Tsum Valley Trekking

The Tsum Valley is a consecrated Himalayan pilgrimage valley positioned in a trans-Himalayan province of Gorkha, Nepal. It commences from Arughat Bazaar in the Dhading district. The Budhi Gandaki River is the main river in this region. The Tsum Valley connects with Tibet and its culture and unspoiled natural beauty makes this trekking unique. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word 'Tsombo', which means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal range, Sringi Himal range and Boudha Himal ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and seek a unique dialect. Chhokangparo is the main village in Tsum Valley. They have a Police station and a check post as well. Rachen Gompa (3360m) is the biggest Monastery that only has woman monks. There are some student groups as well, meaning there are more than 300 woman monks living there. Mu gompa is situated in the highest area at 3700m and there are more than 200 male monks living there. There is another Monastery at Gumda Lumdang (3370m) where again only woman monks live. Rachen Gompa is the main Gompa near Milarepa cave. Schooling could be better in the region and as a result, parents send their children to the monastery for a better education. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers. The Tsum valley has a long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally Tsum valley was a culturally distinct geographical area called 'Tsum Tso Chuksum', which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

Trek Highlights
Stunning scenery, Ganesh Himal I (7422m) is attractive as well as Boudha Himal (6672m) and Sringi Himal (7187m), biggest and famous woman’s Monastery in Rachen Gompa (3360m) as well as in Gumda Lumdang (3370m) and the biggest and highest Monks Monastery in Mu Gompa (3700m), Milarepa cave where Milarepa used to do meditation, situated near the Rachen Gompa. Tibetan culture and spoken Tibetan language, beautiful terraces, pine trees and Rhododendron trees.

Fact of Trek
Trek: Tsum Valley Trek
Trek start: Arughat Bazaar
Duration: 22 Days Trek
Grade: Medium & strenuous
Max. Elevation: 4300m
Walking: (6-7 hrs) Each Day
Transportation: By Geep or by Bus
Accommodation: Tea house or Tented Camp
Trek end: Arughat Bazaar

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and a representative of Nepal Adventure Guide will welcome and transfer you to your selected hotel by private vehicle.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley by private vehicle with an expert tour guide.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
2. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
3. Boudhanath Stupa (Large white Buddhist Stupa)
4. Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple)
5. Patan Durbar Square (Ancient city)
6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (55-window palace)

Day 03: Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (570m) by bus (8 hrs)
Early morning start by bus from Kathmandu to the beautiful town of Arughat Bazaar, an 8 hours drive from Kathmandu. For half the distance the road is tarmac and then it becomes a gravel track. It will be fun, as it is a local bus which many people use and it is vital to the community. Lunch is in Dhading Besi, the headquarters of Dhading District. On the way the scenery is attractive and we follow and cross three big rivers. Before lunch we see the Trisuli River, the biggest of the three. After lunch we see the Ankhu River followed by the Budhi Gandaki River. Arughat Bazaar is situated at the foot of the surrounding hills. It is a really nice place to camp on our first day.

Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola (730m) walking (6 hrs)
The trek heads northwards following the Budhi Gandaki River in the low country, passing by rice paddies and picturesque hamlets. After a couple of hours we reach Arkhet Bazaar (620m) where they have a high school as well as a clinic. After climbing briefly to Keureni Pani (820m), the path descends once again to the river and our campsite is at the confluence with the tributary of Soti Khola. It is not a long day, and perhaps we will have time for a stimulating swim sometime during the day, as it is hot in the low country.

Day 05: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (930m) walking (6 hrs)
The countryside changes where the broad valley narrows and at times the trail cuts into the steep valley side, which is densely forested. We pass a number of small Gurung villages, who live in this region, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Budhi Gandaki River. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapubesi (880m). The trek descends once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follows a path, which runs below the steep, wrinkled valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again to Machha Khola. Stay overnight at lodge or in tents.

Day 06: Machha Khola to Jagat (1370m) walking (7-8 hrs)
First of all, we follow the Machha Khola - Fish Stream - and head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi (970m) and the natural hot springs at Tatopani (990m). The valley sides steepen until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach the single tea house at Doban (1070m). Above Doban, the Budhi Gandaki River descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we cross the river again on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat, where we camp. We encounter the check post for the first time. Without a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, we will not be able to enter the Manaslu region.

Day 07: Jagat to Philim (1570m) walking (5 hrs)
From Jagat, after descending a long series of stone steps back down to the river, we then climb on wonderful stone steps along a terraced hill-side to the small hamlet of Saguleri and Sirdibas, from where we can see the impressive Shringi Himal (7187m). We pass through the charming, village of Sirdibas. We cross the river again on a long, high suspension bridge at Ghata Khola, the path splits, with the right-hand branch heading off towards the Ganesh Himal. Our route continues upstream, and again we have a steep climb to reach Philim. In the afternoon we can bathe at the Dharapani (tap) across the path from camp and continue to explore the interesting upper village and monastery and visit the High School, built by Japanese INGO, or sit and relax and enjoy the afternoon. Stay overnight at lodge or in tents.

Day 08 Philim to Chumling (2360m) walking (7 hrs)
It is a great day for walking. For the first one and half hours the trail heads up. Then there are two trails where one crosses a bridge and heads for Manaslu and the trail for Tsum valley heads right and then ascends for a couple of hours to Lokpa (2260m). We take lunch here and then the trail heads down for half an hour, before it then ascends steeply up.  We then have a half hour descent to the riverside and cross the beautiful wooden bridge, before the final ascent of up to an hour to Chumling. They have a primary level school, a small clinic, with great views of the Ganesh Himal range. We are now in an area of Tibetan culture where they import goods from Tibet. Stay in lodge or in tents.

Day 09: Chumling to Chhokangparo (3031m) walking (6-7 hrs)
With great views of Ganesh Himal I (7422m) situated on the right hand side, we start the day trekking for a couple of hours gradually ascending. From here the pine forest is quite dense and we head up to Rentsam. After the village we will be walking for about four hours steeply up to Chhokangparo, which is situated in a nice valley. They have fields growing barley, wheat, buck wheat, potato, etc. They have Yak, Cow and Blue Sheep. This is the main village for the Tsum valley region, where they have more than 50 houses. They have a police station as well, where they will check our permit. Stay in lodge or in tents.

Day 10: Chhokangparo to Rachen Gompa (3360m) walking (5 hrs)
The trail heads beautifully up and the mountain views are so attractive towards the Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, Sringi Himal and much more. We go through the large village of Lamagaon and then onwards to the village of Rachen Gompa. This is the female Gompa where there are approximately more than 300 woman monks living here. It is one of biggest Monasteries in this region and students receive a good education here. This Gompa receives aid from Kapan Gompa in Kathmandu, which has slowly been built just prior to the year 2000. We will be able to visit Milarepa Piren Phu cave (or Pidgeon Cave) where people can see the Milarepa foot print. It will be a great exploration day. Stay at lodge or tents.

Day 11: Rachen Gompa to Mu Gompa (3700m) walking (6 hrs)
The day begins walking through the nice terraces. Most of trail heads up and after couple of hours walking we will arrive in Chule Nile (3350m). The trail then heads continuously up and across the river where the trail heads slowly up to Mu Gompa that is situated in a steep area. Mu Gompa is man or monks gompa, where they have more than 200 monks. Similarly to Rachen Gompa, many students study here and it also receives aid from the Kapan Gompa in Kathmandu. It is a really nice place to make camp here. This will be our highest point of sleeping in the Tsum valley.

Day 12: Excursion day for hill views of Tibet border and stay at same place.

Day 13: Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo (3031m) walking (6-7 hrs)
The trail now heads back down the same way we came up. It is easy walking and you can explore much more going back down, having more time on our hands and taking in the fantastic views. Stay overnight at lodge or in tents camp.

Day 14: Chhokangparo to Gumda Lumdang (3370m) walking (6-7 hrs)
It is a beautiful trail and for the first couple of hours, we go all the way down to Domje (2460m). After crossing the bridge, the trail heads steeply up to Gumda Lumdang. Gumda Lumdang is a woman’s monastery where more than 50 woman monks are living. There are no local houses and we will be welcome to stay here. They perform a ceremony every morning and every evening twice a day. Ganesh Himal I is situated high in front of us here.

Day 15: Excursion to Ganesh Himal base camp (4300m) walking (6-hrs)
Today is solely an excursion day to Ganesh Himal base camp. The trail heads up and after arriving at base camp we will have a packed lunch and take in the great views of the mountains. Back to Gumda Lumdang and stay at same camp.

Day 16: Gumda Lumdang to Lokpa (2240m) walking (6-7 hrs)
The trail heads all the way down to Chumling village and then onto Lokpa. You will feel great here having been to higher altitude. Lokpa a small place where there is just one lodge, but they also have nice camping places.

Day 17: Lokpa to Tatopani (990m) walking (7-8 hrs)
Today we re-join the Manaslu trail and head down alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. It is a longer day, but made easier by descending through the villages of Philim and Jagat and then onto Tatopani where we can take a well deserved hot shower and feel refreshed. We make camp by the side of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Day 18: Tatopani to Lapubesi (880m) walking (6-7 hrs)
It is a nice trail which we will mostly be descending, often going through small villages that predominantly belong to the Gurung community. The trail descends in the jungle by the side of the Budhi Gandaki. Lapubesi is a beautiful Gurung village where most people are farmers growing crops. Stay at lodge or in tents.

Day 19: Lapubesi to Arughat Bazaar (570m) walking (7 hrs)
Today is an easy trekking day that is mostly descending, following a rough road by the side of the Budhi Gandaki River. We will be going through and passing beautiful forests and villages before arriving in Soti Khola. We then head to Arughat Bazaar and it will be a nice day to explore the culture and nature along the way. After a long trek we will have fun with the staff on the last night.

Day 20: Arughat Bazaar to Kathmandu by bus (8 hrs)
Today we will ride back to Kathmandu on the local bus. The first half of the road is gravel and then the rest is tarmac, taking in the nice scenery along the way. After arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to selected hotel.

Day 21: Souvenir and sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Day 22: A representative of Nepal Adventure Guide will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle.

Price Includes:

• Airport pick-up and drop off by private vehicle.
• Four nights in your selected Kathmandu hotel with breakfast.
• A full day’s sightseeing in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
• All meals during the trek (lunch, dinner, breakfast and tea or coffee).
• Accommodation in simple lodges or camping in twin shared tents with mattress.
• All necessary equipment for camping
• One English speaking government trained license holder and well informed trekking guide.
• Dependent on group size, Sherpa, cook, kitchen boy and extra porters.
• All expenses for all stuff - meals, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance, transportation etc.
• First Aid kit bag.
• Government and local area taxes where applicable.
• TIMS card fees (Trekking Information Management System).
• Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar and back by bus.
• Manaslu entry conservation fees, special permit for Tsum valley & Manaslu permit fees (See the ‘Trekking Permits’ link under ‘Trekking Info’ for current fees).

Price Excludes:

• Nepalese entry visa fee. (See the ‘Visa Information’ link under ‘Trekking Info’ for current fees)
• Travel insurance.
• Soft and alcoholic drinks (mineral water, hot water, coke, fanta, beer, spirits, etc).
• Snacks (Chocolate, biscuits etc).
• Hot water, hot shower, heater charge, battery charge, phone calls and laundry service.
• Donation, tips and personal expenses.
• Emergency evacuation and medical equipment.
• Hire equipment and other personal items (sleeping bag, down jacket, hiking boots camera, toilet rolls etc).
• In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides, etc, the extra charge will be borne by themselves.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.

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