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Tsum Valley Trek

Trekking in Tsum Valley and Manaslu

By Prabin Published about a year ago 6 min read
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Tsum valley trek

The Virgin Destination

Located in the serrated and natural environment at an altitude escalating from 1905M in Lokpa to 5093M in Ngula Dhojhyang, Tsum valley resides in the northern part of Gorkha with an area of 1663 Sq. KM. Popularly known as the Hidden Valley, this marvel is encroached by Sringi Himal to North, Ganesh Himal to South, Baudha Himal in the East and Himal Chuli in the West. The government has recently opened this Trans-Himalayan Pilgrimage valley for tourists on October 17, 2007, prior to that it was restricted from any tourism activities.

The journey to the valley starts from any of the bus point in Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi to Kyirong to Takar Taso to Ngula Dhajen Pass and to Tsum Valley.

Literally segregating its meaning, the name Tsum comes from the Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which stand for vivid. Tsum Valley from prehistoric time was a culturally distinct geographical area, which was also known as “Tsum Tso Checksums”, which meant thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. It remained virgin and untouched from modernization for decades adapting its aura with in the limitation of the locals who explored and settled in the abode.

The valley is divided into two parts Chhekampar (Upper Tsum) and Chumchet (Lower Tsum). Looking at the different scenic views, the abstract creation of nature also homes in the famous pilgrimage circuit Kyimo Lung, which is well known centre for learning and meditation. The valley is flourished with biodiversity of nature’s enigmatic species well maintained ecology, focusing from it high point to its lowest. Tsum Valley homes wide varieties of medicinal plants where traditional herbal techniques are used to cure physical and psychological ailments.

The trail to Tsum valley provides a spectacular panorama of surrounding peaks including Ganesh Himal range, Poshyo peak, Langju peak. Along the trail, there are many glacial lakes including Chho syong, Chho Lungyo and Yamdro. Besides these, one can see Himalayan Thar, Blue Sheep, Deer, the elusive snow leopard etc in their natural habitat.

Likewise trailing down the trail one can witness the divine beauty of nature creating a pictorial image of life. Like such here are some places, which are highly recommended for seeing.

Phrang is one of the adventurous parts of the trail. One can view the scenic views as well as enjoy nature at its best. Moreover, the trail from Mu Gumba to Kalung is steep and slippery, particularly in the rainy season, which should be cautioned; hence the name Phrang was given to it due to its abstract nature.

Looking at another hot spot, Mijam is located 40M above the union of the Thapla river and the Shiar river. It is about one and a half hour walk from Ngula Dhojyang. People from Mu Gumba come to this area to collect fuel wood. Moreover, the greenery setting lauds the presence of high biodiversity.

Likewise Kalung is a big terrace located about 200M above the amalgamation of the Thapla River and the Shiar River. From Kalung one can witness the beautiful views of Thapla River, Ganesh Himal range and Tsum Valley. The Kalung is located on flat land with big terraces that are believed to have been agricultural fields. The flat pastureland is full of marmot burrows and the setting proper vegetation. Many yaks, naks, and chauris graze in the valley.

Similarly, Chhanchhu is a place, which is one and half hours walk from Kalung and have good pastures for yaks, naks, and chauris. Yak owners give salt to the animals and tend the herd. This place is cultural and traditionally linked with the people.

Bhajyo is the name for the convergence of the Yamdro and the Shiar River. From Bhajyo, one can clearly see Ngula Dhojyang pass. Small glaciers can also be seen to the Yamdro valley while there are many Naurs grazing with domestic animals like horse and Yaks. The landscape is full of thorny alpine bushes.

Looking at the social structure and language, the Tsum valley resides in the boarder of Tibet with a well-established language originated from Tibet materializing its own dialect. The locals of the valleys are called Tsumbas where history defines that a group of nomads called Tamba Setto migrated to this Valley from Bichour in Lamjung district, they were later joined by the Bu Phaujyas, who migrated from Tibet and spread Buddhism. So a long history of Buddhism highlighting religious icons like Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some bodhisattvas are prominent in this region. Even these days’ people practice polyandry system and they are found well managed and even wealthier than other family.

According to a myth, a Buddhist saint named “Milarepa” believed to have meditated in the grotto of valley and it is also believed that the good waves for charitable are extended in this region. The locals are well acquainted with supernatural entities and the stories about them where the colourful flags, khata, Mani walls and the burning of juniper are integrated against such supernatural entities.

The Tsumbas believe in the reincarnation where birth and death are considered just cyclic nature, not supreme. Likewise, the holy men lamas and astrologers play a prominent role in the daily life where numerous festivals, several mask dances and rituals are celebrated throughout the year. The valley uphold the utmost level of ethnic heritage transcending from decades where its celebrated in different forms of festival with vivid and colourful presence.

The major festivals celebrated in the valley are:

LOSHAR: Loshar is the New Year festival. The locals celebrate the Tibetan New Year according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar offering large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and protectors. Tsumbas of the lower Tsum Valley celebrate Loshar earlier than the upper Tsum people

DHACHYANG (The horse Festival): The second most important festival of this region celebrated on a slightly date than the normal Dec/Jan committed to the welfare of people by the active male participants holding horse races leaving women to join in the evening for dancing and singing.

HAPPY SAKA DAWA: The full moon day of Saka Dawa commemorates Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. As cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day May) are multiplied one hundred million times. Rituals are performed at local gumbas, monasteries and nunneries and the devotees take fasting during this time.

FANING: In mid-August with nutritious and yummy, this festival commemorates the attainment of internal energy from any food, including water.

Focusing the enigma of Nepal, Tsum valley certainly highlights the real Nepal where civilization and heritage await its aura and essence in welcoming the arrivals with a new zeal and will.

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