Tsum Valley Trek
Trip Duration:
21 Days
Trip Code:
GTV
Trip Grade:
Moderate
No. of Pax:
From
$ /person
Overview
Tsum Valley is a beautiful Himalayan valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha mountain ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The Tsum Valley is bounded by three high passes- the Ngula Dhoj Hyang (5093m) to the west and Yamdro Pass (5326m) to the north. Trekking trail to Tsum Valley is spread out with beautiful chortens and dotted with mani walls carried with sketches of deities and inscribed with prayers. The local people are immigrated from Tibet long time back and speak unique dialect. They follow Bon religion. The trek starts at Arughat and the trail follows the serpentine Budi Gandaki River until it reaches the plateau-like Tsum Valley with magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and other mesmerizing peaks.
Tsum Valley Trek is accessible via two routes: one passing through Chumchet and another from Lokpa. Both the routes entails steep uphill climb of over 1500 m. from the surface of the valley. Due to its remoteness and difficulty for trekking, this sacred valley and its people have been isolated from mainstream of development for centuries. As a result, the extraordinary culture of this valley has remained intact. The valley is enriched in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which flocks in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not prohibited in the Tsum Valley. The valley also brags some ancient and historic monasteries, that includes Rachen Gumba (3360m) and Mu Gumba, which perch on a small plateau situated in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the elevation of 3370m of a conical hill opposite to the main slope of Ganesh Himal. While on trek you will visit the biggest and most popular woman’s Monastery in Rachen Gompa and in Gumba Lumdang .Besides you will also visit another biggest Monks’ Monastery at Mu Gompa (3700m) and Milarepa cave where Milarepa is believed to have meditated, situated near the Rachen Gompa
Tea house or Home Stay facility is available in Tsum valley. Tea house trek to Tsum valley is comparatively least cost so that it is affordable for most of the trekkers. In tea house trekking, you will simply find accommodation and local foods.
Itinerary:
The Tsum Valley is recently opened restricted area for trekking in northern Gorkha. It is a popular hidden valley ringed by the Budha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the South and Sringi Himal to the north. The Valley is bounded by three high pases- the Ngula Dhoj Hyang (5093m) to the west and Yamdro Pass (5326m) to the north. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The local people are of Tibetan origin and practice Bon religion. The trek starts at Arughat and the trail follows the winding Budi Gandaki river until it reaches the first elevated Tsum Valley with magnificent vistas of the Ganesh Himal and other surrounding peaks.
Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. This day is simply an arrival day and there will no organized activities. So, you will have some free time to relax or walk around for local sights. A predeparture meeting will be held early evening and you will be introduced with your trekking guide. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch. Then, you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu
We drive to Arughat bazaar in Gorkha district. The village of Arughat is in two parts, situated on opposite sides of the river Buri Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean and prosperous village with hotels and shops. From the bus park we trek for two hours to Arkhet bazaar. We pass through Gurung and Magar villages and terraced fields along the way.
From Arkhet Bazaar we take the route to Machha Khola which is a village situated above a stream with the same name. We set up a camp at a good campsite.
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.
From Yaru Khola we trek to Lokpa which is the first village as you enter the Tsum Valley. The local people are farmers and grow potatoes, gucchi mushrooms and soya beans.
From Lokpa we trek to Chumling Tanjo. We can see the Baudha Himal (6672m) and Ganesh Himal VI if weather permits. Chumling has three monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gumba. There is a telephone service and health post too. We stay overnight at camp
From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo- Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya). When we reach Chhokangparo village , the friendly local people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcome you with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal.
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 to 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 gompas 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 glimpsed of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba , the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land.Dhephyudonma gompa 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 drinking water facilities.
The trail ascends to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gompa is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley on the way
Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley, with 80 nuns currently studying. It was established in 1905AD.by 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.
From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. On the way we see one of the most beautiful falls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. We reach Phillim, 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.
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.
From Tatopani we trek to Lapubeshi, a Gurung Village. We pass through terraced fields, beautiful sal forests, tropical waterfalls and then the trail makes its way down. We camp at the Gurung village of Labubeshi
As we make our way from Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazaar, we come to the last leg of our journey.
We drive back to Kathmandu through the endless terraces of lowland Nepal, the six hour drive get back us to the buzz and bustle of Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu
On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Or, you may do your last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
Our airport representative will come to pick you up and transfer you to the International Airport according to your flight time
Trip Map:
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General Information
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FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Trekking can be organized for few days to few weeks long, depending on trekkers interest, strength and time frame. Walking could be twelve kilometers or just four kilometers a day and spend the night in the countryside lodge or camp.
