Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m) at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we offer you pick up facility from the airport and manage your stay at the most comfortable hotel in the city. You get to meet the team of trekkers and together we prepare for the trek.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley (1,350m)
Today would be the most exhilarating day where you will be introduced to the most pious Hindu and Buddhist religious places that are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites and elucidates you to the entire mysticism over its existence Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath stupa.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Aarughat Bazaar (620m)
A westward 70km scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, through the forested Middle Hills, leads to Malekhu. A 30km secondary tarred road heads north, over the Trisuli Nadi, towards Dhading Besi and a rutted 35km dirt road northwest to Arughat on the Budhi Gandaki. Overnight stay at Aarughat.
Day 4: Aarughat Bazaar to Soti Khola (700m)
We set off early today for Sotikhola. While traveling, we enjoy beautiful views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We go through a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarter of Dhading (1050m), but the drive from Dhading Bensi to Arughat will be on a difficult road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region, we drive further towards Sotikhola. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.
Day 5: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)
While crossing the bridge, we trek through the wonderful Sal forests, then move onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. After that, we reach Khursane upon which the trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among huge gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along with rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.
Day 6: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
The trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, reaching Khorlabesi. After a few more ups and downs, we come across a small hot spring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge and then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. During this period, we climb on a big, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. While 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. After 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 stay at Jagat.
Day 7: Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m)
Today we trek for 6 hours from Jagat to Lokpa. We will pass through the rocky ridge to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. We continue up to Ghatta Khola and hike upstream to a simple pulley bridge and climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. From Philim, we head north across woodland with beautiful views and reach Lokpa. Overnight stay at Lokpa.
Day 8: Lokpa to Chumling (2,420m)
Descend through forest, crossing streams, before tackling a long and steep climb up the south side of the Siyar Khola gorge that drains the Tsum Valley. The high point is marked by flags at a turn in the valley with views across to the Shringi Himal above colorful grain, potato, and bean fields. Descend to Gumlung and the Siyar Khola. Cross the suspension bridge and finally ascend the gentler narrow trail to Chumling. The houses are classic Tibetan but built with sloping roofs to cope with the abundant rain and snow. Overnight stay at Chumling.
Day 9: Chumling to Chhokanparo (3,140m)
Cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. We enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walking by Rainjam to Serpu Khola and crossing another bridge, we arrive at the Gho Village. After continuing a 2-hour climb to Tsum, we reach the village of Chhokangparo. If weather permits, we can enjoy the beautiful views of Himalchuli at 7,893 meters and Ganesh Himal at 7,140m. Overnight stay at Chhokanparo.
Day 10: Chhokanparo to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
Today we will trek for around 4-5 hours to reach the Nile, which is 3,361m high from sea level. We can cross the last village Shiar Khola. On the way, we will trek through rocky cliffs near the village of Burji and visit Piren Phu cave, which is one of the holiest caves with murals painted and carved on stones. The cave offers a magnificent view of Shiar Khola, Rachen Gompa, and beautiful settlements surrounded by agricultural land. Overnight stay at the Nile.
Day 11: Mu Gompa to Nile (3,361m)
Today we will hike to Mu-Gompa, which takes around 4 hours to reach, and then back. It takes 2-3 hours to return from Mu Gompa to Nile. We trek through mountain views and Chortens. Mu Gompa is the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. We observe the daily routine of monks and enjoy breathtaking views of the Tibet border. After visiting Mu-Gompa, we will return to the Nile. Overnight stay at the Nile.
Day 12: Nile to Chumling (2,420m)
Today we trek for 5 to 6 hours from the Nile to Chumling. After breakfast, we trek down the descent trail. We will explore different pine and fir forests and encounter much wildlife. Overnight stay at Chumling.
Day 13: Chumling to Deng (1,860m)
Today we trek for around 6 hours. We follow a mostly downhill and slightly uphill trail to reach Deng. On the way, we cross bridges and the Budhi Gandaki river through forests. The trail is a combination of up and down until we reach Deng. Overnight stay at Deng.
Day 14: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
After an extensive walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1,910m. 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 woods and mani walls as we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another path, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a mesmerizing sight of Siring Himal. After that, we cross the Budhi Gandaki many times today and come across several gompas on our way. 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 pleasing walk continues and after a last steep climb, we reach Namrung.
Day 15: Namrung to Samagaon (3,540m)
Namrung village is a wonderful 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, reaching 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. After that, we go through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy the 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 vast glaciers straight ahead, and other snow peaks to the right, with Ganesh Himal standing at the far end. Overnight stay at Samagaon.
Day 16: Rest day in Samagaon (3,540m)
Today is a rest day in Samagaon. Our guide will bring you to explore around Birendra Lake or the nearest viewpoint, or you can take a day trip to Manaslu Base Camp. Overnight stay at Samagaon.
Day 17: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)
Today, we move downwards to the Budhi Gandaki River, which 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 many 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 stay at Samdo.
Day 18: Samdo to Dharmashala/Larkya La Phedi (4,460m)
As always, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki, and move upward. While crossing two streams and observing the Larkya Glacier, we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4,450m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larkya Phedi. Overnight stay at Phedi.
Day 19: Dharmashala to Bimthang (3,590m) via Larkya La pass (5,160m)
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy amazing views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes harder only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are overwhelming views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the vast Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to reach Bimtang, but walking into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in and Mt. Manaslu looming close by is a great experience. Overnight stay at Bimthang.
Day 20: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy outstanding views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. We move downwards again and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We go through the rhododendron forest and follow a stream through a small valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche (2,785m). We pass across fields before making a difficult climb over a ridge. The trail then descends to the river bank at 2,580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Then we reach Tilije. Overnight stay at Tilije.
Day 21: Tilije to Tal (1,700m)
We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone-paved trail as it passes through a wonderful village. After that, we cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a Chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall, and reach 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, located at the foot of a huge waterfall. Overnight stay at Tal.
Day 22: Tal to Syange (1,200m)
We follow the trail to Chyamje village, crossing the Marshyangdi Khola once again. The Marsyandi valley opens with its terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides. The trail then descends through rhododendron and pine forests to Syange. Overnight stay at Syange.
Day 23: Syange to Beshishar then drive to Kathmandu (1,350m)
After breakfast, a jeep ride along the dusty and bumpy road takes us to Besi Sahar, and then we drive on a paved road back to Kathmandu. There will be a farewell dinner (Nepali Food) to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 24: Final departure
Your wonderful adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. We wish you all the best. A representative from Aarohi Holiday Pvt Ltd will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
