Tsum valley Trek

A 8-9 hour´s drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat – Soti Khola – Machha Khola via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Salyantar viewing the greenery hills we reach Machha Khola, our trek start point; at bank of Budhi Gandaki river . Overnight in lodge.

The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs there is a small trailside hotspring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot spring we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman. Ascending up again to the Budhi Gandaki, we reach at Yaru Khola. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Cross to the west bank of the budhi gandaki, climb over a ridge, and trek along the river then climb towards the village of Jagat.

After completing with the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large gurung village. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley and walk up north from Gum Pul we reach Lokpa. Overnight at Lokpa.

From Lokpa the trail descend half an hour towards Lungwa khola and climbing jick jack difficult trail further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, lower Tsum, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village. Stay overnight in Lokpa.

Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m. Overnight at Chokhangparo.

We trek through the villages of Ngakyu. Leru, Lama Gaun today. We will visit a cave and pay homage. It is believed that saint Milarepa had meditated here in the cave; (admission fee to visit the cave was NPR 300/U$3) the cave is also known as Piren Phu meaning “Pigeon cave. We continue passing Burji, Phurbe and Pangdun villages, there is magnificent big Buddhist Stups is sighted on the way to Chhule and Nile. Stay overnight in Nile.

We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa. Today we make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Mu Gompa area. Stay overnight in Nile.

Today it is a easy walk to Chhekamparo from Nile. We trek passing through Lar Village visit the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too, cross over a suspension bridge and trek to Chhekamparo via same trail back. Stay overnight in Chhekamparo,

The trail drops down from Chhekamparo to Gho and then cross Dumje Bridge. We can visit a Amchi, a Tibetan Traditional clinic and there. There is a nun; teaches some 10-21 young nun and runs small Amchi. She welcomes the visitor by Tibetan tea, we walk up about 2-3 hours that takes us to Gumba Lungdang, there basic shelter and meals is provided by monastery. Wilderness Excursion will provide tent and extra meal our clients visitng Gumba Lungdang.

Your guide will be required for this trip since the track is poorly marked. Circle from the gompa past the nuns’ housing, drop on dusty or muddy zigzags to regain the lower track and continue up valley on a rocky indistinct track through the forest. Cross the Laudang Khola to the west bank on a rickety wooden bridge and climb steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. There is a hut in a kharka about halfway up, with the track continuing behind it, then up a birch-lined dry creek bed and eventually you emerge into grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa glacier. Continue climbing past seasonal yak huts and you will find a track on the moraine wall that gives superb views of the Cirque of mountains. The camp is somewhere about here. It takes about 4hrs to reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m). The map shows another base camp on the east side of the glacier, but there appears to be no obvious track between them, so return to Gumba Lungdang in time for the evening puja by retracing your steps. Altitude can make this day difficult for some, but the intact forest wilderness and views make it an outstanding trip.

Today, after breakfast at Lokpa, we walk down to Jagat. The trail goes down to Ghumpul through the pine and rhododendron forest and join to the main Manaslu trail again, We continue walk passin through Eklai Bhatti, Philim, crossing Buddhi Gandaki before reaching Sirdibas and finally to Jagat. Stay overnight in Jagat.

From Jagat, the trail goes down to Bagar after walking some 15 minutes then cross the suspension bridge and walk through cantilever bridge that was built after the Nepal earthquake that hit country so badly and cause famous Manaslu trekking trail damage. Contune the jouney via Dovan, Tatopani (hot spring), Khorlabesi and finally I stay overnight in Lapubesi.

We drive to Kathmandu by local bus/jeep. There is no tourist bus available at Arughat. Wilderness Excursion can arrange 4WD private jeep that is more comfortable and safer drive if you would not like local bus that is overloaded sometimes, playing non-stop music.