Tsum
The area north of Gorkha is one of the premier trekking areas in all of the Himalaya. Despite being halfway between the heavily touristed areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara, Gorkha has seen surprisingly little trekking traffic to date. This means you’ll be offered access to a more authentic cultural experience than would be possible on the very heavily trekked routes such as Everest and Annapurna.
This area offers moderate to challenging treking in an area that sees few other trekkers, having opened to tourism only in 2008! The area boasts quaint, sturdy villages where traditional culture is very much intact, and dramatic up- close views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including number eight, Manaslu. Entering this region you’ll be surrounded by the pure Tibetan culture that has been incredibly ingrained into the society for centuries and you’ll get the chance to experience it all first hand.
Best Months to Visit:
Spring: March, *April, May
Fall: *October, November
Highlights:
Explore one of the last valleys opened to travelers in all of Nepal
Spend time in the foothills of the least seen Nepali Himalaya
Trek through remote and off the beaten path villages
Great lodges, sherpa villages and monasteries to explore
Difficulty Range:
Moderate (Leaning more towards) Strenuous
A shorter trek and moderate altitude make the trek moderate but the longer days and challenging trail conditions push most of the treks in a more challenging direction.
Possible Add-Ons:
Heli-trekking
Extend your trek into the neighboring valley of Manaslu
Great local guide dedicated to the community to introduce you to his home, friends & life!
For those of you looking to get off the beaten path without spending the time in transit out of the major hubs in Nepal, this area is ideal. The culture is unique and while it is firmly grounded in history, the belief system has been maintained as a modern (and vital) piece of today's society.
If you’re looking to get off-the-beaten-path and explore local culture, take some time to connect with this adventure mecca. This area has a multitude of treks from mild to strenuous that can be as short as a week or as long as a month and is one of the best kept secrets of Nepal.
Time spent here, surrounded by the peaks, villages and fabulous trekking, is a wonderful way to truly understand the magic of the Himalayas. Itineraries can be as short as 10 days or as long as 30, they can range from moderate to very challenging and are best in April and October.