Tsum valley, situated in the northern part of the Manaslu region in Gorkha district, is a sacred pilgrimage valley and a restricted area that was opened for trekking only in 2008. The word “Tsum” comes from Tibetan language, and is literally translated as vivid. The local people of this area are originally from Tibet as the region was once a part of Tibet, so the people living in this valley are predominantly Buddhist. The local people of Tsum valley are called the Tsumbas, who follow their own ancient form of dialect, art, tradition and custom.
Overview
The Tsum Valley is known as Beyul Kimolung, meaning the holy hidden valley of happiness which was first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century. This valley holds some enchanting monasteries like Rachen gompa, Mu gompa and Dephyudonma gompa. There are several mani walls (an array of stone tablets engraved with prayers placed as a wall), the longest of which (over 250m) are built in Dzong and Phurpe. The valley has a multitude of nunneries which are centuries old and several caves in which great saints are believed to have been meditated there, like Milarepa who meditated in the caves of Piren phu which is known to be one of the most sacred caves.
The trek in itself is a fascinating journey that takes you through beautiful rhododendron, pine and juniper forests to alpine valleys passing along thread-like suspensions bridges hanging high above rapid flowing glacial rivers.
Along with its captivating landscapes, the Tsum Valley is surrounded by magnificient peaks such as Manaslu (8156m), Chuli Himal (7871m), Ganesh Himal (7422m) and Sringi Himal (7187m) and Buddha Himal (6692m).
Extension to Larkye La (Manaslu Circuit)
Day 14 :Trek Dumje to Lokpa (2240 m) – 6 hrs
Day 15 :Trek to Deng (1800 m) – 5 hrs
Day 16 :Trek to Ghap (2160 m) – 4-5 hrs
Day 17 :Trek to Lho Gaun (3180 m) – 5-6 hrs
Day 18 :Trek to Sama Gaun / Sama Gompa (3530 m) – 3 hrs
Day 19 :Excursion day and hike to Manaslu base camp ( – 6-7 hrs
Day 20 :Trek to Samdo (3,690m) – 4 hrs
Day 21 :Trek to Dharamsala (4,470m) – 4 hrs
Day 22 :Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larke pass (5,200m) – 8 hrs
Day 23 :Trek to Dharapani (2,560m) – 5 hrs
Day 24 :Trek to Chamche (1,400m) – 6 hrs
Day 25 :Drive to Besisahar (600m), Conttinue drive to Kathmandu- 8 to 9 hrs
Day 26 :Departure
What makes this trek special?
- Trek the restricted area of Manaslu
- Very few tourists
- Exploration of the Tsum valley, a pilgrimage sacred valley
- Experience Tibetan culture and lifestyle
- Beautiful landscapes and massive white peaks including Manaslu and several 7000m peaks
- Waterfalls, rivers and caves along the way
- Beautiful Buddhist monasteries, stupas and “mani” (prayer walls) along the way
- Possible extension to cross Larkye la (Manaslu Circuit)
