Tsum Valley

The Tsum Valley is a remote and sacred high-altitude valley located in the Gorkha District of northern Nepal, near the border with Tibet. Known as the 'Hidden Valley' (Beyul), it remained closed to outsiders until 2008, which helped preserve its unique cultural heritage. The inhabitants, the Tsumbas, practice a distinct form of Tibetan Buddhism and maintain centuries-old traditions. A defining characteristic of the valley is the strict adherence to 'Ahimsa' (non-violence), which has officially prohibited the slaughter of animals and hunting within its borders since 1920. Geographically, the valley is framed by the majestic peaks of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal ranges. Significant religious sites include the Mu Gompa monastery and the cave of Milarepa, where the famous yogi is said to have meditated. Access to the Tsum Valley requires a special trekking permit and is typically reached via a branch of the Manaslu Circuit trail.

History & landmarks

Manakamana Temple

A Hindu temple in the Gorkha District dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.

Bindhyabasini Temple

The oldest temple in Pokhara stands on a small hill in the city center and is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati in her form as Durga.

International Mountain Museum

A museum in Pokhara dedicated to the history of mountaineering, the peoples of the Himalayas, and the flora and fauna of the region.

Tal Barahi Temple

A two-story pagoda temple on a small island in Phewa Lake in Pokhara, dedicated to the protector goddess Ajima.

Davis Falls

A waterfall in Pokhara where the water plunges into an underground tunnel that is 500 meters long and reaches 30 meters deep into the earth.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

A deep, damp limestone cave in Pokhara, located right across from Davis Falls, containing a large stalagmite in the shape of a Shiva Lingam.

Sarangkot Viewpoint

A famous ridge west of Pokhara, known for its breathtaking sunrises over the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchare.

World Peace Pagoda

This Buddhist monument on Anadu Hill above Phewa Lake was built by Japanese monks from the Nipponzan-Myōhōji community.

More places

Himalchuli

Himalchuli is a massive mountain in the Mansiri Himal, rising prominently above the Marsyangdi River valley.

Manaslu

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is characterized by its steep, glacier-covered slopes.

Manang Valley

The Manang Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna, offering a dry, desert-like landscape.

Pokhara Valley

The Pokhara Valley is a picturesque region in central Nepal, famous for its serene lakes and caves.

Machapuchare

Machapuchare is a sacred mountain in the Annapurna massif, famous for its fishtail shape.

Mustang Plateau

The Mustang Plateau is an arid, high-altitude region known for its ancient Tibetan culture and mysterious caves.

Annapurna I

Annapurna I is the third highest mountain in Nepal and the tenth highest in the world, notorious for its danger.

Kali Gandaki Valley

The Kali Gandaki Valley forms one of the deepest gorges in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.