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| Tsum Valley trek |
Tsum
Valley was a restricted
area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information
available on the area.
The
Tsum Valleyis a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern
Gorkha, Nepal.
Literally “Tsum” means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal
and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in
ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan
origin and speak unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and
lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of
deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit
in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and
meditation. This circuit traverses the
Tsum
Valley the Manaslu area in
Nepal, and southern parts of
Tibet.
The Tsum Valley
has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be
meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a
culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means
thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom
are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred
valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for
centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.
The valley is drained
by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal
and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at
Nyak.
The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the
Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting,
fishing is not permitted in the Tsum
Valley. The valley also
boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu
Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and
Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope
of Ganesh Himal.
Expectations of the trek
Visiting
Tsum Valley
is like walking back in time. Other than a handful of small changes, the sights
and ambience of this sacred valley remain timeless. Patches of purple-hued
amaranth interspersed with fields of brown barley, dzos and yaks grazing in
grassy meadows, rustic stone houses hugging the trail, long stretches of
hand-carved mani stones and stacked mani walls, ancient villages dotting the
landscape, rock chortens perched high on ridges, waterfalls cascading off
soaring cliffs, rivers tumbling wildly down precipitous gorges, snow-capped
Himalayan peaks scratching the deep blue sky, high remote mountain passes
threading into Tibet, maroon-robed Buddhist monks and nuns fingering prayer
beads, and hard-working kind-hearted villagers warmly welcome you into this
scenic and soaring valley where Tibetan culture is still celebrated today.
Sites, side trips, volunteer work
Milarepa Piren Phu cave
Mu Gompa monastery
Rachen nunnery
Gumba Lungdang nunnery
Dheron Gumba nunnery
Health camps
Trash clean-up
School visits
Ganesh amphitheater
Cascading waterfalls
Medicinal plants and herbs -over 50 varieties
Wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep,
ghoral and the elusive snow leopard
Handicrafts, including bamboo baskets, wooden masks and
teacups, wood jugs and kitchen implements, musical instrument (dhagen), yak
wool blankets, kimonos and mattresses
Participation in local activities
Festivals, including Losar (Tibetan New Year in Jan/Feb), Dhachyang
(Horse festival in Jan/Feb), Saka Dawa (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death
in May), Faning (food celebration in Aug), Mask dance in June/July
 |
| Tsum Valley Trekking |
When open for Trekking
Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for
trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area.The Tsum Valley
is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal.
Literally Tsum -means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal
and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in
ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan
origin and speak unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and
lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of
deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit
in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and
meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum
Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.The Tsum
Valley has long history
of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be meditated in the
caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct
geographical called Tsum Tso Chuksum, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a
single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom
are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred
valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries.
As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact. The valley
is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of
Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi
Gandaki at Nyak. The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the
Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting,
fishing is not permitted in the Tsum
Valley. The valley also
boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu
Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and
Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope
of Ganesh Himal.
Explore Mountain
Tsum
Valley is located against
the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Baudha Himal ranges
providing ample of photo-opportunities of snow-clad peaks
Explore Way of life
Tsumbas believe in the reincarnation thus the birth and the
death are just cyclic nature, not supreme. In all aspects, the holy men lamas
and astrologers play a major role.
Birth: The birth of the child in the home keeps the family
people to reunite together. Going out and working in the land is supposed to
bring bad luck and agitate the spirits, Lhu. Few days later lama visits the
home where birth took place. He offers prayers to the god and household
deities. He gives name to the newly born child and tells the child’s future
seeing the astrological chart. Generally old people in the home take care of
this newly born child letting his/her parents to work. They lack day care
centre and homeopathy facility.
Marriage: Winter is the suitable season for marriage. There
is plenty of time to celebrate
Traditionally marriages are seen between the young people of
same class. However the trend is moving towards young people selecting their
own partners within the same class or across class boundaries.
Death: The death body is kept untouched for several days in
its deteriorating stage until the visit of Lama for the instructions to dispose
the body. The astrological chart of the death person determines the type of
burial referring to either of four components: cremation, ground burial, water
burial or the sky.
Explore People & Religion
The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a
unique dialect. Even these days, some families practice polyandry (or having
more than one husband at a time). These families have been found to be well
managed and wealthier than other families.
A long history of Buddhism can be seen. The Buddhist saint
named Milarepa is believed to have meditated in a cave in these mountains. It
is believed that there is a favourable ambience for fortunate events in this
region.
The people in Tsum have a strong faith in Buddhism. They
pray to Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some bodhisattvas. They
install prayer flags, kata, or Mani walls, burn butter lamps in monasteries,
and believe in the reincarnation of lamas.The histories and way of life of
supernatural entities and stories about them are well-known. Nevertheless
prayer flags, kata, or Mani walls are installed and ritual burning of juniper
is performed to purify an area against such supernatural entities. The people
of Tsum perform numerous rituals and festivals against devil entities. However,
the slaughtering of animals on an altar to honour deities does not occur. A few
laymen and lamas practice some special rites to exorcise evil factors. Local
people practice mainly two types of astrology "Black" and
"White" for the determination of auspicious days
Country: Nepal
Activities:
Trekking
Trip Grade
:Mediam Hard
Start/End :Kathmandu
Accommodation
:Camping/Home stay
Trip Duration
:18/24/26/days
Max Altitude:
5,134 M.
Best Season :March
to May & September to November
Walking per day
:4 to 7 per day
Min Grp Size: 2
Pax
Seasons: March -
May , Sept - Nov (All season also
possible as well)
Homestay 17days
Option I
Day 01 : Kathmandu Arrival
(1300m)
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. You will be met on airport and
transferred to your hotel.
Day 02 : Kathmandu
Sightseeing.
Day 03 : From Kathmandu
drive to Arughat Bazaar by bus (7-8 hrs) and trek to Arkhet Bazar (2 hrs)
We take a 7- 8 hrs bus ride to Arughat bazaar in Gorkha district.
The village of Arughat is in two parts, on opposite
sides of the Buri Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean and prosperous with
hotels and shops selling cloth, food and hardware.
From the bus stop we trek for two hours to Arkhet bazaar. We
pass through Gurung and Magar villages and terraced fields along the way.
Day 04 : Arkhet Bazar to Machha Khola (6 hrs)
From Arkhet Bazaar we take the trail to Machha Khola. Machha
Khola is a village situated above a stream with the same name. We set up camp at
a good campsite.
Day 05 : Machha Khola to Yaru khola (6 hrs)
From Macha Khola we trek to Yaru Khola. The village of Yaru Khola at 1,330m has a good campsite
near the Buri Gandaki river. The river meanders serenely among gravel bars.
Day 06 : Yaru khola to Lokpa (6-7 hrs)
from Yaru Khola we trek to Lokpa. Lokpa is the first village
as you enter the Tsum
Valley. The local people
are farmers and grow potatoes, gucchi mushrooms and soya beans.
Day 07 : Lokpa to Chumling (Lower Tsum)
(4-5 hrs)
From Lokpa we trek to Chumling Tanjo. We can see the Baudha
Himal(6672m) and Ganesh Himal VI on a clear day. Chumling has three
monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gumba. There are also
several good campsites. There is a telephone service and health post too.
Day 08 : Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper
Tsum) (7 hrs)
From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley
(part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo, where hospitality local
people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcome you with traditional Tibetan Chiya
(butter tea) and local meal.
Day 09 : Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (4-5 hrs)
From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/
Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley.
Nile is on the western , sun-side of the Shiar
Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule.
On the way we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu(pigeon
cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. It is located at the
foot of a rugged cliff near the village
of Burji. Milarepa, the
famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two
separate gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals,
excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant
Buddhists paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural
asset in the valley.
Beautiful views can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba
, the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land.
Day 10 : Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit
Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4-5 hrs)
Dephyudonma gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley
and is situated in the rugged mountains, a 2 hr walk from the village of Chhule
and Nile. The history of this monastery is
directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley.The monastery is
run by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang from the Kangin sect. There are a few
campsites and dinking water facilities.
Day 11 : Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa, visit Gonhgye Gompa
(Nyigma-pa Buddhist sect) (5 hrs)
The trail ascends to Mu Gumba, the largest monastery in the
region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum
Valley.On the way to Mu Gumba
Day 12 : Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hrs)
Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley,
with 80 nuns currently studying.It was established in 1905AD.Iyt houses the
nuns belonging to Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter.Dhumje is
a small village with about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed.
Day 13 : Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (7-8 hrs)
From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. on the way
we witness one of the most beautiful falls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang.
Phillim, at 1550m, is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet.
The trail that climbs through the village and heads up over the ridge leads to
Ganesh Himal Base camp.
Day 14 : Philim to Tatopani (7-8 hrs)
From Phillim we trek to Tatopani. There is a hot spring at
Tatopani. You can relieve your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot
spring.
Day 15 : Tatopani to Lapubeshi (6-7 hrs)
From Tatopani we trek to Lapubeshi, a Gurung Village.
We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls. We camp at the
village.
Day 16 : Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar (5-6 hrs)
As we make our way from Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar, we come
to the last leg of our journey.
Day 17 : Drive to Kathmandu
by bus (6-7 hrs)
We drive to Kathmandu.
Day 18 : Kathmandu free day
of your own.
This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping
.In the evening we will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance.
Itinerary II
Day 01 Driving from Kathmandu
to Arughat(535m-10 hours by bus)
Day 02 Trek from Arughat to Liding(860m-7km-4 hours
walk)
Day 03 Trek to Machhakhola(930m-9km-5 hours walk)
Day 04 Trek to Jagat(1410m-11km-6hours walk)
Day 05 Trek to Lokpa(2040m-10km-5 hours walk)
Day 06 Trek to Chunling(2363m-7km-3.5 hours walk)
Day 07 Trek to Chhokangparo(3010m-13km-8 hours walk)
Day 09 Trek to Chhule-Nile(3361m-9km-4.5 hours walk)
Day 10 Trek to Mu Gompa(3700m-5km-3 hours walk)
Day 11 Trek to Rachen Gompa(3240m-8km-4.5 hours
walk)
Day 12 Trek to Dumje(2440m-11km-6.5 hours walk)
Day 13 Trek to Gumba Lungdang(3200m-6.5km-4 hours
walk)
Day 14 Trek to Ripchet(2468m-9km-5 hours walk)
Day 15 Trek to Dobhan(1070m-14km-7 hours walk)
Day 16 Trek to Soti Khola (720m-18km-9 hours walk)
Day 17 Trek to Arughat(535m-7km- 4 hours walk)
Day 18 Drive to Kathmandu(10
hours by bus)
Itinerary III
Day 01 Driving from Kathmandu
to Arughat(535m-10 hours by bus)
Day 02 Trek from Arughat to Liding(860m-7km-4 hours
walk)
Day 03 Trek to Machhakhola(930m-9km-5 hours walk)
Day 04 Trek to Jagat(1410m-11km-6hours walk)
Day 05 Trek to Lokpa(2040m-10km-5 hours walk)
Day 06 Trek to Chunling(2363m-7km-3.5 hours walk)
Day 07 Trek to Chhokangparo(3010m-13km-8 hours walk)
Day 09 Trek to Chhule-Nile(3361m-9km-4.5 hours walk)
Day 10 Trek to Chho Syong(4000m-8 hours walk)
Day 11 Trek to Dupchet(4180m-5 hours walk)
Day 12 Trek to Chhemdo(4110m – 4 hours walk)
Day 13 Trek to Chhekya(4240m-4 hours walk)
Day 14 Trek to Sangti(5066m-8 hours walk)
Day 15 Trek to Yamdro( 4510m-8 hours walk)
Day 16 Trek to Bhajyo(4030m-7 hours walk)
Day 17 Trek to Thongbu(4560m-2 hours walk)
Day 18 Trek to Lungdang(4240m-7 hours walk)
Day 19 Trek to Rachen Gompa(3240m-6.5 hours walk)
Day 20 Trek to Dumje(2440m-6.5 hours walk)
Day 21 Trek to Gumba Lungdang(3200m-4 hours walk)
Day 22 Trek to Ripchet(2468m-5 hours walk)
Day 23 Trek to Dobhan(1070m-8 hours walk)
Day 24 Trek to Soti Khola(720m-9 hours walk)
Day 25 Trek to Arughat(535m-4 hours walk)
Day 26 Drive to Kathmandu
Itinerary IV
Day 01 Driving from Kathmandu
to Arughat(535m-10 hours by bus)
Day 02 Trek from Arughat to Liding(860m-7km-4 hours
walk)
Day 03 Trek to Machhakhola(930m-9km-5 hours walk)
Day 04 Trek to Dobhan(1410m-6 hours walk)
Day 05 Trek to Philim(2040m-5.5 hours walk)
Day 06 Trek to Chumling(2363m-3.5 hours walk)
Day 07 Trek to Chhokangparo(3010m-8 hours walk)
Day 08 Rest day at Chhokangparo (3361m-5 hours
walk-around)
Day 09 Trek to Nile(3700m-3
hours walk)
Day 10 Trek to Bhajyo(Chhekya)( 3240m-4.5 hours
walk)
Day 11 Rest day at Bhajyo(Chhekya)( 2400m-7 hours
walk)
Day 12 Trek to Ra Chhen Gompa(3200m-4 hours walk)
Day 13 Trek to Chumje(2468m-5 hours walk)
Day 14 Trek to Bihi(1990m-7 hours walk)
Day 15 Trek to Namrung(2660m-7 hours walk)
Day 16 Trek to Lho(3180m-6 hours walk)
Day 17 Trek to Samagaun(3525m- 5 hours walk)
Day 18 Trek to Samdo(3860m-5 hours walk)
Day 19 Trek to High Camp(4460m-5 hours walk)
Day 20 Trek to Bimtang(3930m-7 hours walk)
Day 21 Trek to Dharapani(1920m-8 hours walk)
Day 22 Trek to Ghermu(1100m-7 hours walk)
Day 23 Trek to Beshisahar(760m-8 hours walk)
Day 24 Drive to Kathmandu(1300m-6
hours by bus)
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