Trip Duration
13 Days
Trek Area
Manaslu Region
Suitable Season
Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to November)
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging
Highest Altitude
Mu Gomba 3700m
Group Size
2 to 10 pax.
Hidden beyond the Manaslu massif, Tsum Valley is one of Nepal’s most soulful Himalayan journeys. This itinerary follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream from low subtropical hills into a high, open valley of stone hamlets, barley fields, and centuries-old monasteries. We pace the ascent carefully, moving from Philim to Chumling/Chumchet and on to Chhokang Paro (3,031m) and the twin villages of Chhule–Nile (3,361m), allowing time to explore Milarepa’s Piren Phu cave and its murals. A day hike to Mu Gompa (≈3,700m) crowns the route with wide views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Baudha Himal, and quiet moments with resident monks and yak herders.
Accommodation is in simple family-run teahouses; meals are warm, wholesome, and local. Trails wind past mani walls, prayer wheels, and suspension bridges, with chances to visit Rachen Nunnery and small village schools along the way. Daily walking is 5–7 hours, with the highest sleeping altitude kept below 3,400m for comfortable acclimatization.
This is a trek for travelers who value culture as much as summits: respectful encounters, slow travel, and meaningful insight into a Tibetan-influenced way of life on Nepal’s northern frontier. Best seasons are spring and autumn; our guide team manages logistics, safety, and responsible practices throughout.
Detailed Itinerary
Day
01
Drive Kathmandu to Ramche (via Gorkha Bazar) – 950m
Highlights of the day: Scenic drive along the Trishuli and Daraudi rivers, passing terraced fields and hillsides. Stop for a short tour of historic Gorkha Bazar and Gorkha Palace, the ancestral seat of the Shah dynasty. Continue to the rural village of Ramche and settle in with a host family.
Max. Altitutde
950m
Meal Plan
Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Homestay
Day
02
Explore Ramche Village – 950m
Highlights of the day: Enjoy authentic rural lifestyle experiences at the foot of the Himalaya. Walk around traditional homes, learn about local farming, and witness spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu in the background.
Max. Altitutde
950m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Homestay
Day
03
Drive Ramche to Machha Khola (960m) → Trek to Dovan (1,070m)
Highlights of the day: Drive along the Budi Gandaki River through Arughat Bazaar to Machha Khola. Begin trekking with a short, easy walk past small settlements and forested ridges before reaching Dovan.
Max. Altitutde
1,070m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
04
Trek Dovan to Philim – 1,570m
Highlights of the day: Gradual uphill walk along the river, crossing several suspension bridges and small villages. Magnificent view of Mt. Siringi Himal along the trail.
Max. Altitutde
1,570m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
05
Trek Philim to Chumchet – 2,700m
Highlights of the day: Today the trail splits from the Manaslu Circuit and enters Tsum Valley. Pass through pine forests and the culturally rich Chumling village. Experience the blend of Gurung and Tibetan culture, with views of Himalchuli (7,893m) and Boudha Himal (6,672m).
Max. Altitutde
2,700m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
06
Trek Chumchet to Chhokang Paro – 3,031m
Highlights of the day: Gradual ascent into the heart of the upper valley. Pass mani walls, chortens, and Tibetan-style villages. Enjoy first panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range. Chhokang Paro is a broad, fertile valley settlement.
Max. Altitutde
3,031m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
07
Trek Chhokang Paro to Chhule-Nile (3,361m) via Milarepa’s Piren Phu Cave
Highlights of the day: Visit the sacred Milarepa’s Piren Phu Cave, an important meditation site with ancient Buddhist murals. Continue trekking past cultivated fields and monasteries to reach the twin villages of Chhule and Nile, located close to the Tibetan border.
Max. Altitutde
3,361m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
08
Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700m) & Return to Chhule-Nile (3,361m)
Highlights of the day: Day excursion to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in Tsum Valley, situated at 3,700m. Explore the monastery and surrounding high-altitude pastures with yak herders’ camps. Return to Chhule-Nile for overnight.
Max. Altitutde
Sleep at 3,361m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks (packed Lunch)
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
09
Trek Chhule-Nile to Chhokang Paro – 3,031m
Highlights of the day: Retrace the trail back down the valley, enjoying relaxed walking with splendid views of the mountains and traditional houses. Opportunity to interact more with locals in monasteries and villages.
Max. Altitutde
3,031m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
10
Trek Chhokang Paro to Ripchet – 2,386m
Highlights of the day: Descend gradually into lower Tsum Valley. Pass through pine and rhododendron forests, beautiful waterfalls, and terraced farmlands before reaching Ripchet, a charming hillside village.
Max. Altitutde
2,386m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
11
Trek Ripchet to Salleri – 1,500m
Highlights of the day: Trail descends alongside the river, through warmer vegetation zones. Cross suspension bridges and enjoy views of the surrounding ridges. Reach Salleri, a Gurung settlement with traditional houses.
Max. Altitutde
1,500m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
12
Trek Salleri to Machha Khola – 960m
Highlights of the day: Final day of trekking. Descend along the Budi Gandaki River, walking through subtropical forest, terraced fields, and scattered villages until you reach Machha Khola.
Max. Altitutde
960m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot drinks
Accomodation
Lodge
Day
13
Drive Machha Khola to Kathmandu – 1,400m
Highlights of the day: Scenic drive back along the river valleys, passing Arughat and Dhading on the way to Kathmandu. Arrival in the city marks the completion of your Tsum Valley adventure.
Max. Altitutde
1,400m
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Hotel in Kathmandu on request
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