Tsum Valley and Manasalu Combination

This day is reserved for final preparation before going into the mountains. Your trekking guide will take you through a detailed gear list in the morning to ensure that you have all the gear required for the trek. We will help you purchase or rent them in nearby outdoor gear shops or provide them from our stock, if available, in case of any necessary items. The other part of the day is spent leisurely exploring the Kathmandu Valley, which is steeped in history and culture. If you are interested, we canorganisee a half-day or full-day guided city tour (additional cost is charged). 

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Optional: Guided city tour (extra cost)

You will have breakfast in Kathmandu and then start your long but scenic drive to Machha Khola. The trip takes us through beautiful countryside, where you can see rivers, terraced fields, and old villages. You will go through Arughat and Soti Khola to get to our destination. The road beyond Arughat may be bumpy and rough, but you should expect an adventurous journey. Nevertheless, the scenery and beauty of the countryside make the journey pleasant despite the circumstances. This motivation is the start of our hike to the Manaslu region.

• Highlight: Rural landscapes, local villages, and a scenic drive into the Manaslu region
• Trek Duration: Approx. 8 to 9 hours (drive)
• Distance: About 160 km (100 miles)
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola

On this day, the trek begins by crossing a river and ascending gently to Khorla Besi. You will walk along and hike through a beautiful river valley, where you will see some small waterfalls, landslides, susceptible areas, and dense forest trails. Upon arrival at Tatopani, which is also called natural hot springs, you will cross a suspension bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail ascends to Thado Bharyang, passes through Doban, and crosses a bridge over Yaru Khola to Jagat, a small village with paved lanes of stone.

• Highlight: Natural hot springs at Tatopani, suspension bridges, riverside trail
• Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Distance: Approx. 15 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat

The day begins with a walk along the riverbank to Sirdibas, the first Buddhist village on the route. Once you reach Salleri, you will get a spectacular sight of Sringi Himal (7,187m), and then you will descend and cross the longest suspension bridge in Nepal. Hike in Philim, a Gurung village with millet and potato fields, and then move through pine, poplar, and oak forests. The path rises above a spectacular ravine after Ekle Bhatti, then to Lokpa, the entry point to the Tsum Valley.

• Highlight: Sringi Himal views, Philim village, Nepal's longest suspension bridge.
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Distance: Approx. 13 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Lokpa

This day's trail is shorter and has some steep parts and stone steps. You will go hiking in a quiet forest with chirping birds, the sounds of a river, and fresh mountain air. You arrive at the beautiful village of Chumling after crossing a footbridge. Visit its ancient monastery, stone houses, and calm streets, which depict authentic Tibetan culture. The walk is not very easy, but it is worthwhile in its landscape beauty and cultural interest.

• Highlight: Forest trail, traditional houses, old monastery in Chumling
• Trek Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: Approx. 8 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Chumling

The path of this day is across farmland with stone walls and Tibetan-style houses with mani walls and prayer flags. You cross the Serpu Khola by a long suspension bridge and walk beyond Ripchet up to Upper Tsum Valley. On the way to Chhokangparo, which is one of the largest villages in the area, you will have great views of Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and pass through places where there used to be landslides but now are forested.

• Highlight: Traditional Tibetan homes, Ganesh Himal views, Upper Tsum Valley
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Distance: Approx. 12 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhokangparo

On this day, you will walk through the villages of Chhule and Nile along the Shiar Khola River, slowly gaining altitude through open fields and cliffs. Along the way, you will stop by Milarepa Cave, which is considered a holy place where the renowned Tibetan saint is said to have meditated. The path is beautiful and full of cultural attractions, colorful chortens, and ancient mani walls. At last, you will arrive at Mu Gompa, the most distant and ancient monastery in the country. It is situated close to the Tibetan border, with a tranquil environment and a spectacular mountain view. It is one of the most memorable days of the trek.

• Highlight: Milarepa Cave, ancient monasteries, panoramic Himalayan views
• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Distance: 8 km
• Accomodation: Tea House at Mu Gompa

You will go down Mu Gompa and follow the same route back through the peaceful upper Tsum Valley. The path provides breathtaking scenery of the valley and snow-capped mountains. You will cross Shiar Khola and arrive at Rachen Gompa, which is one of the biggest nunneries in the area. It is part of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism and was established in 1905; it has a large courtyard, traditional murals, and a tranquil spiritual ambiance.

• Highlight: Rachen Nunnery, Himalayan views, Tibetan Buddhist culture
• Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Distance: Approx. 10 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse near Rachen Gompa

The day begins by retracing your steps to Chhokangparo, then descend past the small gompa at Gho (2,485 m) to Dumje, a tiny settlement with a school and a Tibetan herbal clinic. Here, you will walk up steeply through a woodland of rhododendron and silver pine. You will arrive at Gumba Lungdang, a remote nunnery on a ridge with fabulous views after a difficult ascent. There are about 40 nuns here, and the evening puja (6 to 7.30 PM) is very spiritual and peaceful.

• Highlight: Gumba Lungdang, forest climb, evening puja
• Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Distance: Approx. 9 km
• Accommodation: Monastery stay or basic teahouse nearby

On the 11th day of your journey you will begin early with a steep ascent through rocky trails and alpine meadows toward Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Then, after approximately four hours, you are rewarded with some of the most beautiful, close-up views of Ganesh Himal, glaciers, and the expansive Himalayan wilderness. After that, you will relax and enjoy the landscape and walk back the same route to Gumba Lungdang, finishing a very long and very worthwhile day.

• Highlight: Ganesh Himal Base Camp, glaciers, and alpine landscapes.
• Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours round trip
• Distance: Approx. 18 km
• Accommodation: Monastery stay or basic teahouse at Gumba Lungdang

After leaving Gumba Lungdang, you will move down the forested trail back towards Dumje and then use another trail to get to Ripchet, which provides new sights of terraced fields, lush forest and quiet village life. Ripchet is a peaceful Gurung village with ancient buildings and a very welcoming ambiance, which is a perfect place to rest after the days at a higher altitude.

• Highlight: Off-the-beaten-path trail, Gurung village, peaceful rural setting.
• Trek Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: Approx. 7 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Ripchet

You will leave mystical Tsum Valley and get back to the main Manaslu Circuit Trail. The path heads down to the Budhi Gandaki River, which you follow upstream and westwards through thick forests and small settlements. You will go past Pewa, a tiny village and then begin the climb up the steep walls of the valley to arrive at Deng, a culturally rich Gurung village with Buddhist and Hindu influences.

• Highlight: Rejoining Manaslu trail, Budhi Gandaki River, cultural shift
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Distance: Approx. 12 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Deng

The day begins with a trek through dense forests of fir, oak and rhododendron as the trail is a gradual climb to Ghap. The trail ascends gradually after the raging Budhi Gandaki River with some steep parts. On the way, you will go by traditional stone houses, mani walls, and fields here and there. The last uphill climb takes you to Namrung, a village that has a Tibetan influence and a beautiful view of Ganesh Himal and Mt. Himalchuli.

• Highlight: Forest trails, Ghap village, views of Ganesh Himal
• Trek Duration: 7 hours
• Distance: Approx. 14 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Namrung

You will hike through beautiful forests and cross Tibetan-inspired villages such as Lihi, Lho, and Shyala, with old gompas and prayer flags along the way. The scenery unfolds in a spectacular way as we near Samagaun, where we get a breathtaking view of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. After lunch, you have a chance to visit Pungyen Gompa or walk to Birendra Tal, which is a glacier lake at the bottom of Mt. Manaslu.

• Highlight: Majestic views of Manaslu, visit Pungyen Gompa, glacier lake
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Distance: Approx. 13 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaun

This day's trek is easy and short. We go through juniper and birch forest, past Kermo Kharka, and down to cross the Budhi Gandaki River. The path then slowly ascends, and we reach a broad valley which is created by Budhi Gandaki and Shyale Khola. We arrive at Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village high in the mountains with a spectacular view of Pang Puchi (6,335⯷ m). In the afternoon you may rest or visit the traditional village.

• Highlight: Scenic forest walk, Tibetan refugee village, views of Pang Puchi.
• Trek Duration: 3 hours
• Distance: Approx. 8 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo

Day 17 is flexible and easy-paced. You will be able to relax and visit Samdo village, where you can watch local Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Alternatively, one can go on a full-day adventure to the Tibet border with a packed lunch and water. This is a beautiful path that provides a view of Manaslu, Naike Peak, and glaciers. It is an excellent acclimatization day in preparation for Larke Pass.

• Highlight: Explore Tibetan culture or hike to the Tibet border
• Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours (optional hike)
• Distance: Approx. 16 km (round trip to the border)
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo

Day 18 begins by going down to the Budhi Gandaki River and then climbing slowly through the juniper bushes, rocky paths, and steep gorges. As we move towards Larkya Phedi (also called Dharamsala), which is the last camping point before the Larkya La Pass, the trail becomes more barren. Sleep and get ready to face the big day.

• Highlights: Scenic high-altitude trail and last stop before the pass
• Trek Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: 6 km
• Accomodation: Teahouse at Larkya Guest House (Dharamsala)

On this day, you will begin early in order to traverse Larkya La Pass (5,135m) before the winds increase. The trail ascends gradually through glacial lakes and ridges with magnificent views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Once over the pass adorned with prayer flags, we plunge steeply down the moraine and ice to the grassy valley of Bimtang.

• Highlight: Crossing Larkya La Pass and panoramic Himalayan views
• Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours
• Distance: Approx. 24 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Bimtang

On this day, you descend through stunning alpine meadows and lush rhododendron forests along the Dudh Khola Valley, enjoying a dramatic change in landscape.  The path goes through Yak Kharka, Kharche, and Gho and finally to the Tilje Village, where we cross a suspension bridge and descend to Dharapani. Here, we enter the Annapurna Circuit officially. It is a beautiful but tiring day of walking across a variety of landscapes.

• Highlight: Entering the Annapurna region and walking through lush forested trails.
• Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Distance: Approx. 22 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharapani

You will start your descent at Dharapani, walking through the beautiful Marsyangdi River Gorge. The path leads us through green hills, beautiful villages, and terraced fields. We will have lovely sceneries of valleys and mountains around us as we head to Jagat, a quiet village along the Annapurna trail.

• Highlight: Scenic descent along the Marsyangdi River with views of terraced fields and hills.
• Trek Duration: 6 hours
• Distance: Approx. 15 km
• Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat

This morning, we start with a Jeep ride to Besisahar with a view of the surrounding villages and landscapes. Then we take a break and refreshments in Besisahar and head back to Kathmandu by local bus. The journey is long, and you see the countryside one more time before arriving in the capital.

• Highlight: Scenic drive through hills and villages
• Trek Duration: N/A (Drive day)
• Distance: Approx. 230 km (7–10 hours total)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu