Tsum Valley Trekking

Tsum Valley trekking is located between Ganesh Himal and Mount Manaslu, which is in the northern part of Nepal. Tsum Valley is a newly opened (AD 2008) trekking route in Nepal. Tsum Valley’s cultural, ethnic, and historical connection with Tibet, natural beauty, and its different culture make Tsum valley trekking unique. The valley is especially rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep, which congregate in herds of 50 to 200. The Tsum valley trek also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley. Gumba Lungdang, a nunnery, is situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.

There are basic guest houses/lodge and trekkers can stay in Gombas (Monasteries) also. The trek is famous for being able to stay in the Gombas with monks and anis/nuns). Every year, building of new hotels and restaurants continues as tourist interest in the area rises. Private rooms are available in most guest houses/lodge. Most bathrooms are shared. Every guest house serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice, curry and lentil soup). All guest houses/Gombas on our routes have a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Many of them have western food on the menu. Soft drinks, snacks, wine, bottled mineral water and beer are available in most of the guest houses and trail side restaurants.

Tsum Valley trekking route is the same as Manaslu circuit trail until reaching Deng. After that, cross the river heading to the right side of Tsum valley. We begin the trek at Sotikhola. But nowadays, the seasonal road goes to Machhekhola. It takes 6/7 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Aarughat and one-hour drive to Sotikhola. The trekking trails follow the Budi Gandaki River. For Tsum Valley, you leave the main trekking trail at Deng and head up the Tsum Valley.

Nepal of Government is going to construct the road to the Tibet border through Tsum Valley. Construction continues every year, so it is recommended to do this Tsum Valley trek sooner rather than later.

The itinerary, Asian Hiking Team recommends returning from the Tsum Valley trek the same way to Sotikhola /Arughat then drive to Kathmandu. But if you have interest and time you can continue to trek along the Budi Gandaki to cross Manaslu's Larkya pass, doing the full Manaslu circuit after completing the Tsum Valley trek.