Tsum Valley is a trek is different from other treks we conduct and is the one we especially love. Formerly known as the kingdom of Tsum, the valley is a secluded trail and more than just a walk. It is one of the best geological and cultural wonderlands you’ll visit in Nepal. One of its kind, a hidden valley of happiness. It has a sustained image of a classic tourist destination as it is not touched by modernity and development.
The valley is located in the Gorkha district, the Northern part of the Manaslu circuit. The trek is composed of some serious elevation gains and losses, so it’s a force to be reckoned with. Walking in the river belts, magical waterfalls along the way, and deep ravines make you connected to nature. Explore a multitude of trails, steep rocky, some passing through landslide areas, and a vibrant walk near the banks of rivers. The trial option will definitely match your hiking level and interest. The trail passes through cascading rivers, suspension bridges, dramatic scenery of a green valley, and a few snowcapped mountains which eventually makes the trip refreshing and exciting. The valley is overlooked by beautiful Ganesh Himal, Singri, and Baudha Himal i.e 6000m peaks, believed to be an abode of gods. The trek shares the first four-stage with that of Manaslu Circuit, following the Budhi Gandaki river. Mu Gumba is the highest point of this trek at an altitude of 3700m. The trek can also include the Ganesh Himal base camp trek given the number of days you’d want to choose.
Overview
The trip to this valley might turn into inspiration on many personal levels. Villagers with different skills and limited resources are united by culture and traditions. They share a common goal, and vision and work together for the positive development of the community and take immense pride in being born and growing up in this region. The place is historically valuable and nature-culture conservation is sustained through the beliefs and practices based on the culture of Non-violence. Locally people are bounded to the Shyagya tradition which is being non-violent.
The valley is divided into Chumchet and Chekampar Villages, known as lower Tsum and upper Tsum which are separated by the holy River of Budhi Gandaki and Shiarkhola. The valley has about 33 villages including the lower and upper areas of the region and the inhabitants are called Tsumba. The lower part of the valley is steep and has fewer settlements. The people of this region are the major highlight of the trek. Most people here are descendent of Tibet so Tibetan culture is closely similar to the culture of this area. The valley is considered to be a sacred site as Guru Mila Repa used to mediate here. They are still the remnants of the caves. People follow Buddhism and Bon Shamanism religion. Arts and Architectures embody their spirituality. People are creative and make traditional woven clothes (Bakkhu, Dhoja ) Carpets, Thanka Paintings, and Stone carving and have been continuing several traditional arts and crafts relevant to their identity. There are 15 big Gumbas, 37 villages Gumbas, and more than 100 Mani walls. Community meetings and events are held in these areas where villagers gather. Similarly, the synergy to preserve their religion, culture, and devotion to God is extraordinarily motivating
Villagers are engaged in agriculture and livestock to run their livelihood. Men are busy plowing the field with wooden implements and oxen, and women are doing the household. There is a deep connection between land and humans as they completely rely on agriculture for survival. Even eating the homegrown foods and vegetables of such hard-working people will be a different experience for you plus it tastes amazing. The Valley is also blessed with nature and the ecosystem is well maintained. The animals like Blue sheep, Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and Snow leopard are found. Also, 50 medical plants are found in 15 different types of forests.
In conclusion, The trek radiates a different feeling than other usual treks of Nepal, this is why we love this trek.
Trip Highlights
- Budhi Gandaki River
- Sacred Tsum Valley
- Mila Repa caves and other Gompas
- Tibetian Buddhisim Practices and Local Lifestyle
- Panoramic View of Ganesh Himal , Himchuli , Mt Mansalu
- Waterfalls , Suspension Bridges