Tsum Valley is a cultural trek of 12 to 14 days to Mu Gompa at 3,700 m. "Ganesh Himal Base Camp" usually means a side trip inside Tsum, from Gumba Lungdang to a base camp at about 4,200 m below the Ganesh peaks, which adds two to three days. A different, wilder Ganesh Himal trek approaches from the south through the Ruby Valley. The first two belong together; the third is a separate trip.
Tsum Valley and Ganesh Himal Base Camp at a glance
- Days. Tsum Valley: 12 to 14. Ganesh Himal Base Camp: 2 to 3 extra inside Tsum; about 12 to 15 from the Ruby Valley side.
- Highest point. Tsum Valley: Mu Gompa, 3,700 m. Ganesh Himal Base Camp: base camp about 4,200 m.
- Style. Tsum Valley: lodges and homestays. Ganesh Himal Base Camp: monastery stay or basic lodge; camping on the southern approach.
- Main interest. Tsum Valley: villages and monasteries. Ganesh Himal Base Camp: close mountain and glacier views.
- Permit. Tsum Valley: Tsum restricted area permit. Ganesh Himal Base Camp: the same for the Tsum side; no restricted permit on the Ruby Valley side.
- Crowds. Tsum Valley: few. Ganesh Himal Base Camp: very few.
The side trip from Tsum
Just above Chumling a trail leaves the main Tsum route at Domje and climbs steeply through pine and rhododendron forest to Gumba Lungdang, a small nunnery on a ridge at about 3,200 m with a remarkable view of the Ganesh peaks. Trekkers sleep at the nunnery or in a simple lodge. The next day you walk up the valley over moraine to the base camp area at about 4,200 m and return, a long day of seven to nine hours. See the Tsum Valley guides.
The southern approach
The Ganesh Himal massif can also be reached from Dhading and the Ruby Valley, through Tamang and Gurung villages, over the Pangsang Pass and on to high pastures and lakes below the peaks. That route has few lodges and is usually done with camping or homestays. See the Ganesh Himal and Ruby Valley guides.
Which gives the better mountain views?
The upper Tsum valley is broad and gentle, with good but fairly distant views of the Ganesh and Sringi ranges. The base camp side trip takes you right under the ice of Ganesh II and its neighbours. If mountains matter to you, add it.
Difficulty
Tsum's main trail is moderate. The climb to Gumba Lungdang is steep and the base camp day is long and rough, with no facilities. It suits fit walkers. The southern approach is harder still, mainly because of its remoteness.
Season
October to November and March to May. The base camp trail holds snow in winter and is slippery in the monsoon.
Permits and guide
The Tsum restricted permit covers the Gumba Lungdang side trip. It needs at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. The southern Ruby Valley route needs only the ordinary conservation or park paperwork.
Choose Tsum Valley if
- You are mainly interested in culture.
- You prefer moderate days and lodge nights.
- You want to reach Mu Gompa.
- Time is limited to about two weeks.
Choose Ganesh Himal Base Camp if
- You want a close view of high peaks and a glacier.
- You are fit enough for a long day at 4,000 m.
- You can add two or three days.
- You like sleeping at a remote monastery.
Can you do both?
Yes. The usual plan visits Gumba Lungdang and base camp on the way out of Tsum, after Mu Gompa, adding two to three days.
Plan it
Ask us for a Tsum itinerary with or without the Ganesh Himal Base Camp side trip, or for the separate Ruby Valley route.
Common questions
How high is Ganesh Himal Base Camp?
About 4,200 m on the Tsum side.
Is there a lodge at base camp?
No. You stay at Gumba Lungdang and visit as a day walk.
Are Tsum Valley and Ruby Valley the same area?
No. Tsum is north of the Ganesh range and Ruby Valley is south of it.
Which Ganesh peak is highest?
Yangra, also called Ganesh I, at about 7,422 m.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
