TSUM VALLEY RESEARCH TREK - NEPAL

22 Days - 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

 View / download a detailed trip itinerary

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.

2013 GROUP TRIP DEPARTURE DATE:
November 17 to December 8, 2013
(Trip date represents the day you need to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal and the first day you can schedule to depart)

The Sacred Tsum Valley Trek (Camping Trip) is part of our Epic Himalayan Journey Series! These trips are led by one of our experienced trekking guides and represent the gourmet trekking offerings of the great Himalayan Range. In 2013, we are also 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.

2013 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
2 to 4 People: $3405.00
5 to 8 People: $3035.00
9 to 12 People: $2910.00
Hotel room and tent single supplement: $430.00 per person

TRIP SNIPPETS:
22 days, 4 nights hotels, 17 nights of tented camping, 16 days trekking. All meals on trek are included. 

Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Max. altitude: 13,320 feet at Dhephyudonma Gompa

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1. Arrive in Kathmandu. 4,265 feet. Met upon arrival.
Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar. 1,755 feet.
Day 4: Trek to Liding along the Soti Khola River. 6 to 7 hours of trekking. 2,820 feet.
Day 5: To Machha Khola. (6 to 7 hours). 3,050 feet.
Day 6: Machha Khola to Doban (6 to 7 hours). 4,625 feet.
Day 7: The village of Philim. (6 hours). 5,085 feet.
Day 8: To Chumling (Lower Tsum). (7 hours of trekking). 7,750 feet.
Day 9: Chhokangparo Village (Upper Tsum). (5 to 6 hours of trekking). 9,875 feet.
Day 10: To Nile/Chhule and visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave along the way. (6 to 7 hours). 11,025 feet.
Day 11: Mu Gompa (12,140 feet) and visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (13,320 feet). 4 to 5 hours of trekking).
Day 12: Rest and exploration day.
Day 13: The Rachen Gompa (5 hours trekking). 10,630 feet.
Day 14: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 8,005 feet.
Day 15: To Gompa Lungdang (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 10,500 feet.
Day 16: Trek to Ripchet (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 8,200 feet.
Day 17: Trek to Philim. (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 5,805 feet.
Day 18: Khorla Besi Camp. (6 to 7 hours trekking). 2,360 feet.
Day 19: Return to Arughat Bazaar. (6 to 7 hours of trekking). 1,755 feet.
Day 20: Drive to Kathmandu (8 to 9 hours).
Day 21: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 22: Transfer to the Kathmandu International Airport for our departure.

Country Information: About Nepal
Mount Manaslu: About Mount Manaslu