Tsum Valley Trek via Barpak Gurung Village - 19 Days | Sawasdee Nepal Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Equipment List
Usefull Information

Trip Overview

The Tsum Valley Trek via Barpak Gurung Village is a lesser-known trekking route in the Nepalese Himalayas that offers a unique cultural and natural experience. The trek is located in the remote Tsum Valley, which is a sacred and isolated region that has been preserved in its traditional form for centuries.

The trek starts from Arughat Bazaar and follows the Budhi Gandaki River through dense forests and traditional Gurung villages, including the historic Barpak Gurung village, which is the birthplace of the Gurkha soldiers. Along the way, trekkers can explore the rich culture of the Tsum Valley and its people, visit ancient monasteries, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Ganesh Himal (7,406 meters), Shringi Himal (7,187 meters), and Boudha Himal (6,672 meters).

The Tsum Valley Trek via Barpak Gurung Village takes around 15-20 days and is considered to be a challenging trek, with steep ascents and descents, as well as high altitude conditions. However, the scenery and cultural experiences along the way make it a truly unique and rewarding adventure.

Like any trek in the Himalayas, it’s important to be well-prepared and to have the proper equipment and supplies, as well as to acclimatize properly to the high altitude. It is also recommended to hire a guide or join a guided trek for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Highlights of the Tsum Valley Trek via Barpak Gurung Village:

Cultural Experience:

Barpak Gurung Village: Barpak is a traditional Gurung village with unique cultural practices and stunning architecture. Exploring the village allows trekkers to experience the local way of life.

Natural Beauty:

Scenic Landscapes: The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and terraced fields. The landscapes vary from subtropical to alpine, providing a diverse and picturesque journey.

Tsum Valley:

Sacred Tsum Valley: Tsum Valley is known for its sacred monasteries, chortens, and ancient Gompas. The region is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and provides a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Manaslu Conservation Area:

Wildlife: The trek takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as the Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, snow leopards, and various species of birds.

Rupina La Pass:

High Mountain Pass: The trek might take you over the Rupina La Pass, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. However, trekking over high passes requires proper acclimatization and preparation.

Local Hospitality:

Local Home stays: Along the way, you may have the chance to stay in local home stays, allowing you to interact with the friendly villagers and gain insight into their daily lives and customs.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience:

Less Crowded: Compared to more popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, the Tsum Valley Trek via Barpak Gurung Village is less crowded, providing a more secluded and authentic trekking experience.

Unique Flora and Fauna:

Biodiversity: The trek passes through diverse ecological zones, showcasing a variety of flora and fauna. This includes rhododendron forests, pine forests, and alpine meadows.

Chumling and Chhekampar Villages:

Local Villages: These villages along the trek route offer an opportunity to witness traditional Tibetan architecture and experience the warm hospitality of the local people.

Itinerary

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Arrival day in Kathmandu

Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you’ll meet and transfer for welcome dinner and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel
Free day for the trekking preparation 1400m.|4593ft.

After Breakfast, we introduce you to the trekking guide at the hotel and brief you about the trek. You will be free for the rest of the day. You can explore Thamel or visit the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
Drive from Kathmandu to Barpak by public bus 1915m.|6282ft.

7-8 hour bus journey from Kathmandu takes us to Barpak, Gurung village in the northern part of Gorkha. The Barpak village was the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake that struck Nepal, destroying lives and houses.
Barpak to Larpak 2100m.|6889ft.

Our trek starts with the countless stone steps leading us through the forests and peaceful villages set serenely atop hillsides with views towards the Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal in the distance. As an alternative route to the regular path taken by the banks of the Budhi Gandaki, our journey through the mountains is a serene one that gives a complete sense of isolation from everything, the welcome interaction with the local people.
Trek from Laprak to Khorlabensi 970m.|3182ft.

The way to Khorla Besi starts with a slow walk until we reach a suspension bridge and a trail that takes us on to the Singla village. The Singla village has glorious views of the surrounding mountain ranges. We have our lunch and head downhill until we get to the Budhi Gandaki River. From there, we join the main route through Manaslu.
Trek from Khorlabensi to Jagat 1340m.4396ft.

Our guide leads ahead on a trail that takes us to Tatopani, a famous hot spring. From Tatopani, we walk to Dovan and finally get to Jagat, a well-paved village on the threshold to the Manaslu conservation region.
Trek to Lokpa 2260m.|7828ft.

As we pass Jagat village, we climb a rocky ridge and reach Salleri, from where we get rewarding views of Mount Sringi. We move further after descending to Sirdibas, crossing the longest suspension bridge in Nepal. After that, we climb up to Lokpa through the forest areas for about an hour and reach Ekle Bhatti. We get to a scenic gorge moving higher along pine forests and take the right trail that leads to Tsum Valley. We stay overnight at Lokpa.
Trek from Lokpa to Chumling 2386m.|7828ft.

We descend to Ghumlong, along the way, we see the first glimpse of Tsum Valley. We climb up to Ripchet, and a short walk from there takes us to Chumling. Chumling is a village with traditional houses, prayer flags, stone-paved streets, mani walls, and old monasteries.
Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo 3031m.|9944ft.

After crossing the suspension bridge, we descend to Dhampa Gompa, Rainjam village, and ascend to the hamlet of Gho crossing another suspension bridge. We climb the trail for a few hours to reach Chhokangparo, a small lane village to explore.
Hike from Chhokangparo to Mu Gompa 3700m.|12139ft.

We hike along the trails towards Mu Gompa, close to the Tibetan border. With the rows of Chortens on the lap of the rugged mountains, Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the Manaslu region.
Hike to Tibetan border and return to Mu Gompa 5093m.|16709ft

We hike to the Tibetan Border, Ngula Dhojyang, passing high altitudes. We return to the Mu Gompa for an overnight stay.
Trek from Mu Gompa to Gumba Lungdang 3200m.|10498ft.

Today, we have a long hike with a close view of Ganesh Himal. We will reach Gumba Lungdang, where we stay overnight.
Trek to Ganesh Himal Base Camp and back to Gumba Lungdung 4900m.|16076ft.

We get to view majestic views of Ganesh Himal after about four hour’s ascent to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. We return the trail to Gumba Lundang.
Trek to Lokpa 2240m.|7349ft.

We take the alternative route and head towards Ripchet. After walking through the trail viewing beautiful landscapes, we reach Lokpa.
Trek to Dovan 1340m.|4396ft.

We descend in altitude, passing back through the scenic village of Philim, crossing the suspension bridges and the forests; complete our long walk at Dovan.
Trek to Soti Khola from Dovan700m.|2296ft.

The path along the Budhi Gandaki River continues to Tatopani and descends towards Khorlabesi. We arrive at Soti Khola, passing through Maccha Khola.
Drive from Soti Khola to Kathmandu1400m.|4593ft.

We drive to Kathmandu, passing along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, hills, and terrace fields.
Free Day at Kathmandu 1400m.|4593ft.

After an exciting and exhausting trek, you get a free day at Kathmandu. You can stroll around Thamel or buy souvenirs for your friends and family from Nepal.
Departure from Kathmandu

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.

What's Included

Included

Airport transfer from arrival and departure service
4Nights Accommodation in Kathmandu
Standard 3 meals while on the treks and cup of tea or coffee with meals
Best available accommodations during the treks twin sharing basis
Experience and first aid trained English speaking government Licensed trekking guide includes his salary, food, equipment, and insurances
All applicable ACAP, MCAP, TIMS, and Tsum valley Restricted permits
KTM - Barpak and Soti Khola - KTM bus service
Sawasdee Nepal Duffel Bag, T-shirt, Trekking map, and Water purifications drop Complimentary
Farewell Dinner in a fine Restaurant
Official expense, all local and government tax and vat.

Excluded

International flight tickets and Nepal entry visa fee
Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
Food in Kathmandu and during trekking time personal expensive snacks, drink Beer coke, juice, water, WI-FI, etc.
Porter (OPTIONAL) If you need $300 one porter between 2 trekkers is recommended
Private jeep (OPTIONAL) KTM – Barpak $230, Soti Khola to KTM $230. It costs extra per Jeep, One JEEP could share between 6 people maximum
Tips for treks guide, porter and driver

Equipment List

Documents

Passport
Travel insurance
Air tickets
Few passport-sized photos
Map

Clothing and Accessories

Sunglasses
Hat
Scarf
Masks
Neck gaiter
Lightweight thermal gloves
Lightweight towel

Down Jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Thermals
Sleeping trousers
Shorts
T-Shirts (full/half sleeve)
Underwears

Footwear

Socks
Walking shoes or sandals
Hiking shoes
Sleeping bag

Food & water

Snacks ( Crackers, Chips, Biscuits, etc)
Protein bars
Chocolates
Candies
Dry fruits
Your favorite coffee or tea bags
Water bottle
Water purifier

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries

Hand sanitizer
Quick drying towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Multipurpose soap
Deodorant
Nail clipper
Face wash
Body wash
Baby Wipes
Sunscreen with maximum SPF
Moisturizer
Small mirror
Feminine hygiene (Sanitary pads)

Other Essentials

Sleeping bag
Duffel bag
Backpack (45-60 litre)
Swiss knife
Trekking Pole or Stick
Portable charger / power bank
Books
A notebook and a pen is always useful
Binoculars
Alarm clock
Torch/Flashlight/Headlamp
Lighter
Insect repellent
Earplugs
Locks
Sewing kit
Card games (Uno, Skip Bo)
Board games (Ludo, Chess)

Usefull Information

Nepal Country Visa and Entry Procedure
Here are two ways to obtain a Nepalese visa. The first one is via the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in your country. As of the second way, you can easily obtain an On-Arrival visa at the entry/exit points stationed across the country. You can fill out an application form and provide the necessary documents to receive an On-Arrival Visa. Travellers can choose different visa types according to the length of their stay in Nepal.
The visa for 15 days costs USD 30, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Also if your visa is about to expire but you are not yet done exploring the country, you can get your visa extended for USD 3 per day and if your visa has already expired, it costs USD 5 per day. This information regarding updated Visa Fees is available at the official website of the Department of Immigration .
You can also head to the following link for more information regarding Tourist visas in Nepal.

How to reach Nepal?
International flights are only available through the only International airport i.e. the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you are planning on travelling to Nepal by air then TIA is your only option. Flights can be boarded from India, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur among many other destinations.
Travelling by land you have two options, via India and China. There is also a direct railway line connecting India and Nepal along with several bus facilities for travelling across the border from India.
Travelling by road through India is the most easily accessible. You can travel to Nepal through Sunauli- Bhairahawa, Raxaul – Birgunj, Siliguri- Kakarbhitta, Banbasa – Mahendranagar, or Bahraich- Nepalgunj. Kodari and Kerung are two entry/exit points stationed at the Nepal-Tibet border.

Popular Destinations to Visit
There are numerous travel destinations in Nepal; each with a unique identity and story of its own. Kathmandu is one of such destinations, with dozens of sightseeing to do, eateries to try out, and handicrafts to shop. Next up is Pokhara which enchants its visitors with its serene lakes and the enthralling views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Fishtail ranges. Similarly, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bandipur, and Palpa are a few other destinations which are ripe for tours and leisurely vacations. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are two of the most popular destinations for jungle safari and wildlife exploration.
As for adventure sports, Kathmandu and Pokhara offer plenty of choices including rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and paragliding. Likewise, the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions stand out as prominent destinations for treks, peak climbing trips, and expeditions.

Things to do in Nepal
The nation is considered to be a paradise for trekkers and grants an exciting number of choices. On these treks, you will witness the grand views of the Himalayas and the cultural prosperity of the ethnic communities along the trails. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are two of the most

popular treks in Nepal.
For those who are not satisfied with just gazing up to the mountains, you can go for a mountaineering expedition and peak climbing. While expeditions take you to mountains above the height of 6,500 meters, the destinations of peak climbing trips are low-lying peaks which can be summited even by amateurs. Everest (8848m), Annapurna (8091m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) are popular expedition sites whereas Island Peak (6189m), Mera Peak (6476m), and Pisang Peak (6091m) are the notable peak climbing destinations.
Short tours and sightseeing in Nepal are also quite popular among travellers in Nepal. Likewise, adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking are also among the things that can be done in Nepal.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal
The country lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct climates: spring, summer (with monsoon), autumn, and winter. Normally, the best time to trek in Nepal is in March-May (spring) when the skies are clear, trails are filled with blooming flora, and the temperature is just right.
Another appropriate season is mid-September to November (autumn), during which the temperature is moderate, skies are clear, and mountain views are stunning. The summer season (June – August) is occupied by heavy rainfall increasing the chances of landslides in the hills, while the winter season brings in harsh weather conditions and extreme cold. However, there are treks which can be done during winter and monsoon as well.
Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang regions lie in the rain-shadow area so, they are ideal trek destinations during monsoon. Likewise, easy and low-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poonhill and Tamang Heritage Trek are perfect during the winter season.

Altitude Sickness
While trekking in Nepal is extremely satisfying, altitude sickness might get a better hold of you at times. The air pressure and oxygen concentration decrease the higher you travel.
As such, altitude sickness is an illness that the human body suffers from due to these reasons. The symptoms of the sickness include lack of appetite, nausea, weakness, lightheartedness, sleep disturbance, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms generally appear when moving upwards of the height of 2,400 meters from sea level.
You can adopt different measures to avoid altitude sickness like a walk at a slow and steady pace, avoiding smoking, and stopping at different stations to acclimatize. Before beginning your trek, make sure you have a first aid kit with ibuprofen or paracetamol and Diamox. If anyone falls victim to altitude sickness, it is necessary to inform the trip leader and descend to a lower altitude. In extreme cases, it might also be necessary to perform Heli rescue and emergency evacuations.

Travel Insurance
Accidents can happen anywhere so, it is recommended for all tourists to get travel insurance before visiting Nepal. Depending upon the insurance policy and the company, the insurance will look after tragic like theft, loss or accidental damage of gears and other belongings, baggage, and medical emergencies. Likewise, the insurance should also include helicopter evacuation and any kinds of mishaps that might occur during adventure sporting like bungee jumping, rafting, and zip-lining. No one is capable of foreseeing the accidents, but each individual can buy themselves an insurance policy to lessen the effects of the accident.

Meals and Accommodations
In major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu, you will get multiple options to choose from, from cheap lodges to extravagant 5 stars hotels. Likewise, you will also get to choose from a wide range of cuisines while in the major cities. However, once you move away from the cities, the options for meals and accommodations in Nepal will become limited. During the treks, the best accommodations available are lodges and teahouses. They provide basic facilities for dining and lodging. These places mostly serve traditional Nepali food “Daal Bhat Tarkari” (rice, pulses, and vegetables). Similarly, there are several other food varieties like Momo, Thukpa, and Thakali food available across Nepal.

Banking, ATMs, and Money in Nepal
Nepalese Rupees are the official currency of Nepal. The banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 whereas coins of 1 and 2 are available in Nepal.
While travelling to Nepal, banking and money exchange are not a huge deal in big cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. When you head to rural areas, the availability of banks, ATMs, and money exchange booths becomes fairly scarce. So, it is best to withdraw enough cash and exchange the currency in major cities. You can also exchange foreign currencies for Nepali Rupees at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You need to be updated about the exchange rates which are available at the official website of Nepal Rastra Bank .

Internet and Communication
It is quite easy to access the Internet in Nepal. Using Wi-Fi is a widely used way to communicate and use the Internet. Wi-Fi is easily available in major cities and even in some remote destinations. When trekking to remote locations, Wi-Fi might not always be available; so, using cellular data is the best way to communicate over the Internet. You can buy a Sim-card in Nepal at a reasonable price which allows you to make an international call. Also, you can use mobile data while you are in the areas without Wi-Fi. Telephone, Fax, and newspapers are a few other forms of communication in Nepal.

Internal Flight Delays
Due to the geographical diversity and unpredictable climate in the Himalayas, internal flights are often delayed or cancelled. Weather conditions like heavy rainfall, storms, or fog can disrupt flights. So, it is wise to spare an extra day or two as buffer days, in case of flight delays and cancellations. Likewise, it is also necessary to note that the weather conditions are great during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. If you have enough time, you can also choose road transportation in such cases.

Health and Safety Including Traveling alone in Country
The country is very safe for all tourists and travellers. The country is not experiencing any armed conflicts, religious wars, or grave crimes. Travelling alone is also perfectly sage and you will find willing Nepalese to help you with your travel issues. We also advise solo travellers to inform their loved ones and authorities like local police about their travel destination and itinerary to remain on the safe side. However, there are many issues that you need to consider to trek alone. So, you should have ample knowledge and idea before going on a solo trek.
Likewise, there is a Tourist Police department in Nepal which looks after the welfare and safety of the travellers. You can learn more about them at the official website of the Nepal Tourism Board at
In case of medical emergencies during your trek, you can visit the nearest health post which provides basic medical services. If the medical complication persists, you’ll have to head to the hospitals in towns and cities. Similarly, it is also necessary to follow a healthy and hygienic lifestyle when travelling in Nepal to stay fit and healthy.
Useful Nepali Phrases

English Nepali
Thank You Dhanyabad
How are you? Tapaii lai Kasto Chha?
I am fine. Malai Thick Cha
Have you eaten? (used often as an informal greeting) Khanna khan nu bhayo?
What is your name? Tapako Naam ke ho?
Pardon me/ Sorry Maaf garnu-hola
I don’t understand Maile bhujhina
I understand Maile bhujhe
See you again