THE SACRED SANCTUARY OF NORTHERN NEPAL

• Awarded by Outside Magazine as the 2012 ‘Himalayan Trip of the Year’
  
• The Himalayan ‘Valley of Pilgrimage’
  
• In the shadow of Mount Manaslu
  
• Land of Buddhist gompas & mani walls
  
• Ancient home of the Yeti

The Tsum Valley is situated in the northern Gorkha district of Nepal, surrounded by the Buddha Himal with Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south and Sringi Himal to the north. Tsum is one of the eight sacred valleys (called Beyuls) in the inner Himalayas and owes its genesis to the 8th century Buddhist saint Padmasmbhava. Legend has it that Padmasambhava created beyuls as a refuge for people fleeing from the adverse effects of war, famine or religious persecution. Saturated with Buddhist culture, these valleys uphold religious values and help preserve a lost way of life. Tsum valley is inhabited by Tsumbas, an indigenous community and together with the majestic back drops of the famous Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Buddha Himal, this serene valley carries a history of ancient Himalayan civilization styles; culture, art, tradition, religion, customs and thinking.

The Tsum Valley landscape is dotted with mani walls, chortens and kaanis (gateway chortens). Chortens are Buddhist religious monuments, also known as stupas, which are distinct features in Tsum Valley. They are erected to ward off evil spirits from places that are identified as thresholds such as confluences and bridges or to commemorate the visit or death of historic figures, lamas or even relatives. Kaanis are also called gateway chortens placed before the entry of any village which travelers are supposed to walk through. Mani walls are long walls made of mani stones i.e. stones with carved mantras. The main purpose of these mani walls is to ask the help of the gods for the well-being of travelers.

The Sacred Tsum Valley Trek (Camping Trip) is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Nepali guide and porter support crew. In 2024, we are able to arrange this incredible trek starting on any day of the week during the months of mid-March through May and September through mid-November for groups of 2 to 12 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1. Arrive in Kathmandu. 4,265 feet. Met upon arrival.
Day 2: Sightseeing and free day in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu Soti Khola. 2,360 feet.
Day 4: Trek to Khorla Besi Camp via Liding. 6 to 7 hours of trekking. 3,400 feet.
Day 5: Khorla Besi to Jagat (7 to 8 hours). 4,395 feet.
Day 6: The village of Lokpa. (6 to 7 hours). 7,350 feet.
Day 7: To Rainjam Gompa (Lower Tsum). (6 hours of trekking). 7,750 feet.
Day 8: Chhokangparo Village (Upper Tsum). (3 to 4 hours of trekking). 9,875 feet.
Day 9: To Nile/Chhule and visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave. (5 to 6 hours). 11,025 feet.
Day 10: Mu Gompa (12,140 feet) and visit Dhepu Gompa (13,320 feet). 3 to 4 hour trek.
Day 11: Rest and exploration day.
Day 12: The Rachen Gompa & camp at Lar. (3 to 4 hour trek). 10,630 feet.
Day 13: Rachen Gompa to Chumling (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 8,070 feet.
Day 14: To Philim Village (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 5,150 feet.
Day 15: Trek to Khorla Besi Camp (7 to 8 hours of trekking). 3,400 feet.
Day 16: Trek to Soti Khola. (5 to 6 hours of trekking). 2,360 feet.
Day 17: Return drive to Kathmandu via Arughat Bazaar. 8 to 9 hour drive. Hotel.
Day 18: Transfer to the Kathmandu International Airport for our departure.