About the Trip
A unique mindful reboot in the heart of a magical Himalayan Valley in Nepal.
Join Dawa Raphael Che and Brigitte Muir OAM on a longevity qi gong and mindful adventure trek to the Nepali sacred valley of Tsum, at the Tibetan border in November 2026. This is a family friendly holiday which will give our body and soul a fresh outlook on life. Please note that this trek uses mountain trails demanding at times attention to where one puts one’s feet, so keep that in mind re. the wisdom of bringing your child along. Children of the valley do it everyday, but you know yours best. 😊🙏🏻❤️
From Brigitte: Community treks have long been a mainstay of my programs, but I always felt a call to add a new dimension. As I yearned for a more holistic trekking experience, I found inspiration in a Qigong course I attended in Bali in 2024 and Tsum Valley seemed the perfect place to bring the vision to life: a journey of healing walks and ancient Eastern practices.
Serendipitously, I discovered that just a five-minute walk from my front door lives Dawa—who dedicated five years of his life in China and another year in India, immersed in the study of ancient Eastern healing arts.
During his time in China, Dawa studied Qigong and Dao Yin, specialising in health practices focused on well-being and longevity. For your trek, he has prepared an exclusive Tsum Valley Health Program based on Longevity Qigong and Dao Yin. These practices promote vitality, nourish and liberate the joints, stimulate the flow of blood and Qi, clear the mind, and deepen your connection with the Earth. Each morning, these sessions will gently prepare the body for the day’s journey, while also offering an opportunity to explore the profound ideas that have shaped Eastern concepts of health and spirituality for millennia.
Alongside Qigong, Dawa brings with him a deep love for sacred geometry, mandalas, the I Ching, and ancient symbolism — all of which he is always more than happy to share with curious and kindred souls.
For my part, I will share with you the grace of breathwork and of moving one step at the time in the here and now. We are looking forward to meeting you! Cheers, Brigitte
Overview
The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage destination located in northern Gorkha. It is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are of Tibetan origin and speak their own dialect. It is one of the remotest Himalayan valleys of Nepal: the untouched beauty makes the trek much more enjoyable and pleasant. We will be practicing mindful walking in a magical place! The valley gives us amazing views of the landscape and mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal. Our highest point will be Milarepa’s Cave, at approximately 3360m of altitude, and there is an option for those wanting to go higher, to Mu Gomba (3700m) at the head of the valley .
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, where the World Peace Stupa, facing Tibet, is being built. The biodiversity is splendid 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, compared to the more popular areas which can be very crowded these days. The colours are magnificent, the soft light invites photography and comtemplation. 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 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
Qigong, translated roughly to energy or breath work, is a 4500 year old ancient Chinese healing practice which has its roots tracing back to the founder of Chinese Medicine, the legendary Yellow Emperor (2696–2598 B.C). It is believed that it developed from Shamanistic practices of Ancient China.
About Daoyin
Often described as a precursor of Qigong, Daoyin, much like its Indian counterpart, Yoga, combines breathing and gentle stretches that work on developing the subtle awareness of the body, breath and mind. Where Indian styles of yoga are based on Ayurveda Medicine and tend to follow linear movements, Daoyin finds its roots in Chinese Traditional Medicine and is characterised by flowing circular movements. It is gentle, graceful and suitable for people of all ages.
What will we be practicing in Tsum Valley?
There are many types of Qigong and Daoyin, Medical Qigong focuses on healing others, Martial Qigong focuses on increasing power and protection, Spiritual Qigong on attaining higher states of consciousness and wisdom. Though they are all interrelated and benefit one another we will be focusing mostly on 养生功 Yangsheng Gong. Yangsheng Gong focuses on caring for the organs, nourishing the joints, connecting more deeply with nature, harmonising Yin and Yang and improving the quality and length of ones life.
Given that this will be a trek into sacred lands we will also be exploring mindful practices that still the mind, open the heart and connect us to the great mysteries alluded to in Buddhism, Daoism and every great spiritual/religious practice throughout the world.
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$3876 per person, ex Kathmandu
Dates: 7 to 21 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
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. ( make sure it covers altitude up to 3500m- 3700m if you wish to push to Mu Gomba)
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, and to book your space please email Brigitte at brigittemuiroam@icloud.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. At 5pm, we will have a brief followed by dinner. We will meet in the lobby.
Day 2: in Kathmandu. We start the day with an early 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: 7-8 hrs (remember this includes plenty of comfort breaks, with cups of tea and lunch on the way)
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 at the entrance of 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 night 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 two 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: Buddhist Qigong in Chhokang Paro – exploring the Tao of our surroundings. Having two nights in the same place allows us to really become part of the here and now. Dawa will work his magic over the next day, and prepare us for the pinnacle of our journey, experiencing the spirituality of Milarepa's caves..
Day 8: 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 9 Stay Lamogaon and Milarepa’s cave Alternative Mu Gomba Trek: trek to Nile (3600m)
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 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 and villagers working in the fields. 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 10 Stay Lamagaon, visit World Peace Stupa at Rachen Nunnery. Alternative Mu Gomba Trek: from Nile to Mu Gomba, back to Lamogaon
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. It is a great time to reflect on the journey so far, and the feelings it created in us. 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. A complimentary one hour trekkers massage.
• Included Meals (Breakfast)
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 breathwork and community trek to Lura in the Solu, November 2027. Women and school focus.)
For more information, please email Brigitte at brigittemuiroam@icloud.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)
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
“I came into the workshop with no expectations and left feeling truly revitalised, cleansed and alive. I didn’t realise how much my body was longing for such a weekend. I have a neurological condition which causes a lot of inflammation and ever since completing this Qigong workshop and adding elements to my life since I have noticed a huge difference. I have more energy, I’m in less pain and am no longer as tired. Dawa is a fantastic teacher, with a wealth of knowledge. If you’re after changes in your health, then this Qigong retreat is for you. It’s relaxing, rejuvenating, and you learn so much about yourself and your body.”
For more about Brigitte's projects, visit www.beyondthesmile.net and patreon.com/brigittemuir