Tsum Valley Trekking is one of the unique adventures that take you to far-flung corners of Nepal's North Mid-West Himalayas.
Truly a hidden gem of a country as well as Shangri-La, where a walk follows on the ancient trails. In the early days, this was the old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route between Nepal and Tibet. A caravan of yaks and mules laden with goods from both sides passed through on this vintage route. The Tsum people are known as Tsumbas interwoven in the ancestral heritage of Tibet that still exists. This makes this adventure worth a visit for once in a lifetime experience within Tsum, the Valley of Happiness. Tsum Valley has been described in the ancient Tibetan text called “Beyul Kyimolung” as Tsum the Valley of Happiness. Which you will notice and observe once you enter the land of Tsumbas living in peaceful harmony with farm activities.
Tsum Valley Trekking begins with an exciting drive from Kathmandu towards the low warm farmland of Gorkha district. Located within Central Nepal around Mid-West, the country with heavily farmed areas, the origin of Gorkha the hill tribes.
The walk follows the glacial Budhi-Gandaki River for some days, trekking around sub-tropical farm villages. As the adventure continues reaching the cooler mid-hills covered in a lovely forest of pines and rhododendron trees. Having time to explore the nice villages, then entering the highland of strong Buddhist cultures.
The trail leads through the traditional farm villages of Jagat, Philim, Deng, and Namrung to enter the Tsum areas. Situated north-east of the massif mountain range of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal and following Sayer Khola / stream high above.
An interesting walk uphill and crossing several exciting bridges as tree lines slowly give away for the short alpine bush. After days of continuous walks with grand views of snow-capped peaks and rolling green hills. Then finally reaching amidst Tsum Valley at Mu Gompa the highest spot of the adventure.
Having a day off to explore its beautiful surroundings in the shade of towering peaks of Ganesh Himal. Enjoy the tour of Mu-Gompa enriched with ancient artifacts and idols of famous saints, and gurus with a statue of Buddha.
After an enjoyable time in Mu Gompa, the return journey leads towards an interesting settlement with another famous monastery Rachen Gompa.
Rachen Gompa and the areas offer the stunning scenery of the Snow Mountains along with its colorful cultures. Finally, our visit to upper Tsum Valley concludes with a return back to mid-hill villages and then down to Machha-Khola.
The next early morning an exciting drive from Machha-Khola reaches you back at Kathmandu. After a great experience and memorable adventure on Tsum Valley Trekking.
The Best Seasons for Tsum Valley Trekking:
For Tsum Valley Trek, the best time is from mid-spring April to May, as well as in autumn/fall. The spring begins from March till May when most days are clear for views and walks. Chances of light rain around lower areas and mid-hills can expect snow above 2,500 m high sometimes. Cold morning, late afternoon, and nighttime above 2,000 m can get overcast around late afternoon.
The next best time is autumn/fall starts from September to November, most days are clear for views and pleasant walks. But shorter days due to limited hours of sunshine in October and November. Cold morning and in shade as well late afternoon and night time, but with clear starry nights. Can expect snowfall during the autumn season, from the middle of November the villagers migrate to low warm areas to escape the cold winter.
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