Tsum Valley Trekking

The Tsum Valley is one of the hidden jewels of Nepal. This isolated valley is also referred to as the Beyul Kyimolung, the sacred concealed valley of joy, as named by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century. Tibetan Buddhist culture is still dominant in the Tsum Valley, and the people are noted for their heartfelt hospitality. The scenery is most magnificent with stunning forests and Ganesh Himal looming overhead.Thetrek itself follows the Budhi Gandaki Valley through lush green forests, past hill villages and crosses terraced fields. Crossing the main Manaslu stream, one certainly gets the feeling of entering a hidden realm.

The word ‘Tsum’ is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means brilliant. The starting point of Tsum Valley Trek is Arughat Bazaar and the end point is Besi Sahar. This trek passes into the majestic environment of the Sringi Himal, Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal ranges. The societies of Tsum Valley are Tibetan in origin with their own ancient form of language, religion, culture and art.Some of the unique traditions of family life of these people may be shocking to foreigners. For example, often a number of brothers in a family will all marry one girl. Few visitors travel to this high, secret valley, which used to be part of an important trade route with Tibet. Indeed, the Tsum Valley was a restricted area of travel until 2008, and is certainly less travelled than other more-popular trekking regions of Nepal.