Tsum Valley, located in the trans-Himalayan region of Gorkha, Nepal, is a sacred pilgrimage site known for its deep connection with Tibet, stunning natural beauty, and well-preserved culture. The name “Tsum” comes from the Tibetan word “Tsombo,” which means vivid. The valley, nestled between the majestic Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Baudha Himal mountain ranges, offers a tranquil environment rich in ancient art, culture, and spirituality.
Inhabited predominantly by Tibetan descendants, the Tsum Valley speaks a unique dialect and is dotted with artistic chortens and mani walls. These stone structures, engraved with deities and prayers, line the trails. The valley holds great significance in Buddhism and is linked to the meditation caves of the famous Buddhist saint Milarepa, who is said to have meditated in the surrounding mountains. Historically, the valley was known as Tsum Tso Chuksum, a unified territory made up of thirteen provinces. The remnants of the ancient Tsum Kingdom still stand, offering a glimpse into its historical grandeur. Due to its isolation, Tsum Valley has remained largely untouched by mainstream development, preserving its distinctive culture throughout the ages.
Overview
| Duration: | 19 days | Trip Garde: | 4 (Challenging) |
| Country: | Nepal | Activity: | Trekking |
| Arrival on: | Departure From: | ||
| Attractions: |
Short Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu (1300mt.) transfer to hotel.
Day 2 : From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar (8-9 hours)
Day 3 : Arughat to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
Day 4 : Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hours)
Day 5 : Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hours)
Day 6 : Jagat to Philim (4 hours)
Day 7 : Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (7 hours)
Day 8 : Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (5-6 hours)
Day 9 : Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (6-7 hours)
Day 10 : Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4 hours)
Day 11 : Extra day for excursion
Day 12 : Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (5 hours)
Day 13 : Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hours)
Day 14 : Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (6-7 hours)
Day 15 : Philim to Khola Besi (6-7 hours)
Day 16 : Khola Besi to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
Day 17 : Soti Khola to Arughat Bazar (6-7 hours)
Day 18 : From Arughat Bazar drive to Kathmandu (8-9 hours)
Day 19 : Depart Kathmandu
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m) – Transfer to Hotel
Arriving in Kathmandu offers a spectacular flight, with snow-capped mountain peaks greeting you as you descend. Upon landing, our team will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy some welcome drinks and relax in your hotel for the night.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (8-9 hours)
We embark on a long but scenic 8-9 hour drive to Arughat Bazaar in the Gorkha district. The village, divided into two sections by the Budhi Gandaki River, is bustling with life, featuring various shops offering goods such as clothing, food, and hardware.
Day 3: Arughat to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
Starting from Arughat Bazaar, we trek towards Soti Khola, enjoying views of Shringri Himal. We pass through charming Gurung and Magar villages, fields, and cascading waterfalls, before camping near the banks of the Soti Khola.
Day 4: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hours)
Our trek continues to Machha Khola, a village named after the Fish River. We set up camp at a spacious campsite near the village, following the trail through lush surroundings.
Day 5: Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hours)
From Machha Khola, we ascend a steep ridge to Doban, where two rivers converge. Doban is a key point on our route as we make our way to Jagat.
Day 6: Jagat to Philim (4 hours)
The trek to Philim takes us over rocky trails and ravines, offering magnificent views of Sringri Himal. Philim is a large Gurung village surrounded by fields of corn and millet. We set up camp here.
Day 7: Philim to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (7 hours)
We trek from Philim to Chumling, entering Lower Tsum and taking in views of Ganesh Himal. Chumling offers several great campsites for the night.
Day 8: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (5-6 hours)
Our trek from Chumling leads us to Chhokangparo, marking the start of Upper Tsum Valley. The village offers stunning views of Ganesh Himal and features polyandrous households.
Day 9: Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, Visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave (6-7 hours)
We trek to Nile/Chhule, the northernmost village in Upper Tsum, passing the Piren Phu cave, a sacred site associated with Milarepa. The cave is adorned with Buddhist murals, prayer flags, and stone inscriptions, providing a significant cultural experience.
Day 10: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700m), Visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060m) (4 hours)
Our journey ascends to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. Along the way, we visit the historic Dhephyudonma Gompa, a key monastery in the valley.
Day 11: Extra Day for Excursion
A day to hike to the base of Pika Himal (4865m), offering panoramic views of Tibetan peaks and Ganesh Himal. After exploration, we return to our camp at Mu Gompa.
Day 12: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (5 hours)
We continue our trek to Rachen Gompa, a significant nunnery in Shiar Khola Valley. The nunnery, founded in 1905 AD, is known for its murals and a thousand clay statues of Avalokiteshwara.
Day 13: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hours)
From Rachen Gompa, we trek to the small village of Dumje, situated in a picturesque mountain setting.
Day 14: Dumje to Philim (via Ripchet) (6-7 hours)
Our trek leads us back to Philim, crossing Ripchet, and passing one of the most stunning waterfalls in Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang.
Day 15: Philim to Khola Besi (6-7 hours)
We continue our trek to Khola Besi, where we camp and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Day 16: Khola Besi to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
The trail takes us from Khola Besi to Soti Khola, passing through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls.
Day 17: Soti Khola to Arughat Bazaar (6-7 hours)
We retrace our steps from Soti Khola to Arughat Bazaar, where we rest before concluding the trek.
Day 18: Drive from Arughat Bazaar to Kathmandu (8-9 hours)
We drive back to Kathmandu, reflecting on the incredible journey through the Tsum Valley.
Day 19: Depart from Kathmandu
Our team will escort you to the airport for your departure. If you have extra time, you may wish to explore other activities like a short tour, wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour, or mountain biking.
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