Tsum Valley Trek Overview

Tsum Valley Trek 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 Trek 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 Trek 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 Trek area 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.

TSUM VALLEY TREK DETAILS

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 Trek 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 AND PEOPLE:

There are various rare and endangered wildlife species that may be found in the Tsum Valley Trek 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.

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 Trek 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.

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 Cordyceps (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.

ACCOMMODATION & LOGISTICS:

Homestays: In Tsum Valley, staying with a local family is the most common form of lodging. This not only gives you the chance to learn about the customs and way of life in the area, but it also earns some money for the local residents. Homestays are straightforward but cozy, with tidy beds, minimal bathroom amenities, and authentic Nepalese food.
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. 

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.

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