SACRED TSUM VALLEY TREK – NEPAL

THE SACRED SANCTUARIES OF NORTHERN NEPAL

• Awarded by Outside Magazine as the 2012 ‘Himalayan Trip of the Year’
  
• The Himalayan ‘Valley of Pilgrimage’
  
• Combine Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit
  
• 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 the adverse effects of war, famine and 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 & Manaslu Circuit Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Nepali guide and porter support crew. 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 1 to 12 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal! Met upon arrival and transfer to our 4-star group hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. 2,952 feet. 7 hour drive.
Day 4: The village of Jagat. 4,395 feet. 6 hour hike.
Day 5: Lokpa Village. 7,348 feet. 7 hour hike.
Day 6: To Chumling (Lower Tsum). 7,826 feet. 6 hours of hiking.
Day 7: Chhokang-Paro Village (Upper Tsum). 5 hour hike. 9,873 feet.
Day 8: To Nile and visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave along the way. 11,024 feet. 6 hours hike.
Day 9: At Nile. Visit Mu Gompa (12,136 feet). 6 hour day hike.
Day 10: Return hike to Chumling. 7,826 feet. 7 hour hike.
Day 11: To Deng. 6,100 feet. 7 hour hike.
Day 12: Trek to Namrung. 8,725 feet. 5 hour hike.
Day 13: Trek to Sama Gaon. 11,480 feet. 7  hour hike.
Day 14: Acclimatization and exploration day at Sama Gaon.
Day 15: Trek to Samdo. 12,710 feet. 5 hour hike.
Day 16: Up to Dharamsala. 14,596 feet. 4 hour hike.
Day 17: Cross Larkye La pass. 17,100 feet & and descend to Bimthang. 11,778 feet. 8 hour hike.
Day 18: To Gowa Phedi. 7,545 feet. 6 to 7 hour hike.
Day 19: Trek to Dharapani. 5,970 feet. 3 to 4 hour hike. Drive to Beshisahar. 4 hour drive. Hotel.
Day 20: Drive to Kathmandu. 5 to 6 hour drive.
Day 21: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 22: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for our departure.