It is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Tsum comes from the Tibetan word Tsombo, which means vivid. Traditionally, Tsum valley was a currently distinct geographical area called Tsum Tso Chucksums, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own dialect. The altitude of Tsum Valley trek varies from 1905m in Lhokpa to over 5093m at Ngula Dhojhyang pass on the Tibatan border. The hidden valley is surrounded by the Buddha Himal and Himal chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south & Sringi Himal to North. People in Tsum Valley still practice polyandry system and they have their own unique culture, tradition, & dialect. They celebrate unique festival like Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa,Faning & others. Many residents of this valley report that they have seen or found the signs of Mehti, commonly referred as the Yeti or Abominable Snowman. Trekking route gives the glimpses of diversity of flora & fauna, and people with different religion and cultures. On the way to Philim there are many waterfalls on both side of the Buddha Gandaki river and hundred species of birds in the forest. As you walk enjoy with songs of bird and the roaring sound of the river. Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat and Philim provide the unique hospitality with culture and religion. During this trekking the narrow valley shaping by Budhi Gandaki provides the magnificent vistas of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal and Himal Chuli. Duration: 19 days Price: $2265 Group Size: 2 Grade: Challenging Destination: Nepal Activity: Trekking
Equiment Lists: Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes. Clothing : Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit. Other equipment: Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters. Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacket Itinerary: Day 1: Kathmandu arrival Lantang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you in an airport & transfer you to your Hotel, after refreshment you will be picked from hotel lobby to office where you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits. Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings.pashupatinath: Hindu Temple is a very large and complex and focal point for the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year. Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time 2
to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot where your hotel for tonight is located. If you feel energetic you might also like to try some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point.kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of the home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window. Day 3: From Kathmandu drive to Arughat Bazaar by bus (7-8 hrs) and trek to Arkhet Bazar (2 hrs) We take a 7-8 hrs bus ride to Arughat bazaar in Gorkha district. The village of Arughat is in two parts, on opposite sides of the Buri Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean and prosperous with hotels and shops selling cloth, food and hardware.from the bus stop we trek for two hours to Arkhet bazaar. We pass through Gurung and Magar villages and terraced fields along the way. Day 4: Arkhet Bazar to Machha Khola (6 hrs) From Arkhet Bazaar we take the trail to Machha Khola. Machha Khola is a village situated above a stream with the same name. We set up camp at a good campsite. Day 5: Machha Khola to Yaru khola (6 hrs) From Macha Khola we trek to Yaru Khola. The village of Yaru Khola at 1,330m has a good campsite near the Buri Gandaki river. The river meanders serenely among gravel bars. Day 6: Yaru khola to Lokpa (6-7 hrs) From Yaru Khola we trek to Lokpa. Lokpa is the first village as you enter the Tsum Valley. The local people are farmers and grow potatoes, gucchi mushrooms and soya beans. Day 7: Lokpa to Chumling (Lower Tsum) (4-5 hrs) From Lokpa we trek to Chumling Tanjo. We can see the Baudha Himal(6672m) and Ganesh Himal VI on a clear day. Chumling has three monasteries: Panago Gumba, Mani Dhungyur and Gurwa Gumba. There are also several good campsites. There is a telephone service and health post too. Day 8: Chumling to Chhokangparo (Upper Tsum) (7 hrs) From Chumling we trek to Chhokangparo. Upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokangparo, where hospitality local people (Tibetan group Tsombo ) welcome you with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal. 3
Day 9: Chhokangparo to Nile/Chhule, visit Milarepa Piren Phu Cave on the way (4-5 hrs) From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/ Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. Nile is on the western, sun-side of the Shiar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule.On the way we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu(pigeon 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. Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant Buddhists paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural asset in the valley.beautiful views can be had of the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. Day 10: Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa (3700 m), visit Dhephyudonma Gompa (4060 m) (4-5 hrs) Dephyudonma gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley and is situated in the rugged mountains, a 2 hr walk from the village of Chhule and Nile. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley.the monastery is run by Lama Serap of Nile Ladrang from the Kangin sect. There are a few campsites and dinking water facilitie Day 11: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa, visit Gonhgye Gompa (Nyigma-pa Buddhist sect) (5 hrs) The trail ascends to Mu Gumba, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum Valley. On the way to Mu Gumba. Day 12: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (6-7 hrs) Rachen Gumba is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley, with 80 nuns currently studying. It was established in 1905 AD. Iyt houses the nuns belonging to Ngak-pa sect, which does not allow animal slaughter. Dhumje is a small village with about eight houses and adjoining cattle shed. Day 13: Dumje to Philim (cross Ripchet) (7-8 hrs) From Dumje we trek to Philim and cross Ripchet. on the way we witness one of the most beautiful falls in the Lower Tsum Valley, Samba Tingding Chhupyang. Phillim, at 1550m, is a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. The trail that climbs through the village and heads up over the ridge leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp. Day 14: Philim to Tatopani (7-8 hrs)pa From Phillim we trek to Tatoni. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. You can relieve your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. Day 15: Tatopani to Lapubeshi (6-7 hrs) From Tatopani we trek to Lapubeshi, a Gurung Village. We pass through terraced fields and tropical waterfalls. We camp at the village. Day 16: Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar (5-6 hrs) As we make our way from Lapubeshi to Arughat Bazar, we come to the last leg of our journey. 4
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu by bus (6-7 hrs) We drive to Kathmandu. Day 18: Kathmandu free day of your own This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening you will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance. Day 19: Final Departure All too soon it s time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing country. Cost Include: Airport Pick up & Drop Transportation by private vehicle Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu in 3 star hotels with breakfast sightseeing in Kathmandu Escorted with English Speaking Guide & Entrance fee Accommodation in tent during trek Private transportation & Cargo Meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) in trekking 4 seasonal sleeping bag Water Tea Coffee Trekking map for group All necessary paper work & Permits A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder English Speaking guide and required porters Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of Langtang Ri trekking staffs Travel & Rescue arrangement Experienced cook, sherpas and kitchen crew Tents, mattress, cooking utensils and camping equipments All government taxes Farewell dinner Cost exclude: International Airfare Nepal Visa fee (US$ 40 per person for 30 days) Special restricted permit From Sept. to Nov. US$ 70 per week per person From Dec. to Aug. US$ 50 per week per person Airport Departure taxes/excess baggage charges Transportation for members, nepali staffs & cargo Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu Medical evacuation in case of emergency Personal gears & clothing (available on hire) Client's insurance, Items of personal nature i.e. Soft/hard drinks, Tips etc Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual Anything not specfied in cost include section 5