Discovering the Valley of Happiness
Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha. 'Tsum' comes from the Tibetan word 'Tombo', meaning vivid. It is traditionally considered a Beyul—a hidden land of refuge created by Guru Rinpoche.
The valley is dotted with ancient monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. Because the valley was restricted until recently, these monasteries have preserved ancient art and manuscripts. Monks and nuns here live a life of deep devotion.
The local people have a long-standing tradition of non-violence. Hunting is strictly prohibited in the Tsum Valley. This respect for life is palpable, and wildlife like the blue sheep often graze fearlessly near villages.
Tsum Valley can be done as a standalone trek or combined with the Manaslu Circuit. Adding Tsum Valley to Manaslu creates a comprehensive 20+ day journey that covers both high passes and deep cultural immersion.
If you are interested in Tibetan Buddhism, meditation, and history, Tsum Valley offers a spiritual depth that is hard to find on more commercial trekking routes.
