THE ENTIRE TSUM VALLEY CAMPING TREK 29 DAYS
Introduction to Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan Budhhist pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. Trails 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 Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet. The Tsum Valley has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. 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 remained intact. The valley is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak. The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the Tsum Valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley and Gompa Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
People and Religion in Tsum Valley
The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect. Even these days, some families practice polyandry (or having more than one husband at a time). These families have been found to be well managed and wealthier than other families. A long history of Buddhism can be seen. The Buddhist saint named Milarepa is believed to have meditated in a cave in these mountains. It is believed that there is a favorable ambience for fortunate events in this region. The people in Tsum have a strong faith in Buddhism. They pray to Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some bodhisattvas. They install Prayer Flags, Khata, or Mani walls, burn butter lamps in monasteries and believe in the reincarnation of Lamas. The histories and way of life of supernatural entities and stories about them are well-known. Nevertheless Prayer Flags, Khata, or Mani walls are installed and ritual burning of juniper is performed to purify an area against such supernatural entities. The people of Tsum perform numerous rituals and festivals against devil entities. However, the slaughtering of animals on an altar to honor deities does not occur. A few laymen and Lamas practice some special rites to exorcise evil factors. Local people practice mainly two types of astrology “Black” and “White” for the determination of auspicious days.
Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan Budhhist pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. Trails 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 Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet. The Tsum Valley has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. 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 remained intact. The valley is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak. The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the Tsum Valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley and Gompa Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
People and Religion in Tsum Valley
The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect. Even these days, some families practice polyandry (or having more than one husband at a time). These families have been found to be well managed and wealthier than other families. A long history of Buddhism can be seen. The Buddhist saint named Milarepa is believed to have meditated in a cave in these mountains. It is believed that there is a favorable ambience for fortunate events in this region. The people in Tsum have a strong faith in Buddhism. They pray to Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some bodhisattvas. They install Prayer Flags, Khata, or Mani walls, burn butter lamps in monasteries and believe in the reincarnation of Lamas. The histories and way of life of supernatural entities and stories about them are well-known. Nevertheless Prayer Flags, Khata, or Mani walls are installed and ritual burning of juniper is performed to purify an area against such supernatural entities. The people of Tsum perform numerous rituals and festivals against devil entities. However, the slaughtering of animals on an altar to honor deities does not occur. A few laymen and Lamas practice some special rites to exorcise evil factors. Local people practice mainly two types of astrology “Black” and “White” for the determination of auspicious days.
Festival in Tsum Valley
Numerous festivals, several mask dances and rituals are celebrated throughout the year in the Tsum Valley preserving the century old practices. Loshar:- LO means year and SHAR means new, the Tibetan word meant of Happy Loshar (Tibetan New Year) celebrated according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar offering large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and protectors. Tsumbas of the lower Tsum Valley celebrate Loshar earlier than the upper Tsum people. Dhachyang (The horse Festival):-The second most important festival of this region is celebrated on a slightly different date than the normal Dec/Jan. Committed to the welfare of the people, it is celebrated by the active male participants holding horse races leaving women to join in the evening for dancing and singing. Happy Saka Dawa:- The full moon day of Saka Dawa commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana. As cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day (fall in May) are multiplied one hundred million times. Rituals are performed at local monasteries and nunneries and the devotees take fasting during this time. Faning:- In mid-August with nutritious and yummy, this festival commemorates the attainment of internal energy from any food, including water.
Numerous festivals, several mask dances and rituals are celebrated throughout the year in the Tsum Valley preserving the century old practices. Loshar:- LO means year and SHAR means new, the Tibetan word meant of Happy Loshar (Tibetan New Year) celebrated according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar offering large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and protectors. Tsumbas of the lower Tsum Valley celebrate Loshar earlier than the upper Tsum people. Dhachyang (The horse Festival):-The second most important festival of this region is celebrated on a slightly different date than the normal Dec/Jan. Committed to the welfare of the people, it is celebrated by the active male participants holding horse races leaving women to join in the evening for dancing and singing. Happy Saka Dawa:- The full moon day of Saka Dawa commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana. As cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day (fall in May) are multiplied one hundred million times. Rituals are performed at local monasteries and nunneries and the devotees take fasting during this time. Faning:- In mid-August with nutritious and yummy, this festival commemorates the attainment of internal energy from any food, including water.
Itinerary in details:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel,
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley by private car. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat 570m/6hours by land cruiser. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 4: Trek from Arughat to Liding 860m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 5: Trek from Liding to Machha Khola 930m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 6: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat 1370m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 7: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa 2240m/6hours (Entrance to Tsum Valley). Overnight at tented camp.
Day 8: Trek from Lokpa to Chumling 2386m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 9: Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo 3031m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Trek from Chhokangparo to Chule-Nile 3361m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 11: Trek from Chule-Nile to Chho Syong 4000m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 12: Trek from Chho Syong to Dupchet 4180m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Trek from Dupchet to Chhemdo 4110m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 14: Trek from Chhemdo to Chhekya 4240m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 15: Trek from Chhekya to Dangchet 4350m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 16: Trek from Dangchet to Yamdro 4510m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 17: Trek from Yamdro to Bhajyo 4030m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 18: Trek from Bhajyo to Thongbu 4560m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 19: Trek from Thongbu to Lungdang 4240m/5hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 20: Trek from Lungdang to Rachen Gompa 3240m/7hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 21: Trek from Rachen Gompa to Dhumje 2460m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 22: Trek from Dhumje to Gompa Lungdan 3200m/4hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 23: Trek from Gompa Lungdan to Ripchet 2470m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 24: Trek from Ripchet to Doban 1070m/8hours (Exit from Tsum Valley). Overnight at tented camp.
Day 25: Trek from Doban to Soti Khola 730m/6hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 26: Trek from Soti Khola to Arughat 570m/4hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 27: Drive from Arughat to Kathmandu 6 hours by land cruiser and transfer to Hotel.
Day 28: Sightseeing in Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square by private car. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 29: Departure to International Airport.
Our Tour Package Includes:
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast at Standard hotel in Kathmandu.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the trek.
- Accommodation in tents during the trek.
- 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and 1 helper, 1 sherpa(tents), porters (1 porter for
2person), their food & accommodation, bus ticket, salary, equipments and insurance.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and all necessary permits.
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (35 USD for first 8 Days).
- All transportation by private land cruiser.
- All trekking equipment (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
- All necessary permits.
- First Aid Medical Kit box.
- Tourist service charge,
- Office Service charges.
- All Government Tax.
Our Tour Package doesn't include;
- Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
- Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
- International air fare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
- Items and expenses of personal nature.
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
- Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
- Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
- Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and
strikes etc.
- Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
- Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
- Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
N.B: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
N.B: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Nepal Family Trekking & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
Grade:
(Strenuous) [ Explain ]
Price
USD
EUR
SFr
USD
EUR
SFr
4,125.00
3,300.00
3,750.00
Trip Dates
| Start date | End date | Availability | Book it! |
| Trip is available | >> Book now |
TOUR CANCELLATION:
There will be a cancellation fee of 25% for any cancellation three weeks prior to Tour departure date, 50% two weeks prior to Tour departure date and no refund thereafter. No refund for no shows & delay arrivals whatsoever reason.