Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most astonishing treks, through which one can garner the actual essence of vibrant culture, art, traditions, and religion of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism that still exists in north Gorkha near the border of Tibet. This sacred valley in the lap of the Himalayas presents remote landscapes with marvelous views of peaks such as Manaslu, Ganesh, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
The name "Tsum" has its origin from the Tibetan word "Tsombo," which means 'Clear.' The people from here call themselves "Tsumbus." Beyul Kyimolung is a name referring to the hidden valley of happiness. People say that since time immemorial, trekking here is an act of exploring the holy valley assigned by the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava in the 8th century to protect the people who were escaping war, religious persecution, and famine.
The Tsum Valley Trek usually starts from Machha Khola. This 16 day custom trekking itinerary starts with an exciting drive from Kathmandu, where numerous rivers, streams, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests lie in wait. While trekking in the Tsum Valley, you feel the spiritual vibe of the region-encircled with numerous monasteries and gompa-attached colored prayer flags. Finally, the Tsum Valley Trek is one of those unforgettable experiences and visiting trekking destinations in Nepal, inviting the trekkers into its land rich in natural biodiversity and full of cultural heritage, all against the backdrop of the majestic Manaslu Himalayas.
- Unravel the hidden aesthetic beauty of the Manaslu region.
- Catch glimpses of Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal.
- Hike along rivers, cascading waterfalls, and numerous suspension bridges.
- Observe the traditional living of the locals and Lamas influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
- Meditate upon the spiritually healing power of chortens, monasteries, and gompas.
- Come across dramatic landscapes from tropical forests to snowcapped peaks and high altitude passes over 5000 meters.
- Be enriched with extra ordinary Tibetan culture and deep rooted Buddhist beliefs.
- Visit various monasteries, nunneries, and other Buddhist structures.
- Trek to the legendary border with Tibet.
- Reach Ganesh Himal Base Camp for breathtaking views.
- Enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas combined with rich cultural heritage.
- Scenic landscapes of Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and much more
- Be culturally attuned with the locals and know their way of life.
- Have the unique natural beauty and Tibetan culture, unspoiled.
- Get awakened in the midst of the majestic range of Ganesh Himal.
What to Expect on the Restricted Remote Tsum Valley Trek?
The Tsum Valley Trek provides an excellent chance to delve into the depth and authenticity of the culture of the remote Nepalese Himalayas, which lies in seclusion in the Manaslu Region near the Tibetan border. This forms a peculiar Buddhist ambiance, making it different from other rural valleys of Nepal.
It leads right up to the altitude, bestriding hefty pine and rhododendron forests, even passing through the homes of welcoming local communities. You will have plenty of opportunity to see for yourself how vivid ancient Buddhist customs and practices are within the confines of centuries-old monasteries. Tsum Valley opened to trekkers in 2008 and is a restricted area of Nepal; therefore, this route has only recently been opened to the world's adventurers and has retained a tranquility quite typical of Himalayan valleys.
Characterized by beautiful topography, the valley is dotted with flat-roofed stone houses in traditional Tibetan style that stand the test of time, with the hard effort these people put into their lifestyle. Because of its remoteness, mass tourism hasn't hurt this valley yet, and consequently, it offers its trekkers unimaginable peace and isolation.
Celestial Mountain Vistas and Varied Wildlife in the Tsum Valley Trek
Nepal is one of those countries which has a world of recognition for possessing breathtaking peaks and mountains; no different is the Tsum Valley, dominated by a number of peaks. Depending on the weather circumstances, route selection, and duration of the trek, there can be a variation of viewable summits on the Tsum Valley Trek.
It feels great to get spectacular views of the mountains like Ganesh Himal, 7,422 m; Mt. Manaslu, 8,156 m; Boudha Himal, 6,672 m; Shringi Himal, 7,161 m; and Himalchuli, 7,893 m, together with amazing alpine landscapes and glimpses of the Tibetan plateau during this Tsum Valley trek for 16 days in total.Complementary mountain scenery with breathtaking vistas from sunrise and sunset as well as meadows and valleys are reflected in views such as those from Mu Gompa, Larkya La Pass, and Piren Phu.
Tsum Valley trekking routes come under the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is a very rich habitat of flora and fauna, both common and endangered. Keep watching for rare wild animals like marmots, birds, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep, all mingling with cultural diversity. During your trek, you will have the opportunity to pass through much of the Himalayan ecosystems: from subtropical forests up to alpine meadows. Starting with thick, temperate forests of rhododendron, bamboo, pine, and ferns, and going onto alpine meadows, filled with wildflowers, it becomes an expanse of usually bare land.
Along the banks lie small villages that are resided by the descendants of Tibetans, hence forming a unique cultural and natural amalgamation. The daily routine of the residents is highly influenced by Buddhism, which shapes their way of life and customs. Tsum Valley Trek for 16 days offers an opportunity to be submerged in this pristine culturally rich environment nestled in the Himalayas, hence offering an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual deliverance.
This itinerary of 16 days has been flexible to fulfill particular demand and necessities. However, the inclusion of two extra days for sightseeing and acclimatization might prolong the package's duration and raise the overall price. The best itinerary for trekking to Tsum Valley requires 16 days in total, starting from Machha Khola via Arughat. It covers one preparation and sightseeing day in Kathmandu, and a rest day at Mu Gompa and Gumba Lungdang is included, and is reasonably priced to let one have a budget-friendly, full-value trek to Tsum Valley in Nepal.
Alluring Nyingmapa Buddhism and Monasteries in Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley at the foot of the holy Ganesh Himal near Tibet is a Buddhist world having a number of historical buildings that were influenced by a number of revering sages such as Milarepa and Padmasambhava belonging to the Nyingmapa School. Their traces can be seen from Thankas, portraits, and paintings which are found in various caves around the valley.
Of the many sites, Piren Phu, or in English, Pigeon Cave, is one of the most important points lying near the village of Burji, a place where it is believed that the famous Buddhist master Milarepa had meditated. The two more famous monasteries in these areas are Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa.
Rachen Gompa is situated in Chhule village in the northern part of Tsum Valley and belongs to the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also famous for beautiful statues and mural paintings. Mu Gompa stands atop a height of 3,700 meters above sea level, making it the highest monastery in this area, with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and villages.
Along the banks lie small villages that are resided by the descendants of Tibetans, hence forming a unique cultural and natural amalgamation. The daily routine of the residents is highly influenced by Buddhism, which shapes their way of life and customs. Tsum Valley Trek for 16 days offers an opportunity to be submerged in this pristine culturally rich environment nestled in the Himalayas, hence offering an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual deliverance.
Best FITs and Group Itinerary for Tsum Valley 16 Day Trek Cost
16 days of trekking in Tsum Valley is a fantastic itinerary, which can always be customized to meet the needs and requirements of our guests. We are experienced in customizing trekking itinerary for more than 18 years, thus changes in the Tsum Valley Trek itinerary is possible, always allowing you to add or reduce trekking days depending on your specific needs and time schedule. Itinerary for 16 days of standard Tsum Valley Trekking considers all the aspects of successful trekking in the Manaslu Tsum Himalayas, including acclimatization days and daylong exploration, with proper trek starting and ending points in the magnificent mountains where the weather conditions often change within a second.
This itinerary of 16 days has been flexible to fulfill particular demand and necessities. However, the inclusion of two extra days for sightseeing and acclimatization might prolong the package's duration and raise the overall price. The best itinerary for trekking to Tsum Valley requires 16 days in total, starting from Machha Khola via Arughat. It covers one preparation and sightseeing day in Kathmandu, and a rest day at Mu Gompa and Gumba Lungdang is included, and is reasonably priced to let one have a budget-friendly, full-value trek to Tsum Valley in Nepal.
The cost of the Tsum Valley Trek depends on the factors like service level, duration of the trek, number of participants, and the trekking season. The peak trekking seasons in Nepal are autumn and spring, and the trails are filled with tourists. Therefore, pre-booking is recommended; otherwise, the prices of tea house accommodation and food might increase.The cost for the 16 day Tsum Valley Trek is USD 1600, and Tsum is no acceptation. For groups of 2-10 people, if your group exceeds 10 more than members, we can adjust the package cost, which may range from USD 1400 to USD 1375.
