About the Trip
A unique mind and body reboot in the heart of a magical Himalayan Valley in Nepal.
Community treks have been a mainstay in all my programs over the years, but I always felt the need to add a new dimension. As I yearned for more holistic trekking, this seems like perfect place for a combined adventure of healing walks in nature and Buddhist Qigong, an inspiration that came from a Qigong course I joined in Bali in August 2024. Lo and behold, Dave West, the Qigong instructor at Tai Chi Bali Healing Arts Centre and I, got on like a house on fire. Dave is a master in Qigong, Taichi, Tao Yoga, meditation and fun. With Dave’s extensive knowledge and experience of trekking in Nepal and Eastern Healing Arts, he has prepared an exclusive Tsum Valley Health Program for your trek based on Buddhist Qigong: the practice has its roots in Tibetan Buddhist mantra meditations for calming the mind and opening the heart with loving-kindness, Himalayan energy exercises for promoting health and vitality, and Shaolin Gongfu for increasing physical strength and flexibility. You can read more about Dave West and his healing programs here: https://taichibali.com/instructor-profile/
Looking forward to meeting you! Cheers, Brigitte
Overview
The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley that is situated in northern Gorkha. It is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are of Tibetan origin and speak their own dialect. Being one of the remotest Himalayan valleys, the untouched beauty makes the trek much more enjoyable and pleasant. The valley gives us amazing views of the landscape and mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
While being popular, the Tsum valley has not had as much exposure as other trekking destinations. The destination was restricted until 2008. The valley is rich in Buddhist culture, it comprises many religious monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. The biodiversity is splendid as well with many forests, rivers, caves and animals.
Please note that we chose November to ensure a journey away from crowds. last November, we hardly saw any trekkers. The colours are magnificent, the soft light invites photography, and as there are no roads in Tsum, the silence is bliss!
How hard is the trekking? And where do we stay?
Buddhist monasteries are probably some of the most peaceful places on earth. there are places where you can find silence, spirituality and solitude in abundance. Reason being that most of these monasteries are located far from crowded regions, amid nature, surrounded by natural splendour. They are deliberately built at remote locations.
There is no doubt that this trek is exceptional. We move through different landscapes, from dry valleys reminiscent of the Tibetan side of the Himalaya, to lush rainforest and steep slopes, to a high altitude valley of fields, mani walls, picturesque villages, ancient stupas and chortens. And last but not least, artificial lighting does not pollute the night skies, sound pollution fades away and the air must be some of the cleanest, purest on the planet
Being fit is a prerequisite to fully enjoy the trails and the country they traverse. Walking uphill with a 5 kg pack in a natural environment and on uneven ground is the best training you can do for this.
Talk to your health practitioner about how to best modify your habits, all in the spirit of pushing yourself just enough to merit the spiritual rewards ahead!
We will walk from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the day. This includes plenty of rests and restoration along the way. Our staff are exceptionally dutiful and very qualified, as well as a fun loving people! Plenty of laughing on our treks!
About Qi Gong
Qi Gong (Chi Kung) means ‘energy practice’ and began around the time of the Yellow Emperor 4500 years ago. It is deeply intertwined with the philosophy of Tao, Yinyang, and the Chinese way of life where it is taught in schools, universities and hospitals. Originally, Qi Gong was based on Taoist and Buddhist healing techniques to improve the flow of Qi (natural healing energy) between humans and nature, and was practiced as a daily self-renewal method to tune the body, breath and mind and bring them into unity.
Popular styles of Qi Gong include; Medical Qi Gong which uses herbs, massage and acupuncture; Martial Qi Gong is practiced by martial artists to increase fighting power; Spiritual Qi Gong is practiced by Buddhist monks to energize the brain for enlightenment. However, the most popular style is Health Qi Gong, which encourages a regular practice of deep breathing, stretching, energy meditation and healthy diet to increase the quantity and quality of Qi in your body, and can increase strength and vitality to help you maintain a healthy active life.
BUDDHIST QI GONG - Goals of Practice
To teach beginners to open their heart and minds to the healing power of nature and the teachings of Buddha
To teach beginners to regulate the body, breathing, and mind
To teach beginners to use their mind to lead the qi efficiently
To teach intermediate practitioners to circulate qi in the twelve primary qi channels and fill up the two main qi vessels
To teach intermediate practitioners to expand their qi to the surface of the skin and to condense the qi to the bone marrow
To teach advanced practitioners to use their qi to energize the brain, expand their consciousness and explore the limitations of their mind
To lead advanced practitioners into the domain of spiritual enlightenment/Buddhahood.
Accommodation
From a gorgeous Tibetan hotel with peaceful inner garden near Thamel in Kathmandu, to more modest quarters on the trek, our lodges are chosen for their location, cleanliness, the quality of their fare, and the service they offer. Please note there are no ensuite rooms on the trek, and hot showers are only available in some places. Fear not though! With your wake up call and tea in bed, you also get a bowl of warm washing water for morning ablutions. The menu in the Tsum valley teashops is composed of simple, tasty dishes and drinks, which are supplemented by snacks provided by our trekking agency in Nepal.
A monthly zoom call with Brigitte will allow you to ask questions on whatever you wish to hear about.
Numbers Crunching
This is a fifteen -day trip, from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
There is a maximum of ten participants, and the price per person is as follows:
8 ( minimum) to 10 participants: US$3839 per person, ex Kathmandu
Get US$100 referral fee for each person you invite who books the trip!
Dates: 8 to 22 November, ex Kathmandu.
Please note that itinerary is subject to change, according to conditions. This is adventure travel. :-)
What's included
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off.
2. Licensed trekking guides.
3. Porters for carrying goods and supplies.
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek and drive.
5. Three Nights Accommodation in the International Guest House Hotel in Kathmandu in super deluxe rooms on a twin-share basis. Breakfast is included.
Single supplement for the entire trip is U$300.
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from trail head by Private 4WD Transport from Kathmandu to Jagat and Jagat to Kathmandu.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking.
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for staff.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service. (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Wages for trekking staff.
13. One hour trekker massage after your trek, in Thamel.
14. Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
16. Group Medical Kit Bag (please bring your own medications, see gear list, forwarded to you upon booking)
17. All Government and Local Taxes
18. Meals will start when we leave Kathmandu.
19. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
Services and Costs not included in price
1. International Airfares.
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance.
3. Visa fees.
4. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Boiled water is available at night time to fill water bottles for day use.
5. Tips for staff: Nepal is a tipping economy. Staff know you appreciated their hard work is you give them a reasonable tip ( gratuity) at the end of the trip. US$7 per day of trek (12 days in this case) makes for a reasonable tip. All tips are collected from the group and distributed in a thank you ceremony, along with a lottery of spare gear if any donated by participants.
6. Expenses of Personal nature
7. Meals in Kathmandu (breakfast is included).
8. Extra Hotel nights in Kathmandu
For more information, please email Brigitte at brigittemuir@duck.com
WhatsApp: +61427871530
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
You will be picked up at the airport, and taken to the International Guest House in Paknajol, on the Northern fringe of Thamel. This hotel combines the best of traditional Tibetan architecture and artefacts with comfortable rooms and a leafy inner garden.
Day 2: in Kathmandu. We start the day with a walk from our hotel to Swayambunath, better known as the Monkey Temple. At the top, we can have a qigong session, looking out onto the Kathmandu valley.
The rest of the day will be dedicated to sorting out gear, visiting shops, and being briefed about the running of the journey. At day’s end we will share a complimentary dinner at a cultural restaurant, with dancing for those who wish to join!
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (nine to ten hours) (1,400m/4,593ft)
(160km/99.4 miles) -
Early start today! Alpine start in fact. Driving on the Prithivi Highway west from Kathmandu, we will be following the Trishuli river. In the first few hours, we will reach Dhading Bensi which is the district headquarters of Dhadhing (1050m). Make no mistake, this is a long drive. However, our private four wheel drive cars allow for comfort and multiple breaks including lunch. From Dhading Bensi, it is on to Arughat. Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal range appear as we drive through small villages following the Budhi Gandaki river. Arughat is a large settlement clustered on both sides of Budhi Gandaki river connected by a suspension bridge. The next two hours will take us to Soti Khola and onto Jagat by local 4WD.
• Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
• Stay in lodge
Day 4: Trek from Jagat (1,400m/4,593ft) to Lokpa (2,040m/6,692ft)
Trek Duration 1,400m/4,593ft
Trek Duration 7-8 hrs
Before heading to Lokpa, we will register our permits for Manaslu and Tsum valley at the entry checkpoint in Philim. We walk along the river bank crossing the Budhi Gandaki river via a long wide suspension bridge. The trek throughout is a very pleasant one. We will pass through Ekle Bhatti where the trail separates between Tsum and Manaslu. On the way we cross a few villages and rivers. The rivers begin to narrow down as we meet the convergence of the Syar river from the Tsum valley. Taking a right turn, the trail takes us forward, eventually reaching Lokpa. This village is the first village in the Tsum valley that gives us the opportunity to view the beautiful Manaslu range. This village is isolated and is a hidden valley of happiness blessed by Padmashamva centuries ago.
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Day 5: Trek from Lokpa (2,040m/6,692ft) to Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft)
Highest Altitude 2,386m/7,828ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
The day begins with the amazing views of Boudha Himal (6,672m) and Ganesh Himal. The route takes us to the Lungwa river valley as we climb through the dense tropical forests of rhododendron, juniper, and pine. The route crosses the Syar Khola again, arriving at the village of Chumling. We have the option to visit the monasteries of Chumling; The Panago Gompa, Mani Dhungyur, and Gurwa Gompa. This village includes telephone service as well as health posts.
• Overnight at lodge
• Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Day 6: Trek from Chumling (2,386m/7,828ft) to Chhokang Paro
The destination for today and the next two nights is Chhokang Paro. The upper Tsum valley opens from here. As we cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank, we will see great views of Ganesh Himal and from the south, spectacular views of Boudha Himal and Himalchuli peaks to the southwest. We continue trekking past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge, arriving at Gho Village. After another two hours climb, we arrive to our destination via a beautiful forest and chortens. We will be spend three nights here and concentrate on Buddhist Qigong. The Peaceful Lodge is our home for this segment of our trek.
o Overnight at Peaceful Lodge
o Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
Day 7 and 8: Buddhist Qigong in Chhokang Paro – exploring the Tao of our surroundings. Having three nights in the same place allows us to really become part of the here and now. Dave will work his magic over the next two days, and prepare us for the pinnacle of our journey, experiencing the spirituality of Milarepa's caves..
Day 9: Trek from Chhokang Paro (3,031m/9,944ft) to Lamogaon(3,361m/11,026ft)
Trek Duration 3 hrs
o Overnight at lodge
o Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Day 10 Lamogaon and Milarepa’s cave
Today we have the opportunity for a mindful 30 minutes walk to Milarepa’s caves. On the cliff where the caves are perched, we spend a few hours practicing buddhist qigong and soaking in the tao of the place, before returning to Lamogaon. The Piren Phu cave (Pigeon cave) as it is also known, is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. The famous Tibetan saint called Milarepa was believed to have meditated in that cave as his footprint is imprinted in the cave's floor. The route is a very pleasant trek, as we will be walking past fertile meadows. There are two separate monasteries that are attached to the rocky cave. It is abundantly painted with Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on the stones and long prayer flags and Buddhist paper scripts are in it that makes it one of the most important socio-cultural asset in the valley.
Day 11 Trek from Lamogaon to Chumling
Today we trek for 5 to 6 hours through greener countryside and descend to Chumling through the lower Tsum Valley. We spend the night at Chumling.
• Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Stay at lodge
Day 12: Trek from Chumling to Chiso Pani (1,570m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trail today heads in the direction of Lokpa and passes the beautiful Samba Falls. After 6 to 7 hours we reach today’s destination Chiso Pani Village where we will stay the night.
• Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Stay at lodge
Day 13: Trek from Chiso Pani to Jagat
Today we follow the trail along the ridge to the Budhi Gandaki River and on to Labubesi until we reach Jagat where we stay the night.
Trek Duration 5 hrs
• Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Stay at lodge
Day 14: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu (1,350m)
A joyous drive back toward Kathmandu, with regular stops for convenience and restoration.
End of Journey debrief and dinner at Forest Plate restaurant.
Drive duration: 8-9 hrs
Day 15: Trip ends after breakfast. with a complimentary one hour trekkers massage.
• Included Meals (Breakfast and lunch)
Flight above Everest: if you wish to, Friendship World Trek can organise a flight over Everest for you, before or after your journey with us to the extraordinary Tsum Valley. Cost is extra.
Our representative will take you to the airport around 3 hours before departure. This is only ‘farewell’ until we see you again for your next expedition into the Himalaya! ( Pike Peak qigong and community trek to Lura in the Solu, Dcember 2026. Women and school focus.)
For more information, please email Brigitte at brigittemuir@duck.com
WhatsApp: +61427871530
Client Testimonials
” Thank you for the lovely photo. Yes, it certainly was a wonderful trip.
I think what made it special was the fact that it was “custom made” and didn’t feel like the usual “tourist” experience.
The size and dynamics of the group which made it easier to bond.
The variety of experiences: hiking, yoga, meditating with monks, shopping, sightseeing and dining in Kathmandu, not to mention the trekker’s massage.
The delicious food and how everything was organised smoothly and efficiently, but even more than that, the genuine care shown towards us and the fact that nothing was too much trouble.
I could go on and on, but you did say to keep it short!
Love and best wishes”
Roberta (yoga trek to Pike Peak)
I had an incredible experience doing the 21 day Qi Gong/Tai Chi foundation course up in the mountains.
Dave is a great, thoughtful and knowledgeable instructor, who is passionate about what he does and weaves in visits to the most beautiful waterfalls, springs and other walks, which enhance the course and connect you to the nature all around you.
Joss
Having been guided by Brigitte Muir on a number of mountaineering excursions, I found her to be a person of great wisdom and experience with a passion for the outdoors. Brigitte’s professional attitude to designing and managing guided trips was a great relief to me and allowed me to fully enjoy the experience knowing that she was in control of all situations encountered. Brigitte has a great sense of humour and would create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for the group. As a keynote speaker, Brigitte is able to convey the sense of awe and wonder of her experiences and is truly inspirational to listen to. Having seen some of her powerful and evocative documentary work, I look forward to viewing more in the future.
Di
For more about Brigitte's projects, visit www.beyondthesmile.net and patreon.com/brigittemuir
For Dave's exceptional courses in Bali, visit www.taichibali.com