Tsum Valley Trekking

17 Days

Tsum Valley Trekking is less crowded wilderness trek in the northern Nepal near the Tibetan Boarder. Trekking in Tsum valley is full of remote culture with excellent views of high Himalayas. Tsum valley in Manaslu region offers best trekking experience with unique traditional cultural experience.

Highlights of Tsum Valley Trekking

  • Fabulous views of Ganesh Himal,
  • SringiHimal 7187m, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli,
  • The fantastic hidden land where Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa visited for meditation in several caves,
  • Both geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating,
  • The inhabitants of the Buri Gandaki valley known as Tsumbas are of Tibetan descent and their speech, dress,
  • Customs are almost exclusively Tibetan,
  • Several Buddhist Mani walls,
  • Ancient Buddhist monasteries and Nunnery,
  • Picturesque villages with traditional houses,
  • The challenging off the beaten trail on-wards to Ganesh Himal Base Camp.

Although trekking in the Manaslu and Larkey pass region was started in 1995, the Tsum Valley Trekking was opened for foreigners only In 2008.  Thus the Tsum Valley is the newly discovered  trekking route in entire Nepal. The Tsum Valley Trekking route was stimulated by local people with the support from Nepal Government. Not far from the Manaslu chain, at the foot of the snowy peaks of Ganesh Himal, the Tsum Valley sections from 1,800 meters to the wild peaks that mark the border with Tibet. At least one hundred and fifty kilometers from capital Kathmandu, this territory long forgotten today is a haven for Tibetan Buddhist culture. Similarly, the Tsum valley is also the gateway to the Ganesh Himal base camp, with wonderful views of Ganesh Himal and surrounding landscapes.

The trek to Tsum valley is incredibly less trodden Path. The Tsum region is naturally striking with rich culture and high mystical values. The traditional way of life is unique; a forgotten area that still keeps a people of precise traditions and some details of which have no comparable or north or south. An example would be the practice of multiple husband system or polyandry. Brothers from a family can marry a single woman. The Tsum Valley Trekking takes you to Tsum which is a world apart, where traditional villages alongside dazzling Buddhist gompa, where friendly people open the doors of their homes to visitors, and where modernity makes a timid appearance.

Tsum is the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site in Gorkha. There are several Gompas you can explore in Tsum Valley Trekking, such as RachenGompa, Mu Gompa, Galdag Gompa, Milarepa cave, Nunneries Gompa and many more. Miles of mani walls, stone-carved and elaborate chortens dot the surrounding trails. The caravans of yaks and horses continue to be perpetuated heavy traffic between the lower valleys of Nepal and the Tibetan highlands. Most of the monasteries perpetuate the traditions of study and prayer of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism.

Tsum Valley Trekking is categorized as moderate level trekking and can be completed buy all the avid trekkers throughout the world. Previous trekking experience in the high altitude will help you to complete the trek more easily. Tsum Valley Trekking route is recently opened for foreigners so there are not so many guest houses and lodges but the locals shows huge love and respect with great hospitality in Home-stay. Home-stay in Tsum Valley Trekking is a best chance to learn closely about the unique traditions, culture and lifestyle of the rural Himalayan peoples.

Outline Itinerary

DayProgramElevation
1Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu1340m
2Kathmandu – Arughat  – Soti Khola , 8-9 hrs drive670m-710m
3Soti Khola – Machha Khola , 6-7 hrs890m
4Machha Khola – Dobhan , 6-7 hrs1000m
5Dobhan – Philim , 6-7 hrs1590m
6Philim – Chumling , 6-7 hrs2360m
7Chumling – Chhekampar , 5-6 hrs3010m
8Chhekampar – Nile , 4-5 hrs3480m
9Exploration day: Nile – Mu Gompa  – Chhekampar , 6-7 hrs3709m-3010m
10Chhekampar – Gumba Lungdang , 5-6 hrs3200m
11Exploration day: Gumba Lungdang – Ganesh Himal BC  – return, 7-8 hrs4200m
12Gumba Lungdang – Ripchet – Lokpa , 7-8 hrs2470m-2240m
13Lokpa – Sirdibas , 5-6 hrs1430m
14Sirdibas – Khorlabesi , 5-6 hrs970m
15Khorlabesi – Soti Khola , 5-6 hrs710m
16Soti Khola – Arughat – Kathmandu , 8-9hrs1300m
17Final departure

<p>When you arrive in Kathmandu airport, our agency representative will be waiting for you in the airport holding our company and your name play card. From airport our agency representative will escort you to the hotel which takes 20 min of driving. After you check in to the hotel, you will rest and fed your flight sickness till next day. At hotel we will brief you about your schedule and plan of your trip.</p>

<p>After having the night stay at the hotel in Kathmandu we heat the road with Early morning drive through Prithivi High to MalekhuPul and turn right hand side to DhadingBesi (district headquarter of Dhading); continues drive off road to Salentar and Aarughat Bazar. With the 5-6 hours drives we will have lunch and rest Aarughat. Aarughat is one of the famous shopping junctions for ManasluGorkha and Dhading’s remote villagers continue drive to Aarkhet Bazaar half an hours, if you are doing trekking in autumn or spring season there is possible direct bus to Aarkhet Bazar. After Aarkhet Bazar we need to change the local Jeep or bus for Sotikhola. It takes another 40 minutes or you can start trekking one hour to Sotikhola on same days, here we going to have the overnight stay.</p>

<p>After breakfast at Sotikhola we will hike through plane area, following the Budi Gandaki river, small villages, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested.. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of LapuBesi. Treks descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machhekhaola 870m, Machhekhola means "Fish stream", here we going to have the overnight stay at the tea house.</p>

<p>The trail follows the river, with minor ups and downs, often dropping to the gravel bar before crossing the ThadoKhola and on up to Khorlabesi: where coffee, buckwheat and tobacco are grown. The GHT trail through Gorkha (and Barpak, epicentre of the first quake on 25/04/15) crosses our trail, heading east from Manaslu to the Langtang then Everest regions.</p><p>Enter a lush narrow gorge constricting the river’s progress. Cross a landslide with a dicey path, before the three hot spring spouts in Tatopani (930m). Climb a ridge then cross the BudhiGandaki (to avoid a cliff face and waterfalls). A good staircase, leads to a landslide before a final ridge climb to Dobhan.This we going to have the night stay.</p>

<p>Exit over the DobhanKhola, then follow the east bank to the hamlet of ThuloDhunga (1 840m); above cataracts. Later the gradient lessens, the valley opens and the water is placid at Yaruphant (1 170m). Cross the YaruKhola (from Ganesh II and VI) on an old suspension bridge then climb to the teahouses at ThadoBharyang. Cross back to the west bank and ascend gently to the old paved village of Jagat (1 410m): entrance and checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area.</p><p>Cross a tributary before a cliff-side trail to Salleri: with views of ShringiHimal (7 187m) to the north. Descend to Sirdibas; and the first symbols of Buddhist culture. A final bridge beyond GhattaKhola (1 480m, water mills) to the east bank, leads to a steep climb up to Philim: a prosperous Gurung village set amongst millet and maize fields; see the ChholingSanduGompa. Overnight in Philim. </p>

<p>Traverse north of Philim, obvious track signposted to the Larkya La, through some pretty forest with views up the narrowing valley. After 1hr climbing enter the increasingly misnamed EkleBhatti (1600m; ‘lone teashop’) with at least six bhatti, then traverse high above a spectacular gorge, entering a largely uninhabited area of pine trees.To the right (east) a well-graded, exposed, zigzag track rises up through blue pines and rhododendrons, to Lokpa and the narrow Lower Tsum Valley. The Tsum region is home to ~4 000 people in 18 villages.</p><p>Descend through beautiful forest, crossing two new bridges, circle under a huge bluff on the river then climb steeply on deteriorating exposed stairs. After about 30mins start to traverse north through pines and rhododendrons, still climbing and with very steep slopes. The hidden valley of Tsum stretches enticingly ahead. Eventually descend to a deserted bhattiGhumlong (2130m) on the river. The path straight ahead climbs steeply to Ripchet (2470m; Ripche) in about 1hr; the path to Chumling (2360m) crosses the SiyarKhola on a wooden bridge and up. Cross the suspension bridge and finally ascend the gentler narrow trail to Chumling. The houses are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to cope with the abundant rain and snow. Overnight at lodge in chumling</p>

<p>Cross the suspension bridge into new forest growing over a recent landslide. Pass a small water driven prayer wheel on a ‘Nepali flat’ path through lush forest, inhabited by white-faced langurs. Continue to Tanju and the small DampheGompa [with hundreds of small ceramic statues of Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion): a common feature in the valley]. Beyond Dumje are glimpses of the Ganesh Himal and Baudha Peak. Cross the SerpuKhola and climb for over 2hrs on well-graded but exposed track to upper Tsum and the joined villages of Chhokang-Paro (3010m), stone houses with a few iron roofs nestled under cliffs Magnificent slate chortens, facing Ganesh Himal, herald the linked villages of Chhokang and Paro; collectively known as Chhekampar (place of wisdom). Here the valley broadens but the stone houses nestle under cliffs to make full use of the spacious fields for barley, maize, buckwheat and potatoes. Herds of tahr frequently graze the wild cliffs to the north: and if not monitored can cause havoc in the fields.Overnight at lodge in Chhekampar</p>

<p>A shorter and easier route today: with much to explore on the wide flat valley floor on either side of the river. Visiting the sights can be divided over two days.From Chhekampar, we will walk past a local school at Kaye before reaching the clustered twin villages of Ngakyu and Leru. The Rachen Nunnery stands across the river. The trail then rises to a low ridge with chortens before Lama Gaon.</p><p>Next we will trek to the village of Burji and nearby is Milarepa’sCave on the slopes of LangjuHimal. There are two chapels and two caves. Features include an impression of Milarepa’s footprint and a rock in the shape of an elephant. His meditation place has been made into a gompa devoted to him; the other is devoted to the Nyingma-pa deities of the region.</p><p>The trail then ascends towards crosses to the southeast bank of the SiyarKhola and joins the trail from RachenGompa to Nile shortly before Phurbe.The Rachen Nunnery, established in 1905, is enclosed within spacious walls that form the outer residential cells for the nuns. The original small monastery (and a large prayer wheel) is in the southwest of the complex and is decorated with murals depicting the history of Buddhism. There are separate retreat buildings. It belongs to the small Ngak-pa sect – which forbids animal slaughter. A large and imposing new temple has been built within the grounds: spacious, light and decorated with acrylic paintings and bright hangings. The inner wall houses numerous deities in tall glass fronted cases.</p><p>Next we will head towardPhurbe and further up the trail, Pangdun: its gompa has a large prayer wheel. Beyond Pangdun, the valley gently curves towards the north. Next is an unusual round stupa before the impressive entrance gate to the large village of Chhule. Thirty minutes above this village, to the south, is the 700 year old two storeyedGonhgye Monastery; with superb views.</p><p>From the village the trail head through bridges tributary and then the SiyarKhola back to the west bank – and a final short rise up to Nile. Today we will have overnight at lodge in Nile</p>

<p>From the early in the morning we start our trekking with the 2hr walk up to the 77 year old Mu Gompa with another ¾ hr stiff hike up to the small 856 year old DephyuDoma Nunnery (place of the birth of light) which is superbly situated at 4,000m/13,100ft on a small promontory; with the gorgeous view of Ganesh II. Views of the western Ganesh Himal are visible to the left of dominant peak. Mu only has the latter view (including Ganesh I) and a view back down the valley. Mu is the highest permanent settlement in the Tsum Valley. To the north are seasonal kharkas and passes to Tibet. Return to Nile for lunch, then trek back to Chhekampar. Today have overnight at lodge in Chhekampar.</p>

<p>Again the trail will head towards the small gompa at Gho, then descend south through a wooden bridge over the river and continue to Dumje. The trail then leads up steeply (~3½hr), through magnificent pine, oak and rhododendron forest to a mani wall after which it traverses along an exposed route, before zigzagging up through huge silver pines to the gompa perched on a ridge. The mountain views in all directions are fantastic: this is likely to be a highlight of the trek.</p><p>This 110 year old gompa with ~20 nuns (who each reside in a small cell), has an intense and captivating puja late each afternoon. Visitors are invited to attend and permission may be obtained to sleep on the gompa terrace and use their kitchen and ablution facilities. Today we goig to have the overnight at gompa in GumbaLungdang</p>

<p>Circle from the gompa past the nuns’ housing, and zigzag down to a lower indistinct track: follow it through the forest and cross the wooden LungdangKholabridge. Climb steeply through pines and rhododendrons and across a kharka up to a ridge. Continue up a birch-lined creek-bed and emerge onto grassy flats east of the Torogumba Glacier’s lateral moraine. Continue past yak huts to a track up the moraine wall that gives superb views of the cirque of mountains. The Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m/13,780ft) is about here (~4hrs). Return to GumbaLungdang in time for the evening puja.Today we will have overnight in GumbaLungdang at Lodge</p>

<p>After the night stay we will descend back to Dumje, and turn left to cross the LangdangKhola and take the south bank trail down the SiyarKhola and shortly the lower of two trails that crosses deep, impressive gorges on new bridges to the climb to the high fertile land and ribbon village of Ripchet. Several chortens adorn barley and buckwheat fields that have been cut from surrounding pine forest. Beyond the village, steep stairs lead down to Gumlung on the river before the trail climbs back through the forest to Lokpa. Today we going have the overnight at lodge in Lokpa</p>

<p>After breakfast, we trek back to Philim for lunch. The trail Continue to descend through suspension bridge and river bank trail to Sirdibas, here we can enjoy the converseviews.Here we are going to have the overnight at Lodge</p>

<p>Early in the morning our trail now descends from the alpine Buddhist region back to the greener subtropical biome via Jagat, Yaruphant, Dobhan, Tatopani and then undulates to Khorlabesi – with time to linger along the way.Today we going to have the overnight in Khorlabesi at lodge</p>

<p>Today the trail crosses the TharoKhola flowing in its rocky ravine. Drop down to the river and traverse to the village of MachhaKhola. Walk along the BudhiGandakiNadi to reach the Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on the steep cliffside trail to Khursane. Then follow the ridge above the BudhiGandaki, through Sal forests to the bridge before SotiKhola. Today we will have overnight in SotiKhola at Lodge</p>

<p>From SotiKhola we will drive, down the BudhiGandaki Valley to Arughat and on to Kathmandu; with lunch on the way. Transfer to your Hotel, and a free afternoon.</p>

<p>After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.</p>

Price Includes

  • Airport Pick and Drop by private Transport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu with B/B basic (One Night) (Centrally located, attach bathroom, hot and cold shower)
  • TIMS CARD (Trekking Information Management System). We need two photograph each for permit.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Fee
  • Annapurna Conservation Fee
  • Manaslu Special Permit
  • Tsum Valley Special Permit
  • 15 days porter wages and his insurances/meals/accommodation/equipments
  • 15 days guide wages and his insurances/meals/accommodation/equpipments
  • 15 nights best Lodge accommodation during the trek on tea house services.
  • Kathmandu to Arughat by Local Bus
  • Arughat to Kathmandu by Local Bus
  • Rescue arrangement in emergency situation & worst weather condition
  • Trekking poles, sleeping bag, down jacket/duffle bag (we provide these if necessary).
  • Trekking maps.
  • Rubbish disposal.
  • Our service charge and government taxes.

Cost Excludes

  • All meals in Kathmandu and during trekking
  • Extra nights hotel stay in Kathmandu.
  • Tips to guides and support staff.
  • Additional costs in case of emergency (You must have adequate travel insurance to cover any kind of emergencies, such as ground transportation & Heli recue/medical/hospitalization. Medical etc).
  • Your International flight ticket airfare
  • Energetic chocolate/energy drinks/alcohol/mineral water/cigarettes/packing food snacks etc
  • Additional medication for altitude sickness (Acetazolamide etc).
  • Personal expenses and any other unforeseen expenses, such as Laundry/WIFI on trek/phone call
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Nepal entry visa fees which can get up on your arrival in Kathmandu airport
  • Sightseeing tour and All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned herein
1. How difficult are the treks?

It depends on the individuals’ adaptation of walking in any situation and at any circumstances. It depends on the location and choice of trekkers. Both difficult as well as easy treks are available. Difficulty of the treks depends on the region of the trek and duration of it. Shorter treks tend to be easier while longer ones require some physical fitness.

2. How safe Women traveling alone with your company?

Completely, we assure the safety and security of the women travelling with us. We will provide the privacy that the women need. We will also give you a personal room on lodge and personal tent for camping while trekking.

3. What is tea house trekking?

Tea House Trek – is a trek during which at the end of each trekking day you stay for overnight in Tea Houses. “Trekking Guide Team Adventure” also organizes Camping Treks during which you stay for overnight in tents which our guides will set up for you and food during such treks will be cooked by our experienced cook.

4. Can I get Nepal visa on arrival?

Yes, you can get it in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As you arrive to airport fill the form and proceed to the visa line. You have to pay 25US$ for 15 days of visa from the day of issue, 40US$ for 30days and 100US$ for 90 days of tourist visa. For this you have to bring two passport size photos.

5. What is the best air route to my destination?

There are enough airline companies operating daily flights from Middle East of Kathmandu. Kathmandu only has got only international airport in Nepal so, where ever you are coming from you must come through tribhuvan international airport.

6. What type of insurance should I have before come to Nepal? Can I get it there?

For coming to Nepal you should have both medical and Rescue evacuation insurance. Yes you can get it here too, but we recommend purchasing it in your own country to avoid any last minute hassle and basal.

7. When should I travel to Nepal?

In Nepal it rains a lot between Junes to August. You too can enjoy great treks during this period of year in rain shadow region. But if you planning for more popular trek autumn and spring is the best time. As during this period climate will be moderate and will favorable for the trekking.

8. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

Nepal has modern banking facilities having branches of some international bank. Almost all foreign currency along with credit card such as American Express, Visa and Master card are accepted. Nepal also has ATM facilities.

9. When should I book my trip?

We suggest you to book your trip in advance to avoid the disappointment and hassles. We too will make an effort to accommodate last minute bookings but some time due to the last minute planning we may unintentionally make few mistake which may offend you so it will be better to do advance booking.

10. Is someone going to meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?

Yes, our agency representative will pick you from airport. We will be displaying our placard of your name with our agency name.

11. How much spending money should I bring?

This depends on the destination you will be at and package, facilities you may choose . However our trip profile will give you information about how to budget form additional meals, optional excursions and extra expenses that might occur in any specific trip.

12. Does your company help to arrange domestic flight, international flight, hotel bookings and other services?

Since we are Nepal based company we refer to arrange your international flights from your home town. But domestic flight ticket will be included in our package. Other help like river rafting, city guided tour, mountain flight, jungle safari will be provided according to your necessities.

13. What is the physical conditioning level needed for trekking?

If you are in good physical condition then you do not require any hiking experience for short trekking. But if you are planning for the longer ones then you should do long day hikes at your home.

14. Is a Trekking permit needed?

Permit is not required for trekking in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and some other regions. However, conservation permits or National park permits are required. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal where trekking permits are required.

15. Are the food / water safe to eat / drink?

All the meals are prepared with high standards of hygiene, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most of lodges serve boiled and filter water which is safe. It is also possible to buy the bottle of mineral water in the trek.

16. What happens if there is an emergency?

All of our guides are trained with first aid and have basic idea about the physical problems that may arise during trekking. If an emergency occur then we will cover initial expenses of rescue operation as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. For minor cases there are health posts established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel.

17. What are your payment terms?

You need to pay 30% of total price as advance deposit to conform reservation before arriving to Nepal. Rest of the payment can be paid after arrival.

18. Can we bring some food from home?

19. You can bring power bars, cereal bars and similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.

20. Is there any communication when we are on the mountain?

In the way in many villages along the popular trekking routes you can find telephones from where you can make international calls. And now a days we have the internet facilities most of the trekking destination.

21. What’s the difference between trekking, hiking and mountain climbing?

You can do all day walk, where you stay overnight (or several nights) at three activities in Nepal, but they are quite different things. Trekking is a multi-the place you’ve walked to.
Hiking generally refers to a one-day walk. It might be two hours or eight, but if it takes place within a single day, it’ll probably be referred to as a hike.
Mountain climbing is another thing entirely. It takes special equipment, training and comes with more risk. Neither trekking nor hiking require any special skill, other than the ability to walk.

Permit & Entry Fees:

It is compulsory to pay Everest National Park entry fee and TIMS card to trek in this area.

Medical Support:

An emergency first aid kit is carried by the support staff at all times.

Accommodation and meals:

During tea house treks our guests pay for their food (breakfast/lunch/dinner) at the lodge while we provide guides/accommodation/necessary permit and transportation. It can be USD $25 per person each day for food (Lunch/dinner/breakfast)

Water:

Mineral waters are available at all stops during tea house treks. You can also use tap water if you choose to use water purification tablets.

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients who choose to trek or climb with us. The insurance should cover you in case of emergencies like accidents, altitude sickness and ambulance and helicopter rescue charges if required. Please carry a copy of your insurance papers while travelling in Nepal and do send us a copy as well. This will help us in making all the necessary arrangements in case of any sort of emergencies.

Best Season for Everest Panorama View Trek

  • Spring : March – May
  • Summer: June – August
  • Autumn: September – November
  • Winter: December – February

While there are no seasonal constraints on traveling to Nepal, different regions are best visited in different seasons. Once you inquire about any trekking itinerary we’ll email you regarding the best season for that particular trek.

Check-list of personal equipment:

  • Good standard trekking boots
  • Camping shoes/thongs
  • Socks-polypropylene
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece
  • T-shirts
  • Trekking trousers
  • Shorts (both casual and for treks)
  • Swim wear
  • Sun Hat
  • Woollen Hat
  • Nylon Windbreaker
  • Gloves
  • Gaters
  • Strong Rucksack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Water Bottle
  • Torch/headlamp (with spare batteries)
  • Toiletries/soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Sun block
  • Travel Towel
  • Wet-wipes
  • Medication (cough medicine, throat soothers, water purification tablets)
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & lenses
  • Memory cards
  • GPS Tracking Units may be helpful
  • Altimeter
  • Compass
  • Book/music player/pack of cards
  • Padlock
  • A plastic bag for waste
  • Energy/snack bars

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Tsum Valley Trekking