Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Passports to HQ for restricted access permits. Overnight KTM

Day 2: Briefing & Pashupatinath & Boudhanath Tour
Expedition briefing in the morning and a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath & Boudhanath. HQ organising restricted access permits. Overnight KTM

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m) – Drive (8-9 hours)
The journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is a long but scenic drive that takes approximately 8-9 hours. The route follows winding mountain roads, passing through lush valleys, terraced fields and remote hillside villages before reaching the gateway to the Tsum Valley and Manaslu region.

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) 14 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests, small Gurung and Tibetan influenced villages and terraced farmland. Expect suspension bridges, rocky paths and some landslide-prone areas. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs at Tatopani before arriving at Jagat, a traditional village with stone-paved streets and Buddhist influence, marking the entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Day 5: Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) 17 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail climbs through subtropical forests and crosses several suspension bridges. It ascends through stone staircases, with occasional steep sections. Enjoy views of Shringi Himal (7,187m), the Ganesh Himal range and your first glimpse of Tsum Valley’s unique terrain. Lokpa is the first village in the Tsum Valley region, offering stunning mountain views and a sense of remoteness.

Day 6: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m) 9 KM – Trek (5-6 hours)
Today will be your first real immersion into the Tsum Valley with a mix of uphill and downhill through dense pine and rhododendron forests and views of Ganesh Himal. Some sections are narrow and exposed. Chumling is a traditional Tibetan-style village with stone houses, Buddhist prayer flags, and an ancient monastery.

Day 7: Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m) 10 KM– Trek (4-5 hours)
The trail gradually ascends through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional landslide areas and spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and the Shiar River gorge. Today you will enter into the broad Tsum Valley with its traditional Tibetan villages. Chhokang Paro is one of the largest villages in Tsum Valley, with a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence and ancient mani walls, prayer wheels, and monasteries

Day 8: Chhokang Paro to Mu Gompa (3,700m) 11 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail ascends gradually, moving into high-altitude terrain with dry, rugged landscapes, panoramic views of the Tibetan border, unique mountain desert terrain, and an increasing sense of spiritual isolation. Mu Gompa is the highest point of the trek, and is the largest monastery in Tsum Valley, with ancient murals, Buddhist relics and meditation caves used by monks. It offers a peaceful, otherworldly experience.

Day 9: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa 10 KM (3,240m) – Trek (5-6 hours)
Today is Mostly downhill with some undulating sections along a barren highland plateau as you retrace part of the route with fresh perspectives of the valley’s vast landscapes. Rachen Gompa is a significant nunnery with a long history of Tibetan Buddhist practice. You will be able to observe the nuns’ daily rituals and explore the monastery’s architecture.

Day 10: Rachen Gompa to Chumling 12 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail is mostly downhill through forested areas and traditional villages and you will have the opportunity to revisit some of the scenic viewpoints from your ascent. Upon arriving back at Chumling, you will have time to explore the old monastery, interact with locals and observe the village’s ancient way of life.

Day 11: Chumling to Jagat 15 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
As you return to a lower altitude, you’ll notice the shift from Tibetan back to Gurung culture.
Today will be a long descent with some steep and rocky sections, a mix of lush vegetation, waterfalls, and views of the Budhi Gandaki River. At Jagat you will reconnect with the main Manaslu Circuit route.

Day 12: Drive Jagat to Kathmandu – Drive (8-9 hours)
Today you retrace your journey back to Kathmandu, enjoying the last views of the Himalayas. Transfer to your hotel and celebrate the completion of the trek. Overnight KTM

Day 13: Depart Nepal

Notes:

The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice

In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

This is a guideline only

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Passports to HQ for restricted access permits. Overnight KTM

Day 2: Briefing & Pashupatinath & Boudhanath Tour
Expedition briefing in the morning and a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath & Boudhanath. HQ organising restricted access permits. Overnight KTM

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m) – Drive (8-9 hours)
The journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is a long but scenic drive that takes approximately 8-9 hours. The route follows winding mountain roads, passing through lush valleys, terraced fields and remote hillside villages before reaching the gateway to the Tsum Valley and Manaslu region.

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) 14 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests, small Gurung and Tibetan influenced villages and terraced farmland. Expect suspension bridges, rocky paths and some landslide-prone areas. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs at Tatopani before arriving at Jagat, a traditional village with stone-paved streets and Buddhist influence, marking the entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Day 5: Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) 17 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail climbs through subtropical forests and crosses several suspension bridges. It ascends through stone staircases, with occasional steep sections. Enjoy views of Shringi Himal (7,187m), the Ganesh Himal range and your first glimpse of Tsum Valley’s unique terrain. Lokpa is the first village in the Tsum Valley region, offering stunning mountain views and a sense of remoteness.

Day 6: Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m) 9 KM – Trek (5-6 hours)
Today will be your first real immersion into the Tsum Valley with a mix of uphill and downhill through dense pine and rhododendron forests and views of Ganesh Himal. Some sections are narrow and exposed. Chumling is a traditional Tibetan-style village with stone houses, Buddhist prayer flags, and an ancient monastery.

Day 7: Chumling to Chhokang Paro (3,031m) 10 KM– Trek (4-5 hours)
The trail gradually ascends through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional landslide areas and spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and the Shiar River gorge. Today you will enter into the broad Tsum Valley with its traditional Tibetan villages. Chhokang Paro is one of the largest villages in Tsum Valley, with a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence and ancient mani walls, prayer wheels, and monasteries

Day 8: Chhokang Paro to Mu Gompa (3,700m) 11 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail ascends gradually, moving into high-altitude terrain with dry, rugged landscapes, panoramic views of the Tibetan border, unique mountain desert terrain, and an increasing sense of spiritual isolation. Mu Gompa is the highest point of the trek, and is the largest monastery in Tsum Valley, with ancient murals, Buddhist relics and meditation caves used by monks. It offers a peaceful, otherworldly experience.

Day 9: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa 10 KM (3,240m) – Trek (5-6 hours)
Today is Mostly downhill with some undulating sections along a barren highland plateau as you retrace part of the route with fresh perspectives of the valley’s vast landscapes. Rachen Gompa is a significant nunnery with a long history of Tibetan Buddhist practice. You will be able to observe the nuns’ daily rituals and explore the monastery’s architecture.

Day 10: Rachen Gompa to Chumling 12 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
The trail is mostly downhill through forested areas and traditional villages and you will have the opportunity to revisit some of the scenic viewpoints from your ascent. Upon arriving back at Chumling, you will have time to explore the old monastery, interact with locals and observe the village’s ancient way of life.

Day 11: Chumling to Jagat 15 KM – Trek (6-7 hours)
As you return to a lower altitude, you’ll notice the shift from Tibetan back to Gurung culture.
Today will be a long descent with some steep and rocky sections, a mix of lush vegetation, waterfalls, and views of the Budhi Gandaki River. At Jagat you will reconnect with the main Manaslu Circuit route.

Day 12: Drive Jagat to Kathmandu – Drive (8-9 hours)
Today you retrace your journey back to Kathmandu, enjoying the last views of the Himalayas. Transfer to your hotel and celebrate the completion of the trek. Overnight KTM

Day 13: Depart Nepal

Notes:

The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice

In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure

Trekking Gear List

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments which retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain and snow.    

THIS IS A GUIDELINE ONLY

UPPER BODY LAYERS

• T Shirts – walking 2  Merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic, wicking fabric.  No cotton
• T-shirt – sleeping 1  Can be cotton
• Base layers 1  Light weight or mid weight thermal long sleeved t-shirt
• Top insulating Layers 1  Mid weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
• Fleece Vest 1
• Rain jacket 1
• Down jacket 1

LOWER BODY LAYERS

• Underwear  Sufficient for trek (remember you can wash them)
• Thermal long underwear 1       
• Trekking Trousers  2  Lightweight quick dry trousers (no cotton). Zip-offs are good
• Hiking Shorts  1  If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
• Rain Pants  1

PACKS & BAGS

• Day pack  1  35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
• Sleeping bag & compression sack  1  Minimum 3 season

FOOTWEAR

• Hiking boots  1  Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
• Socks  3 or 4  
• Flip flops/Camp shoes  1  Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Water bottles  2  One litre each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
• Water purification drops  Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
• Sunscreen  We recommend SPF 30 or greater
• Lip Balm  With SPF factor
• Personal first aid kit  To include any prescribed medications
• Sunglasses
• Bandana/Buff
• Flash light /head torch  Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
• Travel towel  Lightweight and compact
• Wash kit  Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
• Hand Sanitizer   Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Trekking poles  Optional, but advised if you have dodgy knees
• Toilet paper & rubbish bag
• Trekking snacks  Good selection available in KTM
• Camera  With charger &/or extra batteries
• Book/journal
• Pack of cards/travel game  For evening entertainment
• Mosquito repellent
• Passport photos  Always useful and a must have if you want a local sim card
• Photocopies of all your important documents
• A great sense of humour & positive attitude  Essential – don’t come without it!! J

Much of the above equipment can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. You do not need to spend a fortune on gear.

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests