Nestled in the lush greenery of Tsum Valley lies a collection of villages, and is the current home to roughly 2,000 Tsumbas. To reach Tsum Valley, one must embark on a long journey which consists of a 7-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Arughat, then a 5-day trekking expedition. However, if the lack of money isn't a factor, one will be able to take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Tsum Valley. Due to its distance from megacities, its beauty, and traditions, Tsum Valley has also been given the name, "The Hidden Valley of Happiness" making it one of the most desired places to visit in Nepal. The people living here are a state-recognized indigenous group with origins tracing back to Tibet. The traditions practiced by the people have played an important role in preserving the land, culture and identity.
There are many traditions I learned about during my time in Tsum; however, the two that immediately come to my mind are the Shyakya tradition and the mani-walls. The Shyakya tradition was imposed upon the land almost a century ago. In 1921, Guru, Sherap Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche, proposed the seven-point religious principles, also known as "religious laws." These later came to be known as the "declaration note" which was endorsed by the Tsumba people.
