Tsum Valley Trekking - 18 days

The Tsum Valley lies along the border with Tibet, just south of Tibet’s Shisha Pangma (8,046m/26,400ft). It is one of the most secluded valleys in the Himalayas and nestles beneath the Ganesh, Shringi and Boudha Himals. It was opened to trekking in 2008.

Its friendly people, the Tsumbas, are of Tibetan origin, speak an ancient dialect and have a unique culture and form of Buddhism. A form of polyandry is still practiced amongst some families – with all brothers in a family being married to one girl. These families tend to be wealthier than couples’ families. Goats, yaks and chickens are kept. Yaks provide transport for trade en route to Tibet.

Our Tsum valley trek passes Newar village of Arughat six hours by bus from Kathmandu. The trail gradually rises from village to village, over ridges, up the narrow Marsyangdi Valley to Philim and on to New Bridge where it splits: west to Manaslu, east to the Tsum Valley.

Highlights in the valley include the village of Chhekampar with its stone houses and slate roofs, Milarepa’s cave, Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa to the south has nuns of the Ngak-pa sect. Gumba Lungdang is another important nunnery where trekkers are welcomed at the evening puja. Their 360o views are amongst the best on the trek. From the Gompa, a forest trail leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp: and superb views of the Ganesh Himal range to the west and Manaslu to the east with its surrounding peaks. From Gumba Lungdang, the downward return journey requires only four long but fairly easy days. We will overnight at different villages.