DAY 1 : Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu >
Airport pick up by our guide to a hotel situated in the heart of Thamel, one of the busiest and popular markets in Kathmandu. Kindly inform us your time of arrival. Our guide will brief you on the trip information and bring you to the best eateries/ shopping at your request.
DAY 2 : Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour >
Our guide will bring you on a complimentary day tour to see Kathmandu’s historic monuments. See (link to Kathmandu World Heritage Tour)
DAY 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Soti khola >
Maximum height: 710m | 8 hours drive
You will start your journey on a jeep in the morning, a pleasant four hours to Dhading Bensi. Then you will continue to Soti Khola via Arighat.
DAY 4 : Soti Khola to Machha Khola >
Maximum height: 900m | 5-6 hours of walking
You will walk through the woodlands and head upstream along the Budhi Gandaki before descending to the sandy riverbed and then continuing along a winding mountain path overlooking the river.
DAY 5 : Machha Khola to Philim >
Maximum height: 1590m | 6-7 hours of walking
You will reach Philim, a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. You will trekkers setting up camp here and this is a scenic area surrounded by alder, blue pine and poplar trees. We recommend staying in the guest house sheltered by the winds and cold at night.
DAY 6 : Philim to Ripche >
Maximum height: 2470m | 5-6 hours of walking
You will trek through Philim and walk along a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp and Ripche (Lower Tsum).
DAY 7 : Ripche to Nile/Chhule >
Maximum height: 3360m | 8-9 hours walking
From the valley, you can see Ganesh Himal range and the magnificent views of the Baudha and Himal Chuli peaks. From Chhokangparo we trek to Nile/Chulle. This is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. On the way we pass the Piren Phu cave. You will explore the cave. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum valley. Word has it that Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint meditated here. This cave is considered as most important socio-cultural asset in the valley.
DAY 8 : Nile/Chhule to Mu Gompa >
Maximum height: 3700m | 5 hours of walking
Mu Gumba is a village which houses the largest monastery in the region. Mu Gumba is located at the highest and farthest point in the Tsum valley. Dephyudonma Gumba is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley. You will explore this sacred monument and the village.
DAY 9 : Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa >
Maximum height: 3240m | 5 hours of walking
From Mu Gumba we take the trail to Rachen Gumba, a nunnery. The nunnery is famous for its one thousand clay, moulded statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history.
DAY 10 : Deng to Namrung (2900m/9512ft) >
Maximum height: 2900m | 5-6 hours of walking
Along the way, you’ll encounter Mani stones carved into rocks – a Tibetan symbol for prayer. In the afternoon, you will explore a small settlement of Prok and then return back to Namrung for the night.
DAY 11 : Namrung to Lho Gaun >
Maximum height: 3180m | 5-6 hours of walking
You will walk pass the long Mani stone walls of the village of Lho and be accompanied by an astounding view of Peak 29 (7871m). You will make a short trip to the Pungen Glacier for up-close views of the Mt Manaslu from this village nearby.
DAY 12 : Lho Gaun to Samagaun >
Maximum height: 3500m | 6-7 hours of walking
You will follow the trail along Pungen Glacier towards Samagaun village, a very scenic village.
DAY 13 : Acclimatization Day at Samagaun >
It is highly advisable to take a rest today and allow your body to acclimatize at this altitude. If you feel fit enough, you can consider a trek towards the Manaslu Base Camp (4750m) Alternatively, you can try a half day hike to the glacier across the valley or to Birendra Tal for a change of scenery.
DAY 14 : Samagaon to Samdo >
Maximum height: 3690m | 3-4 hours of walking
You will be surrounded by majestic views of the mountains, especially Manaslu, that lies ahead of us as we reach Samd, situated on the Tibetan border. In the afternoon we will explore the village and the surrounding hills and come back at Samdo to spend the night.
DAY 15 : Samdo to Dharmasala >
Maximum height: 4450m | 4-5 hours of walking
You will cross a couple of streams and arrive in Dharmasala passing by Larkya Bazaar. We will stay the night here and rest well to prepare for the most challenging day.
DAY 16 : Dharamsala to Bhimphedi Via Larkya La Pass >
Maximum height: 5220m | 8-9 hours of walking
You will make the big crossing today via Larkya Pass. You will first have to climb over Cho Chanda and then slowly head uphill towards the steep snow-covered pass. Witness spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas like the Himlung Himal (7126 meters), Cheo Himal (6820 meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru (6981 meters) and Annapurna II (7937 meters). Then you will make a steep descent to Bhimphedi.
DAY 17 : Bhimphedi to Tilje >
Maximum height: 2300m | 8-9 hours walking
After a difficult day, you will take a gentle walk towards Karcher La pass and pass through fig trees and rhododendron forests to reach Tilje.
DAY 18 : Tilje to Chamje >
Maximum height: 1410m | 6-7 hours of walking
After crossing the bridge over Dudh Khola River, we will climb up through a Chorten-shaped arch, pass a Mani wall to reach the village of Thonje. From Thonje we will enter into the Annapurna Region and the cross over to the village of Karta, all the while with spectacular mountain views as your backdrop. Finally you will arrive at Chamje village.
DAY 19 : Chamje–Kathmandu >
Congratulations for completing the Manaslu walking trail. From Chamje, we will take a jeep to Besisahar from where we will then drive to Kathmandu via a jeep and rest in the hotel for the night.
DAY 20 : Departure >
Do some last minute shopping or take your own sweet time in Kathmandu before you depart for home. Our guide will drop you at the airport.