The Tsum Valley Trek is an exquisite journey into one of Nepal's most serene and spiritually rich valleys, offering trekkers a blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and tranquility.
  • DestinationNepal
  • Durations16 days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate
  • Group Size15+

Tsum Valley Trek-16 days Highlights

Embark on a journey through the heart of the Himalayas with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, the gateway to the Tsum Valley trek. This adventure immerses trekkers in the Tibetan culture and lifestyle, allowing them to witness the serene beauty of waterfalls, rivers, and mysterious caves that dot the landscape. The trek is noted for its accessibility, presenting a comparatively easy challenge with minimal concerns of altitude sickness, making it suitable for many.

Encounters with the region’s wildlife, including the elusive blue sheep and Himalayan tahr, add a thrilling aspect to the journey. The path is adorned with several Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls, enriching the trek with spiritual significance. Trekkers are treated to stunning views of majestic peaks like Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli, while walking through beautiful forests of pine, juniper, and rhododendron, which add a colorful backdrop to the trek.

Overview

The Tsum Valley, nestled in northern Gorkha, unfolds as a sanctuary enriched with deep-rooted traditions, art, and spirituality. Its inhabitants, with their origins tracing back to Tibet, preserve a unique dialect, anchoring the valley firmly to its ancestral roots. As one of the Himalayas' most secluded sanctuaries, Tsum Valley remained a hidden gem until 2008, with restrictions limiting access to its untouched splendor. The valley's cultural tapestry is vividly colored by its devout community, housing significant monasteries like Rachen and Mu Gompas, which stand as testaments to the area's profound spiritual lineage.

Embarking on a journey to Tsum Valley begins with a picturesque drive to Arughat, followed by Soti Khola. The trail meanders upstream along the Budhi Gandaki valley, weaving through quaint villages and forests draped in rhododendron and pine. The path from Soti Khola to Jagat then leads to Lokpa, the gateway into the mystical Tsum Valley.

Venturing into Lokpa, the trail ascends towards Chumling, a village cradled by three monasteries: Pango Gumba, Gurwa Gumba, and Mani Dhungyr, offering breathtaking vistas of the towering Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), and Ganesh Himal (7,140m). The trek progresses from Chumling to Chhokangparo, passing through Domje, the largest village in Tsum Valley, where the landscape transitions from lush sub-tropical forests to alpine pastures and high desert plains.

The trek's northern trajectory continues from Chhokangparo, skirting the revered Milarepa's Piren Phu Cave, through Phurbe and onwards to the Nile. The journey's zenith is reached at Mu Gompa, the northernmost point of the trek, nestled close to the Tibetan border. The valley's spiritual essence is palpable, with legends of the Buddhist sage Milarepa's meditations in the surrounding caves, and the Shear Khola river, originating from the Ganesh Himal glacier, enriching the valley's lifeblood before merging with the Budhi Gandaki River.

The return journey from Mu Gompa unfolds a new vista, detouring through Phurbe to Rachen Gompa, marking the beginning of the trek's southern descent. From Rachen Gompa, the path diverges southward to Domje, leading adventurers to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,800m) via Gumba Lungdang, offering a final homage to the valley's majestic guardians.

From the base camp, the trail retraces its steps to Lokpa and Jagat, where a night's rest prepares trekkers for the final leg back to Lapu Bensi and Arughat. The journey concludes with a local bus ride, whisking adventurers back to the bustling life of Kathmandu, carrying with them the serene echoes and vivid memories of Tsum Valley's ancient culture, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual tranquility.

Detail Itinerary

Cost Details

Cost Includes

What is Included?

  • Transportation: Round-trip transportation between Kathmandu and Arughat by local bus, ensuring convenient access to the starting point of the trek.
  • Accommodations: 15 nights in the best available lodges along the trekking route, generally in twin-sharing rooms, offering a comfortable rest.
  • Meals: All standard meals during the trek - 16 lunches, 15 dinners, and 16 breakfasts, providing the necessary energy for the journey.
  • Trek Leadership: Government-licensed, English-speaking trek leader from Discovery World Trekking, with an assistant guide for groups of 12 or more trekkers.
  • Porter Service: Porters to assist with trekkers' luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter), with a luggage weight limit of 9 kg per trekker.
  • Staff Welfare: Salary, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and necessary equipment for guides and porters.
  • Permits: Tsum Valley special permit and Conservation Area Permit fees, granting legal access to the trekking area.
  • Drinking Water: Water purification tablets for safe drinking water throughout the trek.
  • Extras: Daily snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits, ensuring trekkers' well-being.
  • Taxes and Fees: All government and local taxes, official expenses, and arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
  • Farewell Dinner: A farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek as a celebration of the journey.

Cost Excludes

What is Excluded?

  • International Flights: Costs related to international flights to and from Nepal.
  • Luggage Charges: Excess luggage charges, with a weight limit of 9 kg per person.
  • Visa Fees: Visa fees upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. (USD 50 for a 30-day stay).
  • Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu: Costs related to meals and accommodations in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
  • Personal Expenses: Shopping, snacks, bottled water, hot and cold drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery re-charge fees, extra porters, etc.
  • Personal Clothing and Gear: Expenses related to personal trekking gear and clothing.
  • Travel Insurance: Insurance covering emergency high-altitude heli-rescue and evacuation (compulsory).
  • Gratuities: Tips for guides and porters, appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their services.
  • Unforeseen Costs: Additional costs due to delays beyond our control, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications, illness, strikes, etc.

 

 

Good to Know

1. Explore the Hidden Paradise of Tsum Valley

The Tsum Valley Trek invites you to explore a hidden paradise, often referred to as the "hidden valley", nestled within the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. This trek is perfect for those seeking a peaceful trekking experience away from the more crowded trails, offering a journey through untouched landscapes and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture.

2. Cultural Immersion in the Sacred Tsum Valley

Trekking in Tsum Valley provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion in one of the few places in Nepal where Tibetan Buddhist culture remains intact. Visit ancient monasteries like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, and experience the warm hospitality of the Tsum people, whose lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged for centuries.

3. Best Time to Visit Tsum Valley

The optimal seasons for the Tsum Valley Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and the best conditions for trekking. Embarking on your journey during these times ensures a more enjoyable experience, with vibrant landscapes and favorable weather conditions.

4. The Rich Biodiversity of Tsum Valley

The trek through Tsum Valley is not just a cultural journey; it's also an exploration of the region's rich biodiversity. The valley is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Himalayan Thar and Snow Leopard. Trekkers will be captivated by the pristine natural environment, which is considered sacred by the local inhabitants.

5. Sustainable and Responsible Trekking in Tsum Valley

Engaging in sustainable and responsible trekking practices is essential to preserve the natural and cultural integrity of Tsum Valley. Travelers are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact, support local economies through ethical tourism practices, and respect the sacred sites and traditions of the Tsum people. By choosing the Tsum Valley Trek, adventurers contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary region.