Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary - 11 Days

Distance: 160 km / 100 miles(7–8 hrs drive)

We begin our adventure with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River. The journey takes us past lush terraced hillsides, charming roadside villages, and views of rolling green mountains. After crossing Dhading and Arughat, the road narrows into a rugged mountain track. Finally, we arrive at Machha Khola, a riverside village surrounded by farmland and subtropical forests. This village serves as the gateway to both the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley treks.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Machha khola
• Altitude: (869 m / 2,851 ft)

Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles(6–7 hrs trekking)

Our trek begins by crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail undulates along a narrow gorge, with occasional landslide sections. We pass the hot springs at Tatopani (you can dip your feet if time allows) before gradually climbing stone stairways. Along the way, you’ll witness terraced rice fields, cascading waterfalls, and small Gurung villages. By late afternoon, we reach Jagat, a stone-paved village with Mani walls and entry checkpoint for permits.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Jagat
• Altitude: 1,340 m / 4,396 ft

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles(5–6 hrs trekking)

Leaving Jagat, we enter the restricted region of Tsum Valley. The trail winds through subtropical forests of pine and rhododendron, with occasional glimpses of Shiringi Himal (7,165 m / 23,507 ft). Small hamlets and suspension bridges line the path as we climb gradually to Lokpa, the first official village in the Tsum Valley. Lokpa is a quiet, traditional settlement with breathtaking mountain backdrops, often dotted with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Lokpa
• Altitude: 2,240 m / 7,349 ft

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles(4 hrs trekking)

Today’s trek is shorter but picturesque. We descend into deep forested trails, crossing suspension bridges and streams. The valley opens up gradually as we trek toward Chumling, known as the "Lower Tsum." Chumling features traditional Tibetan-style houses, three ancient monasteries, and wonderful views of Shiringi Himal. You may visit Panago, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompas nearby.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Chumling.
• Altitude: 2,386 m / 7,825 ft

Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles(4–5 hrs trekking)

Crossing the Serpu Khola, we trek through fertile farmland where buckwheat, potatoes, and barley are cultivated. The trail gradually ascends with clear views of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m / 24,350 ft) and Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,896 ft). Arriving in Chhekampar, also known as Upper Tsum, you’ll find twin villages 

Chhekam and Paro. This is an important cultural center where you can interact with locals practicing unique Tibetan customs and traditions.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Chhekampar,
• Altitude: 3,031 m / 9,941 ft

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles(3.5–4 hrs trekking)

The trail follows the Shiar Khola, passing villages rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Mani walls, chortens, and colorful prayer flags dominate the landscape. We trek past Lamagaon, where you can visit Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu) — a sacred meditation site of the famous Tibetan saint. Soon we reach Nile, the last village before the Tibetan border, lying on a sun-kissed slope. Nile is culturally vibrant and offers magnificent views of snow peaks.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Nile
• Altitude: 3,361 m / 11,024 ft

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles(2–3 hrs trekking)

Today we hike to the spiritual pinnacle of the trek: Mu Gompa, the largest and most important monastery in Tsum Valley. Established centuries ago, Mu Gompa is home to Buddhist monks who continue meditation practices in complete seclusion. The views from here are outstanding, with a wide panorama of Tibetan plateau landscapes and towering mountains. Exploring the monastery and interacting with monks is a highlight of the journey.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Mu Gompa
• Altitude: 3,705 m / 12,155 ft

 Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles(4–5 hrs trekking)

Descending from Mu Gompa, we retrace our steps along Mani walls and chortens. The route provides another chance to appreciate mountain views and enjoy a slower pace to soak in cultural details. Reaching Chhekampar, we settle in for another night in this culturally rich village.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Chhekampar.
• Altitude: 3,031 m / 9,941 ft

Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles ( 8–9 hrs trekking )

This is one of the longer trekking days as we make our way back south. The trail descends through dense forests, across suspension bridges, and past scattered settlements. We leave the Upper Tsum behind and return to Lokpa, the gateway village of Tsum Valley.

Overnight stay in Lokpa.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Lokpa
• Altitude: (2,240 m / 7,349 ft)

Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles ( 4–5 hrs trekking)

The trail leads us back through fertile fields, small waterfalls, and suspension bridges. This downhill walk offers a more relaxing pace. Arriving at Machha Khola, we complete the trekking portion of our journey.

Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Tea house)
• Place: Machha Khola.
• Altitude: (869 m / 2,851 ft)

 Distance: 170 km / 105 miles ( 8–9 hrs drive)

We take the same scenic route back to Kathmandu. After check-in at your hotel, you can relax or celebrate the completion of your trek with a farewell dinner in Thamel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Place: Kathmandu
• Altitude: (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)