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Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek

Nepal
5
16 Days 15 Nights
$1300
Our Offer Price

$1270

Save Upto $30

Group Discount

  • No. of PersonsPrice per Person
  • 2-4 PaxUS $ 1270
  • 5-9 PaxUS $ 1110
  • 10-14 PaxUS $ 1050
  • 15-19 PaxUS $ 1030
  • 20 & Above PaxUS $ 1020
Best time to visit Autumn (September to November):Autumn (September to November):
Transportation BusBus
Difficulty ModerateModerate
Maximum Altitude 3700m
Duration 16 Days16 Days
Activities TrekkingTrekking

Trip Overview

Tsum Valley Trek

Discovering the hidden Tibetan Buddhist territory at the brink of one of the most remote valleys in the Himalayas is the goal of the Tsum Valley Trek (SVT). One of the most isolated Himalayan valleys on earth, Tsum Valley was, until recently, a restricted area. Until 2008, the Tsum Valley, which is located in Manaslu’s northern region, was off-limits. The area is still less exposed than other tourist destinations, and compared to the more well-traveled sites, it has more virgin and less-traveled routes. The word “Tsum” itself means “vivid,” which is a fitting metaphor for the region’s vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking natural surroundings. According to Buddhist legend, Tsum Valley is the same location where a saint by the name of Guru Milarepa mediated on his journeys to spread awareness of Lord Buddha and Buddhism. The valley is home to numerous creative monasteries because of its holiness and the people’s belief in it. The prayer flags, Mani walls, monasteries, and stupas that we encounter on our travels are examples of how common Buddhism is.

You will encounter the magnificent Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal mountains throughout your hike to Tsum Valley. The area that was formerly a part of Tibet appears entirely different from other places. The Tsumbas, also known as the inhabitants of Tsum Valley, are of Tibetan descent and have a unique ancient dialect, art, culture, and religion. Once an essential trading route to Tibet, this high and enigmatic valley has been seen by very few adventurous travelers. To many outsiders, the Tsum people’s unique approach to family life may come as a surprise. You may label the brothers in the family polyandrous as they are all married to single women.

We experience glacial rivers, alpine woods, and the friendly hospitality of several ethnic groups while trekking. Go through the Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat, and Philim lower Buri Gandaki regions. We also go to several of the area’s historic gompas, including Dephyudonma, Mu, and Rachen gompas.

It is impossible to overstate the abundance and diversity of flora and animals, aside from the beauty of the natural and cultural worlds. Both blue sheep and Himalayan thyr are common in the valley. Numerous additional endangered bird and animal species can be found in the area, which is off-limits to hunting, fishing, and animal slaughter. Tsum Valley is a superbly maintained location that will elevate your trip experience.

Highlights

Until 2008, the Tsum Valley, which is located in Manaslu’s northern region, was off-limits.You travel to the uncharted circuit and the locations along the way, even though it is not exactly a new path. The circuit is referred to as a secluded hike for this reason. The trails are designed in a fairly challenging topography that immediately demands an exciting experience.

The region’s biodiversity will welcome you with a variety of greenery as you travel further.

You can see the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges in addition to Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,156 meters.One of the best parts of the trip is seeing these mountains.

Additionally, staying in the villages for the night is a lively experience; the old villages, such as Lokpa, Chumling, and Nile, are charming and cultural, and the Gurungs, Rais, and Magars—kind people with a rich cultural heritage—provide care that you will never forget.

Note

We humbly ask that you hike in groups of at least two. Given the restricted nature of the trekking path, this law has been implemented.

The second crucial piece of information is that you have to provide the relevant tour operator with a copy of your passport and a picture in advance.

 

Itinerary

01

Arrival in Kathmandu 1400m/4594ft.

When you arrive at your hotel, our staff will greet you. Afterwards, at the hotel, our representative at the airport will go over the schedule.

Accomodation Hotel
02

Kathmandu Valley UNESCO heritage tour

We begin a guided tour of several of Kathmandu’s most revered historical and spiritual sites today, following breakfast. Several of these sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Durbar Square, the revered Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the well-known “Monkey Temple” (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is one of the biggest stupas in the world. The trek will be prepared following a quick pre-trip group talk in the late afternoon at the Mission Nepal office in Lazimpat.

Accomodation Hotel
03

Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola 900m/2952ft.

Your guide will come to pick you up at the hotel this morning. Soon, the drive to Machha Khola starts. The entire journey is lined with verdant foliage as you travel. We travel to Dhading Besi on a smooth-pitched road for over four hours. After that, Machha Khola is reached along a difficult and uneven route.

Accomodation Hotel
04

Machha Khola to Jagat 1340m/4395ft.

We leave early today to cross the Machha Khola River and arrive in Khorlabesi. We drive by Tatopani’s natural hot spring en route. Up till we reach Dovan, the trail then passes through a forest. We next proceed to the river basin of the Budhi Gandaki. Here, the elevation changes dramatically along with the vegetation. After a long journey, we arrive at Jagat for the night.

Accomodation Hotel
05

Trek to Lokpa in Tsum Valley 2240m/7349ft.

Tatopani is home to naturally occurring hot springs. A brief wash in the hot spring is enjoyable. We cross a suspension bridge along the left bank of the Budi Gandaki as we continue past Tatopani. After that, we climb up through the forest to arrive at Doban settlement. At this point, the Budi Gandaki opens up and meanders across a wide gravel bed before descending and climbing much higher up the valley. Our permits will be examined at the Phidim checkpoint, which is the entry point into Tsum Valley. Our first night in Tsum valley is today.

Accomodation Hotel
06

Trek to Chumling in Tsum Valley 2386m/7828ft.

It is situated in the valley below Tsum. The direction of Shingri Himal is north from Chumling. It draws everyone’s attention since it is so visually appealing. Additionally, you can explore the village’s stone streets and the historic Chumling Gompa.

Accomodation Hotel
07

Trek Chumling to Chokhangparo 3010m/9903ft.

Following breakfast at Chumling, we cross the river on the suspension bridge and proceed in the direction of Chokhangparo. The main draws of today’s trek are the picturesque views of the valley and Ganesh Himal. Next, we pass by the potato and maize farm. The homes have traditional Tibetan architecture and roof-mounted firewood barriers. Ganesh Himal’s appearance from the valley seduces the hearts of all. Once we cross the suspension bridge, we enter the settlement of Ripchet, which is 2468 meters high. We climb for about two hours over a well-graded but exposed track to the upper Tsum and Chokhangparo, passing through Rainjam and crossing Serpu Khola. Nestled behind cliffs, these cottages are composed of stone and have a few iron roofs. Chokhangparo is made up of the settlements of Chokhang and Paro and is located on a level area of terrain. When the weather is nice, we may take in the views of Ganesh Himal (7140m) and Himalchuli (7893m). Here, polyandry is practiced by some homes. This region is well-known for its Tibetan Buddhist legacy.

Accomodation Hotel
08

Trek Chokhangparo to Nile 3361m/11,058ft.

You may experience altitude sickness on the ascent out of Chokhangparo. As a result, we advise you to exercise caution. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water as a precaution. Traveling east, we pass a local school and travel through little settlements. Our hiking is halted by the breathtaking vista, and we pause to appreciate the incredible beauty of nature. We ascend gradually over a ridge of chortens and reach Lama Gaon (3202 m) over the flat fields. From there, we can see the vast courtyard of the Rachen Gompa/ Nunnery Gompa (3240 m), which has first-rate pilgrim accommodations, across the river and vast crops. Near this location, they are frequently observed.  The Tsumba language is used for communication, and the people are amicable. The Tibetan language and this language are linked. But they also speak very little Nepali. Before moving through a spectacular entrance gate to the larger town of Chhule (3347 m), we can also make a quick visit to Phurbe (3251 m) and Pangdun (3258 m), passing by an interesting round stupa. Next, a mini hydropower plant is in our path. We pass through the village of Chhule and observe an ancient, historic stupa of Bhudda. The children dress in the traditional Tibetan chubas, and the village raises a large number of yaks. Marching upstream to cross the bridge and ascend to the Nile (pronounced Nee-lay). In the upper Tsum valley, it is the final village located towards the north. There are several homes in this settlement, which is located on the banks of the Shiar Khola. The styles of both communities are classic.

Accomodation Hotel
09

Nile to Mu Gompa 3700m/12174ft.

The Tibetan border is now very nearly within reach. Traverse the Tibetan landscapes by foot to the west side of the valley. The largest monastery in the area, the Mu Gompa, is reached after a climb. In the Tsum Valley, the Gompa is located in the highest and most isolated region.

Accomodation Hotel
10

Trek to Rachen in Tsum Valley 3240m/10630ft.

It takes four hours to walk to Rachen in Tsum Valley (3240m).From here, you may enjoy fantastic views of the valley and the mountains.

Accomodation Hotel
11

Trek Back To Chumling

We hike from Rachen back to Chumling.

Accomodation Hotel
12

Trek back to Lokpa

Today, we take the same route back to Lokpa that we took on our ascent.

Accomodation Hotel
13

Trek back to Jagat.

We return to Jagat by foot.

Accomodation Hotel
14

Trek back to Lapubesi 884m/2900ft.

We proceed for Lapubesi this morning after breakfast, along the same route that we used to ascend. You can witness a villagers’ way of life at Lapubesi.

Accomodation Hotel
15

Trek to Machha Khola and drive back to Kathmandu

After our hike to Machha Khola, we return to Kathmandu by car.

Accomodation Hotel
16

Final Departure

You are going to be dropped off at the airport three hours prior to the planned departure time of your flight.

Trip Info

What’s Included in this tour

  • Airport transfers with ground transports in private vehicle
  • Traditional welcome on arrival
  • 03 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • 12 nights’ accommodation with Full Board at Local Lodge in Trek Route
  • All Transfer and sightseeing in Private A/C Deluxe vehicle as per Pax.
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Fee, Government taxes & office service charge
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) during the trek
  • The best twin sharing lodge (in the area) with attached bathroom during the trek
  • One guide (highly experienced, helpful and friendly), porter(s) (1 porter for 2 people/trekkers) and food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff during Trek
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Manaslu Conservational Area Permit
  • First aid medical kit
  • All applicable Hotel Taxas

What's Not included in this tour

  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Cold drinks (coke, water, fanta, dew, etc.)
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Nepal entry visa which can be obtained easily at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Recently taken 2 copies of passport-size photos are needed)
  • Hot shower during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staffs and drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best time to do the Tsum Valley Trek?

    The best times for the Tsum Valley Trek are during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. During these periods, you can expect clear skies, stable weather, and excellent visibility. Winter and monsoon seasons are less ideal due to heavy snow and rain, which can affect trekking conditions.

  • How difficult is the Tsum Valley Trek?

    The Tsum Valley Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves trekking at high altitudes, with the highest point being around 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) at the Mu Gompa. The trek includes long days of walking, steep ascents and descents, and the need for good physical fitness and acclimatization.

  • Do I need prior trekking experience?

    Prior trekking experience is recommended but not mandatory. Experience with multi-day hikes and high-altitude trekking will help you manage the trek more comfortably. Proper physical preparation and acclimatization are crucial.

  • What if there is an emergency?

    Ensure you have travel insurance that covers trekking and medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities and emergency procedures in the region.

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