Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

Trip Budget USD $3000 (per person)
Trip Duration 21 Days
Trip Grade Medium
Highest Altitude 4000 m
Accomodation Tea Houses, Monastery, Guest House
Transportation Jeep and Bus
Group Size 2 Min - 10 Max
Best Season Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek - Brief Insight

The Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek takes you into one of Nepal’s most secluded and culturally rich regions, nestled in the northern part of the Gorkha district near the Tibetan border. Known as the “Valley of Happiness”, Tsum Valley was a restricted area until 2008 and remains untouched by modern development, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.

This sacred valley, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, features ancient monasteries, vibrant prayer flags, and dramatic landscapes dominated by Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Himalchuli. The trek reaches its highest point at around 4,000 meters near Mu Gompa, a serene and remote monastery surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, spirituality, and raw Himalayan beauty, the Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley is a journey through timeless traditions, welcoming locals, and rugged wilderness.

Highlights of Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

  • Remote and less-traveled trekking route
  • Rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and heritage
  • Mu Gompa at 4,000 meters – the highest and most spiritual point
  • Ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa
  • Traditional Tsumba villages with Tibetan-style architecture
  • Milarepa’s Cave – a sacred pilgrimage site
  • Stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Himalchuli
  • Diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, rivers, and gorges
  • Sightings of Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep and Himalayan thar
  • Warm hospitality with authentic homestay experiences
  • Culturally preserved and peaceful environment

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Sotikhola
Day 2: Sotikhola to Gongong Village
Day 3: Gongong to Yaruphant
Day 4: Yaruphant to Lokpa
Day 5: Lokpa to Chumling
Day 6: Chumling to Choekang Paro
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Choekang Paro
Day 8: Day hike to Elung Chuli Base
Day 9: Choekang Paro to Nyiloe (3350m) via Rachen Gompa
Day 10: Nyiloe to Choshong (4100m) via Mugumba
Day 11: Choshong to Dramdang (4150m) via Thoh & Choshong Pass
Day 12: Dramdang to Chekya (4200m), visit Cho Lungcho Lake
Day 13: Chekya to Thapla Rokpa Pass return to Chekya
Day 14: Chekya to Nhya Gyang Gyang
Day 15: Chekya to Tarcho Tsuksa to Bajyo
Day 16: Bajyo to Nyunla Donjyang Pass and back
Day 17: Bajyo to Nyiloe
Day 18: Nyiloe to Choekang Paro
Day 19: Choekang Paro to Lokpa
Day 20: Lokpa to Machhakhola
Day 21: Machhakhola to Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Sotikhola
Drive approx. 6 hours (140 km) westwards via Arughat. Enjoy scenic hilly roads and prepare for the trekking journey ahead.
Day 2: Sotikhola to Gongong Village
Highest Altitude : (900m).
Meals : Nepali Food
A gentle 3-hour hike (~6 km) along the Budhi Gandaki River. Explore the traditional village life in Gongong and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Day 3: Gongong to Yaruphant
Highest Altitude : (1250m).
Start with a 1-hour hike back to Sotikhola, followed by a 1-hour drive to Dovan, then a 4-hour hike (~10 km) ascending through forests and small villages to reach Yaruphant.
Day 4: Yaruphant to Lokpa
Highest Altitude : (1900m).
Meals : Nepali Food :Dal Bhat
A longer day hiking 6 to 7 hours (~14 km). Enter the Tsum Valley region with steep climbs and dramatic deep gorges as the landscape changes.
Day 5: Lokpa to Chumling
Highest Altitude : (2300m).
Meals : Nepali Food :Dal Bhat
A moderate 5-hour hike (~11 km) passing through dense pine forests. Catch stunning views of the Ganesh Himal mountain range.
Day 6: Chumling to Choekang Paro
Highest Altitude : (3045m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
Hike 5 to 6 hours (~12 km) crossing suspension bridges and walking through traditional villages as you ascend into the upper Tsum Valley.
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Choekang Paro
Take a short 4-hour hike (~6 km) to Gaden Gompa (3100m). Use this day to acclimatize, explore local village culture, and visit monasteries.
Day 8: Day hike to Elung Chuli Base
Highest Altitude : (3700m).
A strenuous but rewarding 6 to 7-hour hike (~13 km) offering stunning alpine views and a chance to experience the high-altitude wilderness.
Day 9: Choekang Paro to Nyiloe (3350m) via Rachen Gompa
Hike 6 to 7 hours (~14 km), visiting the ancient Rachen Nunnery and crossing Chandra Hill with beautiful valley vistas.
Day 10: Nyiloe to Choshong (4100m) via Mugumba
Highest Altitude : (3800m).
A 5-hour trek (~10 km) into high alpine terrain reaching isolated pastures and open landscapes.
Day 11: Choshong to Dramdang (4150m) via Thoh & Choshong Pass
Highest Altitude : (4400m).
6 to 7 hours hike (~13 km) crossing a scenic high mountain pass with spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks.
Day 12: Dramdang to Chekya (4200m), visit Cho Lungcho Lake
Highest Altitude : (4600m).
Meals : Nepali Food
6 to 7 hours hike (~12 km) with a side visit to the sacred Cho Lungcho Lake. Camp near Chekya surrounded by serene mountain beauty.
Day 13: Chekya to Thapla Rokpa Pass return to Chekya
Highest Altitude : (5104m).
Meals : Nepali Food
A challenging 7 to 8-hour hike (~14 km) crossing a high mountain pass with panoramic views of the Tsum Valley and surrounding peaks.
Day 14: Chekya to Nhya Gyang Gyang
Highest Altitude : 4700m).
7 to 8 hours hike (~13 km) along a remote ridge-line trail offering breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
Day 15: Chekya to Tarcho Tsuksa to Bajyo
Highest Altitude : (4250m).
6 to 7 hours hike (~12 km) descending into the Bajyo valley with dramatic landscapes and alpine meadows.
Day 16: Bajyo to Nyunla Donjyang Pass and back
Highest Altitude : (5093m).
Meals : Nepali Food
A long and steep 8 to 9-hour hike (~16 km) to a lofty high pass and returning to Bajyo, testing endurance with rewarding views.
Day 17: Bajyo to Nyiloe
7-hour hike (~13 km) descending back downhill into the heart of the Tsum Valley.
Day 18: Nyiloe to Choekang Paro
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
6-hour hike (~11 km) returning to central Tsum Valley, rejoining village life and local culture.
Day 19: Choekang Paro to Lokpa
7-hour hike (~14 km) descending through lush forests and traditional villages as the landscape changes.
Day 20: Lokpa to Machhakhola
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
2-hour hike (~4 km) followed by a 3-hour drive. Return to the lower valley road access, transitioning back to motor transport.
Day 21: Machhakhola to Kathmandu
7-hour scenic drive (approx. 140 km) back to Kathmandu marks the end of the trek.

What is included in Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) freshly prepared by a professional trekking chef.
  • Comfortable camping accommodation with sleeping tents, dining tent, toilet tent, and kitchen tent provided.
  • Tea, coffee, and snacks available throughout the trek.
    An experienced trekking team including a professional guide, assistant guide, and kitchen staff.
  • Porters and donkey support for carrying your gear.
  • Staff wages, insurance, and all logistics covered.
  • All required permits including the Special Tsum Valley Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
  • All ground transportation from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back is included.

What is excluded in Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

  • Wi-Fi and internet charges
  • Hot showers during the trek
  • Personal shopping and expenses
  • Hotel stay in Kathmandu or Pokhara
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, jackets, sleeping bags, etc.)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Tips for guide and porter

Benefits of Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

  • Experience pristine and untouched Himalayan landscapes
  • Immerse yourself in authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture
  • Explore ancient monasteries and sacred sites
  • Enjoy stunning panoramic mountain views
  • Connect with warm and hospitable local communities
  • Escape crowded tourist trails for peace and solitude
  • Witness unique wildlife and diverse ecosystems
  • Challenge yourself with moderate to high-altitude trekking
  • Gain spiritual insight and personal growth
  • Support sustainable and responsible tourism in a remote region

Comprehensive guide for Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

Max Altitude: 5,104 m (Thapla Rokpa Pass)
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
🍂 Best Season: Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sep-Nov)
💰 Cost: Approximately $3000 per person (depending on services and group size)

21-Day Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Sotikhola — Drive 6 hrs / approx. 140 km
Day 2: Sotikhola to Gongong Village — Hike 3 hrs / ~6 km
Day 3: Gongong to Yaruphant — 1 hr hike + 1 hr drive + 4 hrs hike / ~10 km
Day 4: Yaruphant to Lokpa — Hike 6–7 hrs / ~14 km
Day 5: Lokpa to Chumling — Hike 5 hrs / ~11 km
Day 6: Chumling to Choekang Paro — Hike 5–6 hrs / ~12 km
Day 7: Acclimatization in Choekang Paro — Hike 4 hrs / ~6 km
Day 8: Day hike to Elung Chuli Base — Hike 6–7 hrs / ~13 km
Day 9: Choekang Paro to Nyiloe via Rachen Gompa — Hike 6–7 hrs / ~14 km
Day 10: Nyiloe to Choshong via Mugumba — Hike 5 hrs / ~10 km
Day 11: Choshong to Dramdang via Thoh & Choshong Pass — Hike 6–7 hrs / ~13 km
Day 12: Dramdang to Chekya, visit Cho Lungcho Lake — Hike 6–7 hrs / ~12 km
Day 13: Hike to Thapla Rokpa Pass and return to Chekya — Hike 7–8 hrs / ~14 km
Day 14: Chekya to Nhya Gyang Gyang — Hike 7–8 hrs / ~13 km
Day 15: Chekya to Tarcho Tsuksa to Bajyo — Hike 6–7 hrs / ~12 km
Day 16: Bajyo to Nyunla Donjyang Pass and back — Hike 8–9 hrs / ~16 km
Day 17: Bajyo to Nyiloe — Hike 7 hrs / ~13 km
Day 18: Nyiloe to Choekang Paro — Hike 6 hrs / ~11 km
Day 19: Choekang Paro to Lokpa — Hike 7 hrs / ~14 km
Day 20: Lokpa to Machhakhola — Hike 2 hrs / ~4 km + 3 hrs drive
Day 21: Machhakhola to Kathmandu — Drive 7 hrs / approx. 140 km

Packing List for Hidden Highland of Tsum Valley Trek

  • Clothing: trekking pants, thermal layers, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, trekking shirts, warm hat, gloves, trekking socks, trekking boots, camp shoes.
  • Gear: daypack, sleeping bag (-10°C), trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, water bottles, water purifier, first aid kit, sunscreen, toiletries, quick-dry towel, camera, power bank, passport & permits, cash, snacks.
  • Optional: down jacket, gaiters, notebook, travel pillow.

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