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Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass Trek

  Manaslu Region Trek , Nepal

Duration

21 Days

Tour Type

Trekking/Hiking

Group Size

2+

Accomodation

Hotel/Tent

Meal

B.L.D

Max. Altitiude

4720 M

Best Season

Through Out The Year

Departure from

Kathmandu

Hightlight

  • Exploration of the Hidden Valley of Happiness
  • Splendid view of Langtang (7,234m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), Manaslu (8,163m) and many more around the historical Gorkha district
  • Crossing Rupina La Pass (4,720m)
  • Less crowded trails
  • Experience of both teahouse and camping trekking in Nepal
  • Possible even for the beginner trekkers
  • Exploration of Model Homestay Site of Nepal

Overview

Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass Trek is a wonderful experience of classical valley and high Himalayan pass. It takes you around Manaslu region trek that lies nearly 127 kilometers from the Kathmandu Valley.

First, you explore Tsum Valley which is also known as the Hidden Valley of Happiness. Close to the Tibetan Plateau, lifestyle, culture and tradition of Tsum Valley is highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

The people are away from the reach of modern technology and tools, but they are happy with it. They believe in services to the human beings more than earning purpose. The most wonderful practice of this restricted area trekking region is prohibition in killing animals. This religious faith has contributed a lot to conserve biodiversity of Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).

The ancient monasteries of Tsum Valley like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa are the most remarkable cultural landmarks of this region. You can meet around 100 monks and nuns residing in these two shrines.

Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek rewards you with the amazing view of the Himalayas. You will see the snow-clad peaks of Langtang (7,234 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m) regions. The close up view of Buddha Himal (6,692 m), Gorkha Himal (5,532 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m) makes this trip more meaningful.

The fertile land of the Budhi Gandaki River Valley, dense forests of MCAP and ethnic villages are other beauties of this trek. Besides Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition, you can also see Gurung culture of Gorkha district.

Barpak Village is one of the largest villages in Nepal having more than 1,200 households. It is a model homestay site that has promoted the tourism industry of Nepal. Here you can also meet the Brave Gurkhas who served in the British and Indian Armies and fought bravely in different wars.

Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

We have prepared Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek itinerary for 21 days with 5/6 hours average Nepal trekking duration. This itinerary can be customized i.e. cut short or extend as well. Provid you have short time but want to explore the least frequent area, it will done in around 10 days.

Customization of the trek duration is possible due to the construction of the new road track even in the mountain region. The main highlights of Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek itinerary are Rupina La Pass (4,720) and Tsum Valley. Besides, the amazing snow capped peaks of Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu regions have their own significance.

You can also include Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) in this trek that the itinerary becomes longer. The length of this trek depends upon your vacation, budget and love for adventure for lifetime experiences. Nepal Trekking Routes is always flexible regarding customizing any trek or tour itinerary. For this, contact us via email, phone calls, WhatsApp or online booking facilities.

Rupina La Pass Trek Cost

Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek cost depends upon many factors associated with this trek. The trekking permits, duration of trip, services, tips for guide or porter and mode of transportation are such factors.

To do This trek, you need TIMS Card and Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit. TIMS Card is only USD 20 while Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit has different cost in different times of the year. It cost USD 35 for 8 days per person per entry from September to November. On the other hand, you have to pay only USD 25 for the same permits from December to August.

You don’t have to pay for domestic flight tickets to do this trek. Instead of private vehicle, you can travel by public transportation to minimize the cost.

Likewise, it is a tea house and camping trekking in Nepal. You have to spend a high amount to manage the crew for the camping trekking. But, the tea houses or lodges en route provide basic facilities of food and accommodation. It means, you have to pay low cost for such food, but I bet, they are high in calories and truly organic!

The trek cost can be customized as far as possible. Many local tour operator companies have set the rule for incentives to their porter and guide. The clients have to pay as much as 15% of the total cost of the trek package to the porter and guide. But, Nepal Trekking Routes doesn’t have any hard and fast rule regarding incentives and tips to their crew members. You can give them as much as you want considering their services during the trek.

Tsum Valley Trek Difficulty

Except Rupina La Pass (4,720 m), Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek difficulty is of moderate type. You follow the comfortable trail Manaslu Circuit trek which is gaining popularity in recent years.

Although the trails in some sections move across a cl iffy area, they are well maintained, so easy to cross. Only the section between Jarang Village and Rupina La Phedi appears to be more challenging.

Here, you have to spend the nights at the tented camp by relying on the food items prepared by the crew. Crossing a pass higher than 4,700 m sounds challenging, but it is a nontechnical pass requiring no climbing gears. However, you must be careful in winter and summer while traversing across this high pass.

Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek difficulty comes to be moderate level due to the favorable environment over this region. The local people are helpful, honest and hospitable to the national and international tourists in their region. No kind of unexpect incidents from the local people are registered in this region.

Only, altitude gain is the responsible factor to determine the difficulty of Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek. Tsum Valley and Rupina La Pass region lies above 2,500 m that altitude sickness is probable. This challenge can be beaten by following some preventive measures.

Walking slowly; having enough food, water and sleep; keeping some medicines in the backpack, etc. are some of them. Walking with the team leader or the fellow trekkers is another way to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

More importantly, booking this trip with the experienced tour operator also plays a vital role. Tour operators like Nepal Trekking Routes provides the local guide, who is familiar with the geographical and cultural aspects of this region. It makes Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek difficulty more beatable!

Rupina La Pass Trek Route

Starting from Machhakhola, Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek route moves towards Tsum Valley. Yes, this trek can also be done from Baluwa or Barpak Village of the northern Gorkha. But we have prepared the itinerary to explore Tsum Valley first and then Barpak Village via Rupina La Pass (4,729 m).

Driving along the Prithivi Highway and then, Dhadingbesi, you reach Machha Khola. Formally, your trek begins from Machha Khola to Jagat by following Manaslu Circuit trek route. From Lokpa, you enter into Tsum Valley region and move through Chumling, Chhekamparo and Nile.

Then, you explore Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa, the ancient monasteries of Tsum Valley. Thereafter, you return via the same route up to Philim across Chumling and take a turn towards Nyak Village. By walking past Jarang Village, you cross Rupina La Pass (4,720 m) and spend a night at Rupina La Phedi.

Next day, you stop at Gai Kharka at a tented camp and then, trek to Barpak Village, the largest homestay site of Nepal. Staying an extra day here for exploration of natural and cultural wonders of the village, you move towards Baluwa.

From Baluwa, you catch a bus up to Gorkha Bazar or Aanbu Khaireni from where you can go to Bandipur or Pokhara as well. Driving along the Prithvi Highway, you arrive in Kathmandu after more than 2 weeks.

Itinerary

Our representative welcomes you at the Kathmandu Airport on your arrival day. Then, you have to complete the visa procedure for which you need USD 50 in cash, a copy of passport and 2 pp sized photos. When you are finished with the visa procedure, you will be shifted to the hotel.

This is the day allocated for exploring the cultural, religious and historical landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley. Our tour guide takes you for Kathmandu City tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple and Bouddhanath Stupa will be visited.

When you return to the hotel, the team leader meets you at the hotel or you will be informed to visit our office. He will describe Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek itinerary. We also help you in the management of the trekking gears at the most reasonable cost.

You drive along the Prithvi Highway up to the Dhading Bridge and then cross the Trishuli River. By crossing Dhadingbesi, the administrative headquarters of Dhading district, you move further along the off-road.

During the trip, you come to see snowcapped peaks of Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu region. You will also enjoy the green forests, trading centers, rivers and streams. Driving past Aarughat and Soti Khola, you finally reach Machha Khola for the night stay.

Following the snaky trail that moves along some rainy streams, forests and cultivated land, you continue the journey. Similarly, you walk past a few settlement areas like Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Duman, Yaru Kharka and Thado Bharyang.

Take a short break at Tatopani and enjoy the natural hot springs that are one of the boon of Nepal. At the end of the trek, you reach Jagat. This is a beautiful village located in the Budhi Gandaki River Valley and on the bank of the same river.

After getting your trekking permits checked at Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Office, Jagat, you continue the trip. Then, you walk across Salleri and Sirdibas, which are important villages en route Manaslu Circuit trek.

 

By crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghatte Khola, you enter into Philim Village located in the river valley. Philim is a Gurung village reflecting mixture of Hindu and Buddhist culture and tradition. There is a school made by the Japanese INGOs and a police station to provide security to the local people and travelers.

From here, the trail runs through the dense forests of MCAP and after crossing the Gum Pul (bridge), you reach Lokpa Village. This is a junction between Tsum Valley trek and Rupina La Pass trek.

Walking along the uphill and downhill trail, you walk past the Luwang Khola in the beginning. Thereafter, you go across the thick pine and rhododendron forests to reach Gumling Village.

Moving ahead, you go across the Siyar Khola and end up today’s trekking at Chumling Village. Chumling is the first village of Lower Tsum Valley. Here, you can visit a local monastery and the stone paved streets of the village. You can also talk to the local people to know more about their lifestyle, culture and tradition.

Enjoying the amazing scenery of Ganesh Himal (7,422m), you move across a suspension bridge to reach Rainjam Village. From here, you follow the Serpu Khola banks to reach Gho Village.

By walking for a couple of hours, you reach Chhekamparo Village. On fine days, you will have the splendid view of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli (7,893m).

Chhekamparo is the last village of Lower Tsum Valley, so after leaving this village, you enter into Upper Tsum Valley. Following the banks of the Siyar Khola, you reach Chule Village. Moving a little further, you reach Burgi (Burji) Village, which is famous for Piren Phu (Pigeon’s Cave).

It is said that the Chinese Saint and Scholar, Milarepa meditated here in the cave, so it is also called the Milarepa’s Cave. You can still find some Buddha statues, ancient manuscripts and footprints of Milarepa in the cave. The two monasteries built in the ridge reflect the socio-cultural aspects of Tsum Valley.

Going forward, you cross some pasturelands and cultivated lands until you reach the suspension bridge over the Siyar Khola. You walk for a few hours after crossing the bridge and end up at Nile Village.

Walking close to the Tibetan Plateau, you will reach Mu Gompa, which is one of the cultural highlights of Tsum Valley trek. Located at the Trans-Himalayan region and established in 1936, Mu Gompa is one of the largest monasteries of this region. Here, you can still observe the religious books including Kangyur; a life size statue of Avalokiteshwara as well as idols of Guru Padmasambava, Buddha and Tara. There are around 20 monks; both old and young ones are still living in this gompa.

Without visiting Mu Gompa, Tsum Valley trek remains incomplete. A row of chortens, enchanting view of snowcapped peaks and traditional houses have added to the overall attraction of this area. You can visit historical Dephyudonma Monastery, which is connected with the dawn of Buddhism in this region. Situated on the lap of rugged mountains, this is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist shrines of Tsum Valley Manaslu region.

You begin today’s trek after having breakfast. Following the traditional salt trading route  between Tsum Valley and Tibet, you move towards the Siyar Khola Valley. By leaving Chule and Phurbe villages, you reach Rachen Gompa.

Established in 1936, Rachen Nunnery is the home for around 80 monks from 7 years to 75 years old. The young ones are practising Buddhism while the old are living in this monastery for their own support. The gompa is one of the oldest monasteries; and you can see mural paintings of Buddhism and its history here.

After Tsum Valley trek, today you are going to retreat for Rupina La Pass trek, the other side of the Manaslu region. Following the same trail you used a couple of days earlier, you begin the trip back to Chumling Village.

The vistas of snowcapepd peaks, river valleys and green forests make this walk more interesting. By crossing a few beautiful villages of Upper Tsum Valley, you end up at Chumling, a village of Lower Tsum Valley.

You begin today’s trekking after having breakfast following the familiar track. The enthralling outlooks of natural waterfalls, green forests, snowy peaks of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu regions make the trip more fascinating. By crossing a few cultural villages like Samba, Tingling and Chhupyang, you wrap up the trip at Philim Village. Philim is a mountain village where people are involved in agriculture and animals husbandry occupations.

Leaving behind the terraced farmlands cultivated with seasonal crops and vegetables, you continue the walk towards Rupina La Pass. While traversing along the steep trail, you will enjoy the view of green forests, pastoral villages and snowy peaks. At the end of the day, you stop at Nyak Village, which is a perfect place for learning pure rural lifestyle, culture and tradition.

In the beginning, the trail is steep and rocky going past a few meadows with seasonal sheds for the herds and their caretakers. Then, following the Chulling Khola anks, you walk past Serang and Gomna Villages. Some trekkers also spend nights in these villages during Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek.

Later on, you follow the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Jhong Kharka Village. The surrounding with the splendid view of Ganesh  Himal (7,422m) encourages you to complete the distance more easily.

Witnessing the breathtaking view of Gorkha Himal, Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, Peak 29/ Ngadi Peak, you keep going. The trail leads you further through the banks of the Chulling Khola and the Rebing Khola until you cross the Jarang Glacier. At the end of the walk, you stop at Jarang Village, which is the last village of Tsum Valley region towards Rupina La Pass. Here, you find a teahouse or hotel to spend the night.

From today onwards, you won’t see any human settlement areas for a couple of days. This is the most memorable day of Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek as you climb across Rupina La Pass (4,720m). Have some energetic breakfast and pack some readymade food as the trail takes you away into complete wilderness.

Enjoying the mesmerizing view of Gorkha Himal, Himalchuli,  Buddha Himal, Peak 29 and many more, you gradually ascend. You should take short breaks in the middle of the trek to avoid altitude sickness. And in winter and summer, the trail may be slippery due to moisture, so walk carefully.

With gradual ascent, you reach the highest place of Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek. From here, you will see the snowcapped peaks of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu region, Tsum Valley and Barpak village looks incredible!

Gradually descending through the downhill trail, you get down to the bottom of the pass. Set up a tented camp here.

Don’t worry as you have already done the most challenging part of Rupina La Pass trek. After breakfast, you leisurely begin the trip towards Gai Kharka. While traversing across the dense forests, you might see some birds and animals. Tonight also, you spend at the tented camp as there is not any teahouse or lodge en route.

Today is another memorable day as you are going to visit a historical village, Barpak. Following the route across the dense forests and the Daraudi Khola banks, you get to Tumsiak Village. This is the first village you have seen on the third day. Moving along the forested lands and a few villages, you end up at Barpak Village.

You know Barpak is one of the largest villages in Nepal having more than 1,200 households. It is a model homestay site contributing a lot for promoting Nepalese tourism. Located at the northern part of Gorkha district, this village was the epicentre of the 7.9 Richter Scale Gorkha Earthquake 2015. Although the village was completely destroyed, now the reconstruction work has already finished. The village has already started to welcome the national as well as international trekkers.

Most of the villagers here are from Gurung, Ghale, Pariyar, and other ethnic communities. Most of the men of this village are involved in the British and Indian Armies. You might also meet some Brave Gurkhas who fought in different wars including the World War II. Talk with them to listen to some interesting war stories!

It is an optional day to explore Barpak village, which is both naturally and culturally beautiful. You can hike to Muche Hill to have the close up view of Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, Sringi Himal, Manaslu and Himalchuli.

Accordingly, you can also hike to Narad Pokhari, which is a pilgrimage site for the Hindu followers. Other places to visit here are local monastery, school, village museum, hydroelectricity plant, etc.

Tasting some typical food items of the village and conversing with the local people can be a lifetime experience, too.

There is a direct bus service from Barpak to Kathmandu or Pokhara that you can use this facility to shorten the itinerary. But, trekking from Barpak to Baluwa is also a good idea. By crossing the seasonal sheds built for the safety of herds and their masters, you continue the trip along the Daraudi Khola banks. Enjoy the close up view of Buddha Himal (6,692m), you move through the Budhi Gandaki River Valley. By leaving the fertile river valley, you end up at Baluwa. Overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge.

After having breakfast, you begin the roadway trip towards Kathmandu via Gorkha Bazar. If the itinerary supports, you can visit the historical Gorkha Palace converted it as a museum. Upallokot Durbar is also close by the museum that it takes nearly 1 hour to reach there.

Then, you will begin the journey along the Gorkha High way up to Aanbukhaireni and then through the Prithvi High way.

After arriving in Kathmandu, we shift you to the hotel. After becoming fresh, you can take a visit around Thamel Bazar for shopping purpose. The handicraft products of Nepal can be the best gifts to the people back in the home country.

In the evening, we call you for farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel. Watch the cultural shows while having delicious Nepali food items.

To catch up with the flight, our team member takes you to the Kathmandu Airport. We wish you a happy journey ahead!

Inclusion/Exclusion

  • Airport pick up and drop off service
  • Trekking Guide and Trekking Porter (Porter can carry maximum 25 kg) Two Traveler have one porter.
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & (Camping+Tea House) Accommodation During the Trek
  • Three star Hotel accommodation (Two Night in Kathmandu)
  • Trekking Permit (National Park Entry Permit)
  • TIMS(Trekking Informational Managment System) Card
  • Kathmandu Heritage Tour Guide and Transport
  • Kathmandu To Arughat and Arughat to Kathmandu Tourist bus service
  • Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Farewell dinner with Nepal family in Nepal style
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
  • Travel insurance, Nepal entry visa fee  & International airfare
  • Extra Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu other than mentioned in Itinerary
  • Tips for guide
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, extra accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Heritage entry fee during the sightseeing Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Personal expenses

FAQ's

Yes, you can. For this you have to begin the trek from descending order of the proposed itinerary. You visit Barpak area first; then go across Rupina La Pass in to Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass (5,106m). You will end up at Besisahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit trek.

Due to the opening of the road track, you can customize Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek as long as 10 days. If you don’t want to do Kathmandu City Tour, this itinerary can be even shorter. For the best fit trekking package, contact us

Tsum Valley Rupina La Pass trek can be made throughout the year. But sometimes, heavy rainfall in summer may turn the trail muddy and slippery. The highest place to reach is Rupina La Pass (4,720m), which can be a little challenging during winter, especially, when there is heavy snowfall.

Nepal Trekking Routes is a local tour operator of Nepal conducting many tour and trek packages in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet as well. We are the local resident of Ganesh Himal Tsum Valley region. We also provide the local trekking guide who is familiar with the natural and cultural wonders of this region. We provide the best tour and trek package at the most reasonable cost. And, your safety and satisfaction is the only objective of our company.

No, you can’t! Rupina La Pass trek can be done by a solo trekker in Nepal because it is a free individual trekking region. But, Tsum Valley is a restricted area trekking region that requires a special permit and a registered trekking guide.

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