March 27-April 10th 2024
Embark on a trek to a remote area of Nepal and experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and stunning mountain views. Practice yoga and meditation on the way and engage in discussions on Buddhist philosophy
Vision:
Join me for a journey away from the distractions of urban living - entering into the serenity of a simpler life. As we leave the citiy behind, we embark on a journey into authentic Tibetan culture. As we proceed, we will practice meditation and discuss Buddhist philosophy en route, hence, our trek takes the form of a jouney not only to the heart of the Tsum valley, but also to the heart of the human experience as the Buddha saw it: this journey brings us close to the question of what it is to be alive and how to fully embrace our potential for human flourishing
The Tsum Valley trek is an awe-inspiring journey off the beaten track that lets you experience authentic Tibetan culture. The valley presents an abundance of ancient monasteries, lush green valleys, and views of the majestic Himalayas. The Valley is situated in the northern Gorkha district, within the protected Manaslu region, nestled amidst the majestic Ganesh Himal ranges and the Tibetan plateau. Here the act of taking a life is strictly forbidden, and a trek to this secluded valley marks a once-in-a-lifetime experience: immersed in the beauty of nature and rich local culture you will learn about the significance of sacred places, what practices are performed there, and you will have the opportunity to practice yourself. Towards the end of the trek, we will stay at a remote nunnery, where we will experience monastic life among the ani’s (sisters)
Who is ist for?
The Tsum Valley trek is a relatively easy and rewarding journey, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. If you have an interrest in spiritual life, Tibetan Buddhism, meditation or yoga, if you are a practitioner of any kind, an artist, photographer or siply in possession of curiousity and an open mind: follow your heart!
Highlights
· 15 days itinerary including daily yoga, meditation and group discussions on Buddhist Philosophy
· Explore the world heritage sites of the medieval city, Kathmandu, including the Boudhanath Stupa
· Walk in the footsteps of ancient yogis and sages of the past and visit their sacred landmarks
· Discover Nepal’s natural beauty off the beaten track and experience authentic Tibetan culture
· Vegatarian meals, accommodation, guides and porters included
· Overnight stay in a remote nunnery - experience the serene life of the ani’s
· Be awe-struck by the sights of the majestic Ganesh Himal Ranges
· Relax in traditional comfort after the journey at The Famous Farm in Historical Nuwakot
What does it cost?
$ 2.600 early bird before December 1st $ 2.400
Price is per person in a shared twin room
Please note: The deadline for signing up is February 1st
Single room supplement: An additional per person $ 250
Interrested in joining this journey? please email me at elljohan@online.no and I will send you payment details
What is included?
· 16 days & 15 nights
· Airport pick-up & drop off
· All accommodation as per itinerary
· All healthy vegetarian meals
· Daily Buddhist philosophy discussions, yoga, & meditation sessions
What is not included
· International airfare to and from Nepal
· Personal Travel Medical Insurance during the journey (compulsory)
· Visa for Nepal, direct link to form here
· Alcoholic beverages and extra snacks during the journey
· Tips to local guides & porters
Day 1-27 MAR 25. Arrival Day in Kathmandu
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Transfer to Hotel Shambaling in Boudha.
Evening walks of Boudha based on arrival into Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel Shambaling, Boudha
Meal: Welcome Dinner
Day 2. Kathmandu Highlights.
Pashupatinath holy Hindu temple dedicated to one of the Hindu trinity God of Destruction – Lord Shiva and the cremation site.
Your guide will take you through the spiritual journey with explanation about the Hindu religion, the cycle of birth and death. And the story behind the Sadhus – Hindu Holy Men, who renounce their hedonistic social life to devote their life to Shiva to whom the temple is dedicated. Witness one of many cremations along the bank of Bagmati river on the sanctimonious grounds of temple.
Boudhanath one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu is the largest stupa of the Kathmandu Valley. The 36-meter-high stupa of Buddha dominates the skyline and is considered a unique structure in the world.
With countless monasteries around the stupa, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos and as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa).
Overnight: Hotel Shambaling, Boudha
Meal: Breakfast
Day 2-28MAR. Kathmandu – Machha Khola (Drive approx. 8hrs.)
It's a full day's drive today as a private vehicle takes you from Kathmandu along the main highway to then turn towards the mountains on a road that follows the Buddhi Gandaki Valley. At some stage (usually around Arughat), a locally chartered jeep will be used to reach Machha Khola.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Machha Khola
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3-29MAR. Trek to Phillim (1590m) – Trek approx. 7-8hrs.
Over the Machha Khola River and up to Tatopani. Across a suspension bridge to the other side of the valley and through forests to Doban (1070m) for our lunch stop.
Resuming on a steeply rising rocky trail, we pass through an increasingly harsh and inhospitable landscape to press on up to Yara Khola. Crossing a long suspension bridge, we reach Jagat to cross into the designated Manaslu Conservation Area. The white façade of Shringi Himal (7187m), as if dramatically wedged in the valley’s cleavage, looms ahead. The trail inclines gradually to start off with until we’re over a bridge for the slog up to village of Phillim.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Phillim
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4-30MAR. Trek to Chumling (2360m) – Trek approx. 7hrs.
From this point, you leave the Manaslu Circuit trail and begin to head up towards Tsum. The accommodation also becomes even more basic and simple from here. An hour of stiff ascent brings you to a collection of teahouses known as Ekle Bhatti. From here, there’s further ascent before descending to join the trail that leads into Tsum. You then begin to ascend on a well-graded but exposed track through pines and rhododendrons. An ascent up zigzag steps becomes increasingly exposed before a descent through forest to then again climb steeply on a well-made but exposed stone-stepped trail. Further ascent and descent follow as the Tsum Valley begins to reveal itself before reaching your overnight halt at 2360m.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Chumling
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5-31MAR. Trek to Chhokang Paro (3010m). Trek approx. 5-6hrs.
From Chumling, we trek to Chhokang Paro, upper Tsum valley (part of the Inner Himalaya) open from Chhokang Paro. The village situated on flat land and made up of two settlements Chhokang and Paro. From the valley, the Ganesh Himal range can be seen directly to the south where it provides spectacular views of the Baudha and Himalchuli peaks to the south-west. Some households in this village practice polyandry.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Chhokang Paro
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6-01APR. Trek to Nile (3361m). Trek approx. 4-5hrs.
Heading up the valley, you climb up to a chorten-lined ridge and pass the village of Lama Gaon (3202m). Things level out a bit for a short while as you rise steadily to Rachen Gompa (3240m). Beginning to climb once more to reach Milarepa’s Cave, which you can visit for a small donation to help with restoration and any maintenance. Crossing the Shiar Khola River, you pass through the hamlets of Phurbe (3251m) and Pangdun (3258m) to then encounter an unusual round stupa before reaching the larger village of Chhule (3347m) through an entrance gate (kani). Here, the children all wear the Tibetan dressing gown called chubas, and yak herds may also be encountered. Heading further upstream, a final bridge crossing is followed by a climb up to the Nile.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Nile
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7-02APR. Trek to Mu Gompa (3700m) Trek approx. 3.5hrs.
From Nile the trail gradually ascends to Mu Gompa, the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gompa is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. Mu Gompa was established in 1895AD, the monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara which is home to around 100 monks.
On three sides now there are tantalizing views of the mountain border with Tibet. There are extensive seasonal yak pastures here too along with the Lungdang Glacier to the east.
The accommodation at Mu Gompa is more of a basic guest house and part of (and run by) the gompa itself and the monks here. It is a much simpler affair than the other lodges, with more rudimentary, shared facilities. The meal choice here is also more restricted.
Optional afternoon hike to Yaksha Hill (2hrs up & 1hr down; 4200m.) to take in fabulous close-up view of Ganesh Himal.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Mu Gompa
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8-03APR. Return trek to Chhokang Paro (3010m) Trek approx. 6hrs.
As this is a linear trek and Mu Gompa is the head of the valley, it’s time to turn around, and the route back down to the roadhead at Soti Khola is therefore the same one you used to get up here. So, today you’ll retrace your footsteps as far as Chhokang Paro.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Chhokang Paro
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09-04APR. Descend till Domje (2470m) then to Lungdang Ani Gompa Trek approx. 6hrs.
We retrace our route up to village of Domje then take less trodden trail towards Lungdang Ani Gompa en-route to Ganesh Himal Basecamp. Village offers great vistas of Ganesh teeming with insight to life of resident Anis.
Overnight:simple Lodge run by Lungdang Ani Gomp
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10-05APR. Descend to Lokpa (2240m) Trek approx. 7hrs.
A longer day as you descend to Lokpa re-tracing the same routes.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Lokpa
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11-06APR. Descend to Machha Khola (930m) Trek approx. 7hrs.
Final long day, and by now it should be feeling warmer than the past few days as you rejoin the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail and head back to Machha Khola.
Overnight: simple Lodge in Machha Khola
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12-07APR. Drive to Nuwakot (8 hrs. approx. by private vehicle).
We drive towards Nuwakot, along the banks of the Budi Gandaki and Trisuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of the road. Heading up the forested hill from a town in a valley basin (just past an army camp) on a winding narrow road, the first glimpse of an imposing fortress will have you journey back into the unsung history of Nepal. Your first few steps into The Famous Farm will certainly have you look forth to your stay eagerly than anticipated!
Overnight:The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13-08APR In Nuwakot
At leisure and an orientation around The Farm today, you’ll be up for a stroll to the Nuwakot Bazaar - a centrepiece of the Nepalese story, embellished by the rich history behind the 17th century fortress and Royal palace, of the shaping of far-flung tribes and of trans-Himalayan races into a unified kingdom. Please also pay a visit to a local school, wherein we're supporting displaced hearing and speech impaired students - play with them, bring a smile on their face and make their day. The day can be whiled away with a hike around the surrounding area, to the viewpoint and the villages or by simply lapping up the luxury of rest and recreation amidst the rural setting and ambience infused with the tradition of The Famous Farm.
Overnight: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14-09APR Nuwakot – Kathmandu ( 3 hrs. approx. by drive )
After a leisurely ‘farmhouse lunch’ at the sunny terraces of The Farm, although probably you wouldn’t want to (!), it’s time to resume your journey towards the capital with a mountainous drive down to the valley and back to modernity. Settle in at your hotel in Thamel and the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu – Da Laila Boutique Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Day 15-10APR– Kathmandu Departure