Tsum Valley Trek is a less frequented and wonderful set of mixed cultures and mountains. Tsum Valley is close to the Tibetan border and influenced by Tibetan culture. The Valley of Himalayan pilgrimage, Tsum Valley trek takes us to the northern part of Nepal. The trail heads up the valley of the Budi Gandaki River through the wild and unexplored country. Most part of this region’s settlement is by members of the Gurung ethnic groups. A good cup of locally cultivated natural coffee gives you the pleasure of Himalayan coffee. Tatopani hot springs will help you to relax on this intensive trial.
Upper Tsum valley trek (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo. Hospitable local people will welcome you with traditional Chiya (butter tea). The Tsum Valley trek is rich in cultural assets. The valley is full of gompas (Buddhist monasteries), chortens and mani walls. The valley preserves the steps of the great Buddhist Yogi Chyuchin Milarepa. This trek in the remote area of the Manaslu region is full of mountains on its all side. Buddha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and Sringi Himal to the North.
People in Tsum Valley still practice polyandry system. They have their own unique culture, tradition, & dialect. Compared to many other destinations, residents of this valley reported that they have seen or found the signs of Mehta. Mehta can also be referred to as the Yeti or ‘Abominable Snowman’.
If you are planning to do a trek in the Manaslu region, one should not miss doing the Tsum Valley. Compared to other regions this region is an absolute highlight, with strong, friendly, hospitable people. Living Buddhist culture and untouched wildlife because of Buddhist prohibitions on hunting.
Name of the Trek: Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek
Best Season: September to December & March to May
Trekking Type: Camping
Grade: Moderate – Strenuous
Trek Duration: 18 Days
Maximum elevation: 4060 m
Meeting at airport on arrival by our staff and transfer to the hotel. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies in a broad valley at the edge of the Himalayan Range. Its art and architecture are an interesting blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. Overnight Hotel.
Explore the fascinating city of Kathmandu, with its temples and markets, or take an optional excursion into the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight Hotel.
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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
From Arkhet Bazaar we take the trail to Machha Khola. Machha Khola is a village situated above a stream with the same name where we will stay overnight in lodge/teahouse.
From Macha Khola we trek to Yaru Khola. The village of Yaru Khola at 1,330 m near the Buri Gandaki river. The river meanders serenely among gravel bars. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
We trek to Lokpa which is the first village as you enter the Tsum Valley. The local people are farmers and grow potatoes, gucchi mushrooms and soya beans. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
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 (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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley, with 80 nuns currently studying. It was established in 1905 AD. It 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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
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. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
We trek to Tatopani (hot spring) where you can relieve your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
From Tatopani we trek to Lapubeshi, a Gurung Village. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
As we make our way from Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar, we come to the last leg of our journey. Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
From Arughat Bazaar we drive back to Kathmandu where you will be taken to your hotel for overnight stay.
Transfer to airport to board the flight for onward journey.
Cost Detail
TREK COST: Based on Per Person Twin sharing room accommodation
Single Supplement: USD 500 Per Person
Available on request at parikramatreks@gmail.com info@paritreks.com
Inclusions
- Airports pick up and drop by private vehicle in Kathmandu transfers
- All land Transport Including Cities to Cities, from hotel to starting and ending point of trek
- 3 star hotel accommodation in cities on B/B basis
- World Heritage sites for Sightseeing Tours during your stay in cities
- Lodges/ tea house accommodation in double occupancy or family bed room during the entire trek and climb
- Experienced English speaking guide for sight-seeing tour by private tourist vehicle
- Services of a trained and Professional license holder English speaking trekking guide (leader)
- Guide with experience of First Aid treatment, AMS safety training certified
- Required number porters to carry your luggage (one porter for every 2 guests) during the trek
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the entire trek and climb
- Tea and coffee (1 cup) three times daily on trek or climb
- Proper warm clothing, shoes, sunglass for guide and porter
- Expenses for all Staff including their salary, insurance, domestic airfare, transportation, food and accommodation
- Warm Clothes and Shoes for porters during the trek
- All necessary permits; trekking conservation/ National Park/ TIMS Card/ Special permits fee as per the itinerary
- Guide airfare if the clients are flying to the destination
- Medical First Aid Kit (carried by your guide)
- Coordination of quick Rescue service in case required (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
- Entrance fee in all monuments during tour
- All land Transport Charge for Clients, guide, Porter by tourist bus or locally available
- Daily wages with food allowances and accommodation for all trekking staff
- All government taxes, 24.3% VAT & service charges.
For Camping and climbing accommodation as per the booking
- 2 mean tents for clients accommodation including mattress
- Support of Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, shower tent, table, chairs as per the requirement.
- Extra porter to carry the camping equipment
- Necessary kitchen utensils
- Climbing permits fees
- Insurance of Climbing guide and other climbing staff
- Camping sites cost as per the rules of government
Exclusions
- International and Domestic Airfare not listed in the Itinerary
- Nepal entry visa fee which can be issued on your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport
- Lunch and dinner whilst in cities
- Emergency Rescue, Evacuation cost or any types of travel, Personal interest items insurance fee
- Airfare for any sector as per the destination (Quoted separately)
- Any item of personal nature such as beverages, hot cold drinks, laundry, telephone call, battery charges, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.
- Personal trekking Equipment
- Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
- Personal climbing equipment
- Personal climbing guide if requested
- Food accommodation cost due to Unforeseen act landslide, sick, flight delayed, bad weather,etc
- Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
- Tips for trekking, tour staff and driver (Tipping is expected)
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Cost Includes’ section.
