Tsum Valley Trek

When you arrive at the international airport, our support team will be there to welcome you and provide assistance with transferring you to your hotel. The hotel is of a high standard, located in Thamel and in a convenient central location. You can take some time to rest and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Early morning, after breakfast we start our journey transportation will be a private Jeep, which will take us through a scenic route. As we leave the city behind, we will pass by numerous towns and rural areas, where we will witness the beauty of terraced farm fields, lush forests, and sparkling blue rivers. The smooth road we're traveling on will eventually come to an end, and we will switch to an off-road route that will take us to Machha Khola via Arughat.

As we make our way along the trail towards Doban, we'll encounter some steep ascents and descents. Along the way, we'll witness the diverse flora and fauna that surrounds us, as well as the unique religious and cultural practices of the people in the area. To reach Doban, we'll climb up a beautifully constructed staircase that takes us over a ridge. Doban is known as the confluence of two streams - Shiar Khola from the east and Sarpu Khola from the west. We can either set up camp here or stay overnight at a tea house.

We'll start our day with a satisfying hot breakfast before embarking on a challenging ascent along a rocky trail. The journey will take us up and down ravines, with notched trees and cascading waterfalls on either side of the Budhi Gandaki River. We'll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of over a hundred bird species in the surrounding forest. Along the way, we'll be greeted with unique hospitality, culture, and religious practices in places like Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat, and Philim.

As we trek through the narrow valley shaped by the Budhi Gandaki, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himal Chuli. We'll continue upwards, passing through large Gurung villages and fields of corn and millet. There are several excellent campsites available, where we can set up our tents surrounded by alder, blue pine, and poplar trees. Alternatively, we can choose to stay in a tea house.

Our trail will take us through Philim, where we'll ascend over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base Camp and Chumling (Lower Tsum). As we make our way towards Chumling, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy the sweet melodies of birds and the soothing sound of the river. We'll spend the night camping in Chumling, where there are several great campsites available. Alternatively, we can choose to stay overnight in a local house.

After breakfast, we'll begin our trek to Chhekampar, which is the gateway to Upper Tsum Valley - a region within the inner Himalayas. This village, made up of two settlements called Chhekam and Paro, is situated on flat land. From here, we'll have an unobstructed view of the Ganesh Himal range to the south, which provides spectacular views of the Baudha and Himal Chuli peaks to the southwest. It's worth noting that some households in this village still practice the polyandry system.

We'll spend the night in Chhekampar and have the opportunity to soak in the stunning surroundings.

As we make our way towards our destination today, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Milarepa Piren Phu Cave - a journey that will take us around 6 to 7 hours. On the way, we'll pass by the Piren Phu cave, which is considered one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. Located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji, this cave is believed to have been a meditation spot for the famous Tibetan saint, Milarepa.

The cave is adorned with two separate Gumbas, both of which are attached to the rocky structure. The interior of the cave is decorated with richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts. These features make the cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley.

Along the way, we'll also be treated to beautiful views of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains, and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. This will be our last village heading north of the Upper Tsum Valley, where we'll spend the night.

After breakfast, we begin our ascent to Mu Gumba (1895 AD), which is the largest monastery in the region and the furthest point in the Tsum Valley. The monastery contains Kangyur religious books, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Chhosyang Tal is a two to three hour uphill walk from here. Next, we visit Dephyudonma Gumba, one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley. It is located in the rugged mountains and requires a 2 hour walk from the villages of Chhule and Nile. The history of this monastery is linked to the emergence of Buddhism in the valley. Lama Serap from the Kangin sect of Nile Ladrang oversees the monastery. There are a few campsites and drinking water facilities available.

After breakfast, we will trek up to Mu Gumba and reach the base of Pika Himal (4,865m). From here, we will have an excellent view of the Tibetan peaks and the beautiful Ganesh Himal range. During the day, we can also visit Rikang Gompa and Dheron Gompa. After our excursion, we will return to our camp at Mu Gumba.

The trail leads us to Rachen Gumba, a prominent nunnery located in the Shiar Khola Valley nestled amidst the foothills of the mountains that form the border between Nepal and Tibet. Established in 1905 AD, it is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley and belongs to the Ngak-pa sect, which prohibits animal slaughter. The nunnery boasts a magnificent collection of one thousand clay and mud statues of Avalokiteshwara, a stunningly carved and brightly colored throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is adorned with vivid murals depicting the history of Buddhism. We have the option to stay overnight either in a campsite or a local house.

Today, After breakfast we venture towards Dumje, a collection of small and scattered settlements consisting of houses and cattle sheds. Dumje boasts of wide flat land, ideal for cultivating crops, particularly barley and potatoes. As you traverse through the area, you'll encounter purple-hued amaranth patches intertwined with fields of brown barley. You'll also spot dozens of yaks grazing in lush grassy meadows, rustic stone houses lining the trail, long stretches of intricately carved mani stones and stacked mani walls, ancient villages speckled across the terrain, and rock chortens perched high on ridges. The snow-capped Himalayan peaks tower majestically against the deep blue sky, while remote mountain passes weave their way into Tibet. The valley is brimming with warm and hospitable villagers, hard-working and kind-hearted, along with maroon-robed Buddhist monks and nuns, who can be seen fingering prayer beads. This breathtaking landscape is a celebration of Tibetan culture that has endured through time.

Following breakfast, we will make our way towards Philim by crossing Ripchet. On our journey, we will come across Samba Tingding Chhupyang, which is renowned for having one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Lower Tsum Valley. The village lies along the trail from Gumpa Laundang to Philim and is characterized by houses built entirely of stone and roofs made of pine wood. The houses are arranged in a linear pattern along the trail, and there are numerous Mani walls, Chortens, and gateway chortens that are sure to capture your attention. Our overnight stay will be in Philim, where we will set up camp.

After breakfast trek from Phillim to Tatopani (hot spring) is expected to take roughly 6 to 7 hours, with most of the trail consisting of a descent. Upon reaching our destination, you will have the opportunity to soothe your tired muscles by immersing yourself in the hot spring. We will set up camp for an overnight stay, or we may opt to stay in a local house.

We will be prepared to have breakfast at 7:00 in the morning or at a time of your choosing, based on the advice of your trekking guide or your personal preference. Our return journey to Kathmandu will take us through a scenic route, passing by terraced fields, streams, rivers, local villages, and high hills. We will be following the same road that brought us here, and it will take roughly 8 to 9 hours (depending on conditions) to reach your hotel in Kathmandu by private 4WD Jeep.

Today is your last day of Nepal trip, you have the option to either enjoy a free day or engage in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts for your family, friends, or relatives before your departure. Life Dream Adventure will provide assistance in arranging for your transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey to your destination. 2hrs before your flight time.