The trek begins with a 9-10 hour drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, passing through varied Nepalese terrains. It continues with a series of treks, each ranging from 4 to 7 hours, from Machhakhola to Jagat, Chisopani, Chumling, Chokhangparo, Nile, and Mu Gompa. Trekkers traverse diverse landscapes, including forests, ridges, and rivers, while visiting villages, monasteries, and cultural sites. Highlights include views of Ganesh Himal, Himachuli, and other peaks, with exploration days in Mu Gompa and Samagaon. The trek proceeds through Samdo and Dharamsala, culminating in the crossing of the Larkya La pass to Bimthang, followed by a descent to Tilije and Tal, and ends with an 8-9 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Along the way, trekkers experience local Gurung and Tamang cultures in traditional villages like Philim and Chisopani, visit significant monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Dhephu Doma Gompa, and see ancient stupas and Mani walls. Other highlights include natural hot springs in Tatopani, culturally important sites like Milarepa's Cave, and the challenging Larkya La pass crossing. The itinerary includes acclimatization days in Mu Gompa and Samagaon, a visit to the Manaslu Base Camp, and opportunities to observe local wildlife and traditional architecture, such as the intricately carved windows and beams in Shyabru village.
3 meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
Entry fees at the destinations and all necessary paper works
Airport pick-up and drop as well
Welcome and Farewell Dinner
A guide and necessary porters (One porter can carry belongings of 2 persons up to 20 kilograms during the trek)
Accommodation teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Insurance and necessary equipment such as sleeping bag, down jacket etc for our Nepali staff
Excluded:
Visa fee for Nepal
Flight fare for international and domestics flights in Nepal
Travel insurance
Medical expenses
Services not mentioned in Package Includes list
Mountain Medical Rescue help (Provided by Insurance Company)
Expenses of Personal Nature such as alcohol drinks, beverages etc.
Necessary equipment such as sleeping bag, down jacket etc.
Tour Plan / Itinerary
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola then Machhakhola [900m/2952 ft.] 9-10 hours
We set off early today for Sotikhola then Machhakhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading (1050m)but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola. At thecrossing at the bridge we drive through the beautiful sal forest,huge rapids of Budhi Gandaki River, rice terraces and Gurung village to Machhakhola. Overnight in Machakhola.
2
Maccha Khola- Jagat (1410m/4625 ft]: 6 - 7 hours
The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorla Besi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hot spring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat
3
Jagat to Chisopani (1660m/5,445ft): 4-5 hours
After completing the ACAP procedure, we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri and 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 its Japanese-made school and police station. Walk past Philim to the north across a forest with views of the narrowing valley we reach Chisopani. Overnight at Chisopani.
4
Chisopani to Chumling (2,386m/7,827ft): 6 - 7 hours
After Ekle Bhatti crosses the gorge and an hour's walk in the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall and enter the pine tree forests. Descend the trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of the Himalchuli mountains at 7893m and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. Pass Lokpa, descend half an hour towards Lungwa Khola and climb jickjack 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.
5
Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft): 4-5 hours
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 hour's climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting; enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters and Ganesh Himal at 7140 m. Overnight at Chokhangparo.
6
Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft): 5-6 hours
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. We make a small visit and then we cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the well-managed villages of Lar (micro hydro power), Phurbe and Pangdun. Leaving the old historic Stupa of Bhudda on 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 the famous monastery of Chhule which is located at the top of the area.
7
Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft): 3 hours
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 visit the Dhephu Doma Gompa.
8
Mu Gompa, sightseeing
Today we went sightseeing in the whole Mu Gompa Region. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Mu Gompa area, you may also consider the option of getting to the base of Pika Himal (4865m).
9
Mu Gompa to Burgi Village (3,245m/10644ft) via Milarepa cave: 5 hours
Trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally, we arrived at Burgi village. The Burgi village is a small beautiful village. Climb up to the Milarepa's Cave Milarepa Cave (piren phu) is known for its mesmerizing glimpses of Poshyop Glacier, Kipu Himal and Churke Himal.
10
Burgi village -Chumling (2,386/7,827ft): 5-6 hours
Continue trekking watching the greenery of nature and descend down to Chhokang Paro again. From there continue descending to Gho. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Sarpu Khola. Trekking along the lower Tsum Valley takes you to again Chumling.
11
Chumling to Deng (1804m/5917ft): 6-7 hours
The trail continues to Lokpa. After lunch south on a flat trail, we move ahead. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Finally arrive at Philim after 6 or 7 hours long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
12
Deng - Namrung [2630m/8626ft]: 6 - 7 hrs
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and Mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another route, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several Gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.
13
Namrung –Lho (3180m)
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. Lho villagehas one of the old Buddihist monastery and here is the best scenery of Manaslu mountain view in the Sunrise time.
14
Lho to Syala then Pungen Gumba to Samagaon [3530m/11,578 ft]: 8-9 hours
We further pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt. Manasly 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, 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 Syala village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. Get to Samagaun in the evening.
This day as our acclimatization day, We will head to Manaslu Base Camp. 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. Overnight in Samagaon.
16
Samagaon - Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the Kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.
17
Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. [4460m/14, 628 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
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. Overnight in Bimthang.
19
Bimthang - Tilije [2300m/7544ft]: 5 - 6 hours
From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday's tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gho but better lodges are available at Tilije, So we staying Overnight in Tilije Village.
20
Tilije - Tal [1700m/5576 ft]: 5 - 6 hours (1700)
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. Overnight in Tal.
21
Tal - Drive to Kathmandu 8-9 hours
Drive from Tal to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle that takes about eight to nine hours. While driving from Tal to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the Mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities, from Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. In the evening you can take a short walk around Thamel if you need to purchase some souvenirs to take back to your country.
Map Overview
The major highlights of this trip include a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, offering a glimpse of the Nepalese countryside and diverse terrains. The trek itself traverses narrow trails, suspension bridges, lush forests, ridges, and river valleys, providing a rich variety of natural scenery. Along the way, trekkers will visit traditional villages such as Philim, Chisopani, Chumling, and Chhokangparo, experiencing the local Gurung and Tamang cultures. Significant monasteries like Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dhephu Doma Gompa, along with ancient stupas and Mani walls, add a spiritual and historical dimension to the journey. The trek offers spectacular views of Himalayan peaks, including Ganesh Himal, Himachuli, and Manaslu, and features natural hot springs in Tatopani. Trekkers will also visit culturally important sites such as Milarepa's Cave and Chhule's monastery. A major highlight is the challenging crossing of the Larkya La pass (5160m), which provides breathtaking panoramic views. The itinerary includes acclimatization and exploration days in Mu Gompa and Samagaon, with a visit to the Manaslu Base Camp. The trek passes through diverse ecosystems, including pine and rhododendron forests, and offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. Engaging with local communities and observing daily life in remote villages enriches the experience, and trekkers will encounter traditional architecture, such as the intricately carved windows and beams in Shyabru village.
Map
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best time to trek in Nepal?
The best time to trek in Nepal is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. These periods offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trekking routes?
Accommodations range from basic teahouses (lodges) to more comfortable guesthouses. In remote areas, facilities may be elementary, so be prepared for simple living conditions.
What kind of food is available during the trek?
Teahouses typically offer a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and continental dishes. Common items include dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), noodles, pasta, soups, and pancakes. Meat is available but may not be as fresh in remote areas.
Are there communication facilities on the trekking routes?
Many popular trekking routes have internet and phone services available at teahouses for a fee. However, the connection may be slow or unreliable in remote areas. It's advisable to inform family or friends of your trekking itinerary and expected check-in times.
How can I respect local culture and traditions while trekking?
Show respect by:
Dressing modestly.
Asking for permission before taking photos of people.
Being mindful of local customs and religious practices.
Avoid giving money or sweets to children (donate to schools or local organizations instead).
Do I need a permit for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, most trekking regions in Nepal require permits. The common ones are the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and specific area permits like the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or the Sagarmatha National Park Permit for the Everest region.
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