Good to Know
Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley Trek was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area. Tsum Valley Trek Nepal is a sacred Himalayan Budhhist pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, 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. Tsum Valley Trekking 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 Milarepa 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 Tsum 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 Tsum Valley Trekking in Nepal also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley and Gompa Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
Itinerary
From the time you arrive in Kathmandu, the capital and cultural city of Nepal, we will be there at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel.
Today we drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola driving through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road deteriorates and is quite rough and bumpy from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon we follow a trail through the woods heading upriver along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and then across the mountains from where we have frequent views down to the river far below. Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola.
Ahead of us today is a 6 to 7-hour trek following the river to the original route follows the river to Khorla Besi and to the therapeutic hot springs at Tatopani (930m). After leaving Tatopani we follow the trail along the east bank of the continuing on the eastern bank of the Buri Gandaki to reach Doban, Thulo Dunga, and Yara Bagar (1370m). The trail frequently crosses back and forth over the river on suspension bridges before entering the main entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area and finally Jagat (1410m). At this point, the office will check our area permits.
Today we head off on a 6-hour trek, first reaching Salleri where we have magnificent views of Mount Sringi before descending to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village. The trail continues until we reach Lokpa Village, just north of Philim and then go through Ekle Bhatti and climb to a ridge along a trail through a pine forest. We come to a junction where we take the trail heading to Tsum Valley. We stay the night at Lokpa.
Today we have a 5-hour trek ahead of us to Tsum Valley. The first sights of Tsum Valley appear as we head down to along with mountain Chumling Village. We then climb up to Ripchet and a short time later reach the authentic Buddhist village of Chumling, well known for its ancient monastery, traditional Tibetan style houses, prayer flags, mani walls, and its stone-paved streets. We stay here overnight.
Today we start by crossing a suspension bridge where we have amazing views of the Ganesh Himal. The trail continues and takes us past Rainjam and across Seru Khola before arriving at Gho Village. After a total of 5 to 5 hours trekking, we reach Chokhangparo. A village from where we have views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m). We stay here tonight. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today’s trek of 5 to 6 hours follows the trail to Rachen Gompa and to the Shir Khola (river). After leaving the river we pass by Phurbe, and Pangdun villages before arriving at the Nile where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The trail today takes us close to the Tibetan border as we walk through the valley. We continue and climb up to the Dhepu Doma Gompa (monastery) and then on to today’s destination Mu Gompa where we stay the night. Breakfast. Lunch & dinner included.
Today’s 7 to 8 hour trek takes us up to Ganesh Himal Base Camp where we have fantastic views of the giant Ganesh Himal massif. We then head back to Mu Gompa for the night.
Today we trek for 5 to 6 hours through greener countryside and descend to Chumling through the lower Tsum Valley. We spend the night at Chumling. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The trial today heads in the direction of Lokpa and passes the beautiful Samba Falls. After 6 to 7 hours we reach today’s destination Philim Village where we will stay the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we follow the trail along the ridge to the Budhi Gandaki River and on to Labubesi until we reach Soti Khola where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Our final day of the trek descends past another stunning waterfall and on to Arkhet Khola which is the end of the Budhi Gandaki Valley. We pass through the villages of Sante Bazaar and Malta. The last leg of our trek takes us past the hydroelectric power plant and then we reach Arughat where we will rest for a while before taking the bus back to Kathmandu – a 3-hour road trip.
White Himalayan Adventure representative will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.
Inclusions
Includes
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Tourist standard category hotel accommodation as per itinerary in Kathmandu on B/B plan,twin sharing basis. (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Tsum Valley special permit with Conservation Area Permit fees.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Sotikhola to Kathmandu transportation by tourist standard vehicle.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with required number of porters and other staffs with their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Tsum Valley trekking route map.
Excludes
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, wifi, electronic device charging, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral/hot water and hot shower.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- Hot shower, hot water, wifi and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Additional costs-extra days stay, in case of flight cancellation due to the natural calamities, bad weather forecast and other unforeseen circumstances
- Any other costs not mentioned in include section.
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