The remote Tsum Valley is one of the hidden gems of Nepal. Tsum Valley is known as the Beyul Kyimolung – the holy hidden valley of happiness
Overview
The remote Tsum Valley Trek is one of the hidden gems of Nepal. Tsum Valley is known as the Beyul Kyimolung, the holy hidden valley of happiness first described by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) in the eighth century. Tsum valley is said to be as one of the refuges of Padmasambhava. Milarepa meditated in the caves of Piren Phu and there are centuries old nunneries.
Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid and after visiting Tsum, you will understand how the valley got this name.
It’s a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in the backdrop of Ganesh Himal (south), Sringi Himal (north) and Himal Chuli and the Boudha range (west), in the northern Gorkha. The valley is comprised of two remote villages: Chumchet- the lower Tsum and Chhekampar- the Upper Tsum. It is one of the world’s remotest Himalayan valleys that preserve a long history of Tibetan Buddhism together with the ancient art, culture and a very unique dialect. The place is very distinct both geographically and culturally. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers.
Many people combine the Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit starting in Arughat Bazaar and ending in Besisahar. Besisahar is also the starting point for the Annapurna circuit. The trail starts low, passing through lush green countryside and small Hindu villages. You enter Tsum Valley from the main trail and will soon find yourself in beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Heading east the valley opens up to reveal beautiful landscapes and small Tibetan-style villages.
