| Trip code | |
| Package name | Tsum Valley Trek |
| Duration | 16 |
| Max. elevation | 4030 m |
| Level | MODERATE |
| Transportation | Private Transportation |
| Accomodation | Hotels and teahouses |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 1,500 per person |
A representative from Bharal Adventure will greet and accompany the guest from the airport to their hotel. The guests are briefly explained about the program they will be participating on. A meeting at our office will be organized where the guests will be able to meet and interact with other participants, team leader and crew members of the expedition. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be organized to familiarize the guests with authentic Nepali cuisine.
This day shall be spent on sightseeing around the cultural, spiritual and historical sites in Kathmandu including four of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu – The Monkey Temple, and Boudhnath. Also, finalizing of the official procedure and other necessary arrangements shall be done on this day along with providing you a briefing on the nature of expedition, equipments and team composition. Moreover, last minute shopping of the personal items needed in the Himalayas could be done during this period. In the late afternoon, the leader will check everyone’s equipment, as Kathmandu is the last opportunity to buy anything missing. You will also get introduced with fellow expedition members and guides.
Beginning our day early after the breakfast, we get started on our drive to Arughat enjoying the views of the Nepalese countryside and mountain backdrop. Although the drive to Dhading Bensi from Kathmandu is smooth, from there is Arughat is a rough drive. A major town in the region divided into two parts with Budhi Gandaki River flowing in-between, Crossing the bridge over Budhi Gandaki, the trek begins from the western part of Arughat following the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. Passing through the hydro-electric power plant, fields of rice and millet, we reach Mangaltar from where we pass through the forests to reach Shanti Bazaar. Following the steep and difficult trail, we cross Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge then descend to a high, cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kuerepani from where we descend to Soti Khola. Drive through the beautiful Sal forest, we cross bridge and climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki river as we come closer to Khursanibari, upon reaching where we start on the rocky trail weaving its way up and down the two tropical waterfalls until it goes clinging to the side of a cliff. From here, it descends down passing a few rice terraces from where it goes up around Lapubesi, a Gurung village. From here, we follow the trail climbing behind a rocky outcrop where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. We descend down to the sandy river bed and drive along the rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge followed by descending again to the river and crossing another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola.
Trekking along the trail with ups and downs, we cross the Tharo Khola and arrive at Khorlabesi from where we come across a small hot spring in Tatopani after few more ascends and descends along the trail. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge then cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge from where we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase before crossing a landside and ascending over a ridge to Dobhan. We move across a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and climb the stone stairs before making our descend to the river and climbing again on more stone stairs to get to Tharo Bharyang (literally meaning straight stairs). From here, we cross the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki and climb over a ridge trekking along the river and then climbing towards Jagat where we will stay overnight.
We complete the ACAP procedure and climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri from where we descend to Sirdibas. As the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola, the valley widens. We continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge and climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village from where we walk further to north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley until we reach Chisopani.
We cross the gorge after Ekle Bhatti and walk for half an hour in the right side to get to a big and wonderful waterfall from where we enter into the pine forests. Descending down the trail going to Tsum Valley, we climb through pine and rhododendron forests to reach Lokpa, a small village. Passing the village, we descend for half an hour towards Lungwa Khola and climb up the zigzag and difficult trail for two more hours north to reach Ghumlung. From here, we cross the Siyar Khola and arrive at Chumling.
Crossing the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank, we walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola and cross another bridge to come to Gho village. From here, another two hours climb to Tsum will take us to Chokhangparo village.
Climbing above Chokhangparo, we walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to Rachen Gompa which is also known as Nunnery Gompa. Making a small visit to the Gompa, we move forth to cross the Shiar Khola from where we continue walking through the well managed villages Lar, Phurbe and Pangdun. We cross the village of Chhule climbing upstream and crossing the bridge to finally reach Nile.
Walking to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes, we climb up to the Mu Gompa to visit the monastery and from here we also go to visit Dhephu Doma Gompa.
This day is scheduled for sightseeing of the Mu Gompa Region, where we will be visiting the largest monastery in the region, Mu Gompa which lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Gompa area, we might also trek to the base of Pika Himal (4,865m).
Trekking back through Chhule and Phurbe on the east bank of the Shiar Khola, we reach Burgi village from where we climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu) which is known for its charismatic glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke Himal.
We trek along the forests and beautiful landscapes descending down to Chhokang Paro again from where we go further down to Gho. Further descend from here will take us to a bridge over Sarpu Khola from where few hours trek along the lower Tsum Valley will take you to Chumling.
Continuing the trek to Lokpa, we stop here for lunch after which we move ahead to south enjoying the gorgeous Samba Falls. After six to seven hours of trekking along the rough but beautiful trail, we arrive at Philim. A trail from Philim village takes us to Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
The trek to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani begins on this day. We will descend down to Sirdibas and further below until we reach Jagat, from where we descend below to reach Yaruphant. Continuing the trek to Dobhan, we move further down until we arrive at Tatopani where you can immerse yourself into the warmth of the hot spring to release the exhaustion of the trek. Walking up and down the road for few more hours will take you to Khorlabesi.
Climbing up to the ridge of Kyorpani, we descend down to the surging waterfall and trek further to reach Arkhet. Crossing the Arkhet Khola, we leave behind the Budhi Gandaki Valley and arrive at Sante Bazaar from where passing through the forests will take us to Maltar. Passing the hydroelectric plant and following the stone streets, we reach Arughat Bazaar from where we take a drive to Kathmandu. In the evening upon arrival at Kathmandu, a farewell dinner will be organized by Bharal Adventure to celebrate the successful completion of the expedition.
On this day, you will be saying your goodbyes to the team and participants you lived your Himalayan experience with. After having breakfast and exchanging emails, photos and pleasantries, a representative from Bharal Adventure will take you to the airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight.