Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days
Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days Highlights
- MU Gompa is the biggest and oldest monastery.
- The valleys, rivers, waterfalls, caves, suspension bridges, and snow-capped mountains.
- Off-beaten path and less-traveled trekking route in the Manaslu region.
- Renowned for its vibrant Buddhist culture, monasteries, and natives' traditional way of life.
- On the foothills of Ganesh Himal, there is a hidden valley (7422 m).
- Beautiful drive past waterfalls and the Budhi Gandaki River from Kathmandu to Arughat. Gorgeous forests of juniper, rhododendron, and pine.
- On the trail, take note of the Mani walls, prayer flags, and Khata.
Tsum Valley Trek is a rugged, less-traveled trekking trail near the Tibetan border in the northern Gorkha province. Trekking began there in 2008. Trekking in Nepal is a popular and hard activity for individuals who enjoy exploring distant locations and learning about the distinct culture and traditions of the Himalayan people. The journey begins at Arughat, proceeds down the Budhi Gandaki River, and passes by stunning waterfalls. Ascending further will reward you with breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains covered with snow.
Located in the foothills of Ganesh Himal (7422 m), Tsum Valley is a hidden valley renowned for its rich Buddhist culture, historic monasteries and traditional way of life. The main attractions of this trek are the Rachen Gompa and MU Gompa, which are reached by trekking. With over 100 monks living there MU Gompa is 400-year old monastery. Situated at an elevation of 3700m in the Tsum valley, this monastery is the oldest and largest one. You will see chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls along the route.
All things considered as the Tsum Valley Trek is and exciting trekking route that passes through numerous charming little villages, such as Machhakhola, Jagat, Chumling, and Chhekampar, where you can learn about the distinctive customs of the locals and feel their warm hospitality. Nonetheless, it’s a moderate to exciting hike that calls for a decent level of fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience (though it’s not required).
Culture and Religion in Tsum valley
The majority of the locals in Tsum Valley are Tibetan, and they speak a distinct language. They firmly believe in Buddhism. In Tsum Valley, people offer prayers to various Bodhisattvas and Buddha Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). In addition, they install player flags, mani walls, khata, light butter lamps in monasteries, and hold the notion that lamas reincarnate. The majority of people commemorate the Lhosar festival, which takes place in January or February. For ten to fifteen days, people visit monasteries and hang fresh prayer flags in their homes to commemorate the New Year. They also offer delectable food as a means of greetings and well wishes. The Dhuchyang festival, held in December or January, is another significant celebration for the people of Tsum Valley. praying and visiting monasteries.
Foods and lodging
In Nepal, all trekking is centered around teahouses, which entail lodging and dining in regional lodges. The mountain tea houses offer a breathtaking view from their simple, usually double-occupancy rooms that include a wooden bed, blanket, mattress, pillow, and shared bathroom facilities. Similarly, there are single rooms that can accommodate a female traveler traveling alone.
Even though the food is abundant and excellent, we eat at teahouses. They serve soup, seasonal vegetables, rice, and a selection of potato and noodle dishes. You can have pancakes, corn flakes, peanut butter, honey, and jam on French toast, as well as porridge with milk for breakfast. Many types of thukpa (noodle soup), momo (dumplings), Tibetan/chapati bread, macroni, spaghetti, Sherpa stew, sandwiches, pizza, spring rolls, and yak steak are available for lunch. Additionally, there are rice pudding, fruit snickers, apple pie, and hot beverages like hot chocolate, hot mango juice, hot pineapple juice, black/milk coffees, and black/mint/ginger/green/lemon honey teas. There are fresh seasonal fruits available in certain areas.
Suitable time to trek
One of the greatest times to visit Tsum Valley is in the spring, which runs from March to May. The weather is usually clear and warm during the day and cooler at night. It’s a beautiful path and easier to trek in the absence of rain or snow.
The autumn season, which lasts from October to November, is one of the best because of the clear skies that return after the monsoon rains, the lush landscape, and the hills covered in verdant forests. Now that the heavier clouds have moved on, the mountain’s summit is once again plainly visible.
The best times of year for adventure seekers who wish to take on strenuous and difficult treks while visiting Nepal are thought to be the winter and monsoon. The trail is hazardous and challenging because of the muddy and slick conditions.
Guide and Porter
Since the Tsum Valley Trek is a restricted area trek, entry into the area requires a special permit. As a result, all hikers must hire a certified trekking guide and obtain a permit from approved trekking companies that are officially registered with the Nepali government.
A trustworthy and respectable business, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd., is able to offer guides with excellent technical proficiency and safety performance. They are amiable, proficient in English, properly trained, licensed, and insured as guides. They always have the necessary supplies, first aid kits, and safety equipment on hand.
Travel Insurance
All hikers who wish to take part in any trek or tour program in Nepal’s mountains must have travel insurance. Trekking at high altitudes like the Tsum Valley Trek can be hazardous and physically taxing. In the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a delayed or canceled flight, or lost or stolen luggage, travel insurance can provide financial protection. In addition, it provides you with financial security and assurance in the event of an unplanned mishap.
Altitude sickness
Above 3000 meters in the mountains, altitude sickness is a common occurrence. Your body tries to adapt to the lower oxygen and air pressure at high altitudes by producing symptoms like headache, nausea, exhaustion, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, appetite loss, rapid pulse, and severe dehydration, among others. When trekking in the Tsum Valley, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away to avoid complications.
These are some prevention tips for altitude sickness that our knowledgeable trekking guides have tried and tested.
- Take a break and relax where you are.
- Ensure you’re getting adequate water to drink.
- Don’t exercise, consume alcohol, or smoke.
- Consuming crab-containing foods and beverages
Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days Itinerary
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazzar
Trek from Arughat to Liding via soti Khola
Trek from Liding to Khorlabesi via Machha khola
Trek from Machha Kholla to Jagat
Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,390m)
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (called Lower Tsum) (2,390m)
Trek from Chumling to Chokhangparo - Upper Tsum Valley (3,010m)
Trek from Rachen Gompa to Nile/Mu Gompa (3,361m)
Acclimatization day in Mu Gompa
Trek from Mu Gompaa to Rainjam via Chhule
Trek from Ranijam to Gompa Lungdang
Trek from Gompa Lungden to Ripchet via Ranijam
Trek from Ripchet to Philip via Lokpa
Trek from Philip to Khorlabesi
Trek fro Khorlabesi to Soti Kholla
Trek from Soti Khola to Arughat
Drive from Arughat Bazzar to Kathmandu
Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days Inclusions
What's included
- One guide English speaking Experance lisson holder , salary and food and accommodation for guide and porter.
- Accommodation in tea house during the trek.
- One porter for two peoples.
- 3 meal a day , lunch , dinner , breakfast and 3 coupe of tea or coffee a day during the trek.
- Manaslu conservation Area permit.
- Tsum valley special permit.
- Sleeping bag and down jacket during the trek.
- From kathmandu to arughat bazaar to kathmandu by private 4wd jeep.
- Government Tax and company service charge.
Add-ons
What's not included
- Fee of visa for Nepal.
- Personal expenses forbar and beverages bills, bottle of water ,desserts , extra porters, shower, laundry or any other program which are not mentioned by the company.
- Airfare to come Nepal or return back to your own country.
- If you want to stay for extra nights in a certain destination.
- Personal Insurance for health and travel .
- Tips which may be provided by you to our guides, porters or anyone during the trip.
Tsum Valley Trek – 17 Days FAQs
Why is Tsum Valley a Restricted Area in Nepal for outside visitors?
The upper part of the Gorkha district, which includes Tsum and the Manaslu Valley, is noteworthy for a number of reasons. The Tsum Valley in Nepal has recently been designated as a restricted area. The restricted zone is located near the borders of China, Tibet, and Nepal after it was opened in 2008. The second reason is to restrict the number of visitors in general and only permit those with specific permits to enter. To preserve Tsum Valley's pristine environment as it existed for centuries, and because it is raw and fresh.
On this trek is there facilities of electricity and internets / WI-FI?
Every village along a trek has electricity, which is powered by solar or hydropower. Trekkers can enjoy Internet, Wi-Fi, phone communication, and the ability to charge their electronic devices. However, there are also small locations in Mu Gompa like Deng and Lokpa or Chokang-Paro. Due to weather and altitude, the internet and WI-FI connection are unreliable and slow. Additionally, based on the topography, such as valleys and deep gorges. Trekkers have to wait until where the communication works better either Jagat, and Maccha-Khola village.
How difficult is it to trek in the Tsum Valley?
Long walking days, a variety of terrains, and high altitudes are all part of the Tsum Valley trek, so strong physical endurance is needed. A few days of acclimatization will also help you get used to the higher altitude and avoid altitude sickness. It's best to let your guide know if you're feeling under the weather.
Is it worth to visit a Tsum Valley Trek?
Yes, it is worth visiting Tsum valley. Tsum valley lies in Manaslu region of Gorkha district and it is an amazing place to visit. Tibetan culture is prevalent in the area, and many people of Tibetan descent reside there. The valley is close to the Tibetan border, and the locals are incredibly amiable and kind. There are not many gompas in the valley because the people who live there are Buddhists with their own traditions, culture, and language. Each gompas has its own charm and unique features. The Tsum Valley is worth visiting because of its lovely culture and kind people.