Manaslu and Tsum Valley

After an early breakfast, you head towards Arughat. From Kathmandu, you follow the paved road to Dhading Besi, then cross a bridge and continue to Arughat, an important commercial center for Gorkha. You then continue your journey to Lapubesi, where you spend the night.

You follow the trail that runs along the river, alternating small ascents and descents, until Thado Khola. After crossing the river, you continue your walk to Kholabesi, known for coffee, buckwheat and tobacco. Your route then joins the Manaslu circuit and the Great Himalaya Trail. Following the narrow gorge towards Dovan, you reach Tatopani, a place with three hot springs. The trail then rises onto a ridge. You cross a new suspension bridge, pass under the cliffs, then start a climb to reach Dovan, where you spend the night.

After breakfast, you leave Dovan and continue your hike towards Philim, crossing the old suspended bridge of Yaru Khola. The trail then climbs to Thado Bharyang. Upon arrival at Jagat, you enter the Manaslu park. Once a Maoist stronghold, the village is surrounded by crops of potatoes, corn and climbing beans, planted at the same time. You continue your walk by climbing the rocky ridge to Saller, at 1,440 metres altitude, before descending towards Sirdibas. You then go back up the river and cross a long suspended bridge, before starting the climb to Philim.

Today, you head towards the Tsum Valley progressing north from Philim, through the forest. After approximately one hour of climbing, you reach Ekle Bhatti, at 1,600 meters altitude. You continue until the junction leading towards Ghap on the left and the Tsum Valley on the right, then climb through a forest of pines and rhododendrons. A zigzag trail offers you a first view of the lower Tsum Valley. You then follow steep cliffs through the forest to Lokpa, at 2,240 meters. The path descends through the forest to cross two new bridges, before a climb by a steep staircase. The hidden Tsum Valley unfolds before you. A sustained climb leads you to Ripchet, at 2,470 meters, then you continue for approximately another 45 minutes to Chumling.

After breakfast, you begin your hike by crossing a suspension bridge, then progress through maize and potato agricultural lands. Along the way, you also discover the traditional Tibetan architecture that characterizes the valley. You continue your ascent with views of the east side of Ganesh Himal and several other peaks reaching over 7,000 meters in altitude. After lunch, you cross the Serpu Khola, then begin approximately two hours of climbing to reach Chekkangparo. The valley then opens onto fields of buckwheat, potatoes, barley and maize.

Today's hike is relatively short and accessible, through the vast open spaces of the Tsum Valley. You can take time to explore the village before continuing your progress towards the north. The trail passes through several small villages and goes near a few local schools before reaching Lamagoan, at 3,202 meters altitude, where you have the opportunity to visit a convent. You then continue your hike in the direction of Nile, passing by Ranchen Gompa.

Today, you embark on an excursion to Mu Gompa. You continue your itinerary via Rachen Gompa and also visit the Dhephu Doma convent. At sunrise, you enjoy the light on the west bank across the narrow valley. You then continue your hike through the arid Tibetan landscapes, before undertaking the final ascent to Mu Gompa.

After visiting Mu Gompa, you descend to Lar, where you spend the night.

The day begins with a climb of more than 3 hours, through a forest of pines, oaks and rhododendrons. As you progress, you enjoy panoramic views of the Himalaya, including notably the Ganesh Himal range. You then reach Lungdang Gompa, a monastery over 100 years old. Visitors are invited to attend the daily ritual, a privileged moment during this stage.

Early departure this morning for a long day of hiking. You start a direct descent from Domje, then continue your way through the forest. The route crosses deep gorges thanks to a new suspension bridge. After several climbs and descents by stairs, you finally reach Lokpa.

Your hike begins along a rocky ridge and leads you across several bridges. After crossing a suspension bridge, you start a steep climb up to Philim, where you take a break for lunch. While the meal is being prepared, you can visit the village school, built by the Japanese. After lunch, you resume the trail and cross the village of Ekle Bhatti. You then continue your walk on the ridge and take a narrow path before reaching Deng.

Today, you cross the threshold of 2,000 meters altitude and continue your trek in Gurung country. Gradually, the gorges widen and the horizon opens towards Tibet. Along the way, you cross several authentic villages, formerly used as stops on the salt route.

This day constitutes one of the highlights of your trek around Manaslu. As you walk, you catch glimpses of the Manaslu summit while crossing several Gurung villages. Your itinerary also allows you to meet an important Tibetan community, before reaching the village of Samagaon.

This short day allows you to prepare for the high pass crossing. You discover the Birendra high-altitude lake, before enjoying the afternoon to rest and regain your strength.

This short day of hiking allows you to cross the 4,000 meter altitude mark. You then benefit from some well-deserved rest time before the mountain pass crossing scheduled for the next day.

Early morning wake-up for this long trekking day. You start the climb towards the Larkya Pass, without major difficulty, before reaching the passage at 5,125 meters altitude. After crossing the pass, you begin a long descent to the village of Bhimtang, where you spend the night.

The most challenging part is now behind you and your trek is coming to an end. You are starting your last full day of hiking, surrounded by the Himalayan peaks. Enjoy this final stage with, to the east, the Manaslu and, to the west, the Annapurna rising on the horizon.

This morning, you continue your walk for approximately one hour to reach Dharapani, marking the final steps of your trek.

From Dharapani, you board a jeep to reach Besishar, located at the crossroads between the Annapurna and Manaslu.

Your driver takes you to Katmandou, where you join your hotel.