Details:
duration: 11 days
maximum elevation: 3,700 m (Mu Gompa)
total trekking distance: approximately 125 km
total driving distance: approximately 320 km (Kathmandu – Machhakhola & Jagat – Kathmandu/Pokhara)
highest overnight stay: Nile (3,361 m)
highest point reached: Mu Gompa (3,700 m)d
difficulty: moderate
best seasons: spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November)
accommodation: local tea houses/lodges
required permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (TVRAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
starting point: Machhakhola
ending point: Jagat
transportation: public bus or private jeep
meals during trek
breakfast, lunch & dinner available at tea houses
major highlights:
sacred Tsum Valley, Mu Gompa, Chhokang Paro, Nile Village, Chumling, Tibetan Buddhist Culture, Ancient Monasteries, Ganesh Himal Views, Mani Walls, Prayer Flags & Traditional Himalayan Villages
Trip Highlights
- Explore the hidden and sacred Tsum Valley, one of Nepal’s most peaceful Himalayan regions.
- Walk through traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages and ancient monasteries.
- Visit the famous Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the largest monastery in Tsum Valley.
- Discover the beautiful villages of Chumling, Chhokang Paro (Chekampar), and Nile.
- Experience authentic Tibetan culture, prayer walls, mani stones, and colorful chortens.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Himalchuli, and Boudha Himal.
- Trek through forests, suspension bridges, deep river gorges, and terraced farmland.
- Stay in local teahouses and experience warm Himalayan hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Driving: Airport transfer (30–60 minutes)
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a trip briefing and permit check.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu to Machhakhola (930 m)
- Driving Distance: Approximately 160 km
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
Travel by public bus from Kathmandu through scenic hills, rivers, and rural villages before reaching Machhakhola, the starting point of the trek.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 3: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1,340 m)
- Distance: 22 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +410 m
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing small settlements, waterfalls, and forests before reaching the stone-paved village of Jagat.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240 m)
- Distance: 17 km
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +900 m
Today’s trail enters the restricted Tsum Valley. Walk through forests and traditional villages before reaching Lokpa, the first village in the sacred valley with beautiful mountain scenery.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 5: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386 m)
- Distance: 11 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +150 m
Descend into a beautiful river gorge before climbing through pine and rhododendron forests to Chumling. Explore nearby monasteries and enjoy views of Ganesh Himal.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 6: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro (Chekampar) (3,031 m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +645 m
Walk past ancient mani walls, prayer flags, and traditional villages. Arrive at Chhokang Paro, the cultural center of Upper Tsum Valley with magnificent Himalayan views.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 7: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361 m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Walking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +330 m
The trail gradually climbs through barren landscapes, crossing villages like Lamagaon before reaching the peaceful settlement of Nile, one of the highest permanent villages in Tsum Valley.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 8: Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and Return to Chhokang Paro
- Distance: 18 km
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Elevation Gain: +340 m / Descent: -670 m
Visit the famous Mu Gompa, the largest and oldest monastery in Tsum Valley. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and the serene spiritual atmosphere before descending back to Chhokang Paro.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 9: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Lokpa (2,240 m)
- Distance: 20 km
- Walking Time: 7–8 hours
- Descent: -790 m
Retrace your route through Chumling and lush forests, descending back to Lokpa while enjoying the final views of the sacred valley.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 10: Trek from Lokpa to Jagat (1,340 m)
- Distance: 17 km
- Walking Time: 5–6 hours
- Descent: -900 m
Leave Tsum Valley and descend to Jagat through forests, terraced fields, and charming villages.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 11: Jagat to Kathmandu or Pokhara
Option 1: Kathmandu
- Driving Distance: Approximately 150 km
- Driving Time: 7–9 hours
Option 2: Pokhara
- Driving Distance: Approximately 180 km
- Driving Time: 8–10 hours
Drive by private jeep or public transportation back to Kathmandu or continue to Pokhara, marking the end of your unforgettable Tsum Valley Trek.
