Tsum valley trek

Tsum valley trek is a remote and less-traveled trekking route located at northern Gorkha district, close to the border of Tibet. It was opened for trekking in 2008. This trek is a popular challenging trekking destination for those who love to explore remote areas and experience the unique culture and traditions of the Himalayan people in Nepal. The trek starts from Arughat, follows the Budhi Gandaki River and passes through beautiful waterfalls. As you ascend higher, you will come across stunning vistas of the snow-capped mountains and valleys. 

Tsum valley is a hidden valley known for its rich Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and traditional way of life, at the foothills of Ganesh Himal (7422 m). The trek takes you to the Rachen Gompa and MU Gompa, which are the main attraction of this trek. MU Gompa is a 400 years old monastery, which is home to over 100 monks. It is the oldest and largest monastery sits at an altitude of 3700 m in the Tsum valley. Along the way, you will observe mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens. 

Overall, Tsum valley trek is adventurous trekking routes that lead you through countless beautiful small villages, including Machhakhola, Jagat, Chumling, and Chhekampar, where you can explore the unique culture of local people and experience the warmth hospitality. However, it is a moderate to thrilling trek that requires a good level of fitness and experience in high- altitude trekking (it’s better if you have an experience but not compulsory).

Culture and Religion in Tsum valley

Mostly, the local people of Tsum valley are of Tibetan origin and communicate in a unique language. They have a strong faith in Buddhism. People of Tsum valley pray Buddha Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some Bodhisattvas. They also place a player flags, mani walls, khata, burn butter lamps in monasteries and believe in the reincarnation of lamas. Majority of the people celebrate Lhosar festival, which falls in the month of January/ February. It is celebrated for 10-15 days to mark New Year, visiting monasteries and erecting new prayer flags in a home. They also exchange wishes and greetings by offering delicious foods. Another main festival of Tsum valley people is Dhuchyang festival, which falls in the month of December/ January. It is celebrated by visiting monasteries and offering prayers. People exchange greetings by riding well decorated horses in traditional attire and jewellery.

Foods and lodging

All the trekking in Nepal, are base on teahouse which means staying and eating in local lodges. The rooms are basic and usually come in double occupancy with a wooden bed, blanket, mattress, a pillow and a sharing bathrooms, and the view is spectacular from the rooms of the mountain tea houses. Likewise, single rooms are available and they will provide for a solo female traveler.

We eat at teahouses and although the foods is plentiful and delicious. They offer a variety of potatoes, noodle dishes, rice and seasonal vegetables, and soup. During breakfast, you can have French toast with jam, honey and peanut butter, corn flakes, pancakes, porridge with milk. At the time of Lunch, you can have variety of thukpa (noodle soup), Nepalese local food Dal and Bhat, momo (dumplings), Tibetan/ chapatti bread, macroni, spaghetti, Sherpa stew, sandwiches, pizza, spring rolls, and yak steak. Moreover, deserts and snacks include rice pudding, fruits snicker, apple pie and hot drinks like black/ milk coffees, black/ mint/ ginger/ green/ lemon honey teas, hot chocolates, hot mango juice, hot pineapple juice etc. In some areas, you will find fresh seasonal fruits.

Suitable time to trek

The spring season (March to May) is one of the best seasons to travel to Tsum valley since the weather is often clear and warm, with moderate day time temperatures and milder night time temperature. The path is lovely, and trekking is simpler without rain or snow.

The autum (October to November) is another best seasons with the skies being clear once more after the monsoon rains and the landscape still as lush and hills are covered by green forests. The heavier clouds are gone now, and the summit of the mountain is once more clearly visible.

The winter and monsoon is also considered as the best seasons for the adventure seekers and who want to attempt thrilling and challenging trek during the trip in Nepal. The path is slippery and muddy, which makes the trail difficult and risky. 

Guide and Porter

Tsum valley trek is a restricted area trek, so you need a special permit to enter the area. Therefore, all trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and to obtain permit through authorized trekking agencies registered with the government of Nepal.

Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable and reputable company that can provide technically competent guides who are excellent in safety performance. They are friendly, fluent English speaking, well- trained and licensed guide with guide insurance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first aid kids.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all the trekkers, who want to participate in any trek and tour programs on the mountains in Nepal. The Tsum valley trek is a high- altitude trekking, which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage. It also offers you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unforeseen accident. 

When buying travel insurance for Tsum valley trek, make sure that it covers high altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expensive without insurance. According to your plan, you can also obtain additional coverage of activities like hiking, mountaineering, and adventure sports. At the time of buying it, read the insurance documentation thoroughly and understand the coverage.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is common in mountains above the altitude of 3000 m. Headache, nausea, tiredness, shortness in breathe, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, rapid pulse and extreme dehydration etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. If any of these symptoms are seen on you while trekking in Tsum valley you should immediately get the medical help before it is too late.

Here are the tips which has been tried our experienced trekking guides to prevent altitude sickness.

Stop and rest where you are

Make sure you’re drinking enough water

Do not smoke, drink alcohol or exercise

Eating foods and drinking fluids that contain carbs