Tsum Valley, Tibbet Buddhist land, is one of world’s remotest and secluded Himalayan Valleys and was restricted till 2008. The trek to Tsum Valley takes you into the majestic surroundings and beauty of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. Tsum Valley, once being part of Tibet, looks completely different from others and the people (Tsumbas) belong to Tibetan origin with their own ancient form of dialect, art, culture and religion.
The Tsum Valley lies on the northern part of Manaslu and very few travelers have made it to this high and mysterious valley. This region is less exposed, virgin and less beaten paths in the comparison to others. The people of the Tsum have very surprising family life styles where all the brothers in the family are married to a single lady; what you call a practice of polyandry.
The trek follows the same paths of Manaslu trails through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields and hill villages. As we leave the Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, we can start experiencing different world of this hidden valley passing through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, the warm hospitality of ethnic people and various ancient Gumbas such as Rachen Gompa,Mu Gompa, Dephyudonma Gompa. Mountain Layers Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. . is proud to organise this Tsun Valley Trek
Our representative will meet you outside the airport terminal hall. Please look for our treks & expedition name in display card. The airport representative will transfer you to the hotel, introduce to your trekking guide and check the necessities.
Today, your trek leader will introduce you to the city tour expert who guides you to the most revered Hindu and Buddhist religious sites that are listed in the world heritage sites. Here are the list of cultural and religious sites that you will be visiting during the city tour:
Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Hindu temple in the world. It is located along the back of sacred Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu city, close to Kathmandu airport. While the entrance to the main Pashupatinath temple is strictly forbidden to non-Hindus, there’s quite a bit to explore and discover around the rest of the area. Ritual activity are conducted on daily basis and one can observe the Hindu cremations on the bank of the river. You can discover mystic Sadhus to nearby temples and stupas. A vantage point located opposite to the temple, across the river offers the clear look of the main Pashupatinath temple.
Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Located 7 km north of mid Kathmandu city, Boudhanath is one of the largest and oldest stupa in the world- dating back to 5th century. It is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibetan merchant rested here and offer prayers for centuries. When Tibetan refugee entered Nepal in 1950, many of then decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many Gompas and celebrate Tibetan tradition and since then “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born. The stupa is surrounded by beautiful stupas that houses many Gompas and traditional shops selling singing bowls, thankas, prayer wheels and more. You can also find few cafes and guesthouses in the immediate area. Boudhanath was partially affected by earthquake in 2015 but the repartition was carried out throughout 2016.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Swayambhunath, revered Buddhist stupa, is located within walking distance (3km) west of Thamel in Kathmandu on a hillock. Swayambhunath is commonly known as “Monkey Temple” due to the large number of rhesus primates living there. Travelers need to climb 365 stone steps to reach the main Stupa complex (can be tiring and slippery if raining). This stupa is believed to date back to 5th century. The large dome shaped stupa, two big Buddha eye and surrounding small shrines and temples are the major attraction of the temple. This hilltop temple offers the 360 degree view of Kathmandu city. This significant heritage site holds immense cultural, religious, architectural and historical values for Nepalese people.
After breakfast, we will have pre trek meeting and you’ll be briefed by the trek leader about the journey ahead. Once we are done loading all equipment, we will hop on the jeep for an 8 hour drive to Soti Khola, which lies 150 kms North West of Kathmandu. We will drive through Dhading Besi and the town of Arughat today to reach our destination, Machhakhola. We will have a lodge booked for us where we will be spending the night.
There will be multiple short sprints of ascending and descending to do on the trail today. We will cross Tharo Khola and Thorlabesi to arrive at Tatopani. This small town is popular for its rare natural hotsprings. Unfortunately, the hot springs haven’t been functional since the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. After a brief lunch break at Tatopani, we will resume on the trail and cross suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki and Yaru Khola. We will also climb flights of stairs on the way to Dobhan and Tharo Bharyang. It is a short trek further to Jagat once we are past the west bank of Budhi Gandaki.
After breakfast, we travel north of Philim and walk through the lush grasses to the village of Chisopani and then to the millet fields of Ekle Bhatti (one house, 1600m/5,250ft). We then gradually drop down, beneath a stunning waterfalls to the gorge below and a confluence before “New Bridge” which takes us to Larkya La. To the right is a well-graded, exposed, zigzag track climbing up through the forest of pine and rhododendron to Lokpa and the lower Tsum valley. The tsum valley is home to 4,000 people in 18 villages.
We then drop down through forested route, cross stream and negotiate a long and steep climb up the south side of Siyar Khola gorge that flows down to Tsum valley. The high point is marked by flags with great view of Shringi Himal. The trail descends to Gumlung and Siyar Khola, cross suspension bridge and ascend through the narrow trail to Chumling. The houses in Chumling are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to overcome abundant rain and snow.
After breakfast, we cross the suspension bridge and enter into new forest that is growing on a recent landslide. We walk through water driven prayer wheel on a well-leveled path and pass lush forest inhabited by white-faced langurs. Further we continue to Tanju and the small Damphe Gompa. The Gmpa has hundreds of small ceramic statues of Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion): a common feature in the valley. Beyond Dumje, we get the superb view of Ganesh Himal and Boudha Peak. Then we pass Rainjam farm and descend down to cross the Sarphu Khola that flows from Syakpa Glaciers off Shringi Himal to the north. We then climb for 2 and half hour on well-leveled path, pass Gho to reach Upper Tsum Valley. The magnificent slate of chortens faces Ganesh Himal and linked the villages of Chhokang and Paro which is collectively known as Chhekampar (Place of wisdom)
.Today’s trail is relatively short and easy with huge scope of exploration and discovery on the wide flat valley floor. From Chhekampar, you can walk through a local school at Kaye before reaching the clustered twin village of Ngakyu and Leru. The Rachen Nunnery lies across the river. We climb up to the low ridge along the chortens to reach Lama Gaon. Further walk takes us to Burji where we explore Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu – Pigeon Cave) perched on the slope of Lamjung Himal. Here we can see the footprint of Milerapa and the rock shape of an elephant. Further east trail leads us to the monastery of Chi Phu which is located at the higher slope of Langju Himal. The trail then crosses the southeast bank of the Siyar Khola and walk along the Rachen Gompa trail route to Nile.
Today we start early in the morning and walk for 2 hours to reach 77 years old Mu Gompa. Another couple of hour trek takes us to 856 year old Dephyu Doma Nunnery, the place where the light was believed to born. It is majestically located at an altitude of 4,000m/13,100ft on a small promontory, with Ganesh II on its backdrop. Trek to Mu to enjoy the magnificent view of Ganesh I and stunning valley. Mu is the highest permanent settlement in the Tsum valley. To the north of Mu is seasonal Kharkas and passes that leads to Tibet. After exploration, trek back to Nile for lunch and trek to Chhekampar.
After exploration around Mu Gompa we trek down to Rachen Gompa. The trail leads same route to Phurbe and then cross the Bridge and come down via Bursi( Melerepa Footprint), Lama Gaon and Nakyu village. It takes 6 hours walking down hill then stay overnight at home stay.
Today we retrace our step to the small gompa at Gho and then descend down to a wooden bridge over the river to follow the trail to Dumje. Dumje houses a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school.
The trail then continues steeply upward through the magical forest of pine, oak and rhododendron to reach Gumba Lungdang. From here, you can majestic mountain vistas on either direction. This 110 year old gompa has 20 nuns and an intense puja (religious activity) is performed every late afternoon. Visitors are welcomed to attend Puja and stay overnight at Gompa Veranda and use their kitchen and ablution facilities.
After breakfast, drop down to the Dumje and take a left trail to cross the Langdang Khola and follow the south bank route down to Siyar Khola. Later we climb down through the high fertile land and ribbon village of Ripchet. We trek beyond the village and dip down to Gumlung on a the river before rising through the forest of Lokpa.
Trek to Ripchet –Ripche Dobhan (1070m) 7hrs. over night at lodge.
Walk along the Burigandaki river to Tatopani, there is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. If not continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.
After breakfast, we drive down to Budh Gandaki Valley to Arughat and back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a rest day off. In the evening, we will reunite again for farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurant in town, where we will be eager to hear the feedback of your trip.
It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.
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