The Tsum Valley Trek is more than just a trek; it’s an adventure into an isolated, hidden environment where time appears to stand still. Tsum Valley, located in the northern section of Gorkha, Nepal, close the Tibetan border, is commonly known as the “Hidden Valley of Happiness.” As I set foot on this less-traveled path, I discovered not only breathtaking views, but also a country rich in culture, spirituality, and heartwarming friendliness that made me feel like a long-lost friend returning home.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)

The journey begins with a long, bumpy ride from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, a small village by the Budhi Gandaki River. The drive, which takes about 8–9 hours, is a mix of paved and dirt roads, winding through hills and valleys. It’s a tiring day, but the excitement of the adventure ahead keeps your spirits high. As I watched the sun set behind the hills, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, I felt the first tingles of the adventure awaiting me.

Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m)

The trek officially starts today, and the trail is a beautiful introduction to the region’s landscape. You’ll walk along narrow paths carved into the hillside, crossing suspension bridges swaying gently over gushing rivers. The day’s trek takes about 6–7 hours, passing through lush forests, small villages, and terraced fields. Despite the occasional exhaustion, every step felt like a meditation, and the kind smiles of locals and the laughter of children playing along the path made it all worth it.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)

Today’s walk to Jagat is about 6–7 hours, with the trail gradually ascending through rocky terrain and alongside beautiful rivers. As you hike, the scenery shifts between waterfalls cascading down cliffs and serene, green fields. In Jagat, a traditional checkpoint village, the narrow stone streets and charming houses give a sense of stepping back in time. The hospitality of the people here is humbling; despite their simple lives, they offer warmth and kindness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Day 4: Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m)

Leaving Jagat, the trail continues through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. This is the day you officially enter the Tsum Valley region, marked by a beautiful gate adorned with Tibetan inscriptions. Reaching Lokpa after 6–7 hours of trekking, I felt like I had truly arrived in a different world — one untouched by the rush of modern life. The simplicity and tranquility of Lokpa set the tone for the days to come. The night sky, lit up with countless stars, made me feel small yet profoundly connected to the universe.

Day 5: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m)

The trek from Lokpa to Chumling is shorter, about 4–5 hours, but the trail is steep in places. As you climb, the valley opens up, revealing stunning views of the Ganesh Himal. The climb is tough, but the sight of Chumling, a village perched on a hillside, is a rewarding finish. The villagers here live in stone houses with wooden roofs, and their lives seem deeply intertwined with nature and tradition. That night, sharing a simple meal with a local family, I realized that this trek was as much about human connection as it was about the mountains.

Day 6: Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m)

Today’s journey takes you higher into the valley, about 5–6 hours of walking. You’ll pass through narrow gorges, cross more suspension bridges, and finally arrive at Chhokang Paro, one of the largest villages in Tsum Valley. The altitude begins to make itself known, but the breathtaking views of the Himalayas are a perfect distraction. The village is home to ancient monasteries and mani walls (prayer walls), and the strong sense of spirituality is palpable. Spending time with the monks and locals, I felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t known I was missing.

Day 7: Chhokang Paro to Nile (3,361m)

From Chhokang Paro, the trek to Nile takes about 4–5 hours. The trail continues to rise, and the landscape becomes more barren, but the majestic mountains stand tall as your constant companions. Reaching Nile, the northernmost village in Tsum Valley, I was struck by the serenity of the place. Life here is hard, especially in winter, but the people’s resilience and devotion are inspiring. I felt honored to witness a traditional puja (prayer ceremony) at a small monastery, a moment that touched my heart deeply.

Day 8: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m) and Back to Nile

A shorter but steep hike today takes you to Mu Gompa, the highest point of the trek and a spiritual highlight. Mu Gompa is a secluded monastery where monks live in isolation, dedicating their lives to prayer and meditation. Standing on the monastery’s rooftop, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s a place that invites quiet reflection and reminds you of the vastness of the world beyond your daily life. After exploring Mu Gompa, you’ll return to Nile for the night.

Days 9–12: Return Journey

The return journey retraces your steps back through the valley, offering a chance to soak in the beauty of the landscapes once more and bid farewell to the people and places that made this trek so special. Each village you pass through feels like a friend you’re visiting one last time. It’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing that you’re leaving this hidden valley behind, but carrying a piece of its peace and joy within you forever.

Final Thoughts

The Tsum Valley Trek focuses on the journey itself, not simply the destination. It’s about the mountains’ silent fortitude, the people’s resilience, and the unexpected connections that grow over shared stories on chilly winter nights. This journey teaches you to slow down, breathe, and really perceive the world around you.