Tsum Valley Trek (The Valley of Himalayan Pilgrims)
Tsum Valley Trek is an offbeat trekking in the foothill of Manaslu& Ganesh Himal that caters the unexplored landscapes and authentic Tibetan culture in the monasteries dotted in remote highland villages.
The word “Tsum” is derived from the word “Tsombo” means vibrant and stunning in Tibetan language. The magnificent hidden valley of Tsum is located in between the massif peaks of Boudha-HimalChuli and Ganesh Himal in the close environs of the world’s eighth highest peak Mt. Manaslu. Also known as “The Valley of Himalayan Pilgrimage”, Tsum Valley is situated in northern Gorkha district of Nepal and is truly an amazing area.
The path here leads up towards the valley of River Budi Gandaki and passes through the wild and unexplored area inhabited mainly by the people of the Gurung ethnic groups. A good cup of the locally cultivated organic coffee and Tatopani hot springs will truly relax you during this exhausting hike. The upper Tsum valley, which is a part of the central Inner Himalaya, opens up from a place called Chhokangparo. That is where the hospitable locals of Tibetan group “Tsombo” welcome you with traditional buttered and salted Tibetan tea and local foods. The Valley of Tsum is exceptionally rich in cultural heritage. The valley is dotted with Gompas (Buddhist monasteries), Chortens and Mani walls. The longest Mani walls are over 250m in Dzong and Phurpe.
The valley people have conserved the steps of the great Buddhist Yogi ChyuchinMilarepa and story about Guru Padmasambhava circumambulation. The old people of this valley believe that they have seen or found the signs of Mehti, commonly referred to as the Yeti or ‘Abominable Snowman’. The people here never slaughter animals, even as sacrifice to the gods. The Tsum Valley is surrounded by the Buddha Himal and HimalChuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and SringiHimal to the North.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m). Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at Hotel
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu toMachhaKhola (930m), 8-9 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 04: Trek from MachchaKhola toJagat (1,340m), 6 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 05: Trek from Jagat toLok Pa (2,240m), 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 06: Trek from Lok Pa toChumling (2,386m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 07: Trek from Chumling toChukkumParo (3,031m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 08: Trek from ChukkumParo to Nile/Chule (3,300m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 09: Trek from Nile/Chule to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and Nile, 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 10: Trek from Nile to Chumling (2,386m). Overnight at camp
Day 11: Trek from Chumling to Phillim. Overnight at camp
Day 12: Trek from Phillim toKhorlabesi (930m), 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 13: Trek from Khorlabesi toLapubesi (1,008m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 14: Trek from Lapubesi toArughat Bazaar (570m), 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
Day 15: Drive from Arught Bazaar to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel
Day 16: Departure.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m). Overnight at Hotel
We will meet your arrival flight at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest or enjoy strolling around on your own to see some of the local sights while we complete your trek permits and preparations. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at Hotel
Half day sightseeing around UNESCO Bhaktapur / Kathmandu where your guide will escort you on a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. In the evening, you will have a delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to MachchaKhola (930m). Overnight at camp
An early departure from Kathmandu travelling by road viaPrithvi highway. After a few hours before Malekhu, we turn north taking the single track road for DhadingBesi and beyond to Arughat- the last hour or so on a dusty section. Most of this stage is easy walking along a flat road while scenery of rice fields, waterfalls and greenery unfolds as you pass through villages along the way. Arkhet Bazaar (620m) is interesting for its old main bazaar road and the gushing ArkhetKhola where the local children bathe.
Soon after leaving SotiKhola, the trail enters into a rougher part of the BudhiGandaki, and goes up and down and with numerous rocky parts. We’ll see larger waterfalls cascading down side of the valley. Tropical vegetation adds its charm, together with the thrilling bridges that are regular attraction on this trek. Machchakhola (Fish River) is a pleasant village built on the slopes of the hill. Overnight at camp in MachchaKhola.
Day 04: Trek from MachchaKhola to Jagat (1,340m), 6 hrs. Overnight at camp
We continue trekking up and down the valley walls along the western side of the BudhiGandaki until reaching Tatopani, a tiny village of a few houses on the narrow trail between the gushing BudhiGandaki and a tremendous cliff. As we pass Doban and approach Jagat, the valley opens up into a broad expanse with plenty of room to walk along the river bed in most seasons. Jagat is a very picturesque Gurung village with slate-paved streets. We’ll stop at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Office to register our trekking permits, and will be able to learn about MCAP activities in the region. Overnight at camp in Jagat.
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Lok Pa (2,240m), 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
The trail from Jagat descends to the pleasant village of Salleri. It also has a slate paved main street and friendly villagers. About 2 and half hours walk from Jagat, you reach to Sirdibas (1,430m), a compact village with nice stone houses and slate roofs. We then pass the small village of GhoteKhola before crossing the BudhiGandaki on one of the longest suspension bridges of this trek, followed by a steep climb to Philim.
Above Philim, the sheer scale and the feeling of being truly amongst the mighty Himalaya is evident at every turn. We cross the BudhiGandaki yet again, the trail hugging the cliff-side, up and over ridge backs, as we gaze across the valley at cascading waterfalls. Within two hours the trail splits, with one route heading northwest up the Manaslu Circuit towards the Larkye La pass, and another route (our route) heading northeast along the Syar river toward the Tsum Valley. After a steep climb through pine forest the trail levels out and we reach the Lokpa where there is a small teahouse on the main trail a few hundred meters below the village. Overnight at camp in Lok Pa.
Day 06: Trek from Lok Pa to Chumling (2,386m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
Although we will only gain a few hundred meters altitude overall today it will be up and down all the way along the steep valley walls above the SyarRiver. We start by descending down to the river, then climb steeply and staying high above the river for a long stretch before returning to cross an old bridge to the north side. From here it’s a steady climb up to Chumling, surrounded by open meadows and planted fields that contrast starkly with the deep forest on the opposite side of the valley. We will overnight at the spacious teahouse here with splendid views. Across the valley we can spot the trail leading through Ripchet, an alternate route from Lok Pa. Overnight at camp in Chumling.
Day 07: Trek from Chumling to ChukkumParo (3,031m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
After an easy start today along a gentle downward trail we’ll cross the river again. From here it’s mostly straight up for a few hours, first through a mix of pine and deciduous forest, then opening up to arid terrain of the high plateau with broad meadows and squat shrubbery. As we crest the plateau about 15 minutes before reaching ChukkumParo, the Tsum Valley opens up and we see the full breadth and depth of this geological wonder.
When we reach Chukkum village, you will be fully enveloped in the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the indigenous “Tsumbos”. Small gompas dot the outskirts of the village where solidly built slate-roofed houses are packed closely together, like herds of yaks shielding themselves against harsh winter weather. During the trekking season though you can expect warm, days are sunny with chilly evenings. Overnight at camp in ChukkumParo.
Day 08: Trek from ChukkumParo to Nile/Chule (3,300m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
It’s an easy hike along well-constructed trails and through primitive yet quite neat little villages toward the larger villages of Chule and Nile, which face each other on opposite sides of the SyarRiver at the base of the comma-shaped, steep valley leading up to Mu Gompa. A huge headwall with an icy waterfall dominates the background of Chule. About 100 meters above the village looms a 700 year old Buddhist monastery that we can visit before or after crossing the river to Nile where we will stay in a comfortable and hospitable local home. This will be a relatively easy day with lots of time in the afternoon for relaxation and exploration. Overnight at camp in Nile/Chule.
Day 09: Trek from Nile/Chule to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) and Nile, 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
We will start the trek early alongside the SyarRiver leading up the valley to Mu Gompa. The trail steepens sharply as we approach the Gompa after an hour or two of hiking. We will still be engulfed in the shadows of the deep valley but will see the monastery above us lit up brightly as the sun’s rays spill unfettered down another high valley to the east, as through a window. There will be plenty of time to explore the monastery complex and its gompa. The views looking back down the valley toward Ganesh Himal are spectacular, with the stark valley terrain serving as a perfect backdrop for the sparkling whiteness of the snow-capped peaks surrounding us. Depending on our trek pace and group interests it may also be possible to explore other gompas and vistas in the mountains surrounding Mu Gompa. There are overnight accommodations at Mu Gompa where we will have the option of staying, or return to Nile (one and a half hours away) for the night. Overnight at camp in Mu Gompa.
Day 10: Trek from Nile to Chumling (2,386m). Overnight at camp
As we start to make our way down the valley, you will have a different mountain views, dominated by the broad face of Ganesh Himal. You should also have a fresh and well-informed perspective on the region and its culture as you revisit the villages and people along the route home. Along the way we will stop at RanchenGompa, a sprawling nunnery that hosts hundreds of Buddhist aspirants from around the world each year. As we approach Chumling the terrain will once again be transformed, this time from arid high plains to verdant forests.Overnight at camp in Chumling.
Day 11: Trek from Chumling to Phillim. Overnight at camp
We descend rapidly from the Tsum Valley today, although not without some challenging ascents and descents on the valley walls, before reaching Lok Pa where we will have lunch. From Lok Pa, we soon meet the BudhiGandakiRiver again as we make our way back to Phillim. At the juncture of the Syar and BudhiGhandaki below Lok Pa the trail splits off to the Manaslu Circuit route heading northwest. This is where the combined Manaslu/Tsum trek route diverges, while we continue south. Our overnight accommodations at the Phillimcamp will offer significantly more comfort and services than we’ve had access to up in the Tsum Valley. From here to Arughat we will be staying again in camp rather than homestays.Overnight at camp in Phillim.
Day 12: Trek from Phillim to Khorlabesi (930m), 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
Although there will still be some ups and down as we pick our way over landslides and narrow valley trails on both sides of the river, the going will be much easier from here on. Khorlabesi is a friendly little village with the distinction of having very good “local coffee”. Overnight at camp in Khorlabesi.
Day 13: Trek from Khorlabesi to Lapubesi (1,008m), 4 hrs. Overnight at camp
We continue our return along the downward slope of the BudhiGhandaki. Before reaching Lapubesi, we again reach a suspension bridge that we crossed on the way up the valley. Coming from this direction we will see several magnificent, interconnected waterfalls cascading down in front of us. At our camp in Lapubesi,we can enjoy beautiful vistas over the river and across the high valley. Overnight at camp in Lapubesi.
Day 14: Trek from Lapubesi to Arughat Bazaar (570m), 5 hrs. Overnight at camp
We start the day with more challenging trekking up and down the valley walls and across some landslides. By the time we’ve reached SotiKhola the trail will have become a mostly level road with occasional local traffic. Arriving in Arughat by mid-afternoon, we will have time to explore the town and celebrate our trek. Overnight at camp in Arughat Bazaar.
Day 15: Drive from Arught Bazaar to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel
We return to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle and arrive at our hotel before evening.Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure
After breakfast and depending on the time of your departure flight, you can enjoy shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before transfer to the international airport.
T-house Trek includes Accommodation in lodge, guide, porters and all meals
USD …. per person on twin sharing – minimum of 2 participants
• Single room supplement: USD (compulsory if no one to share the room with)
• Note: Single room supplement charge is applicable for Kathmandu & ….. hotel only. During trek, as per the availability we shall provide single/double or dormitory room. In case of special requirement, we shall provide single with an additional room surcharge during trek.
• Airport Pick and Drop by private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotels in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing with breakfast
• Guide sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with inclusive of monuments entry fees.
• Accommodation during trek available everyday en-route (T-House and Hotel)
• All meals during trek in Local Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• English speaking local expert guide (ratio: – 2guide: 4/5 member, 3 guide: 10/15 member)
• Local porters during trek (ratio: – 1 porter = 2 member)
• Manasalu and Tsum Valley Trekking permit fees
• Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS)
• Ground transportation with an escort by Private Vehicle/tourist bus
• Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
• Insurance for all staff & porters
• All applicable government tax
• Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée 30 days – USD 40
• International flight
• Lunch & dinner during Kathmandu Hotel stay
• Extra baggage charges (All together only 15 kg is allow for porter)
• Personal gears & clothing (available on hire in Kathmandu)
• Tips for guides, porter, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking
• Any other tours, transfer and service other than mentioned above
• Your insurance and medical Expenses