Tsum Valley Trekking

 

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

Area: Manaslu Region/Tsum Valley trekking

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)