Tsum Valley Trekking

The Tsum Valley is a scenically beautiful valley situated in a remote area of Gorkha district in Nepal. Its topography, natural beauty, and culture are quite similar to those of Tibet, which makes trekking in this region unique. The valley is drained by the Sher Khola, which springs from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and the east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak. The word’ Tsum’ is derived from the Tibetan dialect ‘Tsombo’, which refers to clear. This serene Himalayan valley is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range and enriched with ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect similar to Tibetan. Trails are dotted with artistic Chortens (dome-shaped monuments) and Mani Walls (walls made of stones inscribed with a Lamaist prayer) and thousands of stone slabs carved with deities and prayers. They are erected to fend off evil spirits from places that are identified as thresholds, such as conflux and bridges, or to commemorate the visit or death of historic figures, lamas, or even relatives. The impact of Buddhism has a long history in the Tsum Valley.
A Buddhist saint named Milarepa is believed to have meditated in one of the caves in the mountains of the Tsum Valley. Historically, the Tsum Valley was known as “Tsum Tso Chuksum,” or thirteen provinces governed as a single region, and it was a culturally unique geographic area. The Tsum Kingdom’s ancient remnants may still be seen today.
The valley is also popular for having some historic monasteries, which include Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumpa, which lie on a spectacular plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumpa Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
The valley is connected via two routes: one is through Chumchet, and another is from Lokpa. Both routes involve steep climbs of over 1500 m from the ground level of the valley. Being located relatively at a low altitude, Tsum Valley trekking could be the best option for first-time travelers in Nepal. The Tsum Valley was only opened to trekkers late in 2007, and very few foreigners have set foot in this valley till date.
The Tsum Valley festival is held in the spring each year, showcasing the local culture through cultural programs (dances, songs, and rituals). Indigenous local products are also exhibited during the festival.