After breakfast in Machhakhola, we begin our trek to Jagat—a day filled with adventure that takes us deep into the Buri Gandaki gorge. Here, lush lowlands gradually transition into rugged highland scenery. As we follow the river, we pass through Khorlabesi, famous for its traditional rug weavers, before reaching Tatopani, where natural hot springs offer a refreshing break. The trail becomes more challenging as we cross suspension bridges to Dobhan for lunch. We continue on to Yaru Bagar, where we navigate the dramatic cantilever walkway, which was rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake. This walkway provides breathtaking views of the roaring river below. The final stretch of our trek involves climbing stone steps, crossing the river once more, and finally arriving at Jagat, a clean village with slate-stone streets. Jagat marks the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area and the restricted high-altitude zone. The highlights of the day include the suspension bridges, the hot springs at Tatopani, the cantilever walkway, and the striking change in vegetation from subtropical jungle to pine forests and cliffs. This trek serves as a memorable introduction to the region's dramatic landscapes.

Walking: 7-8 hours |  Distance: 17.4 km |  Altitude Gain: 700 m   |  Altitude Loss: 260 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins in the stone-paved village of Jagat, where your guide registers your restricted area permits at the police checkpoint, the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trail gently ascends to Salleri, offering your first views of Mount Sringi (7,187 m), then descends to Sirdibas, a traditional village with Buddhist chortens. After crossing a long suspension bridge, you reach Philim, a Gurung village known for its Japanese-built school and terraced fields. Continuing north, the trail becomes rugged, narrowing into a gorge. After passing Ekle Bhatti, the path diverges toward Tsum Valley. As you climb through pine and rhododendron forests above the Siyar Khola, you arrive in Lokpa, the first village of Tsum Valley. This peaceful settlement offers stunning views of Mounts Manaslu and Hiunchuli, and it serves as the last stop for supplies before the next day's steeper climb to Chumling.

Walking duration: 6-7 hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 810 m    |  Altitude Loss: 230 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Lokpa, the day starts with a steep descent into the Siyar Khola gorge, where you navigate through rhododendron, pine, and oak forests. You'll cross a sturdy suspension bridge before tackling a long ascent on a stone staircase. As the trail climbs, the gorge widens, revealing glimpses of Langur monkeys, Himalayan Thar, and distant snowcapped peaks like Shringi and Ganesh Himal. You then arrive in Chumling (Lower Tsum), a serene glacial valley adorned with Mani walls and prayer flags. Explore traditional stone houses, visit Chumling Gompa, and observe local life. Enjoy stunning evening views of Baudha Himal and Ganesh Himal, with many trekkers hiking to the upper village for better panoramas. After a day of trekking, relax in a local teahouse and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Walking: 4-5 hours |  Distance: 8 km |  Altitude Gain: 710 m |  Altitude Loss: 310 meters | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Chumling, hike north along a scenic trail through barley and buckwheat fields before crossing a long suspension bridge over the Siyar Khola. The trail then steadily ascends from lush rhododendron forests to sturdy pine and larch trees. Rainyn and Gho, with their massive mani walls carved with ancient mantras, showcase the valley's spiritual heritage. The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by waterfalls and streams and panoramic views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Baudha Himal. Upon entering the upper Tsum Valley, the trail narrows and crests at 3,000m, revealing a vast U-shaped glacial plateau. Visit Chhokangparo, Upper Tsum's cultural center, in the afternoon. Classic Tibetan stone architecture, ancient chortens, and peace define the “Land of Non-Slaughter.” The Tsumba people welcome trekkers with tsampa and salt butter tea, and the village offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Chhokangparo, a must-see in Tsum Valley, combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and high-altitude tranquility.  

Walking: 5-6 Hours |  Distance: 11 km |  Altitude Gain: 910 m |  Altitude Loss: 180 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Chhokangparo, the trail leads east across a sun-drenched valley floor. The lush greenery of the lower hills transitions to a rugged, high-alpine landscape typical of the Tibetan plateau. A major highlight of the morning is the village of Burji, which serves as the gateway to the sacred Piren Phu (Milarepa's Cave), a cliffside sanctuary where the legendary saint once meditated, complete with ancient monasteries and a carved footprint in the rock. The journey continues along the glacial Shiar Khola, passing through the quiet hamlets of Phurbe and Pangdun, which boast some of the region's most impressive and weathered Mani walls. With the massive Ganesh Himal towering behind and Mt. Sringi ahead, the day ends with a crossing to the river's western bank to reach Nile (3,360 m). Nile, the upper valley's last major village, is a thriving hub of traditional stone houses and high-altitude farming, providing a final glimpse of local life before ascending to the high-altitude monasteries near the Tibetan border. 

Walking: 4-5 Hours    |  Distance: 10.5 km | Altitude Gain: 320 m    |  Altitude Loss: 40 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Nile, you begin the final ascent toward the highest and most sacred outpost of the Tsum Valley. Leaving the last permanent settlements behind, the trail transitions from the lower greenery into a stark, high-altitude wilderness of juniper bushes and dry yak pastures. As you follow the west bank of the Shiar Khola, the valley opens to reveal a rugged landscape dominated by the towering white walls of the Ganesh Himal, Baudha Himal, and Longpogang ranges. By midday, the majestic Mu Gompa (3,700 m) appears, perched like a fortress on a quiet ridge. Established in 1895, this "spiritual crown" of the region houses ancient religious texts and statues of Avalokiteshwara within halls scented by flickering butter lamps and juniper incense. After exploring the gompa’s prayer halls and intricate murals, you can hike the surrounding ridges for an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama, looking north toward the Tibetan passes or south across the vast "Hidden Valley." The day concludes by soaking in this serene atmosphere before settling into a local teahouse for a peaceful overnight stay in the heart of the Himalayas.

Walking: 3-4 hours | Distance: 10 km  | Altitude Gain: 350 m    |  Altitude Loss: 350 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Nile, you begin your journey south, descending along the eastern bank of the Shiar Khola through high alpine pastures where yaks often graze. The morning’s highlight is a visit to the serene Rachen Gompa (3,240m), a significant nunnery established in 1905. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the valley, the gompa serves as a spiritual centerpiece, housing thousands of clay statues of Avalokiteshwara and vibrant murals; here, you can experience a profound meditative atmosphere filled with the rhythmic chanting of the nuns. Continuing through the fertile fields of Lar, you cross back to the western bank as the stark, arid terrain begins to soften into lush stands of pine, rhododendron, and birch. The path winds past ancient mani walls and small Tsumba settlements, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle unchanged by time. The day concludes with a pleasant walk through the wide plateaus of Chhokangparo before a final descent to the tree-fringed village of Gho (2,485m). Surrounded by stone houses and ancient chortens, the return of the forest scent and thicker air provides a comfortable resting point for your overnight stay.

Walking: 5-6 Hours |  Distance: 14 km | Altitude Gain: 70 m |  Altitude Loss: 870 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Gho, begin with a descent to the valley floor, where you cross the Siyar Khola and pass through the small riverside settlement of Dumje before tackling a major climb. Leaving the main trail behind, you enter a wilder, emerald landscape, ascending through pristine, moss-covered forests of rhododendron, pine, and birch via a series of steep, narrow switchbacks. As the air turns cooler and the valley drops away, the forest finally yields to a high, isolated ridge where the ancient Gumba Lungdang nunnery sits in the direct shadow of the Ganesh Himal range. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, this remote spiritual sanctuary offers a raw, "off-the-beaten-path" experience where the silence is broken only by the calls of Himalayan birds and the hospitable presence of the resident nuns. The day concludes at this spectacular mountain outpost, providing some of the most intimate views of Ganesh Himal I and its surrounding glaciers, making the grueling ascent through the untouched wilderness truly worthwhile.

Walking: 6-7 hours |  Distance: 6 km |  Altitude Gain: 940 m |  Altitude Loss: 110 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day hike from Gumba Lungdang to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (approximately 4,200 m) commences with an early morning ascent through a dense, narrow forest of rhododendron and pine. The trail is significantly more rugged and less well-defined than the main valley paths. The trees gradually diminish as you ascend, giving way to high-alpine scrub and juniper, which ultimately reveals the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa Glacier. This midday stretch is difficult and necessitates the navigation of loose rocks and boulders. However, the reward is an unparalleled spectacle of white peaks, including Ganesh Himal I (7,422 m), II, and IV. A profound sense of isolation is punctuated by the echoes of shifting ice as you stand directly beneath massive hanging glaciers and vertical ice walls upon reaching the base camp viewpoint. The day concludes with a long, meticulous descent back to the nunnery's sanctuary, leaving you exhausted but profoundly rewarded by the raw, untamed beauty of the high mountains. This is after you have taken in the breathtaking views of the Great Himalayan Wall and the Hidden Valley in the distance.

Walking duration: 7-8 hours |  Distance: 11 km |  Altitude Gain: 1,150 m    |  Altitude Loss: 1,150 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Gumba Lungdang, the day begins with a final look at the towering Ganesh Himal before embarking on a steep, 800-meter descent through ancient, dew-covered rhododendron and pine forests. After crossing the bridge in the riverside settlement of Dumje, the path takes a scenic lower route to Ripchet, a long, flat village built on a fertile terrace with traditional wooden architecture and some of the region's longest Mani walls. As the air warms and thickens, the afternoon journey takes the Siyar Khola through a series of Nepali flat, undulating trails, crossing several suspension bridges as the valley narrows into a dramatic, rugged gorge. The day ends with a final, short but tiring climb to the Lokpa lodges, where the return of diverse birdlife and the roar of the river signal a successful exit from the "Hidden Valley" and a return to the main Manaslu Circuit.

Walking duration: 8-9 hours |  Distance: 18 km |  Altitude Gain: 550 m    |  Altitude Loss: 1,970 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Lokpa, the trail descends steeply through a narrow, high-walled gorge to the confluence of the Siyar Khola and Budhi Gandaki, marking your official exit from the Tsum Valley and return to the main Manaslu Circuit. The path navigates dramatic cliffside sections and high suspension bridges, leading into the wider valley and the vibrant Gurung village of Philim, surrounded by expansive corn and millet fields. As you continue to drop sharply toward the stone-paved checkpoint of Jagat, the crisp mountain air gives way to a warmer, subtropical climate filled with orchids, ferns, and the mist of the spectacular Sringi Khola waterfall. The final stretch follows the riverbank through lush vegetation and the hamlet of Yaruphant, eventually reaching Tatopani (930 m). Here, the long day’s descent of over 1,300 meters concludes on a restorative note, as the village's famous natural hot springs, flowing from stone spouts in the rock face, offer a perfect Himalayan spa experience to soothe muscles after the high-altitude journey.

Walking duration: 9-10 hours |  Distance: 25 km |  Altitude Gain: 360 m    |  Altitude Loss: 1,350 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The drive from Tatopani to Kathmandu is an 8-to-10-hour journey that begins with an adventurous, off-road stretch along the narrow, unpaved jeep tracks carved into the cliffs of the Budhi Gandaki river valley. Passing through the subtropical forests of Machha Khola and Soti Khola, the rugged ride offers final, towering views of the Ganesh Himal before reaching the trading hub of Arughat, where the terrain transitions into the rolling, terraced hills of the Gorkha and Dhading districts. After a midday break in Dhading Besi, the road improves significantly as it joins the paved Prithvi Highway at Malekhu, winding alongside the Trishuli River and bustling with the energy of colorful cargo trucks. The expedition concludes with a steady climb over the Naubise hills, cresting the final ridge at Thankot to reveal the sprawling expanse of the Kathmandu Valley, marking a dramatic return from the silent, spiritual highlands to the vibrant heart of Nepal.

Transfer duration: 147 km, 7-8 Hours    |    Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we have a free day to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu on our own. You may want to spend the day indulging in some souvenir shopping, wandering around the colorful streets and bazaars, or enjoying the local cuisine. You could also visit some of the popular tourist attractions in the city, such as Bhaktapur or Patan, which showcase Nepal's rich cultural and historical heritage. Alternatively, you could engage in other activities like hiking, biking, or adventure sports, or simply relax and rejuvenate in one of the city's many spas and wellness centers. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to soak up the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this wonderful city.

Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast

Today, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for our departure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will gather our belongings and make our way to the airport. We will ensure that we reach the airport well in time to complete all the necessary formalities and board our flight. Before we bid adieu to this enchanting country, take one last look at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and take a moment to appreciate the warm hospitality and kindness of the Nepalese people. This marks the end of our tour, and we hope you had a memorable and enjoyable time in Nepal.

Meal: Breakfast