Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley in a trans-Himalayan region of Gorkha, Nepal. The Tsum Valley’s acquaintance with Tibet’s natural beauty and its pristine culture make this trekking unique. The ‘Tsum’ word is derived from Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’ which means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Baudha Himal ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and seek a unique dialect. Tsum valley have got lots of passes, deep gorges, hamlets, gompas and the trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers.
For people wanting to trek where only very few trekkers have trodden and which has been opened up for trekking very only in the 2008. Tsum valley trekking offers unique trekking experience in the Gorkha district. Its distinct culture which is of Tibetan origin have their own form of dialect, art and religion. Polyandry is still practiced where a girl is married to several brothers, one of the reasons given for this practice is that it saves the precious arable land from being split up if the brothers had their own individual families.
The scenic and panoramic landscapes with rich cultural aspects makes this trek a truly amazing experience. Very few foreigners have trekked in this high and mysterious valley which was once an important link between Tibet and Nepal. We will be blessed with the opportunity to visit ancient Gompas lake Ramchen, Mu and Dephydonma and at the same time enjoy the warm hospitality of the villagers of Liding, MachhaKhola, Jagat and Phidim.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our Himalayan Hikers representative and transferred you to the hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. After your check in the group leader will set a time for your trek briefing to discuss in regards to the trek. The evening is free but your trek leader will organise a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Today, you will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath, the main temple for the Hindus. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the “ghats”. The rest of your afternoon is free. In the late afternoon you will be handed over with your trek pack. Departure information for the next morning will also be given. Meals included: 1 Breakfast
It is about 8 hour’s drive from Kathmandu to west, along the way we pass Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. From Dhadingbesi we follow dirt road to Arughat, our trek start point. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki river flowing between them. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner.
We start trekking by crossing a bridge and walking through more of Arughat Bazaar.We trek through Mangaltar, and crossing a forest we arrive at Shanti Bazar. From here the trail to Budhi Gandaki valley becomes steeper and the trek more difficult. We cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, and pass by the shops of Arkhet Bazar. Then we walk down to a waterfall then walk up steeply to Kuerepani. Again the trail goes down to Soti Khola.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Crossing a bridge we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb up onto a ridge with the views of huge rapids of Budhi Gandaki. The trail is rocky and winds up and down; we pass by beautiful waterfalls along the way. The trail continues steeply clinging to the side of a cliff and finally we start descending through terraced fields,then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Drop to the sandy river bed and walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
The trail is narrow and walking up and down till we get to Tharo Khola, from here we get to Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs reach the hot springs (Tatopani). From the Hot spring we go over another ridge, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge then climb on a staircase. We have to cross a landslide and over a ridge to get to Dobhan. Again crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman, going up again we reach at Yaru Khola. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then drop down to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Cross to the west bank of the budhi gandaki, climb over a ridge, and trek along the river then climb towards the village of Jagat.Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
At Jagat we show our permits to the ACAP post, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large gurung village. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. Overnight at Chisopani.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
After Ekle Bhatti cross the gorge and half an hour walk in the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of Himalchuli mountains at 7893m and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, descend half an hour towards Lungwa khola and climbing jick jack difficult trail further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m. Overnight at Chokhangparo.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too. We make a small visit and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well managed villages Lar (micro hydro power), Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving old historic Stupa of Bhudda in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. If you consider we can make your visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located in the top of area.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Today we make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Mu Gompa area, you may also consider the option of getting to the base of Pika Himal (4865m).Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally we arrive at Burgi village. The Burgi village is a small beautiful village. Climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave Milarepa Cave (piren phu) is known for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke himal.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Continue trekking watching the greenery of nature and descend down to Chhokang Paro again. From their continue descending to Gho. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the lower Tsum Valley takes you to again Chumling.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
The trail continues to Lokpa. After lunch south on a flat trail we move ahead. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Finally arrive at Philim after 6 or 7 hours long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Trek starts today from Philim to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani. Descend down to Sirdibas and we finally reach to Jagat. Further descend takes us to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. Continue trekking to Dobhan. Finally arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. If not continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Climb up to the ridge of Kyorpani. Descend down to the cascading waterfall. Trekking further arrive at Arkhet. Cross the Arkhet Khola. We are now leaving the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Sante Bazaar; pass through the forests to Maltar. Finally, passing by the hydroelectric plant following the stone streets, we arrive at the Arughat Bazar. Back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of the road. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Our trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Head:
Lower Body:
Feet:
Upper Body:
Hands:
Accessories:
Toiletries:
Personal Hygiene:
Extras/Luxuries:
Swimming costume (for Kathmandu & Pokhara)
Please note:
The gears with an asterisk (*) sign are handed out by Himalayan Hikers as a part of service You can use your personal gears if you prefer to do so i.e. sleeping bag, liner, down jacket.
