Key highlights of the Tsum Valley Trekking
- Travel through this seemingly ancient valley off the well-worn path taking in its sights unbothered by mobs of tourists and the trappings of modernity.
- Trek across high suspension bridges along roaring waterfalls, travel through dense pine, fir, and oak forests, and observe species endemic to the Manaslu region.
- Awe-inspiring views of Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Churke Himal (5,282 m), and Shringi (7161 m).
- Ancient Buddhist monasteries and landmarks are brimming with tales to tell. These landmarks are so important that the Tsum Valley is a part of the Kyimu Lung, a well-known pilgrimage circuit of learning and meditation across the central Trans-Himalaya.
- Historic sites have been preserved for centuries due to the remoteness of the valley from a time when it was host to its own Kingdom.
Tsum Valley Attractions
The key attractions of Tsum Valley Trek are nature, culture, and people. Some of them are discussed below,
Lying adjacent to Tibet, the Tsum Valley has been molded culturally by a Tibetan influence, and many of its inhabitants have migrated from Tibet.
They are named the “Tsumba” people, and most of them adhere to Buddhism and speak in a dialect different from their neighbors called “Tsumke”.
The Buddhist influence is so strong that the valley has been declared a Shagya, meaning Non- sacrificing area. Due to this reason, the sacrifice of animals, hunting, honey hunting, and starting forest fires have been banned in the valley since 1920.
Agriculture and tourism are the primary sources of income here. Most farming is subsistence, with wheat, maize, millet, and potato as major crops.
The people also derive additional income from the harvest of Yarchagumba, a fungus that grows on the larvae of moths and is valuable in Chinese medicine from May to July.
Due to the stronghold of Buddhism in the region, most festivals celebrated here are religious. Some of them include:
Lhosar
Lhosar is an important festival in the Tsum Valley and Nepal. “Lo” means new, and “sar” means year, so it is a celebration of the New Year. All religious buildings in the valley are cleansed and decorated. Family gatherings are organized, where people exchange wishes and gifts for the coming year. They enjoy these gatherings with traditional foods and homemade alcohol. It falls in January or February.
Saka-Dawa
Saka-Dawa is the festival to mark Buddha’s birth, death, and enlightenment. This is done by visiting the many monasteries of the region. Most devote fast on alternate days. A unique ritual called “Ngyungne” is performed by burning butter lamps.
Flora and Fauna
Covering an altitude ranging from 1905 m to 5093 m., the Tsum Valley is home to flora ranging from verdant coniferous forests to alpine scrublands.
Forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine grow dense in the lower elevation. As you go higher, these trees gradually disappear and give way to open grasslands.
Various species of animals call the valley home, with the elusive snow leopard, musk deer, Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, and blue sheep being only some of them.
The beautiful visage of birds like Danphe, Monal, the Golden eagle, and Himalayan griffon adds vivid colors to the outdoors and offers you their melodious songs on your trek.
Monasteries and Caves in Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley is rich in Buddhist tradition and culture. Some of the crucial monasteries are,
Milarepa Cave
Milarepa cave, also known as Piren Phu (literally “Pigeon cave”), is considered one of the most sacred sites in the valley by its inhabitants.
The cave earned its sanctity and name by being one of the landmarks where the renowned and influential Tibetan yogi and spiritual poet Milarepa mediated.
Milarepa is an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Kagyu branch, founded by his academic lineage. He is said to have achieved enlightenment by meditating in many rocky caves such as this one.
The cave is close to Burji village, at the bottom of a rugged cliff. Three Gompas are built in the vicinity of the cave. These gompas are home to various relics attributed to him, including his footprint.
Serang Gumba
Serang Gumba is an ancient monastery built near a much more ancient cave.
This Gompa is peculiar in the Tsum Valley Trekking as it blends Buddhist and Hindu practices at a level uncommon to the region.
The reason for this fusion level is that the cave was once. Where the Hindu monk Sringi meditated in his quest for peace and enlightenment.
Buddhist paintings and statues line the ancient cave, and you will have a great time exploring and admiring them.
Mu Gompa
Mu Gompa is a renowned monastery in the Tsum Valley Trekking, the largest one. The Mu Gompa was built in 1936 by Drupa Rinpoche, a monk from Bhutan.
It is built atop a remote hill with a perfect view of the towering Himalayas behind. Due to its geography, the neighboring settlements are quite a few hours away on foot, isolating the monastery.
The Gompa is home to some 20 monks, with the oldest being here for over 40 years. They live here, studying Buddhist philosophies and practicing their religion.
Most trekkers spend a day of the trek visiting the Gompa and trekking to the base of Pika Himal (4,865 m).
Rachen Gompa
Rachen Gompa, more specifically Rachen Nunnery, is a revered Gompa of the Tsum Valley. It lies close to Milarepa Cave, and most itineraries of the Tsum Valley Trek contain an overnight in the surrounding settlement.
The Tsum Valley has been declared a Shagya (literally “Non-sacrificing area”). The inhabitants and visitors must abide by rules around non-violence toward animals. Breaking any of these rules is considered a sin, and the punishment is to light 1000 lamps in Rachen Gompa.
The nunnery houses a Tibetan doctor who provides medical care to the nuns and the locals. As a nunnery, it includes a calm and peaceful atmosphere. And visitors must be mindful while taking in the many pieces of Buddhist art the nunnery features.
Tsum Valley Trekking Best Season
Autumn (September – November) is generally considered the best season for trekking in Nepal, and the Tsum Valley also follows this trend.
The countryside is swept clean by the monsoon, giving your trail a brand-new vibe. Temperatures hover around the pleasant, giving you the best experience while hiking.
Spring (March-May) sees the flowers bloom again the following winter and rhododendrons color entire hills red underneath clear blue skies. As with autumn, temperatures are perfect for a trek.
Tsum Valley Trekking Permit Cost
To begin your Tsum Valley Trekking, you must purchase the Tsum Valley restricted area permit. Its cost per person is: -
September – November and March - May
- USD 40 for one week
- USD 7 every day after the first week
December – February
- USD 30 for one week
- USD 7 every day after the first week
Do note that the Government of Nepal has made it compulsory to have a guide during the Tsum Valley Trek.
Tsum Valley Trekking Cost
Cost is around USD 900-1200 but determined by your service including! generally, the cost includes your meal, accommodation, transport, and Tsum special permits with the Manaslu conservation area.
Tsum Valley Trekking Itinerary (Updated)
1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1300 m)
2: Drive from Kathmandu to Machhe Khola (869 m), Driving Duration: 8-9 hours
3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m), Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
4: Jagat to Chisopani (1660 m), Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
5: Chisopani to Chumling (2386 m), Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
6: Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3031 m), Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
7: Chhakam Paro to the Nile (3361 m), Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
8: Hike 1: 30 Hours and explore Mu Gompa and trek to Chhakam Paro
9: Chhakam Paro to Burgi Village (2386 m), Trek Duration: 5 hours
10: Burgi village to Chumling (2386 m), Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
11: Chumling to Philim (1570 m), Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
12: Trek from Philim to Khorlabesi (970 m), Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
13: Trek from Khorlabesi to Machhe Khola, Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
14: Drive from Machhe Khola to Kathmandu, Drive Duration: 8 to 9 hours
15: Ace Vision Treks Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure
Finally,
Tsum Valley Trekking organized by a local Tour Trekking Company in Nepal guarantees a safe journey first and foremost, and all that with the best prices, you will find among the many establishments peddling packages.
Our experienced guides will answer all queries you may have about the places you are visiting. And they will also handle all the hassle of any paperwork you encounter.
So, take a step into this magical and ancient land with us!
Informative Travel Blogs
Trekking in Nepal - A Complete Travel Guide
Trekking Packages in Nepal
