Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area. The Tsum valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid.
Trekking in one of the isolated, beautiful and quiet trails in comparison to other major trails in Nepal, Tsum valley trekking in part of northern Gorkha is something that any trekkers shouldn’t miss. Walking in the wilderness in one of the most out-of-the-way trail you will definitely be fascinated by day 1. The richness in ancient art, culture and religion in one of the remote Himalayan valley and the untouched path makes Tsum valley trekking beautiful and gives you experience of lifetime.
The valley is rich in Buddhist Culture as it embrace many other religious monasteries such as Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, Milarepa’s Cave and many others. In the trails we can see ancient culture and traditions with beauty and lifestyle of people. Their rich art which includes monasteries, stupas, chorten, maniwalls are standing still as faith in Buddhism. Apart from culture the richness in impressive biodiversity as well as many forest, rivers and living beings residing there as well. One could also get the majestic view of mountain ranges like Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Manaslu (8,163m), Churke Himal and the Poshyop Glacier.
The trails are rocky but not too steep. The trek is not that tough but a strong mentality and commitment is required in order to complete the trek. The hike on terrains requires normal attention and caution. You will be requiring some permits like Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
With some astonishing views of mountain accompanied by out well experienced Guides and responsible porters you will definitely be able to complete this trek. However, some days are long and mentally challenging. The trails are uphill but some places have high descending rate so it is recommended to carry some personal knee support. General Cardio is recommended as well. Proper acclimatization is necessary as well.
Travel Insurance
While traveling in the Himalaya you may suffer for the various health problems, injuries and even the altitude sickness. Hence you have to prepare before upcoming destination is this mountain land. Make sure the policy of the insurance company provides should cover the process of giving you the service of Helicopter rescue from the mountains in case of Altitude Sickness or other accidents during your trip.
Arrival
You will be welcomed at Kathmandu airport by one of our representative and will take you to hotel. There will be small meeting regarding the trip at evening.
Drive to Maccha khola (868m/2852ft.)
Today after breakfast you will move toward place called Maccha khola which will takes about 8 or 9 hours.
Maccha khola to Jagat (1340m/4396ft.)
Today we walk about 16km on the trail which will take about 7 hours. The trail is interesting and fun as along the way you cross many suspension bridges, many waterfalls, prayer flags, cattle of locals, green grasslands and many other beautiful views.
Jagat to Lokpa (2240m/ 7349ft 6 hrs.)
Today after completing some MCAP procedure we move towards Salleri climbing over rocky ridge and trek downhill towards Sridibas. The trail takes to a place called Ghatta Khola as you walk to widening valley. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school. With views of narrowing valley and passing Philim we walk up north Gum pul leading to Lokpa.
Lokpa to Chumling (2346m/7696 ft. 5-6 hrs.)
Today the descending trail will takes you to Lungwa Khola and moving to north through pine and rhododendron forest following the curvy up and down hill we reach Gumlung. Crossing Siyar Khola we finally arrive to lower Tsum with view of majestic Himalayas. Another few hours climb from Tsum will takes you to village of where houses are made up of stones.
Trek to Chhokangparo (3031m/9944 ft. 5 hrs.)
Crossing the suspension bridge and enjoying the great views of Ganesh Himal we walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village. Another few hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. If weather favor then enjoy the views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m).
Trek to Nile (3347m/1090ft. 5-6 hrs.)
Trekking through the villages of Ngakyu. Leru, Lama Gaun we pass along various caves where ancient Buddhist monks use to prayed and mediate. The cave is also identified as Piren Phu meaning “Pigeon cave. We then continue passing Burji, Phurbe and Pangdun villages, there is magnificent big Buddhist chortens are sighted on the way to Chhule and Nile.
Excursion day
Today we will be doing some sightseeing as we are almost close to Tibetan boarder. We climb up to Mu Gompa, visit Dhephu Doma Gompa, monastery and other places of Tsum valley.
Nile to Chhokangparo (3031m/9944ft. 5hrs.)
Its east walk today moving towards Chhokangparo from Nile. Passing from Lar village visiting few small and big Gompas we follow similar route that we take while reaching Chhokangparo.
Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang (3200m/ 10498ft 6 hrs.)
The trail leading to Gho then crossing Dhumje Bridge, we can have some knowledge about Tibetan medicine and healing technique as in that area there is Tibetan clinic. After few hours walk from there we reach Gumba Lungdang where basic meal and shelter by monastery. Obviously we provide extra cozy and good food for our trekkers.
Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (3670m/12040ft)
Today we hike towards bade camp of beautiful mountain, as the trails are poorly marked so it is better to stick together. Crossing the Laudang Khola to the west bank on a rickety wooden bridge and climb steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. There is a hut in a kharka about halfway up, with the track continuing leading into grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa glacier. Continue climbing past seasonal yak huts and you will find a track on the moraine wall that gives superb views of the of mountains. The camp is somewhere about here as the place is not yet explored thoroughly and as mentioned the poorly marked trail. We return tracking our foot print and stay at monastery for a night.
Trek to Lokpa (2240m/ 7349ft 6 hrs.)
We follow the same trail which we used in order to get the Tsum Valley. Passing through pine and rhododendron forest following the curvy up and down hill we reach Lokpa.
Trek to Jagat (1340m/4396ft.)
As we follow the same trail which we used walked before. Passing through Philim valley and school we will be reaching to Jagat.
Jagat to Maccha Khola (868m/2852ft.)
After breakfast, we move towards Maccha khola which will take about 6 or 7 hours. Our stay today will be at Maccha Khola.
Back to Kathmandu
It takes about 8 hours in order to reach to Kathmandu and you will be taken to your hotel.
Departure
Our representative will take you to airport where you will be catching your flight to next destination.
[NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.]