Highlights:
“Following old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade and Caravan route of Nepal and Tibet The forbidden land and last Himalayan Shangri-La of Nepal wild North Mid-West.Explore the mystical country, villages enriched with culture of age-old heritage.From low warm sub-tropical to cooler green hills and towards arctic dry zone Tsum valley of happiness sandwiched between Ganesh and Manaslu Himalayas”
Best seasons for Tsum Valley Trek:
The best time for this beautiful trek around remote areas of Tsum Valley is in the spring and autumn seasons, spring from March to May, and autumn/fall begins from September to November months.
Springtime from March to May will be much lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the magnolia and rhododendrons the national flower of Nepal.
March to May fine clear day most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes on high altitude areas as well on passes. Autumn / Falls another best time for this trek with a fine clear day for views and walks. But days are short with sun-light hours temperatures can drop to freezing temperatures, around the higher region, especially in the morning, and night times will be clear with bright starry nights. Chances of snow on tracks above 3,000 m higher, as well on passes.
Religion and Culture:
North of Gorkha district around Tsum Valley populated by Tibetan origin people known as Tsumbas the tribes of Tsum around remote Mid-West Nepal Himalaya. The native around high Tsum Valley follows strong Buddhism religion of age-old culture similar to their predecessors Tibetan, on this trek, you will notice traditionally built houses, where every home is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and religious monuments.
On this trek above Jagat village, coming across rows of prayer walls, spinning and wheeled prayer with Buddhist stupas, where walking clockwise will be the right way to respect the local culture as well visit of monasteries.
Overview
Tsum Valley Trekking, an adventure around remote pockets of Nepal North Mid-West. Once a forbidden country closed for outside visitors and remains as restricted area, due to its remote, inaccessibility location. The Tsum villagers avoided outside modern impacts and change for centuries, opened its doors for travelers from the year 2008. Since then trekkers and adventurers began to enter this hidden country obtaining special entry permits for Tsum Valley trekking.
Tsum area known as the valley of happiness translated from the ancient Tibetan language ‘Beyul Kyimolung’. The country still retains its beautiful pristine wilderness, age-old unique culture, and heritage as it were past centuries.
An exciting area, a Shangri-La remains undisturbed by the main flow of visitors, where only a few groups of trekkers seldom venture. Where Old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route of Nepal to Tibet with caravan train of mules and yaks. Laden with goods passed through Tsum Valley, trade still exists but in smaller number than in early days. Since Tibet became part of mainland China in the late 1950s, the vast wilderness of Tsum is an extension of the Tibet plateau.
Tsum Valley Trekking involves drive both ways from Kathmandu to reach the starting point of the trek at Maccha-Khola farm village. Where walk follows Budi-Gandaki River upstream past rural farm villages around low sub-tropical areas to reach cooler alpine hills. The adventure continues from one village to another with a dramatic change of landscapes, vegetation, and climate as the walk enters the high country.
From the village of Jagat onward entering the restricted areas of Tsum Valley, as the climb continues walking into a forest path. Where walk leads into villages of strong Tibetan influence with similar culture and heritage of farm life.
The adventure leads to lovely villages of Lokpa, Chumling, Chokan Paro then at the Nile the last large settlement around Tsum. From Nile village short day hike to Mu Gompa our main highlight of the adventure. As walk heads east where tree lines fade for short bushes around arid, dry terrain to Mu Gompa.
At Mu-Gompa the highest spot of the trek, enjoy the rest of the day’s visit to Nuns monastery called Dhephyudoma, perched on the lap of the Himalayas.
The area is also a residence of the snow leopard and often prowls around hunting for easy prey like young yak calf. Around the monastery facing grand views of Ganesh Himal with surrounding close peaks of high Tsum valley.
After an enjoyable and exciting experience at Mu Gompa, return journey on an alternative trail via Burgi village and Lungdang Gompa. An opportunity to explore remote scenic areas of Tsum, adventure slowly heads towards a low warm farm area at Maccha-Khola. Next, early morning taking an interesting long drive back to Kathmandu, where our fabulous adventure Tsum Valley trekking concludes.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,345 m and transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, trek briefing and preparations.
Day 03: Drive to Machha-Khola 930 m via Arughat – 07 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Jagat 1,410 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Lokpa 2,240 m via Deng 1,800 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Chumling 2,386 m – 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Chokan-Paro 3,010 m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Nile 3,361 m visiting Millerepa cave – 07 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Mu Gompa 3,700 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Burgi Village 3,245 m – 05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Lungdang Gompa 3,200 m – 05 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Lokpa 2,260 m – 06 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m – 05 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Machha-Khola – 05 hrs.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu – 07 hrs.
Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu for tour or enjoy individual activities.
Day 17: International departure homeward bound.
