15-Day Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Marvel Treks. You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in, you may relax or visit our office for a detailed briefing about the Tsum Valley Trek and final preparations.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Day 2: Trek Permit Preparation & Pre-Trek Briefing
After breakfast, your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel for a comprehensive briefing. All necessary paperwork for the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit will be processed today. Please ensure you have your passport, three passport-size photographs, and valid travel insurance.
The rest of the day is free for last-minute shopping or relaxation. If you wish, an optional guided tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square - can be arranged.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Machha Khola (860m) via Arughat & Soti Khola
Your journey into the Himalayas begins early with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat by public bus, followed by a shared jeep to Machha Khola. Along the way, enjoy views of terraced hillsides, rivers, waterfalls, and distant Himalayan ranges including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Langtang.
The drive passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, fertile farmlands, and lush forests. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and navigating rugged mountain roads, you will arrive at Machha Khola, the starting point of your trek.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance: 150.2 km
Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola (860m) to Jagat (1,340m)
Today's trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River, with a mix of ascents and descents. You will pass through Khorlabesi, a charming Gurung village, before climbing to Tatopani, a natural hot spring where you can take a short rest.
Cross suspension bridges and stone stairways leading to Dobhan and Yaru Bagar, home to a remarkable cantilever bridge built with Swiss engineering. After crossing to the western bank of the river, you ascend to Jagat, where your permits are registered at the Manaslu Conservation Area checkpoint.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 15 km
Day 5: Trek from Jagat (1,340m) to Lokpa (2,240m)
Leaving Jagat, the trail climbs steadily through Salleri, offering fine views of Sringi Himal. After descending to Sirdibas, you cross Nepal's longest suspension bridge and continue through dense forests to Ekle Bhatti.
From here, the trail enters a dramatic canyon before reaching a major junction. Taking the right-hand path leads you into the sacred Tsum Valley. You will arrive at Lokpa, the first village of the valley, surrounded by pine forests and mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 17 km
Day 6: Trek from Lokpa (2,240m) to Chumling (2,386m)
Today's walk takes you through quiet rhododendron and pine forests, with gentle ups and downs. After crossing a small suspension bridge, the trail diverts toward Ripchet and Chumling.
Chumling is a beautiful village with several important monasteries, including Panago Gumba, Gurwa Gumba, and Mani Dhungyur. A large chorten in the center of the fields and distant views of Ganesh Himal enhance the spiritual atmosphere.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6.3 km
Day 7: Trek from Chumling (2,386m) to Rachen Gompa (3,240m)
Cross a suspension bridge and follow the Siyar River toward Domje, the largest village in Tsum Valley. The trail then climbs steadily via Rainjam and Gho Village, where a small teahouse offers a brief rest.
After a further ascent, you reach Chhokang Paro, a traditional Tibetan-style settlement with panoramic views of Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal. Continuing past Lamagaon, you arrive at Rachen Gompa, a renowned nunnery where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.2 km
Day 8: Trek from Rachen Gompa (3,240m) to Nile (3,361m) - Excursion to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
After breakfast, trek north through stunning alpine scenery to the village of Nile, where you will have lunch and leave your main luggage. From here, continue on a day hike to Mu Gompa, the highest and most remote monastery in Tsum Valley.
Set in a vast, bowl-shaped valley surrounded by mountains, Mu Gompa offers a deeply spiritual and isolated experience. As there are no lodges here, you will return to Nile after exploring the monastery and surrounding landscapes.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 12 km
Day 9: Trek from Nile (3,361m) to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m)
Retracing your route south, you pass Rachen Gompa and Chhokang Paro, then descend to Domje. The trail turns east through forests of pine, juniper, and rhododendron, decorated with Mani walls and prayer flags.
A steady ascent leads to Gumba Lungdang, a sacred nunnery housing around forty nuns. The evening prayer ceremony (puja) is a memorable spiritual highlight, accompanied by sweeping mountain views.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 20 km
Day 10: Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m) and Return to Gumba Lungdang
Today is a challenging but rewarding day hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. The trail climbs through remote valleys rarely visited by trekkers. Though faint in places, your experienced guide will safely lead the way.
After enjoying breathtaking views from the base camp, you return to Gumba Lungdang for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 11: Trek from Gumba Lungdang (3,200m) to Lokpa (2,240m)
Descend from Lungdang to Domje, cross Laudang Khola, and follow the upper trail through dense forests and suspension bridges. Passing Ripchet and Batti Ghumlong, you gradually return to Lokpa, marking your exit from Tsum Valley.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 15 km
Day 12: Trek from Lokpa (2,240m) to Jagat (1,340m)
Rejoining the Budhi Gandaki River, the trail descends gently through forests and villages. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through Sirdibas and Salleri before reaching Jagat.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Day 13: Trek from Jagat (1,340m) to Machha Khola (860m)
Continue descending along familiar trails via Yaruphant, Dobhan, Tatopani, and Khorlabesi. The walk is scenic and relaxing, with suspension bridges adding a final touch of adventure before reaching Machha Khola.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 15 km
Day 14: Drive from Machha Khola (860m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Drive back to Kathmandu via Soti Khola and Arughat by public transport. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Tsum Valley Trek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Day 15: Final Departure or Onward Journey
A private transfer will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled departure. If you wish to continue exploring Nepal, Marvel Treks will be happy to arrange an extension or another trekking adventure.
