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Tsum Valley with Ganesh Himal BC Trek

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Popularity

Difficulty : Moderate

Reference Code: TVGHTNP

Trip Start: Kathmandu

Trek Start: Machha Khola

Trek Days: 14 Days

Age: 20 to 60 years

Season: Spring and Autumn

Accommodation: Camp

Service: Full board

Destination: Nepal

Trip End: Kathmandu

Trek End: Machha Khola

Trip Durations: 18 Days

Physical Rating: Moderate

Group Size: 4-16

Theme: Walking and Observation

Meals: Standard

Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area.

The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid.Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.

The Tsum Valley has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

The valley is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak.

The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the Tsum Valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.

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Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Namaste! And welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting on arrival at the exit gate of Kathmandu airport. Our staff will welcome you and pick you to your accommodated hotel. Please seek our company palmplate to find our staff at the main exit gate of the airport. Rest of the day you can relax at the hotel or short evening walk around local market on your own as per your wish.

Day 02 Rest and preparation day

A well deserved rest day at cosy of hotel after a long tiring flight. This day, one can move around nearby local market to purchase or hire trekking equipment that is necessary for the trekking like sleeping bags, walking sticks etc, exchange currency as requirement or simply walk around in the local market or Kathmandu Durbar squire nearby with small entrance fee as per your preference on your own. Evening at the hotel lobby there will be pre-trip briefing in which you will be introduced with your trekking guide and explained about your trip in short, instruction for safety etc.

Day 03 Drive to Arughat and to Machha Khola(730m)

We will begin our journey with a scenic drive to Arughat, following to Machha Khola. Driving in the Prithivi Highway; west from Kathmandu, we will be passing by a beautiful river view of the Trishuli river. In the first few hours, we will reach Dhading Bensi which is the district headquarters of Dhadhing (1050m). In this long drive, we will be stopping for multiple breaks and for lunch as well. From Dhading Bensi, we will be driving to Arughat where the roads will be rough. Along the way we will see beautiful mountain scenery like Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal range, small villages following the Budhi Gandaki river. Arughat being a large settlement, it is clustered on both sides of Budhi Gandaki river connected by a suspension bridge. The next two hours’ drive will take us to Machha Khola.

7-8 hrs

Day 04 Trek to Jagat (1,400m)

Early morning, we will trek through a fertile landscape as there will be a few ups and downs. Crossing the Tharo Khola, we will reach Khorlabesi. We slowly begin to gain elevation. As we trek, we pass through a natural hot spring at Tatopani meaning ‘hot water’ in Nepali. Continuing the trek, we walk through the valley as it gets narrower but nature’s beauty does not cease to fail us in the attractiveness. We climb over a ridge, then we cross the Budhi Gandaki river via a suspension bridge. Witnessing picturesque villages, we climb on a wide well designed staircase across a landslide then over a ridge that takes us to Doban. As we ascend up to the Budhi Ganadaki river, we arrive at Yaru Khola that takes us further to a stone staircase with prayer flags hung on the way. We climb more stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Along the route, we pass through paved stones along with mani walls and high overlooks over rivers. Then we reach the appealing village of Jagat that lies on the west side of Budhi Gandaki River.

6-7 hrs

Day 05 Trek to Lokpa (2,040m)

Prior to heading towards Lokpa, we will register our permits of Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint. Climbing a ridge over Sallery, we will walk along the river bank crossing the Budhi Gandaki river via a long wide suspension bridge. Continuing to trek, the valley opens up as we head towards Phillim. The trek through out is a very pleasant one. We will pass by Ekle Bhatti where the trail separates between Tsum and Manaslu. As we trek, we will notice the welcome board, so we head towards Lokpa. On the way, we will see a few villages and rivers. The rivers begin to narrow down as we meet the convergence of the Syar river from the Tsum valley. Taking a right turn, the trail takes us forward, eventually reaching the Lokpa village. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that gives us the opportunity to view the beautiful Manaslu range. This village is isolated and is a hidden valley of happiness blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago.

6-7 hours

Day 06 Trek to Chumling (2,386m)

Today the day begins with a trek from Lokpa village which is an entrance to a wild route to Tsum Valley. Although the actual entrance begins from a deep slender and a narrow gorge. Depending on the weather, if favorable, on the way we will be blessed by the amazing view of the Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal. The route takes us descending down to the Lungwa river valley as we climb through the dense tropical forests of rhododendron, juniper and pine. The route takes us to Gumling where we only capture the serene nature. Shortly, we cross the Syar Khola again, arriving at the village of Chumling. As the day slowly comes to an end, we will have spare time to visit the monasteries of Chumling; The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gompa. This village includes telephone service as well as health post.

Day 07 Trek to Chhokang Paro (3,031m)

Today's destination is Chhokang Paro and we start our trek early in the morning. The upper Tsum valley opens from Chhokang Paro. It is a village that is situated on a flat land and is made up of two settlements which are Chhokang and Paro. As we cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank, we will see great views of Ganesh Himal and from the south, we can see spectacular views of Boudha Himal and Himalchuli peaks to the south west. We continue trekking pass Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge, arriving at the Gho village. After another two hours climb, we finally make it to the village of Chhokanparo. In this village, we will be welcomed by hospitable locals welcoming us with Tibetan tea (butter tea) and local meals. If favorable weather, we will enjoy the views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

5-6 hours

Day 08 Trek to Nile (3,361m)

The Nile village is on the western side and is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. It is on the sunside of the Shiar Khola and about twenty minutes’ walk from across Chhule. As we trek, we will pass the Piren Phu cave which is also known as the piegeon cave. This cave is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. The famous Tibetan saint called Milarepa was believed to have meditated in that cave as his footprint is imprinted on the cave. The route further is a very pleasant trek, as we will be walking pass green meadows and the landscape become fertile and narrow. The farmers will be busy farming. There are two separate monasteries that are attached to the rocky cave. It is abundantly painted with Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on the stones and long prayer flags and Buddhist paper scripts are in it that makes it one of the most important socio cultural asset in the valley. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Shiar Khola, we will soon arrive at Nile.

Day 9 Trek to Mu Gompa (3700m) and Explore

Followed by an early morning breakfast, we will head out of Nile as the trail gradually ascends to Mu Gompa. It is the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gompa is located at the highest and the farthest point in the Tsum Valley. It was established in the 1895 AD and includes many religious books including Kangyur, a life size statue of Avalokiteshwara and images of Guru Padmasambavya and Tara. The route takes us through yak pastures through typical dry and arid Trans Himalayan Terrain. The monastery has rows of Chortens and beautiful mountain views and houses. The historical Dephyudonma monastery connected with the dawn of Buddhism run by Lama, on the lap of the rugged mountains, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum valley.

3-4 hours

Day 10 Trek to Rachen Gompa (3,240m)

After breakfast, we will head from Mu Gompa to rachen Gompa; a nunnery following the trails. It is situated in the Shiar Khola valley in the footills of the mountains that border between Nepal and Tibet. We return down valley through Chhule, and continue down as far as Phurbe. Walking on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and crossing flat boulder-covered plains following the power lines to Rachen Gompa. Rachen Gompa was established on the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum valley. The interior of the Gompa is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history.

3-4 hours

Day 11 Trek to Gumba Lungdang (3,200m)

After trekking south, we cross a bridge to the west bank passing through the Chhokangparo again. We descend down the old trail towards Chumling and approximately two hours later we will witness a small white gompa on the left at Gho (2,458m). We decsned down a narrow trail that passes through a Gompa then onto a wooden bridge over the Siyar Khola. Soon, we will be crossing the bridge to Domje which has a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and a school. Further with a steep climb through pine, juniper and rhododendron forest, the track starts to traverse at a mani walls with many prayer flags hung. This sight of the Tibetan culture is absolutely beautiful. Finally, in the forest, there is a prayer flag that marks the uphill trail and makes a zigzag climb though a big silver pine to reach the Gompa in Lungdang. Rhododendrons will be seen blooming everywhere. If this trek is done during the spring season, the view will be definitely be breath taking seeing the nature capture our eyes and mind. This small gompa has forty nuns and an intense puja from 6:00-7:30pm every night unless the nuns are on holidays which could be for some months in a year. From the gompa, beautiful and astonishing views of the mountains can be seen.

5-6 hours

Day 12 Trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200m)

Today is an exciting day as we will be trekking to the Ganesh Himal Base camp. On the route, the forest wilderness and the views make it an enjoyable and an adventurous trek even though the altitude rise may cause difficulty in breathing and hiking. The route crosses through two small valleys dropping on the muddy meanders on a shortcut to regain the lower track and continue up the valley via a thick and dense forest. We will cross a small pasture, taking a right turn, we decsned the track and down to the river. The suspension bridge takes us to a bank. The trail becomes slightly challenging but we will manage to cross the forest with many winds thrown trees crossing the Laudang Khola on the west bank on top of an unbalanced wooden bridge. Yet again, we climb through steep rhododendron and pine forests eventually reavhing on to a ridge and stone huts besides a large stone in Kharka. Shortly, we will reach a landscape with greenery. Flat grassy lands and the lateral moraine of the Torogumba Glacier. As we continue climbing up, in a couple of hours we reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. After appreciating and admiring the effort to reach up here, we will then return back to Gumba Lugdang as it is a short trek.

7-8 hours

Day 13 Trek to Lokpa (2,040m)

On this day, we will be returning back to Lokpa. We will decsned down to Domje by trekking in the upper track crossing the Laudang Khola. Crssoing an unstable swing bridge between the lowest two houses in Domje, we will stay on the south bank of the Siyar Khola. As we walk by, we will come cross a new trail via a beautiful dense forest that will take us yet to another deep gorge and swinging bridges to Ripche (2,470m). We walk down the stairs to the Bhatti Ghumlong which we had walked through several days ago. As we climb up again through a pine forest, we will reach Lokpa.

6-7 hrs

Day 14 Trek to Jagat (1,400m)

As we descend down to Jagat, we will be rejoining the Budhi Gandaki river. As we trek, we will get a few glimpses of the mountains. Walking through forests and terrains, gives us an easy pleasant trek. Taking breaks in between, we will reach Sirdibas. After crossing a few suspension bridges, we will finally reach Jagat.

6-7 hrs

Day 15 Trek to Machha Khola (869m)

Leaving Jagat we will down walk most of the time following downstream of Buddhi Gandaki river.

Day 16 Drive back to Kathmandu

Followed by an early morning breakfast, we will be driving back to Kathmandu. The drive will be scenic as we will be passing by the beautiful Trishuli river. Also, the greenery of the hills will be eye pleasing. We will be driving west towards Kathmandu via the Prithivi Highway. Shortly, we will reach Kathmandu, where you will be escorted to your respective hotels. After wards, with spare time in hands, trekkers may wish to rest at their hotel or explore the Kathmandu city.

Day 17 Rest and final shopping day

Incase of failure to reach Kathmandu last day, we will drive to Kathmandu early this day and used it as contingency travel day. Departing early from Besisahar we will reach Kathmandu around afternoon and remaining day we can make our final shopping at Thamel (popular tourist market) nearby the hotel after a short rest  Evening will be a post trip briefing at hotel lobby. We enjoy a final night in Nepal, reliving the trek and our extraordinary achievements. 

Day 18 Final departure

We say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. For your final departure, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours prior to your international flight time.

Inclusion

Camping basis
All ground transportation as per itinerary
4 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B plan.
TIMs (Trekking Information Management system) card
Gorkha National Park Entry Fee
Special Restricted Area Permit Fee
Food for the members on camping basis
All camping equipment and camping charges

Medical supplies(First aid Kit will be available)

All required Nepalese staffs (salary, food, clothing, accommodation)

All Nepalese staffs insurance as per Nepalese Government rules

Company service charge and government taxes etc.

Exclusion

International flight with airport tax.

Nepalese Entry Visa fee
Food during stay in Kathmandu

All personal equipment and personal expenses
Photography Charges, Monument charges and Monument entry fees
Personal Medical and travel insurance(must cover helicopter rescue evacuation cost)
Personal Medicine

Telephone and internet charges
Laundry charges
Alcoholic beverage, bottled drinks and cold drinks during the trip
Rescue evacuation charges if required
Staff and porters Tips...

Equipment List

Clothing and Equipments List
» Pack to pack out - bring enough waterproof bags to carry all non-biodegradable rubbish back down the mountain.
» Remove all unnecessary packaging before leaving home.
» Bring enough warm dry clothes so that you can wrap up rather than burn firewood in the evenings.
» If you are going to trek higher than 5000m or you know it will be cold, buy an aluminum water bottle which can also be used as a hot water bottle at night.
» The easiest way to keep hydrated while trekking is to buy a 1 x liter platypus-drinking bladder to carry in your day pack.
» Make sure to buy proper trekking socks. Don’t buy synthetic socks as these promote sweating and can give you blisters. Always carry a few blister pads in your first aid kit and keep them handy in your day pack.
» Walking poles are very useful while trekking and helpful when descending.
» Please remember that waste disposal and recycling facilitates are limited in Nepal. When buying batteries make sure they are rechargeable and/or high quality so they last longer, and take them home to recycle.

More Lists
There is no definitive list. What you bring will vary according to the area, time of year and the length of your trek. Below is a suggested check list which you should adapt to your own needs. Ask yourself: Will there be snow/how long /high is the trek/are we camping?

» Good quality trekking boots with ankle support
» Lightweight shell/raincoat with hood
» Detachable fleece liner or separate fleece
» Fleece trousers
» Shorts and / or convertibles trousers- quick drying
» Sunglasses
» Sun hat and warm hat(good quality)
» Gloves
» Spare T-shirt x 3
» Sweat towel x 2
» Spare socks x 3 ( walking sock and thin inner sock)
» Small day sack
» Sun cream
» Small water bottle aluminum doubles as a hot water bottle.
» Iodine or water purifying kit,
» Soluble vitamin tablets to taste water or powder fruit drink
» Talcum powder
» Walking sticks or Trekking poles(good quality)
» Camp shoes/trainers/flip flops to wear in evening.
» Spare underwear 3
» Toilet kit
» Tissues
» Pen knife
» Bum bag
» Head torch(good quality)
» Biodegradable washing liquid / soap
» FILM
» CAMERA
» Ear plugs
» Sleeping bag liner(good quality)
» Sleeping bag(good quality-30)
» Bin bag/ gasbag to keep kit dry
» Small towel
» Lip balm
» Available in KTM

Personal First Aid (Aids Kit)
» Antiseptic
» Bandages
» Blister plasters
» Decongestant
» AMS medication like Diamox
» Eye drops – it can get very dusty on trails
» Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
» Rehydration sachets, Imodium and antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea
» Scissors
» Sterile dressing
» Sticking plasters and tape
» Throat lozenges / sweets
» Tweezers
» A sewing needle etc.

This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.

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