You’ll begin the journey with a long jeep ride (7–9 hours) from Kathmandu, passing through Arughat and following the Budhi Gandaki River. Arrive at Machha Khola by evening, where you can unwind in a simple teahouse next to the river.

After breakfast, the trail winds through lush forests and small villages. You’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki on suspension bridges and walk around 6–7 hours to reach Jagat (1,340 m), the checkpoint for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area and Tsum Valley permit registration

This day is a mix of ascending ridges and gentle descents. You traverse mountain forests and cross Nepal’s longest suspension bridge before reaching Lokpa (2,240 m), the gateway to Tsum Valley. Along the way you pass through villages like Philim and Sirdibas

You enter Tsum proper, trekking through pine and rhododendron forests with mountain views of Himalchuli and Sringi. Crossing streams and grazing fields, you arrive at Chumling (2,386 m) after about 6–7 hours

After crossing the river, the trail climbs to the open valley floor, where views of Ganesh Himal begin to dominate. You’ll pass through small Buddhist villages like Gho and enter Upper Tsum at Chhekampar, made up of the twin settlements of Chhokang and Paro. The people here are of Tibetan origin, and their homes and lifestyle reflect centuries-old traditions. It's a good place to interact with locals and observe their deep-rooted monastic practices.

The trail gently climbs through wide fields and scattered stone houses. Along the way, you can visit Rachen Gompa, a large nunnery that is part of the Tsum religious network. The walk offers impressive views of snow-capped peaks and brings you close to the Tibetan border. The Nile is the last permanent settlement in the valley and lies just below Mu Gompa, where you’ll head tomorrow.

This is a highlight of the trek. A steady morning climb takes you to Mu Gompa, the largest and most significant monastery in Tsum Valley. Set on a ridge with panoramic mountain views, it houses ancient scriptures, statues, and relics. If weather and time permit, you can also explore the nearby Dhephu Doma Nunnery or meditation caves linked to Milarepa. After spending time here, you descend back to Nile for the night.

You retrace your steps down the valley, enjoying a different perspective on the route. The descent is faster and easier, allowing you to revisit villages and stop at monasteries you may have missed. You’ll return to Chumling in about 6 to 7 hours, enjoying the forested trail and pastoral scenery along the way.

The trail leads back through Lokpa and continues down toward the Manaslu Circuit trail. You’ll cross multiple suspension bridges, pass cultivated fields, and witness village life resuming its natural rhythm. Philim is a welcoming Gurung village with expansive views and a sense of quiet simplicity.

Today is your last day of walking, covering familiar terrain back to Machha Khola. The trail is long but mostly downhill, taking 6 to 7 hours. It’s a great day to reflect on your journey through Tsum Valley and soak in the beauty of the river gorge one last time. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable teahouse at Machha Khola.

After breakfast, you begin the drive back to Kathmandu, which takes around 8 to 9 hours. The journey offers final glimpses of rural Nepal before returning to the bustling capital. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a hot shower, fresh food, and perhaps some souvenir shopping or rest.