Manaslu (8156m) is the world’s seventh highest peak. This area, situated close to the Annapurna massif, was only opened for trekking in 1992 and is now acknowledged as one of the finest trekking routes. Heading north from Gorkha, along the Burhi Gandaki River, the route then turns westwards into a high alpine valley with typical Tibetan villages and a number of fine monasteries. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in a trans-Himalayan region of Gorkha, Nepal. The Tsum Valley’s acquaintance with Tibet, natural beauty and its pristine culture make this trekking unique. Tsum comes from the Tibetan work ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Baudha Himal ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and seek a unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers. The Tsum valley has a long history of Buddhism.
We meet you at Trek Nepal’s sales office and provide you with all the necessary information regarding the trip. The same day you will also have an opportunity to meet your travel group before the final departure. Permit sort out day. 1,350m.
A pretty route through cultivated, terraced hillsides and villages. The trail goes up and down towards the Buri Gandaki river. We will follow this river for the next ten days. 670m
The trail goes across forests populated by monkeys; we glance at great vistas of the Shringi Himal as we go. In this region, the Gurung women often wear elegant clothes and possess impressive sets of jewellery, bangles and saris. 860m.
The trail goes along the river, with some steep legs. Machha khola is a village situated above a stream with the same name. 930m.
We head upstream along the Buri Gandaki’s steep edge towards Tatopani, literally “hot springs “. Then, the trail goes up and down, again along the river, with some legs overhanging huge rapids. 1,410m.
The path goes through dense jungle up the narrow western gorge of the Buri Gandaki heading towards Manaslu, heading up over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp and Chumling( Lower Tsum). We camp for the night at Chumling. There are several good campsites at Chumling. 2,361m.
From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo.Chhekamparo is a village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhekam and Paro. 3,100m.
From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/ Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule. On the way we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. 3,360m.
We cross a high plateau now and skirt around the ridge of the lateral moraine. From Nile the trail gradually ascends to Mu gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. Mu Gumba was established in 1895 AD and is situated at an altitude of 3510m.The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. 3,700m.
Mu Gomba we take the trail to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery. The nunnery is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established n the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. 3,240m.
From Rachen Gompa we proceed towards Dumje, a small village with about eight housed and adjoining cattle shed. 2,440m.
From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. On the way we pass one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley. 3,200m.
Dobhan involves some steep ascents and descents. We climb a well crafted staircase over a ridge to Dobhan. Dobhan liest at the confluence of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpu Khola, which flows from the west. 1,070m.
We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls and finally set up camp at the village. 720m.
As we make our way from Lapubesi to Arughat Bazar, we come to the last leg of our journey. 535m.
Upon arrival your time is free to explore Kathmandu, shop around or simply chill out. 1,350m.
