Tsum valley of happiness

The Trip

Tsum Valley is probably the most beautiful of the valleys lying under the majestic Ganesh and Sringi Himal northeast of Kathmandu. The nearest road head is a five days’ walk away at Arughat in the Gorkha district. The remote Tsum Valley is one of the hidden gems of Nepal also known as the Beyul Kyimolung, the holy hidden valley of happiness, first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century. Tsum Valley has a population of about 4000 people of the indigenous ethnic group known as “Tsumbas” with some 300 Tsumba people living in Kathmandu while another 200 live abroad.

It has become an exclusive trekking destination in the last years with challenging routes situated at the elevation from nearly 2.000m to 5093m in the northern Gorkha area. It is also a prominent,  sanctified Himalayan pilgrimage.  The valley lies between Himal Chuli and Baudha Himal to the west, Sringi Himal to the north, and majestic Ganesh Himal to the south. The natural beauty, combined with a magnificent culture and its ethnic ties to Tibet makes this trekking exclusive and exhilarating.
Tsum Valley is a recently opened for trekking. The trail starts from Arughat and pursues to along the Budi Gandaki River. Alongside the imposing majestic of Ganesh Himal and other mountains, the valley offers many authentic artefacts such as prehistoric sculpture, and ancient traditions and beliefs. The trail is dominated by chortens and mani walls that are made of thousands of rocks engraved with divinity and prayers.

Day by Day Program

In the footsteps of a genuine Himalayan pilgrimage

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel +D
A staff member of Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome you will have a typical Nepalese dinner with some of the staff members, typical food coming up! And do not forget to try our typical Nepalese drink with great mood of cheers.

Day 02: Sightseeing/free day in Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel +B
After breakfast we will start for the sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu, visit the main temples of Swoyambhunath (Monkey temple), Pashupatinath, the most venerated Hindu temple of Nepal and Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa of the world. In the afternoon we show you Durbar square with an orientation tour through lively Thamel. Transport and all entree fees included!

Day 03: Drive to Aarughat (535m, 7/8hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Today, we drive in 7/8 hrs from Kathmandu into the western mountain area to Arughat via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. It is a long, but picturesque drive through the central hills to Malekhu, then a secondary road to Dhading Besi.

Day 4: Trek to Lapubesi (787m, 6/7hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Our trek starts with ascending gradually crossing some small villages of Gurung tribes. The Gurung have a rich tradition of music and culture. After lunch the trail goes ahead following the Budi Gandaki River. The Budi Gandaki drains the eastern slopes of two great mountains, the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. In the afternoon the trail goes down allows you to walk through the forests and a few waterfalls. You will nestle down at Lapubesi.

Day 5: Trek to Machhakhola (825m, 5/6hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
The trail moves further this second day passing amazing landscape and alpine panorama’s. Following the river bank of Budhi Gandaki, the trail ascends gradually, and passes through dense forests. After we pass some gorges and waterfalls we ascend to Machhakhol, passing some more Gurung settlements, and crossing few times the Budhi Gandaki. At the edge of the hills far away we see the glimpse of Sringi Himal (7187 m). It takes just an extra few hours to the enchanting village of Machhakhola.

Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1330m, 6/7hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Today our trekking day starts with a steep descend via the hundreds of stone stairs to the Budhi Gandaki. We cross it by a spectacular suspension bridge. Again we follow the river that allow us to see the beautiful river valley and at the horizon the snow capped mountains like Buddha himal and Sirangi Himal. On this day we formally enter the Mansalu Conservation area. and end up in our overnight destination, Jagat.

Day 7: Trek to Chisopani  (1660m, 4/5 hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
After completing the ACAP procedure in Jagat, we start our climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, after which we then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We keep continuing upstream to a long, old looking (but safe) hanging bridge. We climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. The same name has the Philim valley, well known for the by Japan established school and police station. We walk past Philim to the north, across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley and finally reach Chisopani.

Day 8: Trek to Chumling (2,386m, 7hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
After breakfast we cross the gorge near Ekle Bhatti and after half an hour walk to the right side we see a big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. We now descend down and our trail enters the Tsum Valley. We climb through pine and rhododendron forests and enjoy the views of the Himalchuli mountains (7.893m) and Boudha Himal. We enjoy the view from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, we descend further towards Lungwa khola and hiking zig zag on a more difficult trail two hours north to Gumlung, crossing the Siyar Khola river.

Day 09: Trek to Chhokangparo (3010m, 6/7hrs) o/n lodge +B+L+D
A relatively easy start this morning crossing through a suspension bridge. The impression of a  jungle is emphasized by the tropical landscape. Higher up, we can have great views of the majestic Ganesh Himal. After Rainjam, the path goes down and we come across the Sarpu Khola that springs off the Syakpa Glacier from Sringi Himal, 7101m high to the north side. We ascend now for about 2-5 hours, on a bare pathway, to Upper Tsum Valley. We encounter the communities of Paro and Chhokang where we stay overnight. The gorge spreads out and we see stone houses located underneath the cliffs. The inhabitants make complete use of the large paddock for maize, barley, potatoes and buckwheat. We can enjoy Himalchuli (7.893m) on the west.

Day 10: Trek to  Nile (3361, 6/7hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Today, we travel around linked villages and rise north, then climb up to an edge with Chortens, just prior from passing Lamagaon (3.020m). Before the Burji village, a track to the north leads us to Milarepa’s Cave (Pigeon Cave) where several Buddhists were believed to meditate. We cross over the Siyar Khola river through Rachen Gompa and finally arrive at Nile.

Day 11: Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700m, 3/4 hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Meanwhile our trek leads us near to the Tibetan border. We walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes and climb up to the Mu Gompa where we also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa.

Day 12: Trek to Burgi Village (3,245m/4/5hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
After breakfast we trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally we arrive at Burgi village, which is a small but beautiful village.  Climb up to see the Milarepa’s Cave Milarepa Cave (‘piren phu’) known for its mesmerizing glimpses of the Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke himal.

Day 13: Trek to Chumling (2,386, 5/6hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Today’s trail takes us to the greenery of nature as we descend down to Chhokang Paro. From there we continue descending to Gho and arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the lower Tsum Valley takes us to Chumling again.

Day 14: Trek to Philim (1,570m, 6/7hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Our trail continues after breakfast to Lokpa. After lunch we will do south on a flat trail. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Then we finally arrive at Philim after a long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.

Day 15: Trek to Khorlabesi (970m, 6/7hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Further down it says after breakfast and today we hike from Philim to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani.  A further descend takes us to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. We move ahead to Dobhan and after we arrive at Tatopani. Here is a hot spring where we can enjoy the warmth that our muscles need. you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. After we walk easily to Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day.

Day 16: From Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m, 6hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Down we go as the trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. We walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Passing the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail. We then reach Khursane and walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki. Finally, we cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.

Day 17:  Trek to Arughat (535m, 3/4hrs) o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Our last trekking day throught the amzing valley let’s us climb up to the ridge of Kyorpani. We descend after down to the cascading waterfall and trek further to arrive at Arkhet. We cross the Arkhet Khola and are now leaving the Budhi Gandaki Valley. We arrive at Sante Bazaar; passing through the forests of Maltar. Finally, passing by the hydroelectric plant following the stone streets, we arrive at the starting point of our adventure, Arughat Bazar.

Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel, +B/L
Today we drive back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of road. In Kathmandu, we transfer you to your hotel, for a real welcoming hot showers and an inviting soft bed… the day is at your leisure to rest.

Day 19: Free day for shopping , o/n in a hotel +B+D
The free day in Kathmandu either will be for leisure to rest or for perhaps some shopping before going home or explore any sights we missed during our first day in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Transfer to international airport for fly back to home +B

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