Tsum Valley Trek - 25 days

The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gokha, Nepal. 'Tsum' comes from the Tibetan word '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 speak a 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 Kyimo Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalayas, is well known for its centres of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum valley, the Manaslu area in Nepal and southern parts of Tibet.

The Tsum valley has a long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical area 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 by passed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.

The valley is drained by the Shiar 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. It is approachable via two routes: one passing through Chumchet and another from Lokpa. Both routes involve steep ascents of over 1500 m. from the valley floor. The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially in ghoral and tahr, which congregate in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting 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.

The trail follows the winding Budhi Gandaki River. The flat elevated valley provides magnificent vistas of the Ganesh Himal (7422 m.), Sringi Himal (7187 m.), Himal Chuli (7895 m.) adn Baudha Himal (6672 m.) peaks.

Trip Facts