Tsum Valley TrekkingTsum Valley Trekking

Tsum Valley Trekking

Highlights
  • An exclusive adventure around the hidden gem beyond Manaslu & Ganesh Himal.
  • Explore the ancient villages enriched with fascinating Buddhism heritage cultures.
  • Trek from low warm paddy fields to cooler green hills and towards scenic valley.
  • Mesmerizing adventure to Tsum Valley of Happiness adorned with old traditions.
  • One of the fresh country to experience festooned with majestic mountain views.

Tsum Valley Trekking is one of the unique adventures that take you to far-flung corners of Nepal's North Mid-West Himalayas.

Truly a hidden gem of a country as well as Shangri-La, where a walk follows on the ancient trails. In the early days, this was the old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route between Nepal and Tibet. A caravan of yaks and mules laden with goods from both sides passed through on this vintage route. The Tsum people are known as Tsumbas interwoven in the ancestral heritage of Tibet that still exists. This makes this adventure worth a visit for once in a lifetime experience within Tsum, the Valley of Happiness. Tsum Valley has been described in the ancient Tibetan text called “Beyul Kyimolung” as Tsum the Valley of Happiness. Which you will notice and observe once you enter the land of Tsumbas living in peaceful harmony with farm activities.

Tsum Valley Trekking begins with an exciting drive from Kathmandu towards the low warm farmland of Gorkha district. Located within Central Nepal around Mid-West, the country with heavily farmed areas, the origin of Gorkha the hill tribes.

The walk follows the glacial Budhi-Gandaki River for some days, trekking around sub-tropical farm villages. As the adventure continues reaching the cooler mid-hills covered in a lovely forest of pines and rhododendron trees. Having time to explore the nice villages, then entering the highland of strong Buddhist cultures.

The trail leads through the traditional farm villages of Jagat, Philim, Deng, and Namrung to enter the Tsum areas. Situated north-east of the massif mountain range of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal and following Sayer Khola / stream high above.

An interesting walk uphill and crossing several exciting bridges as tree lines slowly give away for the short alpine bush. After days of continuous walks with grand views of snow-capped peaks and rolling green hills. Then finally reaching amidst Tsum Valley at Mu Gompa the highest spot of the adventure.

Having a day off to explore its beautiful surroundings in the shade of towering peaks of Ganesh Himal. Enjoy the tour of Mu-Gompa enriched with ancient artifacts and idols of famous saints, and gurus with a statue of Buddha.

After an enjoyable time in Mu Gompa, the return journey leads towards an interesting settlement with another famous monastery Rachen Gompa.

Rachen Gompa and the areas offer the stunning scenery of the Snow Mountains along with its colorful cultures. Finally, our visit to upper Tsum Valley concludes with a return back to mid-hill villages and then down to Machha-Khola.

The next early morning an exciting drive from Machha-Khola reaches you back at Kathmandu. After a great experience and memorable adventure on Tsum Valley Trekking.

The Best Seasons for Tsum Valley Trekking:

For Tsum Valley Trek, the best time is from mid-spring April to May, as well as in autumn/fall. The spring begins from March till May when most days are clear for views and walks. Chances of light rain around lower areas and mid-hills can expect snow above 2,500 m high sometimes. Cold morning, late afternoon, and nighttime above 2,000 m can get overcast around late afternoon.

The next best time is autumn/fall starts from September to November, most days are clear for views and pleasant walks. But shorter days due to limited hours of sunshine in October and November. Cold morning and in shade as well late afternoon and night time, but with clear starry nights. Can expect snowfall during the autumn season, from the middle of November the villagers migrate to low warm areas to escape the cold winter.

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Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, after clearing the immigration and collecting the baggage. As you head outside the air terminal, our staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to your hotels. Situated in the heart of Kathmandu city with nice surroundings. On checking the hotel rooms having rest and then join with other members of Manaslu Circuit Trek for briefing.

The briefing includes all necessary and important details to help you understand the nature of walks, landscapes, climate and local cultures.

Evening a group welcome dinner provided by company in a nice Nepali authentic restaurants. As an introduction to Nepal foods and taste, after an enjoyable dinner back to the hotels.

    A free day in Kathmandu for trek preparation, if you have missed any items for the trek. Can buy or rent at reasonable price around the trekking shops and stores. People who are interested for short tour of Kathmandu, can inform ahead to the company and your guide. Kathmandu is steeped with ancient historical and religious monuments, listed in World Heritage Sites. Rest of the day busy packing for the next early departure for the trek. Unnecessary things or items not required for the trek can leave at the hotel for storage, as well valuables can keep in hotel safe deposit.

      An early morning start for the long drive of more than six hours’ to reach
      Machha-Khola. A distance of 156 km / 97 miles, after breakfast getting aboard on a vehicle as per size of the group. The drive on the main highway towards Malekhu town by the Trisuli River, the road follows across the river.

      The heading towards Dhading district on winding up and down then slowly the drive heads downhill to Arughat town. Situated by the Budhi-Gandaki River within the district of Gorkha, from here on dirt country road to Machha-Khola.

      Ending the drive, and then getting ready for a short hike of few hours on easy gradual path to Khola Besi; for overnight halt. Check into a simple nice lodge after a tiring drive, but feeling good on reaching the first overnight stop for the trek.

        Our first day walk starts having good breakfast and then on road following a narrow river gorge. The walk leads on up and down path and then climb to descend towards Tatopani. A place with natural hot spring, the name Tatopani in Nepali is for Hot Water related to the hot spring. From here, the trail leads up to cross a bridge and then climb to Dovan.

        Possible lunch stop at Dovan, afternoon walk follows to cross another suspension bridge above Yaru Khola / stream. As climb starts on nice paved stone staircase to reach down by the river, the climb continues to Tharo Bhanjyang.

        The climb leads over a ridge of Tharo Bhanjyang, with some gradual sections to enjoy the walk. Then head for the last climb to Jagat village for overnight stop, this is one the lovely and nice village. Jagat is also the main entry point towards Restricted Areas of Tsum Valley and Upper Manaslu.

          From Jagat village, after a pleasant overnight stop, todays walk leads towards varied routes and landscapes. Entering forested path, crossing streams past rural farm villages, then climb leads on top of a rocky ridge at Salleri. The walk follows downhill to Sirdibas, slowly the valley widens reaching Ghatta Khola River, following upstream. Crossing a long bridge towards Philim, a large Gurung village, from here the trail heads north on a gradual path. After hours of good walk reaching Ekle Bhatti, and then the trail enters a gorge towards a grassy slope.

          From here cross Budhi Gandaki River heading east, the gorge widens to a valley amidst bamboo forest reaching Deng Khola / stream. On crossing the river reaching Deng for possible lunch stop. Afternoon walk is quite long distance to Lokpa, the trail follows past Ekle Bhatti, a small settlement. From here the route branches off from Manaslu Circuit trail, to head towards Tsum Valley.
          One can notice a welcome board to Tsum Valley, from here the trail get narrow walking above Sayar Khola. As our route heads further to reach Lokpa for overnight stop. A small village, situated at the entrance of Tsum Valley, having few simple good lodges for overnight.

            Today’s walk is quite interesting and exciting, morning starts with descent to Luangwa Khola, and then on winding up. As the trail heads east, through pines and rhododendrons trees reaching Gumlung, then crossing Sayer Khola.

            The adventurous section is walking through a huge landslide sections and then on Canti-lever. Which is a type of bridge that uses cantilever supports hanging at the edge of a rock cliff ledge. After the bridge a short climb to a nice village of Chumling, the first village of Tsum Valley. Enjoy the comfort of a homely lodge and guest house, with grand view Sringi Himal. After checking into the lodge, visit the old Chumling Gompa / monastery, and explore the nice cultural farm village.

              On reaching the first village of Tsum Valley at Chumling, from here walk follows inner areas of Tsum to Chokang-Paro. An interesting morning trek around religious monuments of Chorten and Mani prayer walls, made of stone slabs.
              Engraved with Buddhist deities, prayers in Tibetan languages, a pleasant day walk, as the trail leads to cross suspension bridge. As walk progresses past farm areas of maize and potatoes, and witness houses of classic Tibetan style.

              On the rooftop, a barricades of firewood is stocked a pride and status of wealth. The firewood are scarce in Tibet, due to its barren, desert like country, and the areas of upper Tsum valley. Which is also an extension of Tibet South West plateau, having similar dry landscapes.

              The walk leads to cross the old landslide sections, but at present it is covered with a new planted trees. The trail follows further north-east overlooking fabulous views of Ganesh Himal massif range of peaks. On crossing a long suspension bridges, then reaching village of Ripchet and Raynham for possible lunch stop.

              An isolated spot with a Guest House with enclosed courtyard like in Tibet defending against the strong cold wind. Afternoon walk uphill for few hours to reach Chokang-Paro, a nice large village with stone houses perched under a high cliff walls. Enjoy the comfort of a pleasant homely lodge, and explore the village facing views of Himal-Chuli peaks across the valley.

                After a pleasant overnight at Chokang-Paro lovely village, morning explore both sister villages of Chokang and Paro. The walk follows further east past smaller villages, as climb leads to a ridge with a prayer monument a Chorten.

                The walk leads to Lama-Gaon, situated on a flat fields, amidst an extensive crops and river close on route to Rachen Gompa. The walk continues with options for side trip to saint Millerepa 11th Century poet, singer. Who meditated on this Cave (Piren Phu), which is well preserved and restored, from here walk to cross Shyer Khola. The trail follows past hamlets of Phurbi and Pangdun, coming across a round stupa before Chhule village. Then enter an impressive gate (Kani) and cross a bridge with climb to Nile or Nyile) for overnight halt. The village adorned in traditional Tibetan style with inclusion of livestock compounds into the houses, sheltered verandahs for drying crops.

                At Nile check into a nice lodge or guest house for overnight, having time to relax and marvel the views.

                  Today a few hours hike to Mu Gompa, the main destination and highlight of the adventure. Morning walk leads to climb into a wide and wild terrain on an extension of Tibetan plateau. After a scenic walks reaching on the remote small settlement at Mu Gompa area. The monastery, with rows of Chorten against the backdrop of staggering snow peaks. The monastery with more than 100 monks Mu Gompa an impressive monastery enriched with ancient treasures of idols of various Guru’s and Buddha’s. Treasures ancient scripts and religious books with fine Thangka paintings on walls and ceiling of the monastery. Overnight in simple and basic guest house run by the monks and nuns.

                    A rest day at Mu Gompa, take a hike around its scenic view points and interact with local villagers and explore this traditional village, where travelers hardly visits Upper Tsum Valley. The first foreigner to visit was late David Snellgrove, a pioneer and explorer around 1956. At Mu Gompa visit Dhephyu-Doma Gompa, a nunnery, located on an isolated spot facing views of surrounding mountain scenery.

                      The return journey from Mu Gompa takes you to visit another interesting settlement of Rachen Gompa. Shortly after breakfast, walk heads down with short climb through Yak herder temporary shelters and past Lar village. From here a short walk to overnight stop at Rachen Gompa. Enjoy the comfort on a small lodge and guest house, afternoon explore the interesting Rachen monastery and the village.

                        After an enjoyable and interesting time at Mu and Rachen Gompas, an easy moderate walk to Chumling. The trail follows past Dumje and over a suspension bridge to Chokang Paro, from here retrace the journey to Chumling.

                        Following the same scenic trail, enjoying glorious views on arrival at Chumling check into the previous lodge. For last overnight around Tsum Valley and back amidst tree lines.

                          From Chumling down towards mid-hills at Philim, a lovely farm village past Lokpa at the end of Tsum Valley area. Morning walk follows on the same exciting route, but with a difference heading down to lower altitude. The trail follows to Lokpa and then past Deng to reach Philim village for overnight stop. Having time to explore around the hills villages of Gurung tribe at Philim, with its vase crops fields and terraces.

                           

                            On leaving the high hills of Manaslu and Gorkha district, morning walk on downhill to Jagat village. From here walk to Dovan and Tatopani and then follow the Budi-Gandaki River past Khola Besi. Reaching back around low warm farm country within lush green vegetation and crop fields. An interesting walk with great change of landscapes, and climate. The last day walk of the adventure finally completes on reaching Machha-Khola for overnight stop, before heading back to Kathmandu.

                              Having breakfast board in a vehicle as per size of a group. Either in a four-wheel drive, coach or big spacious seated bus. The drive heads towards large town of Arughat by the Budhi Gandaki River, as the road climbs towards Dhading areas.

                              On leaving the Gorkha district, slowly the drive leads on the good paved road on the main highway. From here drive follows the Trisuli River popular river for short-while, the drive continues leaving the Trisuli River behind. From the town of Naubise, then on winding up towards outskirt of Kathmandu city and the valley.

                              The drive leads on smooth road for an hour or less to enter the busy city life of Kathmandu. On arrival transfer to your hotels, rest of the afternoon free at leisure after an exciting overland journey.

                                Last day in Kathmandu, Nepal, as time for your international flight, our staff transfers you to the airport. Then bidding farewell to your guide and staff, after a marvelous and enjoyable adventure on Tsum Valley Trek.

                                  Route Map

                                  Tsum Valley Trekking map
                                  What's Included
                                  • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                                  • Three nights standard Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with B.B
                                  • Transpiration from KTM to KTM by tourist bus.
                                  •  Note: if there is more then 3 people in the group then will provide private transport.  
                                  • Government license holder guide 
                                  • Helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
                                  • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                                  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
                                  • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek
                                  • TIMS Trekking information manage System   
                                  • Tusm Valley Manaslu Specail permit 
                                  • Manaslu Conservation Permits 
                                  • Government taxes and official expenses.
                                  What's not Included
                                  • All food pay your self  during the trek  
                                  • Flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
                                  • Tips for porters ($70-100) and guides ($80-100)
                                  • Nepal Visa ($50)
                                  • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                                  • Food and drinks ($20-30 per day)
                                  • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                                  • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression)

                                  Departure Dates

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                                  Trip DateMar 22, 2024 - Apr 06, 2024
                                  PriceUS$950
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
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                                  Trip DateMar 25, 2024 - Apr 09, 2024
                                  PriceUS$950
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                                  Trip DateMar 29, 2024 - Apr 13, 2024
                                  PriceUS$950
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                                  Useful Information

                                   Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                                  Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                                  Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                                  Guide and Porters for 16 Days Tsum Valley Trek: 

                                  On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                                  All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                                  Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                                  Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                                  Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                                  What to Bring During 16 Days Tsum Valley Trekking?

                                  **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                                  Clothing and footwear

                                  • trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                                  •  sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                                  •  flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                                  • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                                  • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                                  • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                                  •  Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                                  •  Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                                  • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                                  • Sun Screen Cream, Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                                  Equipment For 16 Days Tsum Valley Trekking

                                   *Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                                   *Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                                  *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in  Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                                  *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                                   *Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                                  *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                                  * A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                                   Personal usage on 16 Days Tsum Valley Trek

                                  > Towel (light and quick-drying)  - Washing accessories - Disinfection wipes

                                  > Antibacterial gel - Moisturizing hand cream - Sun cream with a high factor

                                  > Lip balm with sun protection - Reusable water bottle - Snacks, nuts, chocolate

                                  Tsum Valley Trekking FAQs

                                  • Tsum Valley is a fresh new country and a Shangri-La of the Himalayas opened for outside visitors from 2008 onwards. It remained forbidden for past decades, but still remains as a hidden land of Nepal Far North Mid-West. Where trekker needs special permits to enter Tsum Valley, includes fees for MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area), also.

                                  • Tsum Valley remains as a Restricted Area of Nepal, due to its raw and pristine environment. As well to preserve its fragile natural surroundings, and limiting the mass flow of trekkers. The other reason is the areas of northern Tsum Valley is close to the border of Nepal and Tibet / China.         

                                  • The main religion of Tsum Valley inhabitants known as Tsumbas, follows Tibetan Buddhism, called Mahayana the Greater Wheels. Tibetan Buddhism is practiced all around the Himalayas, having prayer walls and monasteries.

                                  • In the beginning of the trek from Machha-Khola to Deng and Lokpa, the trails are well maintained. Having narrow path on some sections of the walk, with steep ups and downs. From Lokpa to Chumling some of the section are broken due to seasonal landslides and rock-falls.

                                    But quite exciting adventure walking on the tough areas, as well crossing several bridges. The most interesting is crossing on Canti-Lever Bridge, which is attached on the rocky cliff wall.

                                  • In the beginning past decades the accommodation and foods were very basic and simple. But as the flow of visitors increased, at present there are many nice good lodge accommodation and variation of food menu. The rooms are simple and clean with large dining hall, the food is served in a lively homely environment.

                                    Attached toilets and bath are few, due to its location and cold weather wise, where plumbing systems gets frozen. Especially around the higher areas, the only basic and very simple accommodation is at Mu Gompa and in Rachen Gompa.

                                    The food are served according to the menu options of La-Carte or set meals, for larger group from minimum 4 person onwards. It is better to have set meals like Nepali famous Dhal-Bhat, served with mild vegetable curry and pickles of choice.

                                    Ordering Set Menu saves time and fuel energy, it will be a perfect ways to follow the rules of Responsible Tourism or Eco-Trekking.

                                  • Nearly all villages and lodge have the facilities of electricity run by local Hydro or Solar Power. Where trekkers can charge their electronic gadgets and items, but needs to pay as per hour per items. Please coordinate with the guide or landlord regarding the price for charging. As well for using hot-showers or bucket of Hot-Water on every overnight lodges. Internet and Wi-Fi, as well telephone communications are available, but in some areas it is quite disturbing due to weather and landscapes wise. Like in deep gorge and valleys the communication either for phone or internet have slow and poor connection. Better to buy local SIM and DATA for your cell-phone in Kathmandu, which will be much better to use while trekking around Nepal Himalayas.

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