Tsum Valley Trek Overview
Why not travel via the secluded and remote Tsum Valley if you’re searching for an alternative Nepal Himalayan trek? Since it has only been around for less than 20 years, trekkers have had limited access to it, making it less well-known and accessible than traditional treks in other parts of the nation.
The Tsum Valley Trek exposes us to Tibetan culture and way of life through the many gompas and monasteries we can traverse, leading us through some of the most stunning landscapes all the way to the Tibet-Nepal border. The mountain scenery is unique, and the trails are mostly over 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), as we could expect so far north. Himalchuli (7,893 m / 25,895 ft) and Mount Manaslu itself (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) are two of them. Continue reading if you think this is a destination you would love to visit.
Tsum Valley Trek Route
The trek to Tsum valley has its starting point in Kathmandu. Our journey navigates west bound via Prithvi highway for 110 kms prior to reaching Aabu Khaireni. The roadway branches off at Aabu Khaireni and heads north. We then arrive at the compact community of Gorkha district, Aarughat. Aarughat secludes Dhading district from Gorkha and dirt road starts from hereon. Our drive will largely tail along Budhi Gandaki river and so will our trek. We navigate through small Gurung villages to reach Machhakhola. Our trekking days commences from Machhakhola.
For the initial 3 days, our expedition will be a rollercoaster ride down the route paved beside raging Budhi Gandaki river. This river serves as one of the prominent tributaries of the Saptagandaki river system. Your walk will follow along several small rural villages that cater as teahouses for trekkers. Tsum Valley trek uncovers villages like: Machhakhola ,Tatopani, Dovan, Jagaat, Salleri, Phillim, before reaching Lokpa village. And continue to Chumling, Chhokang Paro ,Rana gaon, Rachen Gumba, Chhule / Nile and finally to Mu Gumpa.
Pathway to Manaslu Circuit Trek diverges at Lokpa. Another major river, Syar river, meets with Budhi Gandaki at Lokpa. Our trekking days then are spent walking down the route paved by Syar river. This river has a sacred significance and provides an agricultural source for the Tsumba people. Tsumba people are popularly known for their committed devotion towards ethnic Buddhist culture. You will encounter several traces of Buddhist heritage in the Tsum area of this trek. Dotted with divine monasteries, the trail hereafter is filled with spirituality and history. Rachenn Monastery, Milarepa Piren Phu, and the most primordial monastery of Tsum valley, Mu Gompaa, will fill your trek with spiritual enlightenment. Your trekking adventure will end at Mu Gompa and then we retrace our footsteps back.
What Not to miss in Tsum Valley Trek
Mu Gompa:
Mu Gompa is the oldest Buddhist structure in the Manaslu region. The 3700-meter-high Mu Gompa is home to historic carvings of Tibetan monasteries. Bon Buddhist adherents have long held this location in high regard. Ancient paintings, wooden doors and pillars, golden-colored artwork, wooden floors, and sculptures of Lord Buddha are all shown in the monastery. The Dalai Lama and other revered monks are depicted on the sides of the main statue, which is placed at the monastery’s northern end. Every day, the monastery holds a procession that includes sacred prayers and offerings. High mountains encircle the monastery on all sides, while the Syar River flows through the center.
Rachen Nunnery:
The Rachen Nunnery in Tsum Valley is yet another amazing place to see. Rachen Gompa village is home to this nunnery, which is a symbol of both spirituality and cultural history. This nunnery, which was constructed according to a Tibetan architectural blueprint, is inhabited by Buddhist nuns who have made prayer, study, and contemplation their life’s work. Upon entering this area, you will feel a sensation of spiritual enlightenment. The place’s ancient roofs, pillars, and walls will transport you back in time.
Milarepa Cave
Milarepa Cave is located between Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. Religious history about Milarepa, Tibet’s most famous poet and yogi, may be found in this cave. For members of Buddhist communities, the cave is a sacred site, although appearing commonplace to outsiders. The cave, which is remote from a neighboring village, is thought to have served as Milarepa’s meditation area in the eleventh century. Tibetan Buddhism has a long history in this cave, which continues to arouse spiritual energy today.
Chhokang Paro
On your journey to Tsum Valley, you will come across a number of Buddhist communities. Nevertheless, Chhokang Paro is a picture-perfect example of a Buddhist community in the region. This small hamlet located in between Chumling and Racchen Gompa reflects a typical Buddhist village. The trail led from the center of buildings made of stone and mud. The village is decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and chhortens.
Gumba Lungdang
In the Tsum Valley Trek, Gumba Lungdang is another noteworthy Buddhist cultural site. This ancient monastery is situated between Ganesh Himal Base Camp and Dumje. The outside of this monastery features elaborate carvings in a distinctive Tibetan style. Looking at this monastery will open your eyes to a completely different view of Bon Buddhism. A humorous mountain vista that includes Ganesh I (7422m), Ganesh II (6908m), Voke Peak (4617m), and Ganesh IV (6908m) envelops it. Work with our knowledgeable staff to plan your Tsum Valley itinerary so that you can see these undiscovered locations.
Natural Hot Spring
Most of Nepal’s core Himalayan regions have natural hot springs that come up out of the earth. Manaslu has one of these natural hot springs, just like Annapura, Langtang, and Rolwaling. Tatopani Hot Spring, located between Macchakhola and Jagat on the Budhi Gandaki River, is believed to contain mineral-rich waters that help cure skin-related problems.
Tsum people:
The Tsum people, indigenous to Tsum Valley, are believed to have migrated from Tibet long ago. These people have lived in the Tsum Valley since the beginning of time since it is a commercial route connecting Tibet and the lower regions of the Gorkha district. Their religious and cultural customs are quite similar to Tibetan Buddhism, which is practiced in many parts of Nepal, such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Humla, and other regions that border Tibet. The Tsumba people celebrate a number of festivals, which you can see if you’re lucky enough. Lhosar, Saga Dawa, Dumje and other festivals are celebrated in Tsum valley and are observed with full of energy and passion by the Tsumba people. Please consult with Himalaya Trip to plan the best time for Tsum Valley that coincides with these festival dates.
Ganesh Himal Base Camp
Ganesh Himal Base Camp is reached by the eastbound path that branches out from Dumje. It is at this base camp that the Ganesh Himal trip begins. At 4200 meters, this base camp is situated just beneath the glittering Ganesh range peaks. “Ganesh” is the name of a revered Hindu god whose head is shaped like an elephant. The name comes from the fact that the mountain summit resembles the face of this Hindu god. You will have a wondrous time at Ganesh Himal base camp as it is located amidst gigantic mountains. We suggest you buy a detailed Tsum Valley trek map to not miss important points of interest. The standard itinerary of Tsum valley trekking does not include Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek. If you want to add this side trip, please inquire with us.
