Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley- 22 days

As you step off the plane at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), prepare for an unforgettable journey! Our friendly company representatives, along with your attentive driver and expert guide, will greet you with warm smiles and help you settle into the excitement. Buckle up for a quick ride through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to your carefully chosen hotel, where hygiene, cleanliness, and hospitality are our top priorities.

Once you check in, take a moment to recharge with a brief thirtyminute recess before we dive into an exhilarating day of exploration. Get ready for a whirlwind of sightseeing, shopping, and indulging in a delightful welcome dinner—all designed to immerse you in the pulsating spirit of this captivating city.

Kathmandu can feel like a thrilling maze for firsttime visitors, but don’t worry! As you explore, you’ll fall in love with its rich diversity and warm hospitality. Just remember to tread carefully in the bustling alleys and when crossing the roads, as the traffic here dances to a different rhythm. To enhance your experience, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with a bit of Kathmandu’s culture beforehand!

After a hearty breakfast, your guide and driver will be ready to whisk you away from your hotel for an unforgettable day filled with aweinspiring sights. Prepare to marvel at the stunning Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, and the breathtaking Swayambhunath Temple—three of Nepal’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

At Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you’ll be transported back in time with its remarkable 12thcentury architecture from the Malla Dynasty. Wander through stunning sites like the Vatsala Temple, the Golden Gate, and the majestic 55Window Palace. Don’t miss the chance to savor Bhaktapur’s authentic Newari cuisine—a culinary adventure that’s as rich as the history surrounding you.

Next, visit Pashupatinath, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a hotspot for devotees and travelers alike. Explore the mystical Ghats, marvel at the intricate temples, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this revered site. Keep an eye out for the colorful Sadhus who populate the area!

Then, it’s off to Swayambhunath, famously known as the Monkey Temple! Perched atop a hill, this sacred site is a haven for both Hindus and Buddhists. As you climb, you’ll be greeted by mischievous monkeys and a stunning panoramic view of the valley below. Visit the Main Stupa, the charming Harati Temple, and many other hidden gems where spirituality and nature come together.

Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about each site, making every moment a treasure. A delicious lunch will be scheduled between explorations to keep your energy up. After a day full of discoveries, relax on the ride back to your hotel, where dinner arrangements will reflect your personal preferences.

A vehicle will arrive at your hotel to pick you up. After breakfast, we begin our long journey to Soti Khola. Initially, we will follow the main Prithvi Highway for three hours, making our way towards Gorkha. The entire drive will take about seven hours, showcasing stunning countryside views along the way. Expect a mix of paved, gravel, and narrow jeep tracks, and rest assured we will stop for snacks and a toilet break when necessary. Upon arrival in Soti Khola, we will have brunch, after which you are free to explore the village. Dinner and a briefing for the next day will follow.

Soti Khola is the gateway to the revered Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek, offering a peaceful retreat. The older hotels situated alongside the Budhi Gandaki River provide an ideal resting place. You will be accompanied by the soothing sounds of the flowing river, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The area is vibrant with farming activities, contributing to the charm of your stay.

Our trek kicks off after breakfast, leading us toward Machha Khola. We will primarily navigate jeep tracks and a few older side trails, all while following the Budhi Gandaki River. Expect a humid day, emphasizing the necessity of staying hydrated. Along the route, we will pass through several small villages, stopping for a hearty lunch at Lapubesi, which will rejuvenate you for the remainder of the trek. After refueling, we will continue our descent to Machha Khola, where dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by a briefing.

Machha Khola is an ancient village located on the riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki. It features a mix of old hotels and ongoing road construction, establishing itself as a crucial hub for nearby villages. Its vibrant community fosters a strong sense of connectivity, ensuring you feel part of a larger journey during your trek.

Our journey begins with an exhilarating route alongside dramatic gorges, punctuated by beautiful waterfalls and landslide areas. We will cross a bridge to the charming village of Kholabesi before continuing to the natural hot springs at Tatopani. This unique aspect of our route provides a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. Lunch will be served at Syauli Bhatti, a picturesque spot that enhances our journey.

Postlunch, we’ll follow another trail to cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge. We will then navigate past landslides to reach Dobhan village. From Doban, we cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and ascend stone stairs to Thado Bharyang, finally arriving at the picturesque village of Jagat. This village marks the entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area, and we will ensure our journey is secure by registering our permits at the police checkpoint in Jagat. The scenic beauty and rich culture of Jagat offer an experience that will undoubtedly enrich your trekking adventure.

After a robust breakfast, we’ll set off toward Lokpa. Our adventure truly starts as we delve into the restricted region of Manaslu, climbing over a ridge to Salleri. The excitement peaks as we cross a long suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, with the valley sprawling out before us towards Philim. As we pass Ekle Bhatti, the beauty of the Tsum and Manaslu regions reveals itself. As we trek up to Lokpa, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views where the river narrows and showcases the confluence of the Syar River from Tsum Valley. A welldeserved lunch at Ekle Bhatti will provide the nourishment needed to take in our stunning surroundings.

Lokpa, the first village in Tsum Valley, is a hidden gem beneath the towering Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. This village, believed to have been blessed by the revered Guru Padmashamva centuries ago, carries significant historical weight. It is also the first place to provide a clear view of the majestic Manaslu range, adding immense value to our journey.

Following a hearty breakfast, we embark on an exciting hike toward Tsum Valley. If luck is on our side with the weather, prepare to be awed by views of Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal VI. The initial trail descends to the Lungwa River valley, leading us through lush subtropical forests of Rhododendron and Pine. Given the lack of villages between Lokpa and Chumling, it’s essential to carry your own snacks and water throughout the day. We will cross the Syar Khola to reach Chumling, where lunch awaits us.

After a hearty breakfast, we will embark on our trek toward Chhokangparo. As we ascend, the air will cool and we will be surrounded by the imposing hills and mountains, passing several ancient Mani stones that reflect Tibetan culture. The trail will follow the Syar river, guiding us through Domje, the largest village in the area, before we make our way up to Chhokangparo. It’s essential to note that there are no designated lunch spots along the way, so we must carry our own food. Dinner will be served at the hotel in Chhokangparo. After our meal, we will have a briefing to prepare for the next day’s activities.

In Chhokangparo village, you will be treated to stunning views of the Ganesh range and Himalchuli. Experience the warm embrace of Tibetan hospitality with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local cuisine. For a truly memorable experience, you can visit Rachen Gompa, the revered Gompa of the villagers.

Today’s trek will be shorter as we follow the Shikhar Khola to the Nile. We will cross Chhule, the final village in the northern upper Tsum Valley. At Ngakyu Leru, witness local farming practices. We will explore St. Milarepa Piren Phu Cave, home to the preserved footprint of Milarepa, one of the area’s most sacred sites. This cave is a cultural treasure, boasting richly painted Buddhist murals, beautifully carved scripts on the rocky surface, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist texts. We will have lunch at Lar before crossing several Mani walls and a suspension bridge over the Shiar River while passing through various villages. Dinner will be served at our hotel in Nile, followed by a briefing.

Nile village, our destination for the day, is a picturesque spot enveloped by rugged landscapes and hills. Here, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Boudha, Shringi, and Himalchuli Himal. The village is home to a small but vibrant community, including Tibetan residents from the Tsombo group.

We will trek through yak pastures, along with Mani walls and Chortens, to reach Mu Gompa. There are no villages on the route from the Nile to Mu Gompa. Mu Gompa is where adventure meets spirituality, standing as the highest point in the Tsum Valley and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site inhabited by around 100 Tibetan monks. Historically, it served as a vital trade link with Tibet. From here, you will witness breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himalayan Range and Himalchuli. We will also visit Dhephu Doma Gompa, the oldest monastery in Tsum. Both lunch and dinner will be served at Mu Gompa, with a briefing to follow dinner.

After breakfast, we will hike along a clearly defined trail that crosses the Nile and Phurbe, taking us to Rachen Gompa and then onward to Chhokang Paro. This trail will lead us through rugged terrain and forested areas, showcasing views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. Lunch and dinner will be enjoyed at our teahouse in Chhokang Paro, followed by a briefing for the next day after dinner.

We will kick off the day with a delightful breakfast before retracing our steps back to Chumling, passing through the charming Rainjan village and descending into Tsum Valley. Upon arrival in Chumling, a satisfying lunch and dinner will be provided. After dinner, we will have a detailed briefing to gear up for the next adventure.

Our journey today will take us from Chumling, descending along the scenic Shair Khola and crossing the Budi Ghandaki on a thrilling suspension bridge. As we pass through a narrow gorge and traverse a bamboo forest, the trail will lead us through gradual ascents and descents across the valley, where the air will grow more humid. An ancient Tibetan Mani Wall will welcome us as we approach the village. Lunch will be provided at Nyak, followed by a comprehensive briefing after dinner.

Deng, a quaint Gurung village perched on a hill ridge, offers a serene retreat with just a handful of tea houses for tourists. With its tranquil setting, small farmlands, and the pastoral charm of goats and sheep, it provides a glimpse into the quiet beauty of rural Nepal.

We kick off our trek with a purposeful descent towards Rana Village, traversing several charming villages like Bihi Phedi and Ghap before arriving confidently at Namrung. Expect a significant climb through lush bamboo and vibrant rhododendron forests, navigating meandering paths through the valley canyons and crossing the Serang Khola. We will pause for a hearty lunch at Ghap before pushing onward. As we reach the forest trail, the landscape opens up at Namrung, a pivotal entry point to the Nupri region. Our hotel in Namrung will be our base for dinner, followed by a crucial briefing for the next day’s trek.

Namrung is not just any village; it’s a hub for trekkers, boasting wellequipped hotels run by the descendants of the Tibetan community from India and Nepal. On a clear day, you will be treated to a stunning view of Shringi Himal.

After an early and energizing breakfast, we set off towards Samagaun. We’ll pass through several villages, including Lho and Shyala, and cross suspension bridges, old Tibetan Mani walls, fertile farmlands, and yak pastures. The trek today will challenge you with its long, steep sections, but the sight of mules navigating the trail will keep your spirits high. We will stop for lunch at Lho.

During our journey, we won’t just trek; we will explore several monasteries and soak in breathtaking views of Manaslu and Manaslu North from Lho. As we ascend from Lho to Shyala, the views of Phungi, Manaslu, and Himalchuli mountains will captivate you. Further along, you’ll also catch glimpses of Ganesh Himal to the east and Himalchuli and Manaslu to the south. From Shyala, we’ll follow a gentle trail leading directly to Samagaun after crossing the final suspension bridge.

Samagaun isn’t just the largest village in the Manaslu region; it’s the first village of significance in the area, framed by mountains, rugged landscapes, and monasteries. The village is also home to a substantial Tibetan settlement, with the Tibetan border in close proximity. After dinner at our hotel, a briefing will follow to prepare you for the next adventure.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization in Samagaun, focusing on your health and wellbeing. Optional visits to Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, and Pungen Gompa are available. Birendra Lake takes around 1.5 hours to reach, Manaslu Base Camp is an 8hour trek, and Pungen Gompa requires 45 hours. Plan these visits based on weather conditions for the best experience. If you’d rather explore the village, there are small Gompas and Monasteries to discover. Lunch and dinner will be served at the same hotel in Samagaun, and an important briefing will follow dinner.

After an early breakfast, we will embark towards Dharmasala. The trail will take you across open grasslands along the Budhi Gandaki river, navigating around the Salka Khola Valley and crossing some icy paths. Once we cross a wooden bridge and tackle a steep incline, we’ll arrive at Samdo for a welldeserved lunch.

You will revel in fantastic views of Larkya Glacier and the majestic Manaslu mountain. Keep an eye out for yaks and marmots along the trail. After Samdo, we’ll continue across open grassland, crossing yet another bridge and moving onto a narrow path. If you’re fortunate, you might spot mountain goats grazing on the hillside. Following the crosscountry trails, we will reach Dharmashala for our overnight stay, where a briefing for the next day will be provided after dinner.

Dharmashala is a basic, temporary settlement with only three operating tea houses where accommodations may need to be shared during peak season. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of several mountains, including Larkya Peak.

We start our day with a very early breakfast, setting off before dawn to avoid strong winds at the pass. The trek includes a gentle ascent across the moraine, punctuated by some steeper sections, leading to Larkya Pass. Before reaching the pass, a slight descent will take us to four frozen lakes, followed by the final ascent to the pass. Here, three prayer flag markings signify your achievement. The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular, showcasing Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Minjung, and the immense Annapurna II. We’ll take a moment for snacks and photos before continuing on to Bhimthang.

The trail then guides us along the moraine’s crest to the west, gently descending on loose gravel. After tackling a long steep downhill section, we will catch sight of Ponker Lake in the distance, stopping for lunch at Dangboche Kharka. Then, we’ll follow a gentle grassland trail leading directly to Bhimthang, where we will rest for the night. Another important briefing will follow dinner to ensure preparedness for your next steps.

We will start our journey by following a single track through open grassland, making our way down to Tilije across Dudh Khola. This will be a lengthy and fulfilling day, where we will pass through several villages Yak Kharka, Kharche, and Goa, before reaching Tilije. Along our route, we will traverse through lush pine and rhododendron forests, inhabited by sheep, horses, and monkeys. The impressive mountain range, featuring Manaslu, Manaslu North Peak, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal, will accompany us until they gradually fade from view. Before we conclude our trek in Tilije, we will navigate a 23 hour jeep track. We will stop for lunch in Goa and share a farewell dinner with the porters later in the evening.

Tilije is a welldeveloped village nestled above a ridgeline beside Dudh Khola. It boasts numerous hotels and tea houses, distinguishing it from other villages in the region. The community consists mainly of Gurung and Magar people, who rely heavily on labor work, subsistence farming, and the hospitality industry for their livelihoods.

After breakfast, we will embark on a direct drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar. Although this is a long journey, we will travel through charming villages such as Dharapani and Taal, enjoy the sight of several waterfalls, and savor the scenic views along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. We will follow the main Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu, invigorating our trip with fresh sights. Short breaks will be scheduled for your comfort.

We anticipate reaching Kathmandu by late afternoon, at which point you will be transferred directly to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll have the freedom to explore and decide on your dinner arrangements as you wish.

To wrap up your Kathmandu experience, consider an extra day for shopping for unique souvenirs, pampering yourself with a rejuvenating massage, or simply unwinding in one of the cozy restaurants. Your guide will be there to help you find the best spots!

Finally, join us for a heartfelt farewell dinner with your guide and our company representative. Celebrate your remarkable journey while reflecting on the memories made, and know that we sincerely appreciate the time shared together. Until we meet again—happy travels and safe journeys ahead!

As your adventure comes to a close, a driver and company representative will be ready to take you back to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your next chapter.