Tsum Valley Trekking

Tsum Valley Trekking

It is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal .’Tsum ‘ comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’ which means vivid. Tsum valley Trekking was a currently distinct geographical area called ‘Tsum Tso Chucksums’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal ranges, this peaceful Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own dialect

Upper Tsum valley Trekking (part of the Inner Himalaya) opens from Chhokangparo, where hospitable local people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcome you with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal. Many residents of this valley report that they have seen or found the signs of Mehti, commonly referred to as the ‘Yeti’ or ‘Abominable Snowman’. The 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 Kyimo Lunga, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya is a well-known seat of learning and a seat of meditation. The circuit transverses across Tsum Valley, and Manaslu in Nepal and southern parts of Tibet. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains. 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 also remained fairly intact. This trek begins from Arughat in Gorkha district, which is easily accessible

Tsum Valley Trekking

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1300m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel; here you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing.

After breakfast, you will start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. We will arrange a guide of your chosen language to give you a tour and introduction to our rich culture amongst our ancient and fascinating history and religion. In our sightseeing tour you go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square. Durbar Square: -This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. There is an intriguing 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

The Durbar square, protected as an UNESCO world Heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs.250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums. Swayambhunath, situated on a hillock 6.5 kilometres west of Kathmandu, this 2000 years old Stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas.

The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.

Day 03: From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar by bus (7-8 hrs) and trek to Arkhet Bazar (2 hrs)

We take a 7- 8 hrs bus ride to Arughat bazaar in Gorkha district. The village of Arughat is in two parts, on opposite sides of the Buri Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean and prosperous with hotels and shops selling cloth, food and hardware. From the bus stop we trek for two hours to Arkhet bazaar. We pass through Gurung and Magar villages and terraced fields along the way.

Day 04: Arkhet Bazar to Machha Khola (6 hrs)

From Arkhet Bazaar we take the trail to Machha Khola. Machha Khola is a village situated above a stream with the same name. We set up camp at a good campsite.

Day 05: Machha Khola to Yaru khola (6 hrs)

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.

Day 06: Yaru khola to Lokpa (6-7 hrs)

From Yaru Khola we trek to Lokpa. Lokpa is the first village as you enter the Tsum Valley. The local people are farmers and grow potatoes, gucchi mushrooms and soya beans.

Day 07: Lokpa to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (4-5 hrs)

From Lokpa we trek to Chumling Tanjo. We can see the Baudha Himal(6672m) and Ganesh Himal VI on a clear day. Chumling has three monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gumba. There are also several good campsites. There is a telephone service and health post too.

Day 08: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (7 hrs)

From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo, where hospitality local people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcome you with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal.

Day 09: Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, Visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (4-5 hrs)

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 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 gumbas 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 had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba , the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land.

Day 10: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4-5 hrs)

Dephyudonma gumba 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.

Day 11: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa, visit Gonhgye Gompa (Nyigma-pa Buddhist sect) (5 hrs)

The trail ascends to Mu Gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley.On the way to Mu Gumba

Day 12: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hrs)

Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley, with 80 nuns currently studying. It was established in 1905AD.Iyt houses 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.

Day 13: Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (7-8 hrs)

From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. on the way we witness one of the most beautiful falls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Phillim, at 1550m, is 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.

Day 14: Philim to Tatopani (7-8 hrs)

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.

Day 15: Tatopani to Lapubeshi (6-7 hrs)

From Tatopani we trek to Lapubeshi, a Gurung Village. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls. We camp at the village.

Day 16: Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar (5-6 hrs)

As we make our way from Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar, we come to the last leg of our journey.

Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu by bus (6-7 hrs)

We drive to Kathmandu.

Day 18: Kathmandu free day of your own.

This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening you will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance

Day 19: Final Departure.

Package Inclusion

–Three times meal (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while in trekking)
-Guide/porters salaries, food and accommodation
-Insurance of Guide /porters
-Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
-Ground transport (pick up and drop airport)

Package Exclusion

-International flight and visas charge.
-Hotel  kathamandu / pokhara
-Food while in Kathmandu/pokhara
– Kathmandu-Pokhara Domestic flight
-personal equipment ( jacket, sleeping bag)
-Personal members insurance (we suggested, you should do insurance your country)
-Rescue operation or emergency evacuation
-Private vehicle
-Soft / hard drinks as like mineral water, cold drink, alcohol etc.
-Tips for staffs