Ktm - Arughat - Machhakhola - Philim - Chumling - Mu Gumpa back to Rachen Gumpa - Chhekampark - Jagat - Arughat - Ktm
Highlights
- 15 Days Tea House Trekking in Tsum Valley.
- Really Traditional and Remote Trekking Area in Nepal.
- These Area People are Strong, Hospitable People, and Living Buddhist Culture.
- Buddhist Saint Milarepa Meditated in the Caves Among the Mountains of Tsum.
- Thapla Bhanjyang 5104M on the Nepal and Tibetan border.
Tsum Valley Trek offers really traditional and remote trekking. It has been declaring a non-violent conservation area and there is no permission to kill animals. In Nepal, Tsum valley is an absolute highlight, with strong, friendly, hospitable people, living Buddhist culture. And not allowed to touch wildlife because of the Buddhist prohibition on hunting. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word "Tsombo". And we can agree that their unique culture has remained intact in this spectacular place.
Tsum valley trek leads up to the Budi Gandaki River and Manaslu trail through the wild and unexplored country of 'Tsumbas', which mainly comprise the ethnic Gurung people. Tsum valley trek area has a long history of Buddhism. Because it is believing that the Buddhist saint Milarepa meditated in the caves among the mountains of Tsum. So, Some of the festivals observed in the region are, Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa, and Fanning among many others. And it also contains many monasteries, stupas, chorten, and Mani (Prayer) walls - the longest wall being over 250 meters. After the Philim the trek on the right side to Lhokpa 1905Mtrs.
The highest point is Thapla Bhanjyang 5104mtrs on the Tibetan border. But the last place to spend a night is Mu Gompa 3700Mtrs. The valley is surrounded by the Baudha Himal 6672mtrs and Himalchuli 7893mtrs in the West, Ganesh Himal range in the South, and Sringi Himal 7161Mtrs in the North.
Click here for google map enlarged view
Daily Itinerary
30 Min. Hotel
Warm Welcome to Mt. Everest 8848m Himalayas! We pick up you from Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you to home in Nepal where we had booked. After resting we come there to brief about our program.
Hotel
Rest as well as Tsum valley trek trip preparation day and trekking gears preparation.
8-9 hrs by Drive Lodge
This morning we leave Kathmandu for our long trek to Manaslu. Drive by local bus to Arughat through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. Arughat is a small town in eastern Dhading and west of Gorkha district; explore the valley becomes wilder, prettier and narrower and descend to Soti Khola 710mtrs. We camp today near the Buri Gandaki River overnight at lodge.
5-6 hrs Lodge
The trek begins through shady sal forests then climbs up and down for some time to Labubensi 884mtrs. Follow the Buri Gandaki river and through the Gurung village Khanibensi and continue up-river, sometimes climbing and at other times down in the jungle. Crossing near steep cliffs we have to be careful when walking this path. Sometimes it may be a problem of traffic with trekkers and donkeys where there is a very narrow trail. Safe Side” means give a turn to donkey if they are coming through from another side. Finally, we reach Machha Khola Gurung village near Fish River (Machha Khola) and Buri Gandaki. Overnight at lodge.
4-5 hrs Lodge
The starting point crosses the Machha Khola then passes below large Gurung villages that are far above the track. We pass a few houses, like lower Khorla Bensi 960mtrs which was largely destroyed by huge rocks 22 years ago. Here they sell their own organic coffee. Continuing up and down over a couple of ridges to Tatopani (hot spring) 930mtrs where there are hot water spouts under the sheer cliff. Walk up the river to a ridge and cross Buri Gandaki on a rickety suspension bridge and arrive in Dovan 1070mtrs. Overnight at lodge.
6-7 hrs Lodge
After breakfast pass Thulo Dunga and Yaruphant and cross to the left bank of the Buri Gandaki. We will reach a neatly flagstoned Gurung village of Jagat, a place for Tibetan trade and checkpoint of The Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit. Leaving Jagat, after 10 minutes we cross the suspension bridge of the Dudha Pokhari Khola and walk slightly uphill to Salleri then walk through Nepali flat and gorgeous view of Sringi Himal 7161mtrs. We climb up and down to Sirdibas and cross a Buri Gandaki suspension bridge and climb up to Philim around 45 minutes. Overnight at lodge view of the Himalayas.
7-8 hrs Lodge
Leaving Philim we are walking mountain flat through Eklebhatti and continue through the forest for about an hour to the new bridge. 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. The trail climbs up to tall pine trees and beautiful grasslands hugging the mountainside then reaches the gate of Tsum Valley in Lokpa. This is the lunch after that there no place to eat before Chumling, 3-4 hours up and down to Chumling. Overnight at lodge.
6-7 hrs Lodge
Crossing the suspension bridge at the corner of Chumling, the trail goes through small villages and the rich farming land of maize and potato as well as buckwheat. The houses are classic Tibetan with barricades of firewood and roof terraces along a mountainside trail until Renjam. We will cross the Sarpu Khola on a suspension bridge and climb up to Gho. Gho is the final place to have something to eat before we push up to Chhekampara. Some simple food is available here before we walk uphill toChhekampara. After 2-3 hours you will reach the biggest village in Tsum Valley, and overnight at a simple lodge.
7-8 hrs Lodge
The trail leads lead us to explore the joined villages of Chhokang and Paro and climb North to a retreat where Lama Kongchog died after 26 years of meditation. His child reincarnation, found in the village, was subject of the award-winning DVD "Unmistaken child". Our trek leads to the East passing small villages and past a local school. Climb over a ridge of Chortens and past Lamagaon 3302mtrs through the flat fields, looking across the extensive crops and fast flowing river to the huge courtyard of the Rachen Gompa 320mtrs. This nunnery monastery is managed by the main Kathmandu Kapan Monastery. We can walk up to visit Milarepa Cave, 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. Again cross the Shiar Khola to the village of Phurbe 3251mtrs. Further up to Chhule and have lunch there and after that follow the Shiar Khola and take way to left and up to Mu Gompa. Overnight at the Monastery, Mu Gompawith Spectacular Mountains and valley view.
Lodge
This day we can day hike to Chhyosing Glacier, somewhere uphill of Mu Gompa and can also visit nunnery monastery Dhyphyudoma Gompa 4000mtrs. The area is home to fauna such as Blue sheep, Yaks, Naks, Chauris and the rare sighting of Pika all surrounded by high peaks. This day we can leave our things in your lodge and after breakfast, we can head on for the day hike. After the day's excursion, we return to our campsite at Mu Gompa. Overnight at Gompa 3700mtrs.
3-4 hrs Lodge
We return to our trek back through Yak grazing centre and cross the Phuchun Khola and following Shiar Khola to Chhule, Pangdun village passing through Chhortens, past crops fields then left to Rachen Gompa, 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, The interiors of this monastery are richly painted with murals depicting Buddhism and its history as well as a brightly colourful carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel and overnight at Rachen Gompa.
4-5 hrs Tea House
After breakfast, we head across the river to Lamagaon and walk down to Chhekampara on our previous trail for 2 hours. Continuing on a small gompa is reached at Gho 2485mtrs. Following the narrow trail to the left through the village and drop to a wooden bridge over the Shiar Khola, cross the bridge to Dumje 2440mtrs. There are many small villages worth exploring along the way otherwise Dumje is also small with about eight houses and some adjoining cattle sheds. Here the way divides, one way to Gumba Lungdang(if you have time and interest you can visit there too) and one way can go back down and overnight at Dumje.
6-7 hrs Lodge
The trek climbs up some deep gorges and shaky cantilever bridges to picturesque Ripchet village 2470mtrs. Take time to look around at this perched fertile valley of potatoes, barley and buckwheat with evocative Chortens in the field backed by pine forest. Downstairs to Ghumlung 2130mtrs to the river bank. After that ups and down again climb up a hill through pine and rhododendron forest to Lokpa 2240mtrs, a good place to have lunch. After lunch, we return the same way when we climbed up to Tsum. On the way down passing through grassland and pine forest to Ekle Bhatti then will reach Philim. Overnight at lodge.
6-7 hrs Lodge
After breakfast, we trek from Philim to Tatopani where once again you may freshen up a little. These days is crossing through forests, fields, the villages of Salleri, Jagat and Dovan and have lunch in Dovan. After two weeks of trekking, 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. Overnight at Tatopani.
5-6 hrs Lodge
Today we cross villages on this side of the river passing through many terraced fields of crops grown by local villagers and walking past tropical waterfalls. Most of way following Buri Gandaki River and Gurung villages Khorla Bensi, Machha Khola where we will stop for lunch break then trek to Labu Bensi and overnight at lodge.
6-7 hrs Lodge
The last day of this trek is following Buri Gandaki River and different villages and walking on the road through Soti Khola, Arkhet Bazaar where we break for lunch. Then keep following Buri Gandaki River to Arughat Bazaar overnight at the lodge and relax the last night in mountains.
by Drive 6-7 hrs Hotel
This morning we leave to Kathmandu for our long drive on a gravel road by local bus to Kathmandu through the beautiful Nepalese countryside with crop fields and arrive in Kathmandu at your own booked hotel.
What's included?
- International airport picks up and drops service.
- 2 night’s standard hotels in Kathmandu (before trek).
- Bus ticket to Sotikhola by local bus.
- Transportation along the trek.
- Local bus Arughat to Kathmandu.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner along the trek with Tea/Coffee in a cup).
- Lodge accommodation on the way (simple one).
- License holder guide (including their salary, equipment, insurance, transportation, lodging, and food)
- Porter (carry luggage 2 trekkers 1 helper and including their salary, equipment, insurance, transportation, lodging, and food)
- Equipment; Down Jacket, Sleeping Bag.
- All require legal documents (MCAP permit, Tsum valley restricted area permit and TIMs).
- All Gov taxes.
Complementary
- Trekking and city map.
- First aid medical box.
- Some fresh and dry fruits along the trek.
- Token of love from the company.
- Farewell lunch or dinner as a suitable time.
What's not included?
- Extra night accommodation and food in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance.
- Cold drinks such as; Coke, Mineral Water, Beer etc.
- Personal expenses (laundry, bar bill, telephone, extra helper, battery charge, wifi, shower and boiled water).
- Tips for guide and porters.