Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in the northern Gorkha district of Nepal. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word “Tsombo” which means vivid. The trail heads up the valley of the Budi Gandaki River through a wild and unexplored country inhabited mainly by members of the Gurung ethnic groups. This trek is a comparatively easy trek with no fear of altitude sickness. while trekking we can spot the eye-catching view of landscapes and mountains like Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and Boudha Himal.
You can taste a good cup of locally cultivated natural coffee. Tsum Valley trip starts by drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola, Manaslu route up to Phillim, and then split to Nil Chule to Mo Gompa and the same way back to Kathmandu.
Note: On this Tsum Valley trek, basically we have provided the itinerary to serve our guests with lodge stay. But, we can also organize a camping trek for this trekking region optionally if our guests like to stay out in the tents overnights.
Route Highlight
Area: Manaslu Region,
Difficulty: B (Moderate)
Altitude: 3700m,
Duration: 21 days,
Starting point: Sotikhola
Ending point: Soti Khola
Best season: Sep-Nov, Mar-May,
Maximum group size: 20 pax
Minimum pax/Person: 2 pax
Arrival & pick up from the international airport in Kathmandu after some refreshment we will invite you for a traditional Nepali dinner.
Sightseeing around in Kathmandu valley, where you will have time to fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local tradition are highlighted on by guided tour. There’s time to explore the city’s many charms on your own or take a rest while we finalize trekking permits.
After early breakfast, we start our drive to Machha Khola (Fish River). Machha Khola is a village situated above a stream of the river.
The trail from Macha Khola to Doban involves some steep ascents and descents. We climb a well – crafted staircase over a ridge to Doban. Doban lies at the confluence of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpu Khola, which flows from the west.
This day the route is a rocky trail, We climb up and down ravines and notched trees. We get good views of Sringri Himal as we continue up to the village of Philimat 1550m. This is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet.
This day we take the trail up through Philim and head up over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Basecamp and Chumling( Lower Tsum).
After breakfast, 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 chili peaks to the south-west. Some households in this village practice polyandry.
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 Gompas 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.
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.
This day after breakfast, 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 lodge at Mu gumba.
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 has 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, molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel.
From Rachen Gompa we proceed towards Dumje, a small village with about seven houses and adjoining cattle shed.
This day we trek from Dumje to Philim and cross Ripchet. On the way, we pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang.
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.
From Tatopani we trek to Soti Khola. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls and finally set up camp at the village.
All our programs are just one example of what is possible. Himalayan Leaders since 1989 (!) Experience in organizing tailor made tours. Therefore, contact us for your personal desire program! Send us an email and we are glad to help!
Best Season |
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Mid of September to Mid of November |
March to June |
All our programs are just one example of what is possible. Himalayan Leaders since 1989 (!) Experience in organizing tailor made tours. Therefore, contact us for your personal desire program! Send us an email and we are glad to help!