Tsum Valley with Ganesh Himal base camp Trek
The Tsum Valley + Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek is a unique and culturally rich trekking experience in northern-central Nepal. Tsum Valley, part of the Manaslu Conservation Area, is a hidden Himalayan gem known for its pristine landscapes, Tibetan-influenced villages, and ancient monasteries. The valley has remained largely untouched due to its remoteness, providing trekkers with a sense of authentic Himalayan culture and spiritual serenity.
This trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, followed by trekking through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages such as Jagat, Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa. Trekkers witness the local lifestyles of Tamang, Gurung, and Tibetan-descended communities, visit traditional monasteries and chortens, and enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
A highlight of this trek is the Ganesh Himal Base Camp excursion from Gumba Lungdang, providing spectacular 360-degree views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and surrounding peaks. The trek combines moderate to strenuous hiking, cultural immersion, and high-altitude alpine scenery, making it suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and prior trekking experience.
The journey concludes with a return through the same villages and a drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara, offering a full-circle experience of Tsum Valley’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Highlights
- Trek through remote Tsum Valley villages with Tibetan culture
- Visit Mu Gompa, Chhokangparo, Gumba Lungdang monasteries
- Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp for panoramic Himalayan views
- Explore pristine forests, alpine meadows, and sacred mani walls
- Experience off-the-beaten-path trekking far from crowded trails
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Tsum valley
- 13 Days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Lodges, tea houses, guesthouses
- Moderate
- 4900m
- -
- -
Best Season
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, ideal trekking conditions – best season Spring (Mar–May): Blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures – second best Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, snow possible – for experienced trekkers Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Wet trails and leeches – not recommended
Tour Plan
Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola – (869m.|2850ft. 7-8hrs)
- Long scenic drive via Arughat and Soti Khola
- Breakfast en route
- Lunch at Soti Khola or on the way
- View of rivers, hills, local villages
- Dinner at lodge in Machha Khola
- Overnight stay at Machha Khola
Maccha Khola to Jagat – (1340m.|4395ft. 7hrs)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Trek along Budhi Gandaki river, cross suspension bridges
- Lunch at Tatopani or Dobhan
- Waterfalls, forested trails
- Dinner at lodge in Jagat
- Overnight stay at Jagat
Jagat to Lokpa – (2240m.|7347ft. 6-7hrs)
- Breakfast at Jagat
- Ascend stone steps, pass Philim
- Lunch at Philim
- Enter Tsum Valley region
- Dinner at lodge in Lokpa
- Overnight stay in Lokpa
Lokpa to Chumling – (2386m.|7826ft. 6-7hrs)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Narrow trails, forests, and small villages
- Lunch en route
- First good views of Ganesh Himal
- Dinner at Chumling
- Overnight stay in Chumling
Chumling to Chhokangparo – (3031m.|9941ft. 6hrs)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Gradual ascent via Gho and Domje
- Lunch at Domje
- Open valley views, Tibetan culture
- Dinner at Chhokangparo
- Overnight stay in Chhokangparo
Chhokangparo to Nile to Mu Gompa – (3361m.|11026ft. 5-7hrs.)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Trek northward to Nile village
- Lunch at Nile
- Visit Mu Gompa, the highest point in Tsum Valley
- Dinner and overnight at monastery or guest house
- Overnight at Mu Gompa
Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo – (3031m.|9941ft. 5hrs)
- Breakfast at Mu Gompa
- Descend slowly with scenic views
- Lunch at Nile or Rachen Gompa
- Visit Rachen Nunnery if not done earlier
- Dinner at Chhokangparo
- Overnight in Chhokangparo
Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang – (3400m.|11152ft. 7hrs)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Cross river and ascend steep forest trail
- Lunch en route or packed
- Remote monastery with spiritual atmosphere
- Dinner at monastery guesthouse
- Overnight at Gumba Lungdang
Hike to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4900m.|16076ft.) and then return to Gumba Lungdang (8-9hrs)
- Early breakfast
- Long, steep hike to base camp
- Packed lunch
- Stunning alpine scenery, glaciers, Ganesh Himal close-up
- Return hike to Gumba Lungdang
- Dinner and rest
- Overnight at Gumba Lungdang
Gumba Lungdang to Chumling – (2470m.|8101ft. 4hrs)
- Breakfast
- Descend via Ripchet to Chumling
- Lunch in Chumling
- Dinner and overnight stay
- Overnight in Chumling
Chumling to Salleri – (1353m.|4438ft. 6-7hrs)
- Breakfast
- Exit Tsum Valley region via Lokpa
- Lunch at Philim or Salleri
- Dinner at Salleri
- Overnight in Salleri
Salleri to Maccha Khola – (869m.|2850ft. 6-7hrs)
Breakfast
- Downhill trek through forest and villages
- Lunch at Tatopani or Dobhan
- Dinner in Machha Khola
- Overnight stay in Machha Khola
Drive from Maccha Khola to Kathmandu (1400m.|4592ft.)
- Early breakfast
- Long drive back via Arughat
- Lunch on the way
- Return through scenic middle hills
- Trip ends in Kathmandu