Trip Summary:
The challenging adventure around Manaslu offers a unique opportunity to experience the real beauty of the border land between Nepal and Tibet. Manaslu is the world seventh highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8156m.
Altitude: Kathmandu: 1,400m . Sightseeing Basantapur Durbar Square and Syyambhunath On arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by our Professional Guide and transferred to your designated hotel. Evening visit Suyambhunath/ monkey temple. It is only about 4 km from your hotel, located on a wooded hillock with serene and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Valley from the hilltop complex. Overnight stay in hotel.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Breakfast in the morning and strat the visits: The Basantapur Durbar Square, with its old temples, palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. The major Interesting things to see here are "Kumari (The Living Goddess) Gar" "Kastha Mandap"Maru Ganesh, Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old palace, Saraswoti temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju Temple etc.. Boudhanath We take another drive to Boudhanath- world's largest stupa. We take a parikrama or circumambulation around the stupa. Pasupapatinath Pashupatinath is among the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage places and the one of utmost importance for Nepal’s Hindus. It is the principal residence of Pashupati, an important form of the great God Shiva. You will be fascinated by its large complex of temples, cremation platforms, bathing areas and scared images sits along the Bagmati River.
Overnight: Standard Hotel. Bed and Breakfast
Early breakfast and drive by private jeep or by public bus through the endless series of green valleys. At times the road is not good and tough. Aroghat 600m is at the mouth of Budhi Gandaki. Then exceed, without great effort, some small villages such as Shanti Bazar, after which the valley widens into a series of terraces Arkhet Bazar, a center whose active enough square is surrounded by shops and tea houses and finally Sotikhola 750m.
Overnight at Guest House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Walk through the village, forest, waterfalls, ups and down, challenging though but beautiful landscape. Views of Shringi Himal, farmland while experience the culture and the people.
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek through the Buri Gandaki Valley via the suspension bridges, tiny hamlets, terraced fields. Trail become more embedded and wild, the trail changes into a narrow path, steeps and thousand ups and down. Often meet donkey caravans and at the end of the valley widens again and reach the beautiful village of Jagat (1,340 m).
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Jagat, another big Gurung village in a flat area. As we pass this agrarian village, we climb a rocky ridge and reach Salleri which rewards with views of Mount Sringi. Descending to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village, we move further to cross the longest suspension bridge in Nepal and climb up to Lokpa North of Philim, we climb along forest areas for about an hour and reach Ekle Bhatti. Moving higher along pine forests, we reach a scenic gorge and drop to a junction. We take the right trail that leads to Tsum Valley our stay for the night on Lokpa
Overnight at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Now we start trekking of Tsum Valley. The first glimpses of Tsum along with mountain view make for a pleasurable retreat.. Views of the hidden valley start appearing as we descend further to Ghumlong and climb again to Ripchet. A short walk from here takes us to Chumling, a traditional Buddhist village set beautifully with an old monastery, traditional houses, prayer flags, stone paved streets and mani walls.
Overnight at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Venturing further into the Tsum valley, we have a lovely hike of 5-6 hours in front of us today to reach Chhokangparo, a twin village which translates as roughly 'place of wisdom'. Just out of camp we cross the suspension bridge and descend slightly as the valley opens ahead of us with green, fertile villages adding color to the already spectacular setting. We pass several small villages and the tiny Dhampa Gompa (2365m), worth a look inside and meeting the old ani (nun) who lives alone at the gompa. Inside are hundreds of ceramic statues of Chenrisig, the Buddha of Compassion, which line three of the walls. This is unique to the Tsum valley as far as I know and we'll notice these walls of Chenrisigs in most of the Tsum gompas. Descending once again to the small village of Rainjam where we'll be welcomed by barking dogs, we take the left-hand trail up a bit, cross another suspension bridge and ascend to the small hamlet of Gho (2570m) where our friends next to the village tap might be weaving or spinning at their small house. Passing the small shop, we continue to climb on a good trail for another few hours to reach Chhokangparo, where we'll stop and stay at a homestay for the night. This is one of our favorite villages in the Tsum valley, a scenic and interesting village with friendly villagers and small lanes to explore. There's a well-stocked shop in town and a local phone, and a home-stay sort of lodge owned by the same couple. The kids are eager to come and play so save some energy. We might have the chance to visit Tashi (of Tsum Valley Homestay)'s mother in their modest Tibetan home for a cup of salt-butter tea, and perhaps we'll also visit another English-speaking friend, Namgyal, at his much nicer and lighter house. There is lots of weaving happing in this village as in most others in Tsum and Manaslu, and perhaps an opportunity to purchase a hook rug or other textile if you're interested. The intricate, colorful woven belts adorning most women's Tibetan-style chubas are unique to the Tsum valley as well.
Overnight at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
While climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon to the Rachen Gompa. Climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave. Then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun. After crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. .
Overnight at lodge in Nile at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short walk from Nile along the west bank of the valley close to Tibetan border reaches easily to Mu Gompa, the highest point of Tsum valley trek. We hike up through yak pastures through typical dry and arid Trans Himalayan Terrain. The monastery has rows of Chortens and beautiful mountain views and houses. The historical Dephyudonma monastery connected with the dawn of Buddhism run by Lama, on the lap of the rugged mountains, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum. There are few drinking facilities.We spend overnight at Mu Gompa.FULL BOARD
We return down valley through Chhule, and continue down as far as Phurbe. Walking on the east bank of the Siyar Khola and crossing flat boulder-covered plains following the power lines to Rachen Gompa (3240m), where we inspect the ancient Gompa, talk to very friendly nuns or monks.
Overnight at Rachen Gompa at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
We trek to south until a bridge crosses to the west bank and pass again through Chhokang Paro then drop below on the previous trail towards Chumling. After about 2hrs, see a small white gompa on the left at Gho (2485m). Descend on a narrow trail passing the gompa on your left and drop to a wooden bridge over the Siyar Khola. Cross the bridge to Domje (2460- has Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school Then we climb very steeply through pines and rhododendrons until the track starts traversing at a mani wall with prayer flags. Finally, in the pine forest, take a prayer flag marked uphill trail and make a zigzag climb through huge silver pines to reach Gumba Lungdang (3200m), perched on a ridge with small cells for the nuns scattered through the beautiful rhododendrons above. This small gompa with 40 nuns has an intense and engrossing puja from 6.00-7.30pm each night unless the nuns are on holidays or elsewhere, which is for some months each year – enquire in Chhokang-Paro. The mountain views in all directions are amazing and being here was the absolute highlight of our many trips to Nepal.
Overnight at Gumba Lungdang. Gumba Varanda Or Home Stay. Full Board
Descend through the forests to a small chorten and left fork onto a narrow trail to cross the Langdang Khola. Later climb steadily crossing two high bridges over impressive narrow gorges up to Ripchet: an agricultural village cut from surrounding forest. After lunch, drop steeply down stairs to Gumlung at the river before re-tackling the forested pass and final ascent back to Lokpa. Overnight in Lokpa.
Overnight at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The descent trial through the exposed route, we cross the Buri Ghandaki on a solid bridge then enter a narrow gorge ascending and descending while gradually climbing through the valley. Crossing the river again on a suspension to Nupri and then through bamboo forests to Deng (1860m), inhabited by Gurung villagers. Crossing the river and climbing to Rana (19100m) and then reach Bhiphedi (2,130m). We meander in and out of the valley canyons to cross the Serang Khola before finally arriving at into Ghap (2160m).
Overnight lodge at Ghap. FULL BOARD
Leaving Ghap, the valley becomes steeper and long climb through bamboo and rhododendron crossing the wild river a couple of times to reach the village of Namrung, entry into Nupri region. The people here are descendants of Tibetan migrants many centuries ago. We continue on passing the entrance gate of Mani walls, Buddhist Gompas to the villages. Beyond here the valley opens out and soon passes through the Tibetan village of Sho. The village has many yaks and there are excellent views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) at the end of the village.
Overnight lodge at Lho at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Though the climb gets more challenging, it offers extraordinary views of the mountains. Finally we reach Samagaon (3,520 m), large village of contrasts: the ancient Tibetan village made of poor houses and the new lodge that developed in the wake of trekking and climbing expeditions to Manaslu.
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
We can spend the day exploring surrounding such as, Birendra Taal (lake), Buddhist monasteries, Samagaun, side trip to Pung gyen Gompa (beautiful monastery located on a terrace at the foot of the west face of Manaslu), or Manaslu Base Camp 4400 mt with spectacular views of Manaslu and other mountains.
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Today the trail climbs gently along the valley of Same Gompa, giving us stunning views of Manaslu, dell'Himalchuli and Dangbona to the village of Samdo (3,875 m), a settlement was born with Chinese refugees' 50s offering unmissable views: it is therefore a must to stop here for the night.
Overnight at Tea House. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Left the village of Samdo, is more steeply up to Dharamsala. The walk offering spectacular views of the mountains of Tibet and the North Manaslu (7,157 m). We are in the territory of the legendary "blue sheep" and then open eyes !overnight at the lodge.
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
This is the most important day on the trek and culmination of your hard work as you reach the Larkya La Pass 5160mt. You will cross glaciers and undertake the steep climb to stunning enjoy views! We leave before dawn to avoid the strong winds in autumn develop into the late morning; the slope of the journey will become less challenging as soon go up on the lateral moraine, where, despite the trail is clearly marked by stone cairns, the uneven ground will make the progression far from trivial. After passing level, it will begin the last steep climb an area which soon will take us to the top of the pass, marked by unfailing prayer flags. After crossing the pass, we descend towards the south along a steep section forreach in a couple of hours the first water source.From here to Bimtang (3,590 m), the village located in a large clearing, the descent will become more gradual, giving us the opportunity to fully appreciate the fantastic scenery around us.
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Today, our route passes through a glacial moraine until you reach the north bank of the Dudh Khola and images of the Manaslu and Phunge will remain imprinted in our minds even when the trail, becoming steeper, we quickly takes off from the mountain: Pine forests and rhododendrons will fall into place along the valley again narrows into a gorge finally we reach to Tilije (2,300 m overnight at the lodge.
Overnight at the Tea House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Short walk to Dharapani and drive to beshisar.
Overnight at Guest House.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From beshisar, drive to kathmandu by private car/van or bus
Overnight at hotel.Breakfast, Lunch.
Breakfast and visit Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings provide very good example of ancient Newari architecture. The palace has three main courtyards the central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex are a dozen free standing temples of various sizes and styles. Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira and Sundari Chowk mark the architectural excellence of its era. The Sundari Chowk with the sunken bath of Tusha Hiti, contains exquisite wood carvings, stone, and metal sculpture. Patan Durbar Square also houses a temple of Taleju Bhawani. Short drive to the ancient city of Nepal “Bhaktapur”. It is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its richness in cultures, temples, arts and crafts being the prime reason. Bhaktapur is a home to traditional cultures, arts and historical monuments. The major temple of this place is the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is an exquisite form of ancient architectural art. The five-storeyed pagoda which is known as Nyatapola temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The Bhairav Nath Temple is another pagoda dedicated to Lord Bhairav. The Dattatraya temple is known to be built from the woods from a single tree.
Overnight @Hotel. BB
Drop to International Airport and fly home or further destination
