Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath’ and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion as well as provides opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

After an early breakfast, we will start our trip with drive along the Prithivi highway west from Kathmandu, through the beautiful river view cross the Trishuli river and reach Dhading Besi through pitched road. We will stop along the way for breaks and lunch. Four to five hours drive from Dhading Besi takes us Arkhet, driving along the scenic villages, rivers, follow continually Dorandi Khola northwards to Gorkha and Arughat with observing the Mount Manaslu and Ganesh Himal range on the footsteps of Manaslu. From where we continue drive to Arkhet by following the Budhi Gandaki river. Arughat Bazaar is clustered on both sides of the River Budi-Gandaki linked by a suspension bridge, this is the largest settlement in the valley, also a junction to various important places, two hours’ drive from Arughat takes us to Sotikhola.

We continue following the low valley to the north, observing the majestic Himalayan Peaks from time to time on our way up the picturesque densely forested Buddhi Gandaki Valley, passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley. In Opposite site, a large tributary stream enters the Budhi Gandaki River. Walking a series of ascent and descent leads to the small and beautiful village of Lapu Besi 880m. From here our path descends to the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. We make a last climb up to reach Macha Khola.

We cross the river and head up stream to Khola Beni. The routes soon have to walk on a dramatic gorge with sculptured rocks of spectacular waterfalls and some landslides. After crossing bridge and heading upstream to the tiny village of Khola Besi, and a natural hot spring at Tatopani (Tatopani means ‘hot water’ in Nepali). From hot spring, we hike up to another trial, then, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. From here, we cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, and climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Thado Bharyang before ascending to the charming village of Jagat, and the Manaslu Conservation area and police check post where we will need to present our trekking permits.

After completing with the MCAP 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.

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 7,893 m 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.

Today, we enter to upper valley, part of the Inner Himalaya. The trial continues along the Syar River down to Domje and then rises over 500 m to the largest city in Tsum Valley. A pretty village of Gho has unusual Gomba. From there we will continue our uphill climbing and then trek to arrive at Chhokang Paro. On a clear day we can have magnificent views of Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal from Chhokang Paro. From Chhokang Paro, where we will have the opportunity to have hospitality of local people (Tibetan group “Tsombo”) welcoming with traditional Tibetan Chiya (butter tea) and local meal.

We walk relatively shorter than previous days. Nile, on the western, sun-side of the Shikhar Khola, about 20 minutes walk across from Chhule, is the last village heading north in the upper Tsum Valley. As we go up, the valley becomes fertile, narrow, and we see people busy in farming. After passing Lama Gaon, there is Piren Phu cave of St. Milarepa where his footprint is still preserved and noticeable in the rock. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley on the side of a rugged cliff mountain, with great views of the valley from the cave monastery, near the village of Burji. There are two separate Gumbas attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags and significant Buddhists paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural asset in the valley. Then, we head towards the crossing of the suspension bridge over Shiar River and continue our trek through several villages to finally cross a bridge and arrive at Nile.

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 only basic drinking, eating and accommodation facilities. After nice visit, we will head from Mu Gompa to Lar village. It is situated in the Shiar Khola valley in the footills of the mountains that border between Nepal and Tibet. 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.

An easy walk today with plenty of time for Photography as we proceed down the valley via visiting Rachen Gompa. Rachen Gompa was established on the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries Monastery in the Tsum valley. The interior of the Gompa is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. There are many small villages worth exploring along the way otherwise Dumje is also small with about eight houses and some adjoining cattle sheds.

Today climb very steeply through pines and rhododendrons until the track starts traversing at a mani wall with prayer flags. The track is exposed and narrow. 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 3,200 m, 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 to 7:30 pm each night unless the nuns are on holidays or elsewhere, which is for some months each year enquire in Chhokang-Paro. There is no lodge or formal camping area but permission may be obtained for a limited number of people to sleep on the Gompa verandah or to camp in the Gompa forecourt and use their kitchen. The mountain views in all directions are amazing and being here was the absolute highlight of our many trips to Nepal.

Today we will be returning back to Lokpa. We will decsned down to Domje by trekking in the upper track crossing the Laudang Khola. Crssoing an unstable swing bridge between the lowest two houses in Domje, we will stay on the south bank of the Siyar Khola. As we walk by, we will come cross a new trail via a beautiful dense forest that will take us yet to another deep gorge and swinging bridges to Ripche 2,470 m. We walk down the stairs to the Bhatti Ghumlong which we had walked through several days ago. As we climb up again through a pine forest, we will reach Lokpa.

After breakfast the trail continues to Salleri. South on a flat trail we move ahead. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba falls and arrive at Philim. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. As we descend down and we will be rejoining the Budhi Gandaki river. As we trek, we will get a few glimpses of the mountains. Walking through forests and terrains, gives us an easy pleasant trek. Taking breaks in between, we will reach Sirdibas. After crossing a few suspension bridges, we will finally reach Salleri.

Trek starts today from Salleri to Khorlabesi via Jagat and Tatopani. Further descend takes us to Yaruphant. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. Continue trekking to Dobhan. Finally arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. If not continue walking up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi, our rest place for the day.

The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Budhi Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge to arrive at Soti Khola.

Drive back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces, and villages on both sides of the road.

Today is your last day in Kathmandu and is an opportunity to do all the bits and pieces you thought of doing over the past few weeks including any last-minute shopping, returning to places that you enjoyed or didn’t get a chance to visit before your trek. Do let us know if would like help organising anything for today.

After a great breakfast at your hotel, you are free until it is time for us to transfer you to the airport in time for your fight home. We bid farewell for now and until next time!