best Months
- March-May, October-November
- Starting From
- $3,300 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive and transfer to luxury hotel. Trek briefing and welcome dinner.
Drive to Soti Khola
Private vehicle transfer via Arughat to Soti Khola (8-9 hours). Enter the Budhi Gandaki river valley.
Trek to Machha Khola
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki river through subtropical forest. Cross suspension bridges and traverse rocky terrain to Machha Khola.
Trek to Jagat
Continue through the narrowing gorge past waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. Pass through Tatopani hot springs and reach Jagat, the historic customs village.
Trek to Lokpa
Enter the Tsum Valley restricted zone at the trail junction before Philim. Turn east up the Siyar Khola valley. The trail climbs through forest to the Tibetan-style village of Lokpa, where flat-roofed stone houses appear and mani walls line the trail.
Trek to Chumling
Continue up the valley through increasingly Tibetan-influenced villages. Pass ancient mani walls with thousands of carved prayer stones. Cross to the east side of the valley and reach Chumling, a beautiful village with terraced fields and a monastery.
Trek to Chhekampar
The valley opens into the wide, U-shaped glacial form of upper Tsum. Trek through juniper forest and yak pastures to Chhekampar (Domje), the main village of the upper Tsum Valley. Visit the Milarepa cave where the legendary Tibetan saint is said to have meditated.
Trek to Nile and Mu Gompa
Trek through the open valley to Nile village. Continue to Mu Gompa (3,700m), one of Nepal's most important and largest Buddhist nunneries, founded in the 18th century. Over 100 nuns practice here in a stunning setting beneath snow-capped peaks on the Tibetan border. Spend time with the community.
Explore Mu Gompa and Rachhen Gompa
Full day to explore the upper Tsum Valley. Visit Rachhen Gompa, the Dechen Choling nunnery, and the ancient Piren Phu cave monastery. Interact with the nuns and local Tsum-pa people. Views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
Trek to Chumling
Begin the return journey through the valley to Chumling. Different light and perspectives on the return.
Trek to Lokpa
Continue descending through the Tsum Valley to Lokpa.
Trek to Jagat
Rejoin the main Budhi Gandaki trail at Philim and descend to Jagat.
Trek to Soti Khola
Continue down the gorge through Machha Khola to Soti Khola. Farewell dinner with trekking crew.
Drive to Kathmandu
Private vehicle transfer back to Kathmandu (8-9 hours). Arrive evening.
Kathmandu Heritage Tour
Private guided tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO sites. Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your international departure.
What's Included
- All accommodation in best available lodges and 5-star hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private licensed English-speaking guide with Tsum Valley expertise
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- TIMS card
- Kathmandu–Soti Khola–Kathmandu private vehicle transfers
- Kathmandu heritage sightseeing tour with entrance fees
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
- First aid medical kit
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, porters, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.