Tsum Valley Trekking

Chumchet and Chhekampar are one of the most remote village development committees (VDCs) in Gorkha district. Despite having tremendous potential for tourism development, Tsum valley-as the area is called, was yet to reap benefits from its immense tourism prospects. The area was opened for the group trekking on October17, 1007, but because of lace of information and promotion, the valley was yet to reap any benefits from its tourism prospects. Realising this fact, trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) in association with Nepal tourism Board (NTB), Nepal Trust for Nature Conversation (NTNC) and Tsum Welfare Committee (TWC) organized ‘Tsum Valley Ex-ploration’ campaign in May 2008.

‘Tsum’ is derived from Tibetan word ‘Tsombo’, which means vivid. Traditionaly Tsum Valley was a culturally distinct geo-graphical area called ‘Tsum Tso Chucksums’, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The altitude in Tsum Valley Trek varies from 1905 in Lhokpa to over 5093m at Ngula Dhojhyang pass on the Tibetan border. The valley occupies an area of about 1663 sq.km. The Hidden valley is surrounded by the Buddha Himal and Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south, and Sringi Himal to the North. The valley includes two remote VDCs Chhekampar (Lower Tsum). Dut to its remoteness, the ancient relics are still seen.
People in Tusm Valley still practice polyandry system and they have unique culture, tradition and their own dialect. They celebrate unique festivals like Lhosar, Dhacyhang, Saka Dawa, Faning and others. Many Tsumbas (resident of Tsum Valley) report that they have seen or found the signs of Mehit, commonly referred as the ‘Yeti’ or’ Abominable Snowman’.

The Tsum Valley Trek begians from Arughat in Gorkha district, which is easily accessible from Kathmandu. The exploration team has recommended three different itineraries in Tsum Valley.