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Tsum Valley Trekking
Travel Styles -
Active Adventures
Country
Nepal
Duration
21 Days
Grade
Moderate
Best Seasons
Mar to May - Sep to Dec
Group Size
Private
Transportation
Flight / Private Vehicle
Max Altitude
12,139 ft./ 3,700 m.
Accommodation
Hotel / Lodge / Camp
Overview
Tsum valley Trek, one of the finest treks in Nepal, is the blend of pristine Tibetan culture with the tranquil snowy peak in the Hidden valley of Tsum in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The Valley quietly nestles in the lap of snow-capped peaks Buddha Himal and Himal Chuli in the west, Ganesh Himal in the south and Sringi Himal to the north, and the passes Ngula Dhoi Hyang (5093m) and Yamdro Pass (5320m). The ancient culture heritage of the place is still entact, free of modern technological influences. The living styles of the people are fairly unique which, for sure, surprises the trekkers. The scarcely populated valley is rich in artistic monasteries, Chorten and mani walls. The people here never slaughter animals even as a sacrifice to the Gods. They follow the polyandry marriage ceremonies and
When you decide to explore mountains in Nepal you must realize that you are in never ending quest of an adventure. What makes Tsum valley trek so special is that the majestic Himalayas, beautiful cultures of typical villages that you come across during the trek. This trek is an ancient salt trade route of northern Gorkha. Join us for this 21 day trek as we wander around the back yard of the 8th highest mountain of the world Manaslu. Tsum meaning vivid in English, the valley is sacred Himalayan pilgrimage as the valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The place is also known as holy hidden valley of happiness, first described by guru Rinpoche in 8th century. While trekking don’t forget to make a way for mules as you will find them everywhere. You will come across countless gorgeous waterfalls throughout the trek in the Manaslu region.
Details For Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum valley Trek commences from Arughat and moves forward following the Manaslu circuit route. The lowlands are populated mostly by Brahmins and Chhetris following Hindu religion. We walk along cultivating farmlands, swift flowing rivers and other amazing landscapes to finally enter Tsum valley via Nile-MuGumpa. The fabulous view of high mountains including the towering Manaslu dominating the whole range, accompanies you throughout the trail.
Located at Gorkha district, west of Kathmandu Tsum valley lies high up near Tibetan boarder. The local people of Tsum valley follow Buddhism with Tibetan influence. Local people live up their life as Yak herders, they pick Yarchagumba from deep snow and rely of tourism as a source of income.
The Manaslu trek is also home to Nepal’s first cantilever bridge which you will not see any where during trekking in Nepal. Built by team of Swiss engineers the bridge was inaugurated at 2016. You will find a lot of interesting things among which one of them is practice of non-violence. People here strictly follow the nonviolence practice as the slaughtering of animals are prohibited here.
During your entire Tsum trek, you will see the most number of wild animals. In Tsum valley spotting some Himalayan thar a yellow-throated martin and pheasants are common. If lucky you can even encounter snow leopard as well. From place called chimling you start notice the settlements transforming into Tibetan influenced settlements.
Chhekomparo is the first village you come across after entering Tsum valley. You will trek all the way across chum valley to the village of Nile on the other side. Horses and yaks are still the main mode of transportation for locals here. Rachen Gumba which is right in the middle of the valley, the place is schools for Buddhist nuns. Tsum valley is also the gateway to the Tibetan boarders as it used to be salt trading route in the past. About 15 kilometers from the village of Nile, the last permanent human settlement of Tsum sum valley. You will really enjoy the landscape, the beauty, lifestyle of locals.
The traditional homeland of the chumba indigenous people who speak chumba a dialect of the Tibetan language, Tsum valley was declared by its people as a non-violent area in 1920.A culture of non-violence is rooted in Buddhism and is the main guiding principle that shapes the daily lives of the Tsum valley.
About food and accommodation.
Following are some insights to foods and beverage as well as the kind of experience you can expect of the trails leading to Tsum valley. Usually the priority is given to local cuisine and foods are prepared by locally available ingredients and local peoples. However you can still choose to have western foods like french-fries, sandwich etc. and more.
Local cuisine typically includes dal bhat (traditional dish consisting of lentil and rice with various side dish). Another amazing dish you can savor is MOMO (dumpling filled with meats served with dipping sauce). Gundruk is local speciality which dried spinach, which is fermented and seasoned with different spices.
You can enjoy hot beverages such as masala tea, ginger tea and instant coffee which helps you to stay warm as well as hydrated. It’s easy and convenient to carry your own energy bars, nuts as you can snack on while hiking and resting.
The accommodation is usually local teahouse and lodges. The place is usually clean and comfortable. Some place offers attached bath where as some place do not. However sharing bathrooms are often clean.
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Itinerary
Daily Schedule
Show detailed Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
Altitude
1,300m
Accomodation:
Hotel
Transport:
Private Vehicle
You will be welcomed by our staff standing with your name-card in the airport arrival terminal and transferred to your hotel by the private vehicle. Small meeting about the trip in the evening.
Day
2
Trek preparation & Kathmandu valley sightseeing.
Altitude
1300m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast
Transport:
Private Vehicle
After your breakfast you will be introduced to the trekking guides and helpers. And the Kathmandu sightseeing beings with visit to various UNESCO enlisted cultural Heritage sites including medieval Palaces in Kathmandu-Bhaktapur-Lalitpur Durbar squares. Other sites are Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa.In the evenining you will walk along the Thamel streets which is a good place to buy trekking equipment.
Day
3
Drive to Arughat by Bus.
Altitude
640m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transport:
Private vehicle
Today, Global Holidays Trekking staff will come to your Hotel early in the morning at 7.00 am to pick you up, from there we have an 8 hour driving journey to Arughat. From Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi for 3.30 hours is comfortable drive but from there to Arugat for another 4 hours we will be driving on dirt road.
Day
4
Trek to Soti Khola.
Duration
6 hours walk.
Altitude
775m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This Day, Follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat River. After Arkhat we ascend slowly toward Kyoropani. Camp today near the confluence of Seti River - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath.
Day
5
Trek to Machha Khola.
Duration
5.30 hours walk.
Altitude
900m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After Breakfast, the trail descends slowly until you climb again to mountain ridge to Almara. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budhi Gandaki. At Lambesi, the trail follows down to the sandy river bed of Budhi Gandaki. Camp tonight at Machha River.
Day
6
Trek to Jagat.
Duration
6 hours walk.
Altitude
1340m.
Accomodation:
Lodge.
Meals:
Breakfast and Lunch.
Today our journey starts after breakfast along the river, by tobacco and buckwheat fields, past rocks washed smooth by the river, often climbing up stone steps, to reach the hot springs in the centre of the small, terraced village of Tatopani (hot spring). A gentle climb through the forest and spectacular waterfalls, across suspension bridge and through a short section of forest path and we reach Dobhan and climb high on stone steps below Jagat, the entrance to the Manaslu park.
Day
7
Trek to Philim.
Duration
4 hours walk.
Altitude
1570m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is enjoyable short day trekking, the long series stone steps trail descending to the river, then climb on wonderful stone steps along a terraced hill-side to the small hamlet of Saguleri with impressive Shringi Himal (7187m). The trail splits with the right-hand branch heading off towards the Ganesh Himal nearby high suspension bridge at Gata Khola. Our route continues upstream, and again we have a steep climb to reach Philim. We arrive at our green campsite in time for lunch, and have the afternoon explore the interesting upper village and gompa.
Day
8
Trek to Chumling (Lower Tsum).
Duration
7 hours walk.
Altitude
2361m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We take the trail up through Philim and head up over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp and Chumling( Lower Tsum). We camp for the night at Chumling. There are several good campsites at Chumling.
Day
9
Trek to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum).
Duration
6 hours walk.
Altitude
3010m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo. Chhekamparo is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. From the valley, the Ganesh Himal range can be seen directly to the south where it provides spectacular views of the Baudha and Himal chuli peaks to the south-west. Some households in this village practice polyandry.
Day
10
Trek to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way.
Duration
6/7 hours walk.
Altitude
3361m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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
11
Trek to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa.
Duration
4 hours walk.
Altitude
4060 m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From Nile the trail gradually ascends to Mu gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. Mu Gumba was established in 1895 AD and is situated at an altitude of 3510m.The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. 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 dinking water facilities.
Day
12
Extra day for excursion, Rest Day
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We take a hike up Mu Gumba and reach the base of Pika Himal (4865m). We are quite close to Tibet and get a good view of the Tibetan peaks as well as the Ganesh Himal range. After the day's excursion we return to our camp at Mu gumba.
Day
13
Trek to Rachen Gompa(3240m), visit Gonhgye Gompa (Nyigma-pa Buddhist sect).
Duration
5 hours walk.
Altitude
3240m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From Mu Gumba we take the trail to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. It houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter. The nunnery houses one thousand clay, moulded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history.
Day
14
Trek to Dumje.
Duration
5/6 hours walk.
Altitude
2440m.
Accomodation:
Lodge.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From Rachen Gompa we proceed towards Dumje, a small village with about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed.
Day
15
Trek to Gumba Lungdang.
Duration
5/6 hours walk.
Altitude
3200m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, you will have 5/6 hours most of ascend walking to Gumba Lungdang from Rachen Gompa. You will climb up 800 meter today.
Day
16
Trek to Ripchet.
Duration
5/6 hours walk.
Altitude
2468m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, its easy day you will walk most of descend walking down to Ripchet.
Day
17
Trek to Dobhan.
Duration
5/6 hours walk.
Altitude
1070m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast you will walk 5 hours down walking to Dobhan. You will walk domn more than 1200 meter today.
Day
18
Trek to Soti khola.
Duration
5/6 hours walk.
Altitude
720m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach soti Khola. After Kyoropani we ascend slowly toward Soti Khola.
Day
19
Trek to Arughat.
Duration
5/6 hours walk.
Altitude
535m.
Accomodation:
Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, is your last hiking day of your adventure to Tsum Valley Trek. Its easy walking to Arughat from where you will catch vehicle to Kathmandu.
Day
20
Drive from Arughat to Kathmandu.
Duration
6 hours drive.
Altitude
1350 m.
Today, Early morning you will drive back to Kathmandu after finishing your fantastic Nepal's Himalayas Tsum Valley Trek. You will drive back to Kathmandu with Global Holidays Adventure's Staff.
Day
21
Transfer to airport, departure to your own destination.
Meals:
Breakfast.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Availability
Inclusions
- International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- 1 nights hotel accommodation in Besi Shahar on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional english speaking tour guide.
- Kathmandu- Arughat /Besi Shahar - Kathmandu ground transportation by private vehicle.
- 3 meals a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
- Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
- Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
- Manaslu Conservation Area resticated area permit.
- Professional government lisence holder English speaking trekking guide.
- The required number of porters to carry the luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish trekking).
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
Excludes
- International air fare to/ from Nepal.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 day, US$ 50 for 30 day, and US$ 125 for three month visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Besi Shahar.
- Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the trekking.
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Personal gear and expenses.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
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Trekking Permits
You will be needing few permits in order to trek in the Manaslu region. You will be needing permits like Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). TIMS card will cost you like US $10 whereas ACAP permit will cost you US $30. The cost of MCAP cost you US $30 and MRAP will cost you: US $100 for 15 days and additional US $15 for each day in the months of September and November. US $ 75 for 15 days and additional US $10 for each day in the months of December to August.
Actually the accommodation charge that we pay for night is also given to local community for the betterment of the trails and is not kept by hotel, not even a percent.
Faqs
How difficult is Tsum valley Trek?
Tsum valley Trek is considered as moderate trek and is better if you have prior trekking experience. However it can be done by beginners as well. The trekking route is challenging and explores a remote area with limited facilities. The trail has uncountable ascents and descents along steep, rocky, and forested paths.
Which is the best season to plan this trek?
If you are planning to explore the Tsum valley, then the best time will be March to April and October to November. The spring and autumn are the peak seasons to do this trek. These seasons have the most beautiful views, weather, and climatic conditions.
Do I need permits?
Yes, you will be needing few permits in order to trek to Tsum valley. Moreover, the Tsum valley lies in restricted area in Nepal, therefore the trekkers have to take a special Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) from the government of Nepal to trek in this region. Likewise, you will also need Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit as well.
What are the chances of getting Altitude sickness?
Ensuring proper acclimatization and wisely designed itinerary and following it thoroughly during the trek will prevent of getting altitude sickness. Don’t forget to listen to your guide and do consult with him if any minor thing regarding your health occurs.
What is the fitness level required for this trek?
This is a moderate level trekking. It is better to have prior trekking experience. Ensuring proper acclimatization days and with proper gears you can easily complete this trek but carrying some personal knee support and general cardio is recommended.
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$1,850 /person
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