Trip Highlights
Tsum Valley of Happiness, the least trekked and explored area within the high Himalayas range of Nepal, is located Far North Mid West within the Gorkha district which is just a few hour's drives from Kathmandu and Pokhara. this is a trekking route same as the Manaslu circuit trek . An incredible journey to Tsum into the Valley of Happiness within absolute wilderness sandwiched between massive Ganesh Himal in the east with the Manaslu mountain range towards the west extends to the mountains of Tibet in the north direction. Truly a hidden country and a Shangri-la as Tsum ‘Valley of Happiness’ known as “Beyul Kyimolung” in the Tibetan language where you can discover old Buddhist culture, and customs, and witness remote villages' traditional life of great ancient heritage.
Tsum A Valley of Happiness begins with an exciting overland drive on the busy and interesting Kathmandu and Pokhara highway and over the Trishuli River to reach around Dhading and Gorkha areas at Arughat town and then following the Budi-Gandaki River upstream on the main Manaslu trekking route for few days. On leaving the glacial Budi-Gandaki River, where our route heads North East to reach our destination at Tsum A Valley of Happiness in the harmony of local culture and hospitality within the giant peaks of Ganesh and Manaslu Himal. Around beautiful Tsum explore villages that have never been exploited by the mass flow of trekkers and visit its interesting monasteries of Mu Gompa and Rachen and Chumlung of great interest. After a wonderful time around Tsum Valley of Happiness, and then heading back to a road head to Soti-Khola for the drive to civilization at Kathmandu after a marvelous time in complete tranquility with mountains and scenic areas of Tsum Valley of Happiness.
On arrival by respective airlines where our guide and staff receive you for a short drive to your hotel in the hub of busy Kathmandu, with hotels in a quiet environment after getting a refresh in your rooms our guide will brief on treks-hotels with necessary information.
The evening includes a group dinner in a nice Nepali restaurant with Culture and folk dance of Nepal to go with your meals.
Morning an interesting drive from Kathmandu to Nepal North Mid-West region to reach at Gorkha town in Arughat, as drive leads through Himalayan foothills to reach Trisuli River around the warm sub-tropical area.
Our journey continues towards cooler alpine hills on a long winding road past farm villages and town to reach at Arughat, from here drive leads on a dirt trail following Budi-Gandaki River upstream to Soti-Khola a small farm village overnight in a simple but cozy and nice local lodge.
The first day walks from Soti- Khola leads to a short climb for a while with the rest of the walk on a gradual winding uphill trail through terraced farm fields and villages.
As our route enters into a cool forested area in a gorge following torrential glacial Buri-Gandaki River upstream, as the path follows with a climb in the cool shade of rhododendron and oaks forest after a good walk of near six hours reaching a moderate size village at Maccha-Khola for an overnight stop. (Name of the village means a fish stream)
After a pleasant overnight at Macha-Khola, a morning walk follows Budi-Gandaki River upstream, to reach Khorla Beshi a small farm village from here on a winding path to reach at Tatopani village with “Hot Spring,” an opportunity for hot bathe as time allows.
After a pleasant stop, walk to Dovan and Yaruphant villages and then at Jagat for overnight stops, Jagat a moderate size farm villages with shops and stores.
From Jagat, a morning walk leads to higher areas passing scattered farm villages with short climb and downhill to cross over a bridge to reach at Nagjet and Philim, a large village with spread-out farmhouses. After Philim walk through farm terraces of golden fields of wheat’s and barley, then a climb on rocky ridge top into the bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Lakuwa on leaving the main trail of the Manaslu trekking route.
After Lakuwa village and leaving Budi-Gandaki River for a week, our walk heads towards Tsum valley into the valley of happiness, as our route enters a narrow gorge then with short descend and uphill climb into rhododendron and pine tree forest walking past small farm villages then climbing above Lungwa Khola to reach at Chumling village for first overnight in Tsum Valley.
From here altitude slowly gains with the mountain views of Ganesh Himal peaks, as the villages and landscapes look similar to the Tibetan windswept plateau. Morning walks with downhill to cross a bridge over Smatiking Khola, with views of Ganesh Himal also known as Yangra at 7,422 m high, walk slowly leads at Chokhan-Paro village for an overnight stop.
After Chokan-Paro heading closer towards the upper Tsum area to Nele (Ne-lay) starting with a climb onto an open valley within windswept country exists only a few small trees that survive around this arid terrain.
The walk continues uphill with views of Ganesh and Manaslu Himal, after a pleasant walk reaching at Nele on the way with a visit to an old cave of 11th Centaury Saint Milarepa famous and popular Buddhist poet, singer, tantric guru his folk-tales and songs still remembered by Tibetans and Buddhist alike.
The morning walk starts on reaching our highest point at Mu Gompa of the adventure, as the walk continues with a climb on high arid terrain offering views of high peaks on the way to Mu Gompa for an overnight stop.
Rest and free day at Mu Gompa to explore the village with a visit of old Mu Gompa enriched with ancient antique scrolls, statue, and relics this is one of the most important monasteries of Tsum and Manaslu area.
After an interesting and wonderful time at Mu Gompa return journey visiting another impressive monastery of Rachen Gompa, walk leads on a nice path with few short climbs and downhill passing few small villages of cattle herders to reach at Rachen Gompa for an overnight stop, afternoon visit Rachen monastery.
Today our last day around Tsum valley, as morning leads to a long descend to reach Chumling village past farm areas and then back into tree lines, after a long downhill walks reaching at Chumling village for the last overnight stop within Tsum areas.
From Chumling village, morning walk downhill Following River downstream with views of waterfalls then reaching villages of Samba, Tingding Chhupyang till our walk ends at Philim village for an overnight stop.
This is a nice farm village with a school supported by Japanese (as Mt. Manaslu was first climbed by Japanese so this area is a favorite among Japanese)
From here onwards into the warmer area of paddy fields, after a breakfast walk leads to Tatopani following Buri Gandaki River past small villages of Nagjet, Sidibas Bazaar, and Jagat.
Walk further descends to Yaruphant, then he towards the lower area with a dramatic change in vegetation, finally ending our long day walk at Tatopani for an overnight stop, a small farm village with a hot spring as Tatopani in Nepali means 'hot water', afternoon enjoy in the hot springs and relax. The local believes warm spring water has a natural power to cure various diseases.
After a nice time at Tatopani and hot spring, morning walk leads to Soti Khola walking along Budhi Gandaki River downstream, after hours of good walk reaching Gurung village of Labubesi, from here walk further past terraced fields and waterfalls to reach our last overnight stop at Soti-Khola.
Enjoying time around scenic high hills and mountains around Nepal North Mid West on remote and beautiful Tsum Valley trekking with glorious views, morning depart for Kathmandu with an interesting overland drive to Kathmandu after a grand time on Tsum Valley of Happiness.
Your final and last day in amazing Nepal in the country of high Himalayas with remarkable time and adventure on Tsum Valley of Happiness Trekking, depart from the hotel for your onward destinations homeward bound.
Service Types
Compare the available package types and choose the service level that matches your comfort, budget, and support needs.
Standard Package Cost
US$ 1450 per person
Regarding the difficulty, TheTsum Valley trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its remote location, high altitude, and strenuous hikes. The route passes through rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions, requiring a high level of physical fitness and proper acclimatization. However, Mountain eco treks design altitude risk-free trek itineraries. You need to be the ability to walk 6-7 hours uphill and downhill every day.
Most items served at teahouses are freshly prepared and healthy. trekkers can expect a variety of local and traditional Nepalese meals, including dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), curries, soups, and stews. Additionally, simple Western-style meals such as pasta, pizza, and omelets, as Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are usually available. Fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks can also be purchased along the way.
For breakfast, they serve oats, Tibetan bread, chappati, bread, hash browns, and eggs in different styles. You will also have a choice of tea or coffee.
there are laundry services that are not available during the Tsum Valley trek. It's always a good idea to inquire about these services beforehand, we recommend you bring an extra set of clothing as per necessity.
No, it is not recommended to go on the Tsum Valley trek without a guide. The Manaslu region is remote and requires a special permit, making it necessary to have a guide who is familiar with the regulations and local conditions. We highly request that you should join the local trekking Agency to go Tsum Valley trek. A guide can also provide valuable support and assistance along the trek.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities without any charge)
Cell phone network coverage available on the Tsum Valley Trek may be limited and inconsistent. The region is remote and mountainous, making it difficult for cellphone networks to provide stable service. You are requested to do this as most places on this trek do not have network available
It is recommended to carry a portable charger and extra batteries as well as check with your service provider about international roaming options.
Wi-Fi service is limited on the Tsum Valley trek. Some lodges may offer Wi-Fi, but speeds can be slow. It is best not to rely on Wi-Fi as a means of communication during the trek, and manage your expectations. It is a good idea to download maps, music, and other content before starting the trek, as internet connectivity in this area may be limited or non-existent.
Nearly all lodges on trekking do have small hydro or solar electricity, as for other accessories plugs to fit into re-charge your camera and cell phones, which allows you at extra cost to charge the batteries and your electronic device.
Accommodation is basic at a higher altitude. You will be staying at a teahouse or calls a guest house that offers food and accommodation for all the trekkers. Accommodation during the trek basic facilities, including private rooms or shared dormitories, with shared toilets and bathrooms. Some of the more developed tea houses may have hot showers and electricity, but this is not always the case. It is recommended to carry a sleeping. The dining room in a teahouse is usually a warm temperate with fire
Mountain eco treks provide water purification tablet which is safe for a drink. Drinking water during the Manaslu trek can be obtained from various sources like rivers, streams, and springs. It's advisable to boil or treat the water before consumption to avoid water-borne diseases.
Bottled water is also available in some places along the trail, but it's more expensive in higher elevations. We highly recommended to you that it is better to carry a thermos with boiled and filtered water
There is no age limit for the Tsum Valley trek, but all trekkers must be physically fit and able to handle the trail conditions. This is a challenging trek, with long day hikes at high altitudes, so individuals should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for strenuous activity. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent. People with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a doctor before starting the trek.
On treks, If the illness is mild a trekker can continue onward provided, they have rested and are feeling better. if you become seriously ill our guide will contact the head office for immediate medical evacuation by other means of transport with helicopter service for quick recovery. For quick and immediate evacuation, one should obtain a medical insurance policy to cover all medical, travel, and Heli evacuation when required in such situations. For AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) getting the victims downhill to a much safer elevation and putting the patient on Gamma / Pressure Bags, we do carry Oxygen for the normal emergency purpose for severe cases heading Down-Down and Down or immediate evacuation in Helicopter to Kathmandu.
For sure we run several small group-joining treks with fixed departure dates, which travelers are able to join with another group on your suitable date.
Travel insurance is an important comprehensive package for the Manaslu trek. Travel insurance is essential for incidental expenses during the travel. It reduces financial risks and protects travelers from certain losses. Travel insurance covers necessary medical expenses and emergency air rescue during the trip. We strongly recommend travel insurance for your protection.
The Tsum Valley trek can be considered less crowded as compared to other popular treks in Nepal. However, as the number of treks has increased in recent years, it can be a bit busy during the peak season (September- November, and March-May). Other trekkers and local communities can be met along the way but this area will be less crowded than other popular trek dentation.
You should bring all the trekking equipment you need yourself. Trekkers can bring equipment from their hometown, but their costs can be high, so buying them from local shops in Thamel Kathmandu is the right decision. There are some shops that also rent essential hiking gear for a small price. We will provide you with a duffel bag. You can see the checklist of the required materials on the company's website or you can contact us at mountainecotrek@gmail.com
All our Mountain Eco Treks guides and staff are very knowledgeable and active in the tourism industry with decades of experience in treks/climbs. Our guides are fully trained in eco-trekking, responsible tourism, and medicine for minor medical conditions. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Our staff and guides are knowledgeable about the local culture, customs, and religion as well as knowledge of the flora and fauna as well as the history of the areas, which they will share and provide information to keep you well updated.
We request you to tip the guide and other support staff l as they are part of making your trip a success, we recommend tipping both your guide and support staff. However, it is up to you to decide how much, you can make this decision based on your experience and the service you receive from our staff.
Electronics:
Note Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) above 3000 m.
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