Tsum Valley Trekking, Nepal Himalaya Trekking, Nepal Trekking , Climbing

Tsum Valley Trekking

Tsum Valley Trekking is a blessed Himalayan expedition in Northern part of Nepal, Gorkha. "Tsum" is a Tibetan word derived from "Tsombo" which means vivid and its people are called "Tsumba". Tsum Valley is famed as "hidden valley" with unique characteristics of mystery, myth and majestic beauty. The region was a restricted area until 2008 and is relatively untracked by hikers, yet the starting point is only 7 hours drive from Kathmandu. Against the lofty backdrop of the Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal and Boudha Himal ranges, this tranquil Himalayan Valley is also rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The altitude of Tsum Valley trek varies from 1,905 meters in Lhokpa to over 5,093 meters at Ngula Dhojhyang pass on the Tibetan border. The Valley is bounded by high passes- the Ngula Dhoj Hyang (5,093m) to the west and Yamcho Pass (5,326m) to the north. Crossing the main Manaslu stream, one certainly gets the feeling of entering a hidden realm. The life of people living in Tsum Valley region is regarded different from others and their practices can be surprising for travelers.

Tsum Valley Trekking is one of those treks which can deliver you the experience of trekking around the Tibet to some extent. The first phase of the trek is a tour around Kathmandu Valley exploring some of the UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Nepal and heading towards Arughat (Gorkha District) from where the trekking trail starts while we trek around Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Tatopani and reach Jagat hiking through the dense forests and crossing rivers on our way with stunning view that nature has to provide. From Jagat the trail is an uphill climb following the path through Philim, Ekle Bhatti and makes it to Lokpa, the first village situated at Tsum Valley from where we head to Chokhangparo visiting satisfying Gombas of Chumling while we walk on a suspension bridge over Serpu Khola River and visit Gho village. We also visit the ancient Gombas of the region such as: Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, Dephyudonma Gompa.

Tsum Valley Trekking continues to Nile. On our way, we visit Buddhist meditation centers and Milarepa's Cave as the path leads to Chumling after exploring the region further more and hike around Phurbe and Pang. We then descend to Philim overlooking the gorgeous Samba Fall and reach Soti Khola via Khorlabeshi, Jagat and Tatopani. Tsum Valley Trekking ends after we arrive in Aarughat and drive towards Kathmandu or move to any other destination of your choice.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Trip Info
Weather
Equipment
Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel. (Car).
Day 02: Cultural tour around Swayambhunath, Kathmandu durbar Square and Patan. “B”. (06-07 Hours). (Must be an official day).
Day 03: Cultural tour around Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. “B”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 04: Drive to Soti Khola [710 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (07-09 Hrs).
Day 05: Soti Khola trek to Maccha Khola [900 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 06: Machha Khola trek to Jagat [1,370m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 07: Jagat trek to Lokpa [2,240m]."B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).
Day 08: Lokpa trek to Chumling [2,386m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 09: Chumling trek to Chokhangparo. [3,010m]. "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).
Day 10: Chokhangparo trek to Nile. [3,361m]. "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).
Day 11: Visit Mu Gompa back to Nile rest. [3,361m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 12: Nile trek to Chumling [2,386 m]."B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 13: Chumling trek to Philim [1570 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 14: Philim trek to Khorla Bensi [970 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).
Day 15: Khorla Bensi trek to Soti Khola [700 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 16: Sotikhoa to Arughat Bazar [970 m] then drive back to Kathamandu. [1338 m]. "B,L". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 17: In Kathmandu free day. [1338 m]. "B".
Day 18: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Nepal [1,330 m]: After you land in Kathmandu airport you will meet a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal who will assist you with hotel procedure. A short briefing will be done once you have settled down. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): Today we will explore the Kathmandu Valley. We will visit the World heritage sites located in Kathmandu Valley. After your breakfast we will drive towards Swyambhunath also known as the monkey temple because of hundreds of monkeys living around the stupa. It is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Stupa and believed to be more than 2,000 years old. We will then drive to the ancient palace of Kathmandu Valley, the Kathmandu Durbar Square. This premises was the palace of ancient Kathmandu with many other attractions like temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple and the Kastamandap temple inside the Durbar Square Area. PM: Patan is often referred to as Lalitpur, which means “city of beauty”. Patan has a long Buddhist History and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE.Visit Patan City second largest city of valley including Royal Palace, Bhimsen temple, Manga Hiti, King Yogaendra Malla’s Statue, Krishna temple, Taleju temple, 15th century Golden Temple and Mahaboudha Temple known as temple of 10,000 Buddha, Kumbeshwar Temple. Bishwakarma Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 03: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): AM: Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatpola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest. Lunch We will also visit the Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddha Stupa on the same day. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most scared Hindu Temple in the world whereas BouddhaStupa is the oldest and the biggest Stupa of Nepal. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Aarughat [710m] - (B/L/D): After a hearty breakfast we begin our journey to western Nepal. We drive approximately for 5 hours to reach Arughat, situated at Gorkha district, from where we begin our trek (In monsoon, Gorkha-Arughat road might not be suitable for drive so trek might start from Gorkha). Arughat is a local market clustered on both sides of the Budi Gandakiriver connected by a suspension bridge. Overnight in Tea House. Drive- 7-9 hours.

Day 05: Trek to MacchaKhola [900 m] - (B/L/D): The trail today sometimes cuts into the steep valleys which isdensely forested. We pass many waterfalls and paddy fields to reach Lapubesi. From here our path descends to the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. We finally ascend for one last time to reach MachaKhola where we will be spending the night. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 05-06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Jagat [1,350 m] - (B/L/D): We continue our trek after breakfast. The trail today takes us to other villages with the vegetation changing slowly. We then cross a bridge followed by an ascend to Kholabesi from where we head towards Hot spring. The trail then climbs over another ridge to cross the BudhiGandaki River on a suspension bridge. After ascending on staircase path to Dobhan we cross another suspension bridge over YaruKhola followed by a descend to the river. The trail then again goes uphill towards TharoBharyang. Finally after the last uphill climb of the day we walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat where we will be spending the night. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 07-08 hrs.

Day 07: Jagat - Lokpa [2,240m] - (B/L/D): The early part of trek moves gently uphill and then follows a flat leveled path. You cross a suspension bridge over BudhiGandaki before you enter Philim. Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by the Gurungs. From Philim, you climb a gradual uphill where we stop for lunch at EkleBhatti. Lokpa is the first village as you enter the Tsum valley. Overnight in Tea House. Average Trekking time is 06-07hours.

Day 08: Lokpa trek to Chumling [2,600m] - (B/L/D): We begin our day with an uphill climb towardsChumling. Chumling is a village situated at the south face of ShingriHimal. We will also visit the Gombas of Chumling on this day. The trail today is completely uphill so this might be a tiring day. Overnight in Tea house. Average trekking time is 04-05 hours.

Day 09: Chumling to Chokhangparo [3,010 m] - (B/L/D): Begin our day by crossing a suspension bridge and continue on the opposite bank of the river with superb views of Ganesh Himal. We arrive at Gho village after crossing another suspension bridge over SerpuKhola. From Gho, it is further 2 hours climb to reach Chokhangparo from where we can observe extraordinary view of Himalchuli and GanehHimal. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 04-05 hours.

Day 10: Chokhangparo to Nile [3,010 m] - (B/L/D): The trail today ascends in the direction of Lama Gaun passing through monasteries and Gompa. We climb onto the Milarepa’s Cave, a Buddhist meditation centers. We reach Nile via Phurbe and Pang where we will be staying two nights. Overnight in Tea house. Average trekking time is 04-05 hours.

Day 11: Exploration Mu Gompa and back to Nile [3,010 m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast we will explore around Mu Gompa region. Mu Gompa is said to be the largest monastery of this region and is located at the highest and remote part of Tsum Valley. After spending sometime around Mu Gompa we return back to Nile for overnight stay. Overnight in Tea House. Average hiking time is 03-04 hours.

Day 12: Nile trek to Chumling [2,386 m] - (B/L/D): We now begin our descend towards ChhokangParo. The trail today is mostly downhill and similar to what we used earlier. We finally reach Chumling after descending to Gho and crossing a suspension bridge over SarphuKhola. Overnight in Tea house. Average trekking time is 05-06 hours.

Day 13: Chumling trek to Philim [1570 m] - (B/L/D): From Chumling, we continue to Lokpa and then move ahead on a flat trail ahead overlooking the gorgeous Samba Falls. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 05-06 hours.

Day 14: Philim trek to KhorlaBensi [970 m] - (B/L/D): From Philim, we head towards Jagat and Tatopani to reach Khorlabeshi. We trek downhill to Sirdibas again and arrive at Jagat. From Jagat, we continue trekking through Tatopani. Overnight in Tea house. Average trekking time is 05-06 hours.

Day 15: KhorlaBensi trek to SotiKhola [700 m] - (B/L/D): On this day we cross the Tharokhola flowing in a rocky ravine. Further ahead, descend down to the river and traverse to MachhaKhola village. We reach the Gurung village of Labubeshi trekking alongn the BudhiGandaki River and finally reach SotiKhola where we stay overnight.Overnight in Tea house. Average trekking time is 06-07 hours.

Day 16: SotiKhola to Arughat to Kathmandu [600 m] - (B/L): After breakfast we start our trekking to Arughat. First we climb up the ridge of Kyorpani and then descend down to the cascading waterfall. Passing through the Sante Bazaar, we arrivearughat bazaar where we will have a Lunch then we drive back to Kathmandu.Overnight in Hotel. Average trekking time is 04-05 hours. Drive for 06-07 hours.

Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): This day is at leisure. You will have time to explore Kathmandu if you wish to or you can walk down the streets of Thamel for any last minute souvenir shopping. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 18: Fly back home - (B): According to your flight time a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport. Return back with memories that last lifetime.

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

Arrival and Departure Transport.
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
Kathmandu Arughat kathmandu by Jeep/Car.
Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Trekking Region map.
TIMS.
Special Permit for Tsum Valley.
Government taxes.
Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days, you should get visa open your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:
This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Book This Trip Inquiry

Tsum Valley Trekking