Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft:
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Trek briefing in the morning and sightseeing tour of world heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m/2328 ft), 8 – 9 hrs:
We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day; we turn towards the hill bazaar of Gorkha. The road gets a bit rough after Gorkha.  Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola. O/N at Lodge in Sotikhola (EP)

Day 04: Trek Soti Khola - Maccha Khola (900m/2952 ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
The country changes, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side which is densely forested. We pass a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Budi Gandaki. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapbesi. We descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machha Khola, which has a number of teashops. O/N at Lodge in Machha Khola (EP)

Day 05: Trek Maccha Khola -Jagat (1410m/ 4625 ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
We cross the Machha Khola - Fish Stream - and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Besi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley becomes steeper until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach the single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Budi Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we will cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat. O/N at Lodge in Jagat (EP)

Day 06: Trek Jagat to Chisopani (1660m/5,445ft), 4 – 5 hrs: 
After completing with the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long simple hanging bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large gurung village. Philim valley is well known for Japanese made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. O/N at Lodge in Chisopani (EP)

Day 07: Trek Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
After Ekle Bhatti cross the gorge and half an hour walk in the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of Himalchuli Mountains at 7893m and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, descend half an hour towards Lungwa khola and climbing jick jack difficult trail further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling, from where we can view Shringi Himal. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village. O/N at Lodge in Chumling (EP)

Day 08: Trek Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft), 4 – 5 hrs:
Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village.  Another continues 2 hours climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at7140m. O/N at Lodge in Chhokangparo (EP)

Day 09: Trek Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
While climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too. We make a small visit and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well managed villages Lar (micro hydro power), Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving old historic Stupa of Bhudda in a way crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. If you consider we can make your visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located in the top of area. O/N at Lodge in Nile (EP)

Day 10: Day trip to Mu Gompa (3700m, 12136ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the Mu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we trek back to Nile. O/N at Lodge in Nile (EP)

Day 11: Trek to Chhokungparo: (3,010m/9,903ft), 6 hrs:
Leaving Nile behind, we will begin trekking back to Chhokungparo. Following the same trail, we will reach Chekampar in about 6 hrs. O/N at Lodge in Chhokungparo (EP)

Day 12: Trek to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft), 6 - 7 hours:
After having breakfast, you will begin trekking back to Chumling.We will follow the same old trail on the way back to Chumling. O/N at Lodge in Chumling (EP)

Day 13: Trek Chumling to Deng (1860m/6101ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
Leaving Chumling behind, we will trek through subtropical forests, small villages, and rivers. The trail will take us to Salleri and descend the Sirdibas. From here, we will trek and reach Ghatta Khola and continue trekking until we reach a suspension bridge. We will cross the bridge and reach Philim. Further, trekking in the north, we will reach Ekle Bhatti and descend to a grassy slope. We will then cross Budhi Gandaki River a few times and pass by bamboo forests to reach Deng. O/N at Lodge in Deng (EP)

Day 14: Trek Deng to Namrung (2630m/8626ft), 5 hrs:
Today we will again cross Budi Gandaki several times before we reach Namrung. On the way we will have an opportunity of seeing magnificent view of the mountains along with many historical gompas. O/N at Lodge in Namrung (EP)

Day 15: Trek Namrung – Samagaon (3530m/11,578 ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We further pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where we spend the night. O/N at Lodge in Samagaon (EP)

Day 16: In samagaon: Acclimatization day:
We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Today, we get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959. O/N at Lodge in Samgon (EP)

Day 17: Samagaon - Samdo (3860m/12,660 ft), 4 – 5 hrs:
After breakfast in Samagaon, we'll descend to the Budhi Gandaki River and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. We’ll pass several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. The mountain views along this route are amazing and get you close to the Tibetan border. This is an easy trek on a shelf above the river that passes juniper and birch forests in Kermo Kharka. Drop down and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, and then climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. We'll come to a stone archway and continue walking until we find the village of Samdo. O/N at Lodge in Samdo (EP)

Day 18: Trek Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4460m/14, 628 ft), 4 – 5 hrs:
After breakfast in Samdo, we'll pass a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar and descend to the Budi Gandaki River. Cross the wooden bridge and begin walking upward, crossing two streams while witnessing the Larkya Glacier. We’ll head around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Along the route, we'll see many traditional monasteries. O/N at Lodge in Dharmasala (EP)

Day 19: Trek Dharamsala - Larkya la [5160m] - Bimthang (3720m/ 12,202 ft), 8 – 9 hrs:
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Your guide will organise a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N at Lodge in Bimthang (EP)

Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Day 20: Trek Bimthang - Tilije (2300m/7544ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
After breakfast in Bimthang, head out to a nearby ridge where we can enjoy great views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. Keep descending on the trail and cross a high pasture followed by a bridge over the Dudh Khola River. From here, walk through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. Pass through lush fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho where some trekkers choose to stay the night, but we'll continue walking until we get to Tilije. O/N at Lodge in Tilije (EP)

Day 21: Trek Tilije - Tal (1700m/5576 ft), 5 – 6 hrs:  
We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a Mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, we come across Karte village and after quite a bit of walking we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. We also come across some Mani walls before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a large waterfall. O/N at Lodge in Take (EP)

Day 22: Trek Tal - Syange (1080m/3542 ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
After breakfast in Tal, we’ll follow the trail down a sometimes steep trail to the village of Chyamje crossing the beautiful Marsyangdi Khola (once again) via a suspension bridge. The valley of the same name opens with its terrace fields while villages clung very high to the hillsides.  The trail then descends further through picturesque rhododendron and pine forests to get to the village of Syange where we'll stay the night. This will be our last night with your trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N at Lode in Syange (EP)

Day 23: Drive Syange - Kathmandu, 8 – 9 hrs:
Wake up with breakfast in Syange and perhaps take one last walk around the village before you hit the road. The drive from to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes often coming into direct view with the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. We'll also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 24: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.