Overview
Tsum Valley is a rural valley in Nepal's Gorkha district. It may be found there. The valley has a rich cultural and natural legacy and is encircled by the Himalayas. The valley is still one of Nepal's least popular trekking sites even though it just opened to hikers in 2008.
Tsum Valley is renowned for its long-standing Buddhist customs and culture. Many monasteries, chortens (Buddhist shrines), and mani walls may be seen throughout the valley (stones inscribed with prayers). A well-known Buddhist saint by the name of Milarepa is thought to have meditated in this valley while en route to Tibet. Starting in the little village of Arughat in the Gorkha area, the journey to Tsum Valley takes between 13 and 15 days. A number of tiny settlements, including Chumling, Chhekampar, and Mu Gompa, are traversed throughout the walk.
Mountains including Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal line the valley's perimeter. The chance to encounter the local culture and traditions is one of the trek's special features. The majority of the residents of Tsum Valley are of Tibetan descent, and they have a lot of cultural similarities with Tibet. The journey offers a chance to learn about the locals' way of life and traditions, and they are friendly and accommodating.
In conclusion, Tsum Valley in Nepal's Mountains is a hidden treasure that provides a distinct and genuine trekking experience. The valley is a must-visit spot for adventurous tourists seeking an authentic Nepali experience because of its rich cultural and natural history, secluded location, and breathtaking vistas.
The 17-day Tsum Valley Trek takes place in Nepal's western region, in the district of Gorkha, in the country's north. The valley is situated at the base of the Sringi and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. With mountains towering above 7000 m, the Tsum Valley is a hidden gem.
GEOGRAPHY:
Starting in the village of Arughat, the Tsum Valley Trek follows the Budi Gandaki River. With mountains on all sides, the valley is a far-off and lonely area. The valley measures roughly 19 kilometers in length and is located between 2,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. The Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area are both located to the west, respectively, of the valley.
ALTITUDE:
The Mu Gompa, which is located at a height of 3,700 meters, marks the summit of the moderately challenging Tsum Valley Trek. To prevent altitude sickness, it is advised that trekkers allow enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude.
LOCATION:
The Tsum Valley Trek is located on the Tibetan border in the northern Gorkha district. The village of Arughat, which is roughly a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu, is where the journey begins. The trip takes you through several traditional Tibetan villages in the remote and isolated Tsum Valley, giving you a look into the people's distinctive way of life.
PHYSICAL FEATURES:
The Tsum Valley is noted for its amazing natural beauty and unusual geological features. A rocky landscape with steep cliffs and deep canyons surrounds the valley. The valley's river has sculpted incredibly slender canyons and gorges that provide breathtaking views. The valley is renowned for its varied flora and wildlife, which includes a blend of subtropical and alpine plants. The Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, and musk deer are just a few of the threatened species that call the valley home.
CULTURE & PEOPLE:
Additionally, the Tsum Valley area is renowned for its conservation efforts to preserve its distinctive biodiversity. The 1,692 square kilometer Tsum Valley Conservation Area, which was created in 2007, aims to preserve the distinctive flora and animals of the area.
Tsum Valley people are renowned for their friendliness and generosity toward guests. They are mostly subsistence farmers, and their diet comprises dairy products like yak butter and cheese, as well as locally farmed grains like barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. Yaks play a significant role in their way of life and are used in their animal husbandry practices.
The social structure of the Tsumbas is based on extended family and clan ties, and they have a strong sense of community. They observe their own customs and holidays, such as Dhacyhang, which honors the harvest, and Lhosar, which is observed on the Tibetan New Year.
The Tsum Valley area has gained popularity as a hiking location recently, which has helped the locals. To make sure that the local environment and culture are not negatively harmed, sustainable tourism measures must be used.
ACCOMMODATION & LOGISTICS:
Guesthouses: In addition, there are a few lodges and guesthouses in the bigger communities that provide more fundamental services like private rooms, hot showers, and a restaurant providing simple meals.
Camping: The Tsum Valley offers camping for those who choose to bring their own tents. Along the trail, there are designated campsites with running water and minimal amenities like toilets.
Guides and Porters: During the Tsum Valley trek, it is highly advised that you employ a local guide and/or porter. The guides can help with issues like lodging and food and are informed about the area's culture and surroundings. Your bulky backpack can be carried by porters, allowing you to fully enjoy the trek.
Permits: Together with the regular trekking permit for the Manaslu Conservation Area, a special permit is needed to enter the Tsum Valley zone. The Nepal Tourism Authority and authorized trekking companies both sell these permits.
Food and Drink: Little tea houses and lodges along the path sell drinks and food. To guarantee that the water you consume is safe to drink, it is advised to carry a water filter or purification pills.
Transportation: The Tsum Valley trek begins in the village of Arughat, which is reachable from Kathmandu by bus or jeep. To travel more comfortably, it is recommended to hire a private jeep because the road to Arughat is rough and bumpy.
TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS
- We can gate Experience the life of trans himalayan.
- We can see many Himalaya in front of our eyes.
- We can test nepali food with there beautiful smiles.
- We can see the culture and old heritage of village .
- We will Staying overnight in local village with local people of gorkha district.
Itinerary
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Day-01: Arrival in Kathmandu - (1360m)
Day-02: Trek preparation and introduce with trekking staffs (1360m)
Day-03: Kathmandu to Machha Khola by jeep/Bus 8/9 hrs (930 m./3051ft)
Day-04: Maccha Khola to Jagat (2340m/ 7676ft): 6-7 hours.
Day-05: Jagat to Lokpa 6/7 hours walking (2240m./7349ft)
Day-06: Lokpa to Chumling, 4/5 hrs walking (2,386m/7,827ft)
Day-07: Chumling to Chhaikampar 5/6 hrs walking(3,030m/ 9944ft
Day-08: Chhaikampar to (Nile) Mu-Gompa - 6/7 hours walking (3690 m./12139ft.
Day-09: An Extra Day Hike to Tibet Border 5093 mtr and sorroundings 7/8 hours
Day-10: Mu-Gumpa to Chhaikampar 4/5 hours walking.
Day-11: Chhaikampar To Gompa Lungdang an additional add-ons, 7/8 hours 3410 m./11155ft.
Day-12: An Extra Day Hike to Ganesh Himal BC 4900 mtr and back to the same Camp.
Day-13: Gompa Lungdang To Lokpa 7/8 hours walking
Day 14: Lokpa To Jagat about 7 -8 hours wallking.
Day 15: Jagat to Machhakhola walking hours 5 to 6.
Day 16: Machhakhola to Kathmandu Drive by Bus/Jeep (8-9 Hours Driving)
Day 17: Fnal Day, Transfer to the airport.
What's included
- Airport pick up and drop off by Car, jeep, Hi-ace or Bus. Depends on the number of arrives.
- Complimentary welcome or farewell dinner according to the suitability of our client’s time.
- Beginning two nights stay on arrival in Kathmandu in tourist standard hotel with breakfast included (twin share basis)
- Kathmandu to Soti khola (trekking starting point) transfer by Bus, and way back from Soti khola to Kathmandu
- All necessary trekking and restricted area permit & fees, (Entry Permit, Manaslu conservation area permit, Manaslu Restricted area special permit and TIMs cards).
- OPTIONAL: Three meals a day during the trek (If of required, we provide meal during the trekking)
- OPTIONAL: All accommodation during trek (If of required we arrange all accommodation)
- An experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed, first aid trained Tsum Valley special trekking guide and assistant guide (5 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- An expert Tsum Valley local porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Duffel bag, (to be returned after trip completion), complementary trekking maps. If needed down jacket and sleeping bag will be provided in rent.
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food and accommodation.
- Rescue arrangements if necessary.
- Basic First-aid kit (carried by your trekking guide)
- All government and local taxes for Trekking, Agency service charge and government tax/vat.
- Achievement Certificate
What's not included
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than in the scheduled itinerary
- Meal and accommodations in mountain. (can be arranged by company as per the package agreement )
- Personal insurance which covers medical, emergency evacuation, loss or theft of property.
- Personal gears and equipment.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wifi, etc
- Entry fees and costs in sightseeing (temples, monasteries, etc)
- Tips and gratitude provided to guide and porter.
Good to Know
- Unspoiled and non-commercialized trekking route.
- Of the beaten paths and an amazing experience.
- Lots of flora and fauna
- Beautiful Monasteries high altitude lakes, glaciers sustaining views of mountains.
- Iconic villages such as, Mu Gompa, Lho, Samagaun, Bhimthang, etc.
- Fusion of Unique Nepali and Tibetan culture in the local area.
- Amazing magnificent Himalayan views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, etc.
PERMITS:
A special permit is required for trekkers to enter the Tsum Valley. The permit is called the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, and it costs USD 35 per person per week. Additionally, trekkers must pay USD 20 and USD 30 respectively for the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Through a Nepali trekking company that is registered, these permits can be acquired.
Trekking Permits & Entrance Fees
EQUIPMENTS:
As a moderately challenging journey, the Tsum Valley Trek requires careful planning and the right gear. An excellent backpack, reliable hiking boots, layers of warm clothes, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a headlamp are all important items. A first-aid kit, sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat are also advised to be brought along.
Necessary Trekking Equipment
Trekking Routes:
Two of the high mountain passes that must be crossed on the Tsum Valley walk are the Ngula Dhojhyang Pass (5,093 meters) and the Mu Gompa Pass (3,890 meters). Trekkers must be in good physical shape and well-prepared due to the long trekking days and challenging terrain.
Wildlife & Flora:
Flora:
Dense forests, including rhododendron, pine, juniper, fir, and birch, can be found all around the Tsum Valley region. A number of medicinal plants, including Yarsagumba, a rare herb found in the upper Himalayas, can also be discovered in the woodlands. The area is renowned for its distinctive alpine vegetation, which includes a wide range of moss, lichen, and shrub species.
Fauna:
There are various rare and endangered wildlife species that may be found in the Tsum Valley area. Red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahr are a few of the creatures that are frequently seen in the area. The Himalayan monal, pheasant, and eagle are just a few of the bird species that call this area home.
Additionally, the Tsum Valley area is renowned for its conservation efforts to preserve its distinctive biodiversity. The 1,692 square kilometer Tsum Valley Conservation Area, which was created in 2007, aims to preserve the distinctive flora and animals of the area.
FAQ
- What types food will be available?
- We’ll be serving traditional trekking food such as dal bhat (the Nepali national dish of rice, dal and vegetables), pasta, soups, potatoes, bread, fruits, eggs. We’ll try where possible to use fresh local goods. We’ll serve portions big enough to match your calorific needs. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know.
- Is internet and battery charge service available?
- Battery charge and internet facilities are available in the transit houses where the travelers are needed to pay the charge for using these service. If the traveler has a local sim card then it would be easier for him/her to use the mobile internet service.
- What about insurance?
- Insurance is significant factor for the safety of travelers to use against the unforeseen circumstances. The insurance should cover emergency helicopter transportation cost and accidental issues. Mostly we suggest insurance in case of emergency evacuation which will be reliable and safety of the traveler.
- Does the company gives pick up service?
- Yes pick up and drop off service is available 24/7 in our company . The representative of our company will be there to receive our clients outside the arrival of TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) holding the name of him/her in the brochure. They will guide our clients towards the booked hotels in private transportation.
- Can I trek Tsum Valley Trek solo?
- Trekking solo in Tsum Valley is forbidden. You have to trek in a group or with a partner. if you are unable to find a trekking partner, please keep on touch we can make some arrangement.
- What are the tips for avoiding altitude sickness in Tsum Valley trek?
There are some tips to which our company would like to guide for the travelers to avoid altitude sickness.
- Avoiding the drinks which contains the caffeine added, smoking and alcohol
- Travel slowly concerning your health
- Drinking more amount of water i.e. minimum 3-4 liters per day
- Being familiarized with the environment and having a healthy foods and beverage
- Continuing with Diamox if needed, it is carried for the backup
- We prefer Garlic soups to sustain the environment
- Is it difficult to trek in Tsum-Valley?
- The travelers are not need to do vertical climbing so there is no any need of ropes and ice picks. The travelers should be healthy in order to walk and stay in the evolving climate. As long as the traveler can sustain in the environment and walk for 6-7 hours per day the trekking is no more difficulty. The potters are also available for sharing the bags during the trip. The potters availability will be according to the travelers concern.
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