Introduction:
Tsum valley is a concealed and well hidden valley located in the vicinity of northern boundary of Nepal reaching to the territory of Tibet and known as the Beyul Kyimolung in local language of Tibetan origin meaning the ‘Holy Hidden Valley of Happiness’. This sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley of Tsum known as the “hidden valley and has been a great attraction for its mountains, landscapes, glaciers, green valley’s & hill sides and as the land of Shangri-la. Tsum region one of world’s remotest Himalayan Valleys that lies completely in the far flung northern corner of Gorkha district in mid North West Nepal in between the giant massif mountains of Mt.Ganesh Himal and the world 08th highest Mt. Manaslu this is the few area untouched by the modern civilizations. It is surrounded by Sringi Himal to north, Ganesh Himal to south & Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, one can observe different types of villages which have its own customs, culture and languages discover the genuine and actual image of ancient habitat that still exists in the remote corners of Nepal Himalaya beyond from modern world. The main ethnic people of this valley are Bhotia who have similar cultures and lifestyle like the Tibetans. This trip allows you to explore the culture, religion and ancient traditions of this high mountain people of Tsum valley.
The incredible trek to Tsum valley begins from historical Gurkha Bazaar to Arughat onwards which is 145km west and accessible from Kathmandu valley. The trail follows the Gandaki River, with great view of Manasu and Himal Chuli, then trekking through several villages of Machha Khola, Chumling and to Jagat before the tree lines disappear for wild alpine shrubs in desert like terrain.
This trip with ample time to marvel and to explore this hidden valley with a long descend through the villages like Rachen Gompa, Philim, Tatopani and finally reaching back to Arughat where this awesome adventure in the mystical country ends, from Arughat an interesting scenic drive of nearly eight hours brings you back to Kathmandu after the most memorable trekking in absolute wilderness time withered villages enclosed valley between massif peaks Tsum valley the last Shangri-la waiting for you to explore more of this region with Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions.
Trip Profile:
Trip Mode: Home stay, Lodge or Camping.
Trekking grade: Moderate to adventurous.
Trekking duration: 16 – 17 days.
Total Trip: 20 – 21days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour.
Day 03: Drive to Arughat 600m / 1,968 ft – 08 hrs journey.
Day 04: Trek to Soti Khola 730 m-05hrs
Day 05: Trek to Machha khola 930m- 06 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Jagat 1,410m – 06 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Ekle Bhatti 2,208 m /7,244 ft – 06 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Chumling 2,386 m / 7,827 ft – 06 hours.
Day 09: Trek to Chokhangparo 3,010m / 9,903 ft -05 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Nile 3,361m / 11,058 ft via Milarepa cave 07 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Mu Gompa 3,700 m /12,174ft – 04 hours.
Day 12: Rest day at Mu Gompa to explore the local village and monastery.
Day 13: Trek to Rachen Gompa 3,240 m / 10,660 ft – 05 hours.
Day 14: Trek back to Chumling 2,386 m / 7,827 ft – 06 hours.
Day 15: Trek to Philim 1,590 m / 5,215 ft – 07 hours.
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani (Hot Spring) – 06 hours.
Day 17: Trek to Soti Khola 7,10 m / 2,328 ft -06 hours.
Day 18: Trek back to Arughat 600 m / 1,968 ft – 06 hours.
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
Day 21: Final international departure.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you are warmly greeted by our Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions staff at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). SME representatives will assist then transfer to respective hotels.
Day 02: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour and preparation for the trek.
In Kathmandu sightseeing program includes visit of world heritage sites the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the world biggest Stuppa; Boudhhanath, known as little Tibet, Swoyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple) located on a hill side one of the oldest religious spot of more than 2,500 years old and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with unique architectural temple, and the virgin Kumari known as Living Goddess in Basantapur atf central Kathmandu. Kathmandu is not only naturally beautiful but it also holds the beauty of incredible Newar people culture with ancient architectures.
Day 03: Drive to Arughat 600m / 1,968 ft – 06 hrs journey.
After breakfast begin this great trip taking a drive to Arughat enjoying the great views of Himalayans above the top of green hills. The drive follows the Prithvi Highway till it reaches at Malekhu from here towards north to Dhading Besi, from Dhading Besi, drive via rough road to reach the last section of the day at Arughat a farm village and bazaar for the local hill people.
Day 04: Trek to Soti Khola 730 m – 05hrs.
Leaving Arughat, following Buri Gandaki River upstream and walk through dense sal forest, enjoying the magnificent view of Ganesh II at 7,118 m and Ganesh IV 7,104 m. Continue walk along the riverbank passing Arkhet Bazaar, then finally climbing a steep uphill to reach the small settlement of Soti Khola for overnight stop.
Day 05: Trek to Machha khola 930 m – 05 hrs.
The trail gently descends and leads along the river bank with several tea shops and encountering a mule caravan on the way to Machhakhola, continue walk using the Nepalese staircase, a traditional steps made of stones slabs trail.
Then it crosses a suspension bridge at Nauli-Khola with a small waterfall to reach Khanigaon. A few hours of trek takes to a suspension bridge of Machhakhola after crossing the bridge climb uphill for less than 20 minutes to reach Machha Khola for overnight stop.
Day 06: Trek to Jagat 1,410 m -06 hrs.
Morning walk following the trail heading upstream to the small village of Khorla Beshi and meets a natural hot spring “Tatopani.” trek through village of Dovan and Yaruphant, still following the Buri Gandaki River and then cross a small suspension bridge to reach the reasonable size village of Jagat for the overnight stop.
Day 07: Trek to Ekle Bhatti (2,208 m/7,244 ft) 6-7 hrs
After a hearty breakfast we head to Ekle Bhatti following the river. We continue walk passing the several small villages to reach Sidibas Bazaar. We cross the small suspension bridge from Nagjet and reach the village of Philim. We then walk through golden terrace of wheat and climb a rocky ridge and climbs uphill to reach the village of Ekle bhatti where we stop for the night.
Day 08: Ekle Bhatti to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft): 6 – 7 hours
The trail passes through narrow gorge and leads us to the right side descending down to the Tsum Valley. The trail further climbs through pine and rhododendron forests and reach small beautiful village of Lokpa. We then cross suspension bridge over Lungwa Khola and follow the trail that take us to Chumling where we stop for the night.
Day 09: Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft): 5-6 hours
The trail from Chumling gently descends crossing the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank of Smatiking Khola. Enjoy the magnificent view of Ganesh himal on the journey to Chokhang Paro. A few hour walk will take you to the Chokhang Paro.
Day 10: Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft) via Milarepa cave: 6-7 hours
Leaving Chokhangparo, we follow the trail that climbs gently up from the Chokhang Paro and passes Lamagaon to reach Milarepa cave and Chi Pu Gompa. The trail further crosses the suspension bridge to reach Nile which is last town in the upper Tsum valley. Overnight at Nile.
Day 11: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft): 4 hours
Today we have an easy hike to reach Mu Gompa. We walk alongside the Syar River leading up the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. this region is very close to Tibetan border. The trail first crosses the suspension bridge to reach Chho Syong which finally takes us to Mu Gompa.
Day 12: Mu Gompa, sightseeing
This day allows you to explore the vicinity of Mu Gompa which is the largest monastery in the region. This Gompa lies at highest and completely remote corner of Tsum valley in Gurkha. Tsum valley is rich for its incredible Tibetan culture and you can be more familiar to that as you trek upper Tsum Valley.
Day 13: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (3,240m/10,660ft): 5 hours
On this day we trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. The trail leads us to Rachen Gompa which is nunnery and another largest Gompa of this region. Overnight at Rachen Gompa.
Day 14: Rachen Gompa to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft): 6-7 hours
Leaving Rachen Gompa, we retrace our path via same path descending down to Chhokang Paro again. We continue descend and arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. We cross the suspension bridge and continue loose our altitude to reach the village of Chumling, a tiny beautiful viallage.You can enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of green views and loft mountains.
Day 15: Chumling to Philim (1,590m/5,215ft): 7-8 hours
The trail follows the river and continues to Lokpa. The trail passes one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Overnight at Philim.
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani – 06 hours.
After a hearty breakfast we head to Tatopani following the river. We continue walk passing the several small villages to reach Nagjet, Sidibas Bazaar and Jagat. The trail further descends down to Yaruphant. We can notice the change in vegetation as we trek down to the lower altitude. We finally arrive to Tatopani which literally means ‘hot water’ in Nepali where you can have a grand opportunity to bath in extraordinary demulcent natural hot springs and get relaxed. Local people believe that the springs have a natural power to heal the inner wound.Overnight at Tatopani.
Day 17: Trek to Soti Khola 710 m / 2,328 ft – 06 hours.
Leaving Tatopani we trek to Soti Khola by walking along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. We further walk passing through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls to reach Soti khola. Overnight at Soti khola.
Day 18: Trek to Arughat 600 m / 1,968 ft – 06 hours.
After a hearty breakfast we tackle our last day of our trek by descending steeply downhill. The trail leads us along the riverbank of Budi Gandaki downstream through the dense sal forest. We continue walk along the riverbank passing Arkhet Bazaar.The trail still offers the magnificent view of Ganesh II (7118 m) and Ganesh IV (7104 m). A few hours of walk finally brings us to the Arughat bazaar where our trek officially ends. Overnight at Arughat bazaar.
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Leaving Arughat, take a drive to Kathmandu enjoying the great views of Himalayans above top of green hills. An interesting scenic drive for 6 to 7 hours to reach Kathmandu where spend our night in a hotel.
Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu at leisure.
The last day of this great adventure trip with Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions and in Nepal today catch the last minute souvenir shopping with last night dinner with the group member and staffs.
Day 21: Final departure for home ward bound.
SME staff assists you with the complimentary transfer to airport for your departure flight to your onward destinations your wonderful moments with us we will treasure it for many years to come.
The Cost Include for Tea House Trek
1. Transport from Airport to Hotel (Pick up and Departure).
2. All Land Transportation.
3. Trekking Permit (TIMS), Conservation and National park Fee.
4. All entrance fee at list Itinerary.
5. Accommodation (Twin share with attach bath:-Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast) And Basic Accommodation on trek (common room as far as possible but there will be dormitory’s room (only in Annapurna base camp trek)).
6. Food on trek. (normally 3 meals Breakfast, Lunch and dinner with cup of hot drinks).
7. Flight at list Itinerary with airport Tax. If add flight some sector you have to pay extra.
8. Sleeping bag (If you want take your sleeping bag you can take yourself).
9. English speaking Guide & porters. (1 porter for 2 Pax).
10. Personal Baggies 15 kg maximum per person. (The things which you don’t need for trekking you can store in Kathmandu. You have store facilities in hotel in Kathmandu (No extra charge).
11. Equipment for staff and potters in High pass.
12. Insurance for staff and Medical Kit for Staffs.
13. 1 day sight seen around Kathmandu Normally 3 place with city Guide and transportation by private car/van or Bus.
THE COST EXCLUDE
1. Nepal Visa.
2. International Flight ticket.
3. Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
4. Insurance of any kind and Vaccinations.
5. Personal equipments and Extra Baggies charge in the Flight.
6. Emergency evacuation. (Hire horse, rescues flight and extra porter if you take).
7. Tips and other expenditure of a personal nature such as laundry alcohol.
