Tsum Valley Cultural Trek

Trip Introducrion:
Set in the northern part of Manaslu, the Tsum Valley is one of the world’s remotest Himalayan valleys and also known at the holy hidden valley of happiness. Once part of Tibet it holds its very own culture, with the peoples have their own ancient form of dialect, art and religion. Interestingly, all the brothers in the family are married to a single girl! 

We start our trek at Arughat following the Manaslu Circuit as we ascend the Buddha Gandaki Valley through dense forest, terraced fields and hill villages. As we leave the main trail towards the Tsum Valley we cross glacial rivers, alpine forests and the lower Buri Gandaki regions of Liding, Machhakhola, Jagay and Philim.  The trek takes you into the majestic surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal ranges with many ancient Gombas of the region to be seen including the Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa and Dephyudonma.

Highlights

• Tsum Valley is one of the most remote valley in Himalayas in Manaslu region that opened for trekking only at 2007
• Tsum Valley holds its very own culture, with the peoples have their own ancient form of dialect, art and religion
• Witness the remote lifestyle of the peoples in Tsum Valley in Chumling & Chhokangparo- Impressive Villages 
• Great visit to Buddhist Monasteries in Mu Gompa, Rachen Gumpa, Chortens & Mani-walls and Nunnery Monastery in the region

Customize Your Own Trek !

This trek itinerary provided here is a standard itinerary prepared to this trip but if you want to customize your own itinerary for this trekking adventure at your timeline and interest, do write us, and we will be very pleased to customize this trek to your need and timeline suggested.

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu 
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

On arrival to Kathmandu; we will greet you at the airport and transfer to your trip hotel. Later we meet and take you and brief you on the Tsum Valley Cultural Trek with us and introduce your trekking guide. Evening, we host welcome dinner at one of the finest local restaurant in Kathmandu with music and ethnic dance. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 02: Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu Valley. Trek Preparation Day
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Activities: Kathmandu sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Today after breakfast we will start the half-day tour of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Valley is probably one of the most interesting cultural valleys with a superb blend of Hinduism and Buddhism and mega edifices dedicated to deities of these religions. Moreover, the historic courtyards and palaces inside Kathmandu are artistically fascinating, which date back to ancient and medieval eras. Firstly, we will visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus- Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is an abode of thousands of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba). The sights of cremating dead bodies most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati is an offbeat cultural experience. From Pashupatinath we drive to nearby Buddhanath, the biggest Buddhist monastery in Asia-  This Stupa is one of the holy Stupas. You can circumambulate around this mega shrine clockwise to witness Himalayan culture scattered everywhere at Boudhanath.

Day 03: Drive to Arughat Bazaar & To SotiKhola - 7 to 8 hours drives
Altitude: 800m/2652ft
Activities: Driving
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Today an early start takes us on an 8-9-hour ride to Sotikhola in the Gorkha district. As you follow the Budi Gandaki River, you will notice on arrival that the town is located on both sides of the riverbank. Arughat Bazaar is a pleasant town with many shops selling any last-minute supplies that you may need for your journey. After tea break at Arughat, we continue drive to Soti Khola. On arrival at SotiKhola we will explore the village, Overnight at Sotikhola.

Day 04: Trek to MachhaKhola - 5 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 1000m/3280ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Today after hot breakfast we trek to Machha khola, which translates as Fish River in English. Above the river is a village with the same name – Machha khola. This village is also the joining point for the Great Himalayan Trail as it heads up the East bank of the river and goes in the direction of the Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Machha khola.

Day 05: Trek to Dovan - 6 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 1000m/3280ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Today’s trail from Macha Khola involves some steep ascents and descents often dropping down to the gravel bars beside the river. After crossing the Tharu Khola, the valley here contains many fields of wheat and buckwheat on either side. After two hours on the trail you get to the small village of Tatopani which has a natural hot spring in which you can clean yourself a little. A further climb across a well-crafted staircase brings you to Doban. This village lies at the confluence of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpu khola, which flows from the west. Overnight at Doban.

Day 06: Trek to Philim - 6 to 7 hours walks 
Altitude: 1590m/5215ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Today the route climbs on further across rugged rocky terrain, up and down ravines and notched trees. We pass Jagot where the Police check post is located and the village is exceptionally clean and well organised. We get good views of Sringrihimal as we continue up to the village of Philim at 1550m.This is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. Overnight at Philim.

Day 07: Trek to Chumling also known as Lower Tsum Valley - 5 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 2360m/7741ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

After breakfast, we continuing our trek along the river for about one hour we get to diverge in the river system. Taking the left-hand trail across the suspension bridge will take you to larke pass on the Manaslu route. We stay to the right, which takes us into lower Tsum Valley. In Philim the landscape was very spread out but now you are trekking through a canyon with some exceptionally tall pine trees and beautiful grasslands hugging the mountain side. Overnight at Chumling.

Day 08: Trek to Chhokangparo also known as Upper Tsum Valley - 5 to 7 hours walks 
Altitude: 3010m/9873ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Today we continue our trek up the valley to Dumje where we stop for lunch. From here we can also see spectacular views of the Baudha and Himalchuli peaks to the southwest. Chhokangparo, which is part of the Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. Some households in this village sill practice polyandry. Overnight at Chhokangparo.

Day 09: Trek to Nile/Chhule - 5 to 6 hours walks
Altitude: 3480m/11414ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

From Chhokangparo we continue north east as we make our way to Nile/ Chulle. Two hours into the journey we visit the Milarepa PirenPhu Cave. PirenPhu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. The great Buddhist Yogi Chyuchin Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rocky cave which houses the life size statues of Avaloketishvara, Budhha, Tara and Milarepa. 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 cultural assets in the valley. Beautiful views can be had of the ShiarKhola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. Trekking further up the valley will bring you to Nile / Chulle. Chulle is on the Eastern side of the ShiarKhola while 20 minutes further upstream is Nile. These are the last villages heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Overnight at Nile/Chhule.

Day 10: Trek to Mu Gompa - 6 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 3700m/12136ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Walking two hours further along the old Nepal-Tibet caravan path leads you to Mu Gompa. Close by is the oldest monastery in the valley-Dephyudonma Gumba (4060m), founded about 700 years ago. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. The landscape is dotted with mani walls, chortens and kaanis (gateway chortens). Chortens are Buddhist religious monuments, also known as stupas, which are distinct features in Tsum Valley. They are erected to ward off evil spirits from places that are identified as thresholds such as confluences and bridges or to commemorate the visit or death of historic figures, lamas or even relatives. Kaanis are also called gateway chortens placed before the entry of any village which travellers are supposed to walk through. Mani walls are long walls made of mani stones i.e. stones with carved mantras. The main purpose of these mani walls is to ask the help of the gods for the wellbeing of travellers. Overnight at Mu Gompa

Day 11: Day Exploration in Mu Gompa
Altitude: 3700m/12136ft
Activities: explore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

You will see a trail that leads North from our camp. Many local people use this trail as they take caravans of yaks every two months to get the necessary food supplies for the monks at the monastery. The journey takes 6-7 days and crosses the high pass Ngula Dhojhyag (5093 m). We don't walk further north but instead hike to the base of Pika Himal (4865m) where views of glaciers, Tibetan peaks, the Ganesh Himal and other surrounding mountains can be seen. The area is home to fauna such as Blue sheep, Yaks, Naks, Chauris and the rare sighting of Pika. After the day's excursion, we return to our campsite at Mu Gomba.

Day 12: Trek to Rachen Gompa (3240m/10627ft)- Visit to Nunnery in afternoon. 5 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 3240m/10627ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Upper Tsum Valley is a separate world where nature, people and spirit co-exist in harmony. The people here never slaughter animals, not even as sacrifice to the gods as is customary in many parts of the world. Every single family sends a child to the local monastery to become a monk or a nun. Heading back down the valley we arrive at Rachen Gompa, the biggest nunnery/monastery in the valley and houses nuns belonging to the Ngak-pa sect. Established in the year 1905 AD, it houses one thousand clay moulded statues of Avalokiteshwara, Guru Padmasambhava, Tara and Buddha Amitabha. The interiors of this monastery are richly painted with murals depicting Buddhism and its history as well as a brightly coloured carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. Overnight at Rachen Gompa.

Day 13: Trek to Dumje - 5 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 2410m/7905ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

An easy walk today with plenty of time for Photography as we proceed down the valley. There are many small villages worth exploring along the way otherwise Dumje is also small with about eight houses and some adjoining cattle sheds. Overnight at Dumje.

Day 14: Trek to Philim - 6 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 1590m/5215ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

From Dumje we trek down to Philimbut take a small alternative path via Ripchet. Here we pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, 'Samba Tingding Chhupyang'. Overnight at Philim.

Day 15: Trek to Tatopani - 5 to 6 hours walks
Altitude: 970m/3182ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

From Phillim we trek to Tatopani where once again you may freshen up a little. After two weeks of camping, I am sure your excitement will build knowing that you can visit this hot spring once more. Tatopani only has four or five houses with the majority being lodgings. We pass through Jagat once more and have our permits checked and stamped as we now leave the Manaslu Conservation area. Overnight at Tatopani.

Day 16: Trek to SotiKhola - 5 to 7 hours walks
Altitude: 800m/2624ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

For the next two days, we stay on this side of the river passing through many terraced fields of crops grown by local villagers and walking past tropical waterfalls.  Overnight at Soti Khola.

Day 17: Drive from SotiKhola to Arughat & continue Drive to Kathmandu - 7 to 8 hours drives
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Activities: Driving
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

Our last leg of the journey being the drive back down to Arughat Bazaar and continues to drive back to Kathmandu. Once you reach at your hotel in Kathmandu we will meet and enjoy the dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu 
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Activities: Departure
Meals: Breakfast

Today is a day for last-minute souvenir and gift shopping. After breakfast, as per your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport in Kathmandu for your departure flight.

Cost Includes:

• All ground transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle (Including airport pick and drop) 
• 03 Nights twin sharing Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
• Welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant- Traditional Dance & Music & Farewell Dinner at one of the finest restaurant in downtown
• Tsum Valley Trek Permit, Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit, Fees & TIMs card
• Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola & return transfer by private Jeep drive (7 to 8 hours drive- each way)
• Tsum Valley Trek on full board of meals (B, L, D, tea /coffee in cups only), seasonal fruits etc. 
• Tsum Valley Trek accommodation in comfortable Mt. Lodges & Guest Houses on twin share- (Few Nights will be in attached bathroom/hot shower)
• One Advanced Adventures Trek Leader (Gov. Licensed, first aid, altitude trained/experienced and eco trained), assistance leader/s in a group, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance 
• One trek porter to carry trek luggage’s for every two trekkers in a group, all payment, trekking equipment and insurance 
• Sleeping Bags and Down Jacket for Trek use (Need to return after trek), Trek Duffle Bag and T-shirt, Trekking Maps & Adventure Certificate 
• Group Medicine kit Box
• All Gov. and local taxes as applicable 
• Final departure transfer from Kathmandu to airport on your departure

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa, International flights in/out Nepal 
• Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu (If any) 
• Cost of beverages such as mineral water, coca cola, Beer etc., cost of battery charge, laundry etc. on trek 
• Travel insurance (Must include Helicopter evacuation, Medical Exp. and trip cancellation) 
• Personal trekking gears 
• Personal nature expenses & Tips 
• Any extending trips

Passport & Visa Information
Nepal visa is the easiest visa to obtain; you may buy your Nepal visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad or buy this upon on arrival to Kathmandu international airport as per your convenient. You have to have 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US cash & valid passport at least for 6 months valid at the starting of the trip.

Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa.

Transit visa is provided for foreign nationality for 3 days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Currently, foreign national can obtain Nepalese visa from the following border.

• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
• Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
• Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
• Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
• Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
• Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
• Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

Tourist Visa Fees: 3 days transit visa - Free of Cost
Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Download visa form-: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online

Group Size
In this Tsum Valley Trek, the minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is ten or more on request. Because this trekking region is restricted trekking part of Nepal Goverment, solo trek is prohibited so we should have minimum of two peoples to plan this trek. 

Our Guides, Trip & Safety
Because these hikes take you on the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified & equipped leader for the safe and successful trip. We Advanced Adventure employee the local trek guide and stuff who are trained and qualified on the trip we worked on. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Gov, certify from TAAN & Nepal Mountaineering Association. All of our leading Trekking and Climbing Guide are experience from last 8 to 10 years. We have train them specially for your trip, to cater the flexible needs of our peoples in the group joining from different countries, this double assure you that your trip is at the right and professional hands.

At every trip, there would be our one Trek leader and one assistance leader on each additional 2 peoples on the trek- this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/ assistance guides get sick or if any travelers gets sick and need to be back or delay the days of walking, it would still works smoothly and there would not be any impact on our original trek plan. Also each two trekker would have one Sherpa helper for carrying your trekking bags.

Meals and Accommodations
While staying in Kathmandu, your accommodation is at 3 star deluxe hotel that comfort your stays in city and while in trek, your accommodation is at Mt. Lodge and Guest House which is clean and comfortable. Our entire accommodation is at twin share unless stated but single supplement accommodation is also available on personal request at the additional cost of US$- 300.

In city, only breakfast is included on the offered trip itinerary but while in trek full board of meals is included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, and Tea- Coffee). We provide you food from the local tea- house/ Mt. Lodge from en route. Breakfast and dinner is to be provided from the same tea- house/ guest house we would overnight but lunch would be en route in between.

Foods provided are depends on the availability of the Mt. lodges we would be staying but in general, you can have Nepalese foods (Dal Bhat), Tibetan fried bread, various soups, Momo’s (steamed dumplings), potatoes, pastas and even a version of pizza! So, over all you have a different choice of food on trek.

Acclimatization 
There is no way to prepare for altitude other than to spend time at altitude. Being in very good physical condition will help ameliorate some of the exhaustion that people often feel, but it will not prevent altitude caused medical problems such as Acute Mountain Sickness. This itinerary is designed with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in mind and to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure trek in the Himalayas. Staying well hydrated and getting plenty of rest may help. 

The maximum elevation of this trek will be reached at Thorong la at altitude of 3800m above sea level. Obviously this altitude range is high, but as we would be e range of altitude, and we are hiking from the 820m to this altitude range with enough days of hiking en route, it is not considered a high risk zone for AMS. However, AMS could affect to the peoples indifferently. 

Travel Insurance & Vaccination
You must obtain personal travel insurance to join us for our Himalayan trips. You must be having a travel insurance which must cover helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and medical expenses. And it is suggested that you buy your insurance policy from you homeland country before traveling as it is difficult buying local travel insurance policy for foreigners in Nepal. 

Vaccination is required to plan to your trip to Nepal but it is not a must to have thing to come, but highly suggested. Your doctor will have the information of vaccination you would require to the country you will be traveling. 

Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid and Malaria etc. are the recommended vaccination for traveling to Nepal. 

Trekking Seasons
We do have two best seasons to attempt this trek to Tsum Valley Trek. We always suggest you to come at the right time of the year as far as possible to enjoy this trip at best weather condition. 

Spring: - (March, April, May) - Best warmest time to trek. Rhododendron flowers in bloom- excellent trails and clear skies, best visibility. Good Temperature, warmest weather of the year.

Autumn:- (Mid September, October and November) - Excellent trails, clear blue skies, best visibility. Best Time to Trek

Winter Months: - (December, January and February) are also good, but it’s obviously colder. You have to be prepared for this. It is up to you to plan this trek at this cold time or not.

Summer: - Monsoon, so rain and visibility can be a big issue (from Mid June, July and August). We do not suggest you this time for the trek.

Caring Porter
Our porter are fully equipped and insured for each trip they are undertaking with us. As you know that we are very sincere with the porter issues and their situation while on trek thus we make sure that our porter are fully prepared for the trip. We are closely working with International Porter Progress Association for the welfare and befit for the touristic porters. The maximum load carried by our porter is 20 to 25 KG maximum so be sure that your trekking bag so not load more than 12 KG.

To Book
Once you would choose which trip you would like to book with us, write us with the information or phone us on our phone number for the trip booking confirmation. We have online trip booking option, you may go on that link, choose your trip and date and follow the instruction with information required and summit us. Once your trip booking request would be received, we would suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment of the trip. Non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected adventure.

Please do not hesitate to contact us in relation to any questions you may have regarding our trip booking Process.