TSUM VALLEY TREKKING
The Tsum Valley trekking is recently opened restricted area for trekking. It is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in a trans-Himalayan region of Gorkha district, Nepal. The Tsum Valley's acquaintance with Tibet, natural beauty and its pristine culture make this trekking unique. "Tsum" comes from the Tibetan work 'Tsombo', which means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Baudha 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. 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 there 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.
People in Tsum Valley still practice polyandry system and they have their own unique culture,tradition, & dialect.They celebrate unique festival like Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa, Faning & others.Many residents of this valley report that they have seen or found the signs of Mehti, commonly referred as the 'Yeti' or 'Abominable Snowman'.
The famous Kyimo Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya is a well known seat of learning and a seat of meditation. The circuit traverses across Tsum Valley, Manaslu area in Nepal and southern parts of Tibet. This trek begins from Arughat in Gorkha district, which is easily accessible from Kathmandu. Nepal alternative treks is offering Tsum valley tea house trek since 2010 to reduce the cost and for local people benifit. We have employed guide and porters from Manaslu and Tsum valley region.
FACT OF THIS TRIP | |
Trip Duration | 13 days Trekking |
Max. Altitude: | 3800m./10754ft. |
Minimum Altitude: | 535m./1765ft. |
Grade: | Easy |
Activities: | Trekking |
Accommodation: | Lodge |
Meals: | Breakfast, lunch , Dinner |
Transportation: | Overland |
Trek Departure: | Every day throughout the week |
Group Size: | 2 person (minimum) to 14 persons (maximum) |
Best season: | March, April,May, Sep, Oct & Nov. |
Available Time: | All months |
Per day hiking: | 4 to 6 hours |
COVID-19 health and safety measures
Suggested ittinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu - Arughat Bazaar- Sotikhola ( 860m./2638ft.) 8 hours drive
We drive early to Arughat Bazaar(535m./1765ft.) in Gorkha district. The village of Arughat is in two parts, on opposite sides of the Budi Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean and prosperous with hotels and shops selling cloth, food and hardware.The gravol road leads us continue to Soti Khola another two hours drive. Along the way, We enjoy wonderful views of Shringri Himal. We trek through Gurung and Magar villages, pass fields and cascading waterfalls, till we reach Soti Khola. We stay overnight atl lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Sotikhola-Machhakhola ( 930m./3069ft.) 6 hours walk
We head toward Machhakhola today . In the beginning, We cross Machha River and head upstream along the river's edge. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machhakhola- Jagat ( 1410m./3990ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail leads us to Jagat . After crossing Khola besi, we pass by hot spring "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area toward Doban. Below Doban, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. The rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation as the elevation increases. Stay overnight in Jagat at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Jagat-Philim –Lokpa ( 2240m./6339ft.) 5 hours walk
We ascend toward Philim and head up over a ridge to Lokpa. We stay overnight there at Lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Lokpa-Chumling - Chhokangparo (3010m./9933ft.) 6 hours walk
Today, we head to Chhokangparo which 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 chuli peaks to the south-west. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Chhokangparo - Nile/Chhule-Mu Gompa ( 3800m./10754ft.) 6 hours walk
Our journey continue through Nile/ Chulle to Mu Gompa. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola.
We pass by one of the most sacred caves " Piren Phu" pigeon cave in the Tsum valley which 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. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Day trip to Mu Gompa
Mu Gumba is the largest monestery in this area which is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. There is oldest monestery "Dephyudonma Gumba" in the Tsum Valley and is situated in the rugged mountains, it is 2 hours 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. Stay there overnight at Lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mu Gompa-Nile/Chule –Chhokangparo ( 3010m./9933ft.) 5 hours walk
The trail retrace back to Chhokangparo. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley.The nunnery houses one thousand clay, molded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. Stay there overnight at Lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: :Chhokaparo-Chumling-Lokpa ( 2240m./6339ft.) 6 hours walk
We continue retrace back to Chumling and trek continue to Lokpa. We stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lokpa -Philim ( 2140m./7062ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail lead us to Philim . On the way, We will walk through most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Philim-Tatopani (1050m./3465ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail descend to Tatopani ( Natural hot spring). You can relieve your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Tatopani to Soti Khola Trek -drive to Arughat ( 720m./2376ft.) 5 hours walk
We descend continue to Soti Khola and take local jeep to Arughat. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls and finally we reach at the village then stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Arughat Bazar -Kathmandu 7 hours driving
Early morning after breakfast, We drive to Kathmandu then transfer to hotel.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Trek Ends
Our offer is based on :
Group Size |
OFFER price in USD per person |
1 person |
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2 persons |
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3-4 persons |
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5-6 persons |
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7-8 persons |
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9-10 persons |
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11 persons or above |
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There will be provided one main guide and one assistance guide for 6 persons or above group.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Tsum valley permit
Tsum valley permit is compulsory . From September to November per person US$ 40 for a week and From December to August per person US$ 30 for first a week Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project ( MCAP)
You are required MCAP for Manaslu circuit Trekking. You will have to obtain from government registered company as Nepal Alternative Treks and fee is fixed by NTNC NPR 3000 ( Three thousand rupees ) per person to Manaslu conservation area. You will need a passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in cash NPR 3000 each. We have included in package.
When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants
- T-shirts.
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion.
- Small daypack - 25 liters.
- Wind proof jacket and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack.
- Small towels
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
- A pair of gloves
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking.
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Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Mu Ghompa which is elevated at 3800 meter. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it.
Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:
Treatment
Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.
Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:
First aid |
Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case. AccommodationWe will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet. MealsDuring our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU . Physical Condition & Experience RequirementsTsum valley trek is easy level of trek, suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will get the highest elevation 3800 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek. |
Mr. Robert Locke, Ms. Melanie Ralhign, Mr. Allan wickham and Ms. Peta Williams, UK
From the moment we arrived at Kathmandu, we felt well looked after when we saw Dhan waiting for us. The trekking was definitely wonderful with Dhan. The highlight with him knowing his way around and remaining flexible to our needs. The rafting, Everest Mountain flight and female tour guide Sarita showing us around the city were also excellent.
In the end, everything was great!
We would definitely use Dhan and Nepal alternative treks again when we come back trekking next year!!
Siobhan Murphy
UK
The trek was excellent. The service has been brilliant from before we left the Uk and the whole trip. I can’t fault the services-problems sorted out immediately Mr. Dillip and Lal porter were excellent, helpful, and always cheerful. We will always remember this trip. I will recommend this company to everyone and I hope you continue to be successful Tej.
Kornkamon Chittreekhun
Thailand
For the whole package is so good. I am very satisfied with the service, guide and porter while trekking. Good guide for sightseeing is also Ok. I will probably come back and use the company’s service again soon! Thanks for everything!