OVERVIEW
Tsum Valley Trek is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. ‘Tsum’ comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid.Traditionally, Tsum valley was a currently distinct geographical area called ‘Tsum Tso Chucksums’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal ranges,this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art,culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own dialect. The altitude of Tsum Valley trek varies from 1905m in Lhokpa to over 5093m at Ngula Dhoj Hyang pass on the Tibetan border. The hidden valley is surrounded by the Boudha Himal and Himal chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south & Shringi Himal to North.
People in Tsum Valley still practice polyandry system and they have their own unique culture, tradition, & dialect. They celebrate unique festival like Lhosar, Dhadhang, Saka Dawa, Fanning & others. Many residents of this valley report that they have seen or found the signs of Methi, commonly referred as the ‘Yeti’ or ‘Abominable Snowman’. The trials are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with Mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. 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. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains. 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 also remained fairly intact. This trek begins from Arughat in Gorkha district,which is easily accessible from Kathmandu.
OVERVIEW
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will transfer to your hotel, We will brief about your trip activities. You’ll have rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Some of landmarks that are the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of (Pashupati Nath), the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). You can also make your last minute buying of personal items and preparation for the next day.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 03: Drive to Machha Khola ( 930 m), 9 hrs drive
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day and then drive towards the hill bazaar of Gorkha. After Gorkha the road gets a bit rough until reaching Machha Khola.
Stay overnight in camp/lodge
Day 04: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,350 m) 5/ 6 hours
Cross the suspension bridge to the left bank, pass a forested area, then follow the path which looks like it is carved into the rock and you will reach Doban Khola. Trek further along the path across farmed fields and you will reach Jagat, a small village with a police check post and lodges.
Day 05: Jagat to Lokuwa (2240 m) 7 hours
Leaving the village descend a stone path leading to the wide river shores. Cross the Pangour Khola (flowing from the left) before traversing rapidly and you will reach Saguleri, from where you can see Sringi Himal beyond the valley. Further along the right bank begin ascending until you reach Filim.Though it is a Nepalese Gurung it has a strong Tibetan influence.
Day 06: Lokpa to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (4-5 hrs)
From Lokpa we trek to Chumling Tanjo. We can see the Baudha Himal(6672 m) and Ganesh Himal VI on a clear day. Chumling has three monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gumba. There are also several good campsites. There is a telephone service and health post too. Overnight stay at the campsite at Lower Tsum.
Day 07: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (7 hrs)
From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo, where hospitality local people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcome you with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal.Overnight stay at the campsite at Upper Tsum.
Day 08: Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (4-5 hrs)
From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/ Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule. On the way we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu(pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. It 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.
Beautiful views can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba , the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. Overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 09: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4-5 hrs)
Dephyudonma gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley and is situated in the rugged mountains, a 2 hr 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. There are a few campsites and drinking water facilities.Overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 10: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa, visit Gonhgye Gompa (Nyigma-pa Buddhist sect) (5 hrs)
The trail ascends to Mu Gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley.On the way to Mu Gumba. Overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 11: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hrs)
Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley, with 80 nuns currently studying.It was established in 1905AD. Iyt houses the nuns belonging to Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter.Dhumje is a small village with about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed.Overnight stay at the campsite at Dumje.
Day 12: Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (7-8 hrs)
From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. on the way we witness one of the most beautiful falls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Phillim, at 1550 m, is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. The trail that climbs through the village and heads up over the ridge leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp. Overnight stay at the campsite at Philim.
Day 13: Philim to Tatopani (7-8 hrs)
From Phillim we trek to Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. You can relieve your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. Overnight stay at the campsite at Tatopani.
Day 14: Tatopani to Lapubeshi (6-7 hrs)
From Tatopani we trek to Lapubeshi, a Gurung Village. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls. We camp at the village. Overnight stay at the campsite at Lapubeshi.
Day 15: Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar (5-6 hrs)
As we make our way from Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar, we come to the last leg of our journey. Overnight stay at the campsite at Arughat Bazar.
Day 16: Arughat Bazar Drive to Kathmandu by jeep (drive 6-7 hrs)
We drive to Kathmandu And overnight at hotel.
Day 17: Kathmandu ( 1300 m )
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and in the evening Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will take you for Farewell dinner.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
Matterhorn treks & Expedition will transfer you to the International Airport (TIA) to your departure flight to your on wards destination.
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