Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek Review

A Simple, Meaningful, and Heartfelt Trip Report

Journey Into Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Valley

What an unforgettable adventure it was to explore the remote, peaceful, and culturally rich Tsum Valley and to reach the serene Ganesh Himal Base Camp in October 2025. This Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek took us deep into one of Nepal’s most beautiful hidden Himalayan valleys, widely known for its untouched landscapes, strong Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, stupas, mani walls, and friendly local people. Every day felt like opening a new chapter of nature and culture. Along the way, the mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and traditional villages welcomed us warmly, and the journey slowly connected us to the gentle rhythm of the Himalayas.

Overall, the Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek offered everything a trekker could ask for: deep river valleys, dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, quiet forests, pure Buddhist villages, ancient monasteries and stupas, wide-open landscapes, and towering snow-capped mountains. Most importantly, we experienced warm hospitality and many meaningful moments with the welcoming Tsumba community.

The Long Scenic Drive to the Starting Point

Our adventure began with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Khorlabesi. Leaving the city early in the morning helped us avoid heavy traffic and smoothly exit the Kathmandu Valley. As soon as we left the urban area, Nepal’s natural beauty slowly opened before us—rolling hills, deep valleys, terraced rice fields, and dense forests. Along the way, we followed the Trisuli River for some time, crossed a bridge, and passed countless charming villages along a narrow yet beautiful mountain road.

Yes, the roads were bumpy, dusty, and poorly maintained; however, the changing landscapes and ever-evolving views made the journey enjoyable. We stopped at Sotikhola for lunch, enjoyed simple and delicious dal bhat (traditional Nepali food), and then continued our drive. On the way, we even stepped out of the jeep to cross a suspension bridge and admire a beautiful waterfall. By the time we reached Khorlabesi, our excitement for the trek ahead had grown. Our lodge—a small resort with trout ponds and coffee plants—felt peaceful and welcoming after a long day of travel.

Walking Deep Into the Budhigandaki Valley

The next morning, our trekking spirit was high as we began walking through the dramatic Budhigandaki Valley. This narrow valley is surrounded by tall vertical cliffs rising thousands of meters above the roaring river. Villages cling to the steep slopes, waterfalls tumble down the cliffs, and the river curves beautifully through the rugged landscape.
Initially, the walk was comfortable, following the river along a road track. At one point, we even had to walk beneath a huge waterfall; fortunately, the water level was low, making it easy to pass. The sunny weather brightened everything, although the midday heat was slightly tiring.
After crossing a suspension bridge near Dovan over the Budhigandaki River, the valley gradually widened as we continued. The most challenging section was crossing a landslide area. The uphill climb on a narrow trail with loose rocks was tough; however, the stunning scenery made every step worthwhile. Eventually, after a long and meaningful walk, we reached the beautiful stone village of Jagat, a small business center and an important entry point for both the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek.

Entering the Buddhist Region

From Jagat onward, the environment slowly began to change. The trail climbed higher, the forests grew thicker and greener, and signs of Buddhist culture appeared everywhere—stupas, mani walls, prayer flags, and kani (entrance and exit gates). This gentle transition made us feel as though we were entering a sacred Himalayan world. We passed through Sirdibas and crossed the river once again before climbing up to Philim, one of the major settlements in the region. The village was lively, with small shops, locals at work, and children playing along the trail. After Philim, the path leveled out toward Chisopani, where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed wonderful views of the valley below. As we continued, the scenery became greener and more magnificent. After leaving the Manaslu Circuit trail at Ngyakphedi, the climb toward Tsum Valley grew noticeably steeper. This marked the point where the true Tsum Valley Trek began. Walking through forests of pine and bamboo, we soon reached Lokpa, a quiet and small village surrounded by lush greenery—our first real taste of this remote Himalayan valley.

Climbing Into Tsum Valley

From Lokpa, the trail led us deeper into the heart of the valley. The path passed through forests of pine, oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. Although the climb was steep, it began with an exciting walkway, and the views of Sringi Himal were spectacular. This powerful mountain accompanied us throughout the day. Reaching Chumling felt like stepping into a peaceful and timeless world. This traditional Tsumba village, with its stone houses, carved gates, colorful prayer flags, and friendly locals, offered a truly warm welcome. Rich in ancient traditions influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, Chumling allowed us to spend a relaxing afternoon observing village life, exploring narrow paths, and playing with the children.

Steep Trails, Big Views, and Beautiful Villages

The trail from Chumling to Chhekhampar (Chhokang Paro) was short yet challenging. Along the way, we passed small mountain settlements, terraced farmlands, and forest sections, descending to the river before beginning a long and steep climb from Renjam. Although the steep terrain and strong sun made the climb tiring, the dramatic views and deep valleys made it incredibly rewarding.
Chhekhampar, the largest village in Tsum Valley, welcomed us with its traditional stone houses, long mani walls, fluttering prayer flags, and snow-capped peaks rising in the background. Here, the Tsumba culture felt strong, simple, and deeply connected to Himalayan Buddhist traditions.

From Chhekhampar to Chule, the trail was surprisingly easy and mostly flat. Along the way, we passed countless ancient stupas, mani walls, and beautifully built structures, some hundreds of years old. The newly built monastery in Lamagaon was especially impressive, featuring a large Guru Rinpoche statue and symbolic stupas representing important events from Buddha’s life.
Unfortunately, we were unable to visit Milarepa Cave at Burji, as the village was closed for a Puja ceremony at a nearby monastery. Near Chule village, we admired one of the most iconic Buddhist stupas in Tsum Valley—an architectural style rarely seen elsewhere. Newly colored and standing proudly in the wide-open landscape, it was truly magnificent. The broad valley between Chule and Nile, where the two villages face each other across the river, became one of the most peaceful sections of our entire trek.

A Spiritual Journey to Mu Gompa

Visiting Mu Gompa became one of the most memorable moments of the entire Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek. We started early in the cold morning air under a clear blue sky. The trail was gentle at first, then gradually became steeper as we crossed the river and climbed toward the monastery. Believed to be over a thousand years old, Mu Gompa is the oldest monastery in the region. Perched high above the valley, it radiates peace, power, and spiritual depth. Inside, ancient statues, sacred art, old scriptures, and flickering butter lamps created a deeply spiritual atmosphere. We lit butter lamps to pray for peace and for departed souls. Surrounding views of snow-covered peaks, dry Himalayan hills, deep blue skies, and the silent valley below were simply breathtaking. We returned to Chule via the opposite side of the river, enjoying an entirely different perspective.

Rachen Gompa and Warm Local Encounters

On our descent, we visited Rachen Gompa, one of the most important nunneries in the Himalayan region. The newly built stupa nearby was stunning, decorated with bright colors, intricate carvings, prayer wheels, and detailed artwork. Beneath the stupa, rows of thousands of Chenrezig statues and massive prayer wheels enhanced the spiritual atmosphere. Along the way, we met local women and shared friendly conversations. While enjoying hot tea at a small lodge, we watched a woman weaving colorful handmade cloth. These warm encounters and simple moments made the day truly special. Rachen Gompa itself was beautifully decorated with offerings, and as we continued down the valley, the landscape appeared completely different from the ascent.

The Hard Climb to Gompa Lungdang

Reaching Gompa Lungdang required both strength and patience. After a short descent to the river, we climbed nearly 1,000 meters through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Although the climb was long and steep, the weather remained perfect. Gradually, as we gained altitude, the mountains revealed themselves, with Ganesh Himal and Lumbo Himal rising proudly above the valley. Gompa Lungdang is a sacred nunnery filled with deep spiritual energy. The views from here were magical—wide landscapes and the towering Ganesh Himal glowing in front of us. Inside the monastery, the detailed artwork and evening chanting created an unforgettable experience. Accommodation was basic but comfortable. The simple Nepali food was delicious, and the beds were surprisingly cozy despite the small rooms. The cook was excellent, and both the nun and the staff were warm and friendly. Our stay here was truly wonderful.

Ganesh Himal Base Camp – The Big Reward

One of the toughest yet most rewarding days of the trek was the hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. First, we descended to the river and then climbed steadily through beautiful forests. Walking beneath the peaceful forest canopy felt magical, and the perfect weather offered clear mountain views under a deep blue sky. One of the trickiest sections was crossing the river, where landslides had washed away the trail. With only a few wooden poles placed across the water and barely visible paths, this section added both excitement and challenge. Higher up, the surroundings became silent and powerful, with towering Himalayan peaks all around us. Reaching Ganesh Himal Base Camp felt like a true achievement. The views of Ganesh Himal and the surrounding mountains were unbelievably beautiful. After spending time absorbing the peaceful atmosphere, we returned to Gompa Lungdang.

Returning Through the Valley

The return journey was filled with easier walks, familiar trails, and relaxed moments. Walking back through Chumling, Lokpa, and Jagat felt both familiar and fresh, as the landscapes appeared completely different from the opposite direction. The walk from Lokpa to Jagat was rainy, and we trekked under steady rain all day. Even though we were soaked, the mild temperature kept the walk manageable. Our spirits remained high, and we reached Jagat happily. The final trekking day to Khorlabesi was cloudy but comfortable—no sun, no rain, just cool air and peaceful walking. We celebrated our successful trek with a joyful dinner, dancing, and plenty of laughter.

A Trek Filled With Beauty, Culture, and Meaning

The Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek in October 2025 was a journey filled with natural beauty, rich culture, adventure, and deep personal connection. From the dramatic Budhigandaki Valley to the high ridges beneath Ganesh Himal, the landscapes were breathtaking. The ancient villages, monasteries, stupas, and strong Tsumba culture made the experience truly meaningful.
We faced steep climbs, long days, sunny heat, cold mornings, rocky trails, and rainy weather; however, every challenge brought us closer to the true heart of the Himalayas. The warm smiles of local people, joyful children, and peaceful monasteries filled our journey with lasting memories.

This trek was not only a physical adventure but also a spiritual and emotional journey. The memories of mountains, forests, villages, and culture will stay with us forever. The Tsum Valley truly remains a hidden gem of Nepal, pure, untouched, and full of life. Anyone seeking a meaningful Himalayan experience will find this trek to be a perfect adventure. Please remember Blossom Expeditions for this incredible Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek. Discover the hidden charm of Tsum Valley and enjoy its natural and cultural beauty.

Blossom Expeditions has carefully crafted the Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek itinerary, blending history, spirituality, culture, and local cuisine into one unforgettable journey in the Himalayas.

Further Details Contact Us

Blossom Expeditions
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Tel: 977-01-4810388
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Watch the Video, it justifies the trip review

Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek Part 1
Tsum Valley Ganesh Himal Base Camp Trek Part-2