Tsum Valley is probably the most beautiful of the valleys lying under the majestic Ganesh and Sringi Himal northeast of Kathmandu. The nearest roadhead is five days’ walk away at Arughat in the Gorkha district.
Tsum Valley has a population of about 4000 people of the indigenous ethnic group known as “Tsumbas” with some 300 Tsumba people living in Kathmandu while another 200 live abroad.
The Tsum Valley Welfare Committee was formed in the 1990s to provide a social network, not only for social get-togethers but also to provide much needed support during crises such as illness and death.
Many young social activists who joined at that time have continued to participate in and contribute to the activities of this organisation.
Although right now limited to the Kathmandu Valley, our team has a long-term mission and vision to help develop the Tsum Valley which is one of the most remote and isolated areas in the world, thus assisting its underprivileged inhabitants.
Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008 and there is a little information available on the area.
The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialect. Trails are strewn with artistic chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.
The Tsum Valley has long history of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is believed to be meditated in the caves of these mountains. Traditionally, the valley was a culturally distinct geographical called “Tsum Tso Chuksum”, which means thirteen provinces ruled as a single territory. The ancient remains of the Tsum Kingdom are still visible today. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, this sacred valley and its people have been bypassed by mainstream development for centuries. As a result, the unique culture of this valley has remained intact.
The valley is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak.
The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the Tsum Valley. The valley also boasts some unique and historic monasteries, including Rachen Gumba and Mu Gumba, which lie on a pretty plateau nestled in the lap of the valley, and Gumba Lungdang, situated at the base of a conical hill against the main slope of Ganesh Himal.
If you are interested in this package, please feel free to contact us.:- tsumbastsum@gmail.com
TWC with the support of TAAN, NTNC and NTB organized a “Tsum Valley Exploration Trek 2008” and developed following itineraries:
No. Of Days |  |
1 | Arrival |
2 | Kathmandu – Arughat |
3 | Arughat – Liding |
4 | Liding - Machha Khola |
5 | Machha Khola - Jagat |
6 | Jagat - Lokpa |
7 | Lokpa – Chumling |
8 | Chumling - Chhokangparo |
9 | Chhokangparo - Chhule-Nile |
10 | Chhule-Nile - Mu Gumpa |
11 | Mu Gumpa to Rachen Gumpa |
12 | Rachen Gumpa to Dhumje |
13 | Dhumje to Gumba Lungdan |
14 | Gumba Lungdang to Ripchet |
15 | Ripchet to Philim |
16 | Philim to Khorla Bensi |
17 | Khorla Bensi to Laapu Bensi |
18 | Laapu Bensi to Arughat |
19 | Arughat to Kathmandu |
20 | Departure |
Option 2:
No. Of Days | Programme | ||
1 | Arrival | ||
2 | Kathmandu – Arughat | ||
3 | Arughat – Liding | ||
4 | Liding - Machha Khola | ||
5 | Machha Khola - Jagat | ||
6 | Jagat – Lokpa | ||
7 | Lokpa – Chumling | ||
8 | Chumling – Chhokangparo | ||
9 | Chhokangparo - Chhule-Nile | ||
10 | Chhule-Nile - Chho Syong | ||
11 | Chho Syong – Dupchet | ||
12 | Dupchet – Chhemdo | ||
13 | Chhemdo – Chhekya | ||
14 | Chhekya – Dangchet | ||
15 | Dangchet – Yamdro | ||
16 | Yamdro – Bhajyo | ||
17 | Bhajyo – Thongbu | ||
18 | Thongbu – Lungdang | ||
19 | Lungdang - Rachen Gumba | ||
20 | Racehn Gumba – Dhumje | ||
21 | Dhumje - Gumba Lungdang | ||
22 | Gumba Lungdang – Ripchet | ||
23 | Ripchet – Doban | ||
24 | Doban - Soti Khola | ||
25 | Soti Khola – Arughat | ||
26 | Arughat – Kathmandu | ||
27 | Departure  People and religion The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect. Even these days, some families practice polyandry (or having more than one husband at a time). These families have been found to be well managed and wealthier than other families. The people in Tsum have a strong faith in Buddhism. They pray to Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some bodhisattvas. They install prayer flags, kata, or Mani walls, burn butter lamps in monasteries, and believe in the reincarnation of lamas.
The histories and way of life of supernatural entities and stories about them are well-known. Nevertheless prayer flags, kata, or Mani walls are installed and ritual burning of juniper is performed to purify an area against such supernatural entities. The people of Tsum perform numerous rituals and festivals against devil entities. However, the slaughtering of animals on an altar to honour deities does not occur. A few laymen and lamas practice some special rites to exorcise evil factors. Local people practice mainly two types of astrology “Black” and “White” for the determination of auspicious days. Way of living Tsumbas believe in the reincarnation thus the birth and the death are just cyclic nature, not supreme. In all aspects, the holy men lamas and astrologers play a major role. Birth: The birth of the child in the home keeps the family people to reunite together. Going out and working in the land is supposed to bring bad luck and agitate the spirits, Lhu. Few days later lama visits the home where birth took place. He offers prayers to the god and household deities. He gives name to the newly born child and tells the child’s future seeing the astrological chart. Generally old people in the home take care of this newly born child letting his/her parents to work. They lack day care centre and homeopathy facility. Marriage: Winter is the suitable season for marriage. There is plenty of time to celebrate Traditionally marriages are seen between the young people of same class. However the trend is moving towards young people selecting their own partners within the same class or across class boundaries. Death: The death body is kept untouched for several days in its deteriorating stage until the visit of Lama for the instructions to dispose the body. The astrological chart of the death person determines the type of burial referring to either of four components: cremation, ground burial, water burial or the sky. |
Tsum Nile Ladrang
BACKGROUNDIn the northern part of
Dharma Lineage
Dorji Chang, Telopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa, Phakmodrupa, Gyalwa Lorepa, Goetsangpa are as same in the general lineage. The particular Dharma lineage starts from the Master Madun Reachen or Naljor Choeden.
1. Lama Madun Reachen (1209 - 1277)Lama Madun Reachen was born in Gyakar lingchung of Tsang province,
2. Densa Rinchen(1243 - 1296) - He built Chokri of Landeap, Rinchen Gang of Kuthang, Dhundup Ling of Buldud, Rinchen Ling of Beasho etc. He helped to flourish the teachings, the meditations and the Dharma activities. His main disciple was Nyammed Choje Tenpa.
3. Nyammed Choje Tenpa(1259 - ?) - He built a monastery called Palding in the lower Ladeap. He always preaches the teachings to 500 disciples and he used to have 1000 disciples during the special days. He use to help the beings in both the ways by giving teachings and making them practice. His main disciple was Choje Sangay Oon.
4. Choje Sangay Oon - His main disciple was Choje Sonam Wangchuk.
5. Choje Sonam Wangchuk - His main disciple was Choje Sonam Nyingpo.
6. Choje Sonam Nyingpo - His main disciple was Nyammed Lhundup Tashi.
7. Nyammed Lhundup Tashi(1278 - 1351) - He was born as a son to Sonam Dulley and Choekeong Kitdey in a place called Palkhut Jang Phuk. Lama Zurkhang pa prophesized that he will become a very special person in the future. He offered his hair to Sonam Wangchuk and was named Lhundup Tashi. At the age of 15 he realized the primordial wisdom while receiving the teachings of Mahamudra. He received many teachings of Nyingma and Sarma from many great teachers of that time. Some of his main teachers are Jatang wa Sakya Pal, Choje Sonam Wangchuk, Choje Sonam Nyingpo, Kunkhen Musetpa Palden Sengey, Lashing Khenpo Wang Shey, Gungthang Womphukpa Dhundup Sherap, Tsagetpa Dorji Sengey, Choje Oon Seng etc. He received all the teaching of the tradition from the master Sonam Nyingpo (who has been prophesized by Guru Rinpoche). He practiced in many solitary places such as Dowoche, Longtrang, Karye, Trarum etc. and he was much achieved experienced meditator. He became the royal priest of the king Trilha Sonam De of Ngari Gungthang. He built the Dowoche Monastery. He looked after all the monasteries under Lama Madun. He renovated and built some necessary houses, he started retreat centre and let the people join in. It is said that he has shown, xperienced, and possessed a fore knowledge, miracle and many supernatural powers. He can let the Dharma protector serve and he benefited many beings, thus passed away in Dowoche.
8. Choje Gonpo Pal - He is one of the main disciples of Lhundup Tashi.
9. Choje Kunga Sizig - He was born during the reign of the King Trilha Wangyal Tsen. He learned, practiced, received instructions from various teachers, Choje Gonpo Pal, Nyammey Lhundup Rinchen, Terton Sakya Sangpo and Druptop Tsangnyon Heruka are the main teachers. He became one of the great disciples of Tsangnyon Heruka.
10. Choje Chechok Dorji - He was born near Chokri a place called Lheychung. He knew reading at the age of three. He left a footprint at the age of eight, which is still in Lheychung. His father Kunga sizig, Terton Chogden Gonpo, Terton Tenyi Lingpa, Terton Pema Lingpa's main disciple Karpo Kunga Drakpa are some of main teachers with whom he studied, received instructions, empowerments and transmissions. He was born during the reign of King Duddulgon De. At this time Terton Chokden Gonpo asked the Gungthang King for the renovation of Jamtrin Monastery and appointed Choje Chechok Dorji as the possessor. He stayed and took care of Druptop Ogyenpa's seat Shelri Pal Kyi Nak Dzong and Yang Dul Trul Pei Tsuk Lak Khang (Jamtrin Monastery). He composed a commentary on Gutrul Shitro. He also became a teacher to the king. He has two sons, Donyo Dorji and Kunchock Dorji. He passed away in Gundha; soon he was born as Terton Tenyi Linpa's son called Sonam Gyalpo. Among the monasteries under Dochen, Shelri, Jamtrin and Drangsa are given to Choje Chechok Dorji's incarnation. After Sonam Gyalpo the Jamtrin Terton Lineage was started.
11. Kunchock Dorji - He is the main disciple of Choje Chechok Dorji. His teachers were own father Choje Chechok Dorji, Botong Rabjampa Kunchok Samdup, Terton Chokden Gonpo, Terton Tenyi Lingpa, Barlukpa Choje Namkha Dorji etc. He was a great scholar and practitioner.
12. Namkha Lhundup - He studied under many teachers, some of which are his father (kunchok dorji) and his uncle (Donyoe Dorji), Ney Rabjampa Jampa Phuntsok, Nyammey Choewang Gyaltsen, Ringangwa Gurton Namkha Dorji etc. he established Drog Ladrang Sa Nyag Dechenling, Gondar Silnonling of Kharvam, Gonnoe of tsum, etc. it is said that he had built about seven monasteries. He had nine sons and four out of them died of small pox. The remaining four are Jhigdral, Thoe nyon, Namkha Sengye and Gyaltsen and until Namkha Lhundup it was just one ladrang ( a lama family), but after him his two elder sons Jhigdral and Thoenyon stayed together as Lower Ladrang and the two younger brother Namkha sengye and Gyaltsen stayed together as Upper Ladrang .
13. Namkha Sengye - He established the
14. Norbu Dechen - He was taken to karye to see yolmowa Tenzin Norbu and was named Norbu Dechen. He is prophesized by master Padmasambhava as an incarnation of Namkhei Nyingpo "who will be born near Palbar and will be named Dechen. Who will have a mole in the middle of the chest, He will flourish his family lineage and will please Padmasambhava", in the treasure revealed by Terton Dudul Dorji. His main teachers are Yolmowa Tenzin Norbu, his own father Namkha Sengye, Pabar Drubtop Paksam Yeshe, Dakarwa Karma Losal, Reachen Karma Chophel, Linwapa Gyalthang Silnon Dorji, Lowopa Kunsang Longyang, Gomnyon Chakdor Norbu, Terton Garwang Dorji etc. He also studied astrology and he perfected it. He composed a brief practice of Gutrul Trowo and some others. His composition on the brief practice of Gutrul Trowo pleased the king of Terton Gyurmey Dorji when it was send to mindroling.
15. Tenpei Norbu - He was a son of the Dudul Dorji and the grandson of Ngachang Norbu Dechen. He took care of both Landhe and Tsum Ladrangs.
16. Gyalsey Sengye - He received all the teachings, instructions, empowerments and transmissions from his great grand father Norbu Dechen. He traveled to central
17. Rigzin Tsewang Norbu(1698 - 1755) -The nearest disciple of the former incarnation Takrepa Kalsang Ugen Tenzin and great Terton Pema Dechen Lingpa recognized him as an incarnation of the Drodul Pema Mani. His centre head hair was offered to Kathok Gyalsey Sonam Dehutsen and was enthroned at Khunkhen Pema Lodro's monastery. He benefited all the beings on Do-Kham and at the age of 25 he traveled all around being ascetic. He arrived central and mid-Tibet through Phuwa Draged Dzong . Dochen Gurikpa Gyalse Sengye bestowed him the empowerment of the essence of all the 18 tantras of the Nyingma, Gutrul Sangwa Nyingpo. Especially when he offered him the protectors of the tantra Lekden Nakpo's empowerments and Rigzin Tsewang Norbu says there were lots of different noises on top of the empowerment house during the empowerments and the presence of Protector Lekden Nakpo himself there from Riwo Malaya is the sign of having a very good lineage and connection between them.
He also offered him the teachings of Mahamudra called Karpo Druk (6 white ones) which is very specific of the Madun Kagyu tradition. He also revealed many treasures from Dhokham Kongpo and Sapphulung. He also composed some texts such as Dak Nang Lama Ku Sum, Yi Shin Norbu Ta Bhue Sam Lhun Men Ngagchu Sum, Sang Lam Tsedrup, lamsab Lamai Nyaljor, Choet Yul Gay Dui, etc. He became very close to His Holiness the Dalai Lama Kalsang Gyatso. He also helped to recognized His Holiness Karmapa Dudul Dorji according to the prophecy of the dakinis. Later he also offered many teachings to His Holiness the Karmapa. In his elder age he spent his time benefiting the beings of Upper Ngari, Upper and mid
18. Rigzin Gurmey Namgyal - He studied all the teachings of the tradition under his father Ngachang Gyalsey Sengye. He offered his centre head hair to Rigzin Tsewang Norbu and was named as Tsewang Tenzin Drupai Dorji.
He received the entire transmissions of Nyingma Gyud Bum from Lhodrakpa Dhomtson Ngawang Lhundup at Palding. He received all the Dowang from Je Barowa Ngawang Yeshi. He shared both teachers and student relationship with Ngor Kunga Lhundup. He had some outstanding students like Choekhar Tulku, Je paldingpa Gurmey Trinley Tenzin, his own Son Tsewang Cheme Gonpo etc.
19. Tsewang Cheme Gonpo(1755 - 1809) -He is born as a son to Rinzin Gurmey Namgyal. He offered his centre head hair to Rigzin Tsewang Norbu and was named Tsewang Cheme Gonpo at Nodrup Phuk. He received all the teachings of the tradition from his father. He also studied under Paldingpa Gyurmey Trinley Tenzin, Rigzin Gonnangpa Trinley Duzom, and Domtson Tenzin Dorji etc. He also had vast knowledge of Tibetan medicine, astrology, sculpture, painting and poetry. He was a very experienced meditator and a composer. He passed away on fourth month, new moon day of Tibetan calendar at the age of 54.
20. Darkarwa Chokyi Wangchuk(1775 - 1837)
He was born to Terton Tenyi Lingpa's family lineage holder Ngachang Tsewang Tenzin at Mangyul Kyidong Jamtrin.Gonangwa Trinley Duzom was asked to named him when he was in retreat at Gonang. So he named him Tsewang Gyaltsen. He was recognized as an incarnation of Dakkar Tulku through his remembrance of past life, recognizing all the belonging of the past Dakkar Tulku and by the official recognition letter issued by His Holiness the Karmapa Dudul Dorji. He was enthroned at the age of 8 in the presence of Gonangwa Trinley Duzom.he offered his centre head hair to Gonangwa Trinley Duzom and was named Rigzin Choekyi Wangchuk Ngaedon Tenpei Nyima Trinley Gyatso Dhe. He studied under great teachers like Je Gonangwa Trinley Duzom, Dochenpa Rigzin Gyurmey Namgyal, Je Tsewang Cheme Gonpo, Mugonpa, Choejhe Kunga Palden, Lowo Dolpowa Ogyen Chophel etc. Besides he traveled to the central
21. Kunsang Trinley Gyatso(1857- 1924) -he was a born at a place called Rama Shongpa near Rigyal Palbar. His father DomarpaTsewang Rabgay and his mother was Tsewang Palmo. He was called Nyima Lhagon when he was small. According to the prediction letter of Karmapa Thekchog Dorji and his remembrance of much past life he was recognized as the Dakkar Tulku and was enthroned at Dakkar monastery. He took Gyen Nyen vow from Kagyu Trinley Namgyal (his grandfather )at Daknak and was named as Kunsang Trinley Gyatso Pal Sangpo.he studied under teacher from all lineage some of which are Karmapa Kakhayab Dorji,Drikung Kyapgon Choke Lodro,Ne Nanng Rigzin Tenpe Wangchuk (Rigzin Tsewang Norbu's Tulku),Dochenpa Domtson Tsewang Gyalpo, Domarpa Pema Rigzin, Chak Drupwang Urgen Tendar, Je Lobsang Sopa, Khungpa Karma Lamchok Sangpo, Adowa Ngawang Dakpa, Jadralwa Drimey O'ser etc, he became a very important student of all these teachers,especially 15th Karmapa praised him and Dolpo Shelri Tulku as the sun and the moon of the upper Tibet. He didn't just study teachings but practiced each and every very diligently and achieved many meditation experience. He restored and renovated all the monasteries, statues, different ritual articles which have been under bad condition after passing away of Dakkarwa Chokyi Wangchuk. He benefited the monastic community as well as the lay community that is why he was given "Tri Shri" title by the Tibetan government. He gave every thing for the benefit of others. He did everything for the benefit of the others .he did every thing the continuation of the dharma lineage. His realisation of benefiting the place and the people, he gave birth to two sons. His elder son was Je Rigzin Thinley Chowang. He passed away at the age of 60.
22 Kargyu Tenzin Norbu(1899 - 1959) -He was the son of the Je Rigzin Thinley Chowang. He was taken care and grown up by his parents until seven. After seven he stayed with his grandfather Kunsang Thinley Gyatso who provided him with foods, clothes, shelter, teachings, transmissions, instructions, empowerments also taught him the way of writings, reading, and contemplating. Then he went to Mindrolling monastery and became fully ordained from Minling Khenchen Ugen Gurmey Sherap Tender, he was named Tenzin Dorji Pal Sangpo. He built and renovated some of the lama's retreat rooms, Mahakala house, Mani prayers hall, Kagyur shrine room, kitchen and storage, Parkhang(where the text print blocks are kept), stupa at longdar (the relic stupa of Rinchen Karma Chophel) etc.
His grandfather Kunsang Trinley Gyatso, Kathok Tulku Pema Kunsang Rinpoche, Paldingpa UgenYeshi Chokden, Roe Kushap Tenzin Dorji, Tsipri Tripon Rinpoche, Khedup Sangye Sangpo, Kagyur Lama Rinpoche Ngawang Chosang, Kyabje Chodrup Rinpoche etc.are some of the teachers of him. He studied under these guniune teachers and became a great scholar as well as good meditator. He held and flourishes the lineage of the tradition and administered the monasteries well.
Family LineageThe family is known as Gurik Dochenppa and gurik comes from the name of a place Gurphu. Dochen comes from a name of the monastery called Phulak Dowoche (which was first built as a retreat centre by Lama Madun Reachen. Later Gurton Lhundup Tashi built a monastery with the help of king of Ngari Gungthang Trigyal Sonam De, who accepted him as his teacher) and the abbot or the processor of the monastery were called Dochenpa. The Lama family of Gurik Dochenpa was started from Gurton Lhundup Tashi. The actual family comes from the family of the Dharma king of
1. Gurton Lhundup Tashi-He was born as a son to Sonam Dulley and Choekeong Kitdey in a place called Palkhut Jang Phuk. Lama Zurkhang pa prophesized that he will become a very special person in the future. He offered his hair to Sonam Wangchuk and was named Lhundup Tashi. At the age of 15 he realized the primordial wisdom while receiving the teachings of Mahamudra. He received many teachings of Nyingma and Sarma from many great teachers of that time. Some of his main teachers are Jatang wa Sakya Pal, Choje Sonam Wangchuk, Choje Sonam Nyingpo, Kunkhen Musetpa Palden Sengey, Lashing Khenpo Wang Shey, Gungthang Womphukpa Dhundup Sherap, Tsagetpa Dorji Sengey, Choje Oon Seng etc. He received all the teaching of the tradition from the master Sonam Nyingpo (who has been prophesized by Guru Rinpoche). He practiced in many solitary places such as Dowoche, Longtrang, Karye, Trarum etc. and he was much achieved experienced meditator. He became the royal priest of the king Trilha Sonam De of Ngari Gungthang. He built the Dowoche Monastery. He looked after all the monasteries under Lama Madun. He renovated and built some necessary houses, he started retreat centre and let the people join in. It is said that he has shown, xperienced, and possessed a fore knowledge, miracle and many supernatural powers. He can let the Dharma protector serve and he benefited many beings, thus passed away in Dowoche.
2. Ngachang Gonpo Pal
3. Choje Kunga Sizig He was born during the reign of the King Trilha Wangyal Tsen. He learned, practiced, received instructions from various teachers, Choje Gonpo Pal, Nyammey Lhundup Rinchen, Terton Sakya Sangpo and Druptop Tsangnyon Heruka are the main teachers. He became one of the great disciples of Tsangnyon Heruka.He had one son called Chechok Dorji.
4. Ngachang Chechok Dorji He was born near Chokri a place called Lheychung. He knew reading at the age of three. He left a footprint at the age of eight, which is still in Lheychung. His father Kunga sizig, Terton Chogden Gonpo, Terton Tenyi Lingpa, Terton Pema Lingpa's main disciple Karpo Kunga Drakpa are some of main teachers with whom he studied, received instructions, empowerments and transmissions. He was born during the reign of King Duddulgon De. At this time Terton Chokden Gonpo asked the Gungthang King for the renovation of Jamtrin Monastery and appointed Choje Chechok Dorji as the possessor. He stayed and took care of Druptop Ogyenpa's seat Shelri Pal Kyi Nak Dzong and Yang Dul Trul Pei Tsuk Lak Khang (Jamtrin Monastery). He composed a commentary on Gutrul Shitro. He also became a teacher to the king. He has two sons, Donyo Dorji and Kunchock Dorji. He passed away in Gundha; soon he was born as Terton Tenyi Linpa's son called Sonam Gyalpo. Among the monasteries under Dochen, Shelri, Jamtrin and Drangsa are given to Choje Chechok Dorji's incarnation. After Sonam Gyalpo the Jamtrin Terton Lineage was started.He had two sons called Kunchok Dorji and Donyo Dorji
5. Ngachang Kunchock Dorji He is the main disciple of Choje Chechok Dorji. His teachers were own father Choje Chechok Dorji, Botong Rabjampa Kunchok Samdup, Terton Chokden Gonpo, Terton Tenyi Lingpa, Barlukpa Choje Namkha Dorji etc. He was a great scholar and practitioner.He had one son called Namkha Lhundup.
6. Ngachang Namkha Lhundup He studied under many teachers, some of which are his father (kunchok dorji) and his uncle (Donyoe Dorji), Ney Rabjampa Jampa Phuntsok, Nyammey Choewang Gyaltsen, Ringangwa Gurton Namkha Dorji etc. he established Drog Ladrang Sa Nyag Dechenling, Gondar Silnonling of Kharvam, Gonnoe of tsum, etc. it is said that he had built about seven monasteries. He had nine sons and four out of them died of small pox. The remaining four are Jhigdral, Thoe nyon, Namkha Sengye and Gyaltsen and until Namkha Lhundup it was just one ladrang ( a lama family), but after him his two elder sons Jhigdral and Thoenyon stayed together as Lower Ladrang and the two younger brother Namkha sengye and Gyaltsen stayed together as Upper Ladrang.
7. Ngachang Namkha Sengye He established the
8. Ngachang Norbu Dechen He was taken to karye to see yolmowa Tenzin Norbu and was named Norbu Dechen. He is prophesized by master Padmasambhava as an incarnation of Namkhei Nyingpo "who will be born near Palbar and will be named Dechen. Who will have a mole in the middle of the chest, He will flourish his family lineage and will please Padmasambhava", in the treasure revealed by Terton Dudul Dorji. His main teachers are Yolmowa Tenzin Norbu, his own father Namkha Sengye, Pabar Drubtop Paksam Yeshe, Dakarwa Karma Losal, Reachen Karma Chophel, Linwapa Gyalthang Silnon Dorji, Lowopa Kunsang Longyang, Gomnyon Chakdor Norbu, Terton Garwang Dorji etc. He also studied astrology and he perfected it. He composed a brief practice of Gutrul Trowo and some others. His composition on the brief practice of Gutrul Trowo pleased the king of Terton Gyurmey Dorji when it was send to mindroling.He had only one son called Dudul Dorji
9. Ngachang Dudul Dorji He is a only son of Ngagchang Norbu Dechen. He studied under his father. he had three sons called Tenzin, Tenpei Norbu, Gyalsey Sengye
10. Ngachangchenpo Gyalsey Sengye He was a son of the Dudul Dorji and the grandson of Ngachang Norbu Dechen. He took care of both Landhe and Tsum Ladrangs.He had four sons called Pema Gyatso, Rigzin Gyurmey Namgyal, Palgon and Choewang
11. Pema Gyatso He is the eldest son of Ngagchang Gyalsey Senge. He lived in Tsum Nile labrang He had two sons called Urgyen and Choekhar Khenchen Losang Drakpa's incarnation Tulku Losang Nyima.
12. Urgyen He also followed the footsteps of his father and administered Tsum Nile Labrang very well. He had no son so, his cousin brother Tsewang Drodul took care of Tsum Nile Labrang after his death
13. Tsewang Drodul He was the youngest son Tsewang Cheme Gonpo. He studied with his own father and later he received many teachings, instructions, empowerments, transmissions from Drakkarwa Chokyi Wangchuck.He preserved Tsum Nile Ladrang. He had two sons and a daughter.
14. Kushap Dampa
15. Seymo Je Tsunma After the passing away of her both brothers she had to take care of the Ladrang. She administered it very well and after her death the people of Tsum invited Urgyen from Ladeap Ladrang to run Tsum Nile Ladrang because Ladeap Ladrang holds the same family and Dharma Lineage
16. Orgyen He studied with Domtson Tsewang Gyalpo when he was young. He also studied with Kunsang Thinley Gyatso, his own father and grand father. He knew Tibetan medicine and Astrology very well. He had three sons called Tsewang Gonpo, Bhulek, and Seychung. In his old age he went to Nubri and became very close to Kushap Wangyal. So, he lived together with him and passed away there. It is said that his relic stupa is there in Namla Monastery, Nubri. Later an incarnation of him was also born in Bartsam, Nubri but he didn't have much Dharmic activity)
17. Tsewang Gonpo He is born as a son to Urgyen and Kartok. He studied with Kunsang Thinley Gyatso, Kushap Rigzin, his own father etc. He also learned Tibetan medicine and Astrology from his father. He had only one son called Damcho Lhundup).
18. Damcho Lhundup He was born as a son to Tsewang Gonpo and Dakkar rinpoche's sister Kunsang. He went to Dakkar at a very young age and his uncles Kushap Tsewang and Kargyud Tenzin Norbu provided him with the fooding, clothing and the traditional studies. He went to Tsipri and took a Gyenyen vow from Tsipri Tripon Rinpoche at that time he also received Mahamudra teachings.
Later he also got many teachings of the tradition from his father and did many practices in Tsum. Even he had no interest in having a family but seeing that it would help the people to have a person who can guide them in their religious and daily life, he married Lhazom. They had three sons and three Daughters. Their eldest son is Lama oryen Yeshi Gyatso then Sherap Rinpoche and the youngest one is Lama Tashi.
MONASTERIES
BACKGROUND
There are about 22 monasteries in Tsum under Tsum Nile Ladrang. They are built by the different master of the Gurik lineages. Most of these monasteries are for the lay practitioners because in the past all the lay male and female were very much devoted to the practice of Buddhist teachings. So, each village has a monastery called Lhakhang for the males to practice and the tsok offering on the 10th and making offerings to the Dharma protectors on 29th of the Tibetan calendar and it is still practiced up to date. There is also a monastery called Mankhang in every villages where there is a big prayer wheel is placed and the females gathers on the 15th and 30th of the month and chants traditional Mani prayers. Following are the details of the different monasteries.
1. Depuet Dronme Monastery- It is said to be the oldest monastery in Tsum. It is founded by Lama Naljor Choeden or known as Madun Reachen as a retreat centre and later developed as a monastery by the lineage holders. Lama Madun founded this monastery around 1236 AD. Many master of the lineage has practiced there and gained many sign of achievement of meditation. There is a very big rock near the monastery which symbolizes the presence of the Dharma Protector. It is said that the rock flew from Bodhgaya because Lama Naljor Choden and the protector Madun have been Dharma friends and the disciple of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery has been more than 700 years and there used to be nun's community living there during Lama Sherap Rinpoche's father and grand father time. All those old nuns have been expired and lama Sherap thought of restoring the monastery and the community. So, he renovated the monastery building which was in very bad condition. He received help from the local peoples, govt. of
2. Longtrang Rinchen Pungpa- It was also built as a retreat centre by Lama Madun Reachen. This monastery lies in the lower region of Tsum which is about 4-5 hours away from the villages. Lama Madun mentions in his biography that the place has been visited by the famous Tibetan yogi Milarepa. Lama Madun himself also practiced there for a long time. There used to be a huge rock similar to that of Dephuet Dronme but it slided down to the river and it is not visible these days. It has been a refuge place for a famous Kyirong Jowo (a famous sandalwood statue of Buddha in Sambhokaya form) for a long time before its departure to
3. Rigang Rinchen Pungpa- It was built by Densa Rinchen who was the main disciple of Lama Madun Reachen. It is also built during 13th century.
S\N | NAME OF MONASTERIES | LOCATION | FOUNDER | FOUNDED YEAR | |
1 | Dephuet Dronme Monastery | Chhekampar-9 | Lama Madun Reachen | 1236 | |
2 | Ri Gang Rinchen Pungpa Monastery | Chhekampar-8 | Densa Reachen | 1200 (+) | |
3 | Gon Ngoe Rinchen Pungpa Monastery | Chhekampar-8 | Namkha Lhundup | Unknown | |
4 | Gon Hock Sang Ngak Phodrang | Chhekampar-8 | Unknown | Unknown | |
5 | Chhekampar-9 | Namkha Dorji | Unknown | ||
6 | Chhekampar-9 | Damchoe Lhundup | 1956 | ||
7 | Chule Mankhang | Chhekampar-8 | Unknown | Unknown | |
8 | Chorten Jangchup Namgyal Monastery | Chhekampar-8 | Kunchok Dorji | 1500 (+) | |
9 | Paro Samdup Lhakhang | Chhekampar-1 | Ngachang Chechok Dorji | 1500 (+) | |
10 | Nurukh Lhakhang | Chhekampar-1 | Choje Kunga Sizig | 1400 (+) | |
11 | Kaye Parkhang Monastery | Chhekampar-1 | Dupthop Karma Tenzin | 1731 | |
12 | Gaden Monastery | Chhekampar-1 | Kalsang Dhundup | 1592 | |
13 | Tangzuk Mankhang | Chumchet- 8 | Unknown | Unknown | |
14 | Pang Go Manastery | Chumchet- 8 | Kunchok Dorji | 1500 | |
15 | Guru Phuk Monastery | Chumchet- 8 | Dupthop Karma Tenzin | 1702 | |
16 | Yachu Monastery | Chumchet- 8 | Dupthop Karma Tenzin | 1700 (+) | |
17 | Tsumling Kharna Monastery | Chumchet- 9 | Ngachang Chechok Dorji | 1500 (+) | |
18 | Longtrang Rinchen Pungpa | Chumchet- 2 | Lama Madun Reachen | 1259 | |
19 | Tsukla Khang Monastery | Chumchet- 2 | Choje Tenpei Norbu | 1582 | |
20 | Samling Monastery | Chumchet- 2 | Unknown | Unknown | |
21 | Pangtok Dongak Phuntsokling | Chumchet- 2 | Choje Tenpei Norbu | Unknown | |
22 | Mankhang Monastery | Chumchet- 2 | Druppa Tsewang | Unknown |
PROJECTS
1 Rigang MonasteryIt is one of first monastery in Tsum after Depuet Dronme, Longtrang Rinchen pungpa and Gon Dhundup Ling. It is built in 13th century by Densa Rinchen. It has been renovated few times the last one was during the time of Dochenpa Tsewang Chime Gonpo around . Now it collapsed down in 2003 due to the rain water that ruined the woods poles, pillars, beams etc. The building wall of the monastery was built up by the local people and with help of
2 Chorten Jangchup Choling Monastery
It is a monastery built next to the Stupa Jangchup Namgyal. It is built during the time of first Minling Terchen Gyurmey Dorji. He predicted that the stupa should be built for the protection of the people of the area from the suffering occurred from mice, bad harvest, no rain water etc. So, the building of the stupa there helped the people of the area from above sufferings. They also built a monastery near by. The stupa has been renovated in
But the monastery needs to be renovated as all the pujas, offering, prayer are done there.
The monasteries roof has been leaking and because of that all the floor and roof lances are spoiled. So, now it is about to Collapsed. We seek your kind support to renovate this monastery.
3 Fooding for the Nunneries in Tsum
There are presently two nunneries and a nun's retreat centre in Tsum. The nuns living there are keeping with the daily practice of old age tradition of Buddhism. They learn and do the daily Buddhist prayers, rituals, music, meditation etc. As the Tsum is far behind the hills and mountains. The people there get just one crop a year and they needs 6-7 days walk to get to the nearest town where food supplement are sold. The nunneries really needs a fooding funds to provide the nuns living there with the daily food supplements. Nuns depend on the kindness of some very rare benefactors and quite often they needed to go begging to the villages. Even its very less what they get from begging because the families living there are poor, they will give food only in exchange for work in the fields. So, they eat very simple i.e. a cooked tsampa and some chili is daily diet. They get potatoes, turnips and some wild vegetables in summer but they are very limited. So, they dried up the wild vegetables for winter if they were able to collect more in summer. We are looking for some very generous donors who can donate to the community for the daily food supplements. It needs about US$ 150 yearly for a nun for the foods. The community also faces many difficulties such as medical, clothing etc.
4 Kitchen and
As the O Sal Choling Godawari Monastery has a plan and architecture of the whole building and was unable to complete the right wing. So, the monastery is looking forward of building just the ground floor of the right wing which will be used for the permanent kitchen the Dinning hall and the store room. The base and the ground floor will be costing us around US$ 44,800.
5 3D Vajrayogini Mandala
As Gadawari is considered among the 25 secret places of Chakrasamvara and as this place bear a natural rock secret
6 Teachers
We have hired two teachers to teach the monks here in Godawari. One of the hired teachers teaches them English and Nepali. while the other teaches them Tibetan, Hygine, discipline etc. These teacher have to paid monthly salary of US$ 74. The prayers, musics, dances, rituals are taught by the senior monks. We are looking for a nun's teacher who can teach the nuns English and Nepali. It's very hard to find a teacher going to Tsum to teach as Tsum is very far and remote. We wish to teach and train few nuns here in
The
The
The valley is drained by the Shear Khola, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak.
The valley is uniquely rich in wildlife, especially the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep which congregates in herds of 50 to 200. Hunting, fishing is not permitted in the
Trekking in Tsum Valley
TWC have already organized treks for many international tourists. Our main aim is to facilitate their trekking in Tsum Valley Finland , the UK , Australia and Canada have visited Tsum Valley Tsum Valley and different itinerary.
If you are interested in this package, please feel free to contact us. Trekking Itineraries:
TWC with the support of TAAN, NTNC and NTB organized a “Tsum Valley Exploration Trek 2008” and developed following itineraries:
No. Of Days | Programme |
1 | Arrival |
2 | |
3 | Arughat – Liding |
4 | Liding - Machha Khola |
5 | Machha Khola - Jagat |
6 | Jagat - Lokpa |
7 | Lokpa – Chumling |
8 | Chumling - Chhokangparo |
9 | Chhokangparo - Chhule-Nile |
10 | Chhule-Nile - Mu Gumpa |
11 | Mu Gumpa to Rachen Gumpa |
12 | Rachen Gumpa to Dhumje |
13 | Dhumje to Gumba Lungdan |
14 | Gumba Lungdang to Ripchet |
15 | Ripchet to Philim |
16 | Philim to Khorla Bensi |
17 | Khorla Bensi to Laapu Bensi |
18 | Laapu Bensi to Arughat |
19 | Arughat to |
20 | Departure |
Option 2:
No. Of Days | Programme |
1 | Arrival |
2 | |
3 | Arughat – Liding |
4 | Liding - Machha Khola |
5 | Machha Khola - Jagat |
6 | Jagat – Lokpa |
7 | Lokpa – Chumling |
8 | Chumling – Chhokangparo |
9 | Chhokangparo - Chhule-Nile |
10 | Chhule-Nile - Chho Syong |
11 | Chho Syong – Dupchet |
12 | Dupchet – Chhemdo |
13 | Chhemdo – Chhekya |
14 | Chhekya – Dangchet |
15 | Dangchet – Yamdro |
16 | Yamdro – Bhajyo |
17 | Bhajyo – Thongbu |
18 | Thongbu – Lungdang |
19 | Lungdang - Rachen Gumba |
20 | Racehn Gumba – Dhumje |
21 | Dhumje - Gumba Lungdang |
22 | Gumba Lungdang – Ripchet |
23 | Ripchet – Doban |
24 | Doban - Soti Khola |
25 | Soti Khola – Arughat |
26 | Arughat – |
27 | Departure |
Explore TSUM
Explore Mounatin
Tsum
Explore Health facilities and treatment
Tsumbas lack homeopathy health facilities.
The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak a unique dialect. Even these days, some families practice polyandry (or having more than one husband at a time). These families have been found to be well managed and wealthier than other families.
A long history of Buddhism can be seen. The Buddhist saint named Milarepa is believed to have meditated in a cave in these mountains. It is believed that there is a favourable ambience for fortunate events in this region.
The people in Tsum have a strong faith in Buddhism. They pray to Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and some bodhisattvas. They install prayer flags, kata, or Mani walls, burn butter lamps in monasteries, and believe in the reincarnation of lamas.
The histories and way of life of supernatural entities and stories about them are well-known. Nevertheless prayer flags, kata, or Mani walls are installed and ritual burning of juniper is performed to purify an area against such supernatural entities. The people of Tsum perform numerous rituals and festivals against devil entities. However, the slaughtering of animals on an altar to honour deities does not occur. A few laymen and lamas practice some special rites to exorcise evil factors. Local people practice mainly two types of astrology “Black” and “White” for the determination of auspicious days.
Explore Way of life
Tsumbas believe in the reincarnation thus the birth and the death are just cyclic nature, not supreme. In all aspects, the holy men lamas and astrologers play a major role.
Birth: The birth of the child in the home keeps the family people to reunite together. Going out and working in the land is supposed to bring bad luck and agitate the spirits, Lhu. Few days later lama visits the home where birth took place. He offers prayers to the god and household deities. He gives name to the newly born child and tells the child’s future seeing the astrological chart. Generally old people in the home take care of this newly born child letting his/her parents to work. They lack day care centre and homeopathy facility.
Marriage: Winter is the suitable season for marriage. There is plenty of time to celebrate Traditionally marriages are seen between the young people of same class. However the trend is moving towards young people selecting their own partners within the same class or across class boundaries.
Death: The death body is kept untouched for several days in its deteriorating stage until the visit of Lama for the instructions to dispose the body. The astrological chart of the death person determines the type of burial referring to either of four components: cremation, ground burial, water burial or the sky.
Explore Festivals
Numerous festivals, several mask dances and rituals are celebrated throughout the year in the
Loshar: LO means year and SAR means new, the Tibetan word meant of Happy Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrated according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar offering large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and protectors. Tsumbas of the lower
Dhachyang (The horse Festival): The second most important festival of this region is celebrated on a slightly different date than the normal Dec/Jan. Committed to the welfare of the people, it is celebrated by the active male participants holding horse races leaving women to join in the evening for dancing and singing.
Happy Saka Dawa! The full moon day of Saka Dawa commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. As cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day (fall in May) are multiplied one hundred million times. Rituals are performed at local gumbas, monasteries and nunneries and the devotees take fasting during this time.
Faning: In mid-August with nutritious and yummy, this festival commemorates the attainment of internal energy from any food, including water
