Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)

You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour. In the evening, guests are invited to a Welcome Dinner at a Nepali restaurant.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)

A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati,  Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swayambhunath areas.  Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.

Day 03:  Kathmandu – Arughat Bazar- Soti Khola to Machha khola (869m) by bus/jeep 7-8 hours hold night

We set off early morning from Kathmandu through Prithvi Highway by bus. The bus goes down through the zigzag road and from a point the road splits and we turn right crossing a bridge over Trisuli River.  The road to Arughat from the main road is not very good and we just drive slowly. But the view around the road is very beautiful. It goes through green jungles and villages in some places.  We cross a large mountain village called Arughat. Gurung and Newar people live in a majority here. The bus service is available for up to Arughat. After Arughat we have to hire a jeep for Machhakhola via Soti Khola. The main part of the journey we follow is the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The landscape of the valley is full of is terraced farm fields.   We pass several villages and small settlements. We spend the night in a lodge beside the bank of the river in Machha Khola. Telephone and mobile phone service are available. We can witness the northeast view of Ganesh Himal from here.

Day 04:  Machha Khola – Dobhan (1070 m) 4-5 hours

From today walking starts. The path still goes along the Budhi Gandaki River. Today we have a short trek. We cross in many places, tributaries or the small streams that finally go to the Budhi Gandaki River. We cross Khorla Besi, in this point the route becomes slippery if the weather is rainy. So we need to walk carefully.  From Khorla Besi we can have a spectacular view of Ganesh Himal.  At Tatopani, there is hot water spring. After this, in some places, we must be careful because the pieces of rock may come down from the hills where landslides have taken place. We cross a suspension bridge over Dobhan Khola and camp beside the river at Dobhan. Dobhan means a meeting point of two rivers or streams.

Day 05: Dobhan – Ekle Bhatti  (1600m) 4-5 hours

The path is slightly uphill, flat and downhill since we are walking in the hilly region of Nepal. The path goes through landslide area in some section of the path where we must be careful because the pieces of rock may come down falling from the cliffs. We have a spectacular view of waterfall on the way. The path goes sometimes along the river too. Along the way, we view the Shringi Himal, a 7161-meter high summit in the north, close to the border with Tibet. We cross a village called Jagat has several lodges. It is a Gurung village.  But we don’t stay here. Maybe we have lunch and stroll through the upper part of the village or visit the Chhyoling Sandu gompa. There is a check post of Manaslu Conservation Area Project. We head to Philim. In Philim, there is a kind of village cinema hall which is often crowded by local people. We can make telephone calls from here. From Philim to walk around 40 minutes to Ekle Bhatti. Spend night at Ekle Bhatti.

Day 06: Ekle Bhatti to  Chumling (2,386m) 5-6 hours 

After Ekle Bhatti we cross the gorge and walk for half an hour then on the right side we get to see the big and beautiful waterfall. Then we enter the pine tree forests. The path slowly descends down to the path going to the Tsum Valley. We climb through pine and rhododendron forests. We enjoy the views of Himalchuli mountains at 7893m and Boudha Himal from Lokpa, a small beautiful village. After Lokpa, the path descends for half an hour towards Lungwa Khola and climbing jig jagged difficult path further two hours north through pines and rhododendrons forest we reach Gumlung. Crossing the Siyar Khola, finally, we arrive at Chumling, from where we can view Shringi Himal. We visit the old Chumling gompa and enjoy walking on the stone-paved streets of the village.

Day0 7: Chumling to Chokhangparo (3010m) 4-5 hours

Today we cross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. We enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. We walk past Rainjam to Serpu Khola crossing another bridge we arrive at the Gho Village.  Another continuous 2 hours’ climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. From here we can again enjoy the views of Himalchuli (7893 meters) and Ganesh Himal (7140m). We spend the night here.

Day 08:  Chokhangparo to Nile (3361m) 4-5 hours 

Since we are walking in the high altitude we need to be careful of altitude sickness while climbing above Chokhangparo. We walk past Lamagaon crossing rope suspension bridge to the Rachen Gompa, which is also well known as Nunnery Gompa too. We make a small visit and then we cross the Siyar Khola. We continue walking through the well-managed villages Lar (micro hydropower), Phurbe and Pangdun. We pass old historic Stupa of Buddha on the way to the village of Chhule. Now we climb upstream and cross the bridge and finally arrive at Nile. If we wish we can make our visit to a famous monastery of Chhule which is located in the top place of the area.

Day 09: Nile to Mu Gompa  (3700m) 2-3 hours

We are now almost close to the Tibetan border. We walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. We slowly climb up to the Mu Gompa. Mu means sky in Tibetan. Hence Mu Gompa means the monastery that lies in the highest altitude. We look round the grand monastery, Mu Gompa first.  Then, we make a visit to the Dhephu Doma Gompa, the nunnery monastery. We visit the rest of the interesting places tomorrow. We spend the night inside Gompa here since the accommodation facility is available for the tourists too.

Day 10: Mu Gompa Rest/ Sightseeing   (3245m) visit  Mu gompa and Ani gereng gompa 

Since it is an open and spacious area in the high altitude, today we have rest here and make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region in the leadership of Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide. Also, this is the destination of this trek. 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, we may also think about getting to the base of Pika Himal (4865m) or we may go for hiking to Bhajyo, a pass from where the views all around are really panoramic. While hiking to Bhajyo we see very big pastures for the Yaks on the way.

Day 11: Mu Gompa 3700m and Chhokangparo 3030m/6-7 hours

Leave your rucksack behind. Make an early start up valley on the west bank, enjoying sunrise on the narrowing valley walls, yaks being put to pasture and a day with just a light pack. The final climb up to the large Mu Gompa (3700m; Mugumba) is through dry Tibetan country, with rows of chortens and widening mountain vistas. This is a large monastery with over 100 monks and an ancient gompa visited by David Snellgrove (Himalayan Pilgrimage) in 1956. If time permits you can also visit Dhephyudoma Gompa (4000m) further west on an obvious track. On three sides now are tantalizing views of the border with Tibet, with frequently used passes to the east (Ngula Dhojyang or Mailatasachin Pass, 5093m) and west (Thapla Bhanjyang, 5104m) just out of sight. Some people climb to Kalung (3820m). Making a daytrip to the passes for a view into Tibet. There are extensive seasonal yak pastures in all directions, the Lungdang Glacier to the east and high peaks in all directions. Return down valley through Chhule, collect your rucksack and continue down as far as Phurbe, but stay on the east bank of the Shiar Khola and cross flat boulder-covered plains to Rachen Gompa (3240m), where it is possible to inspect the ancient gompa if you want. Camping is also available. The older part of the nunnery is more interesting. Families in the Tsum usually have at least one family member as either a monk or a nun. Continue south until a bridge crosses to the west bank then descend again to Chhokangparo.

Day 12:  Chhokangparo to Gumba Lungdang 3200m/5-6 hours

Drop below Chhokangparo on the previous trail for about 2hrs, until a small gompa is reached at Gho (2485m). Descend on a narrow trail to the left through the village and drop to a wooden bridge over the Shiar Khola. Cross the bridge to Dhumje (2440m, Tumje) which has a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. The track onwards climbs just behind the clinic. Climb very steeply on an indistinct track 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 an uphill trail and make a steep zigzag climb through huge silver pines to reach Gumba Lungdang (3200m), perched on a ridge with small cells for the nuns through the beautiful rhododendrons above. This small gompa with 40 nuns has an intense and engrossing puja every night. The mountain views in all directions are amazing. Overnight at Monastery’s dormitory room in Gumba Lungdang.

Day 13:  Ganesh Himal Base Camp 4500m/5-6 hours

Your guide will be required for this trip since the track is poorly marked. Circle from the gompa past the nuns’ housing, drop on dusty or muddy zigzags to regain the lower track and continue up valley on a rocky indistinct track through the forest. Cross the Laudang Khola to the west bank on a rickety wooden bridge and climb steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. There is a hut in a kharka about halfway up, with the track continuing behind it, then up a birch-lined dry creek bed and eventually you emerge into grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa glacier. Continue climbing past seasonal yak huts and you will find a track on the moraine wall that gives superb views of the Cirque of mountains. The camp is somewhere about here. It takes about 4hrs to reach the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200m). The map shows another base camp on the east side of the glacier, but there appears to be no obvious track between them, so return to Gumba Lungdang in time for the evening puja by retracing your steps. Altitude can make this day difficult for some, but the intact forest wilderness and views make it an outstanding trip. Overnight at Monastery’s dormitory room in Gumba Lungdang.

Day 14: Trek from Gumba Lungdang to Lokpa 2240m/5-6 hours

This can be a taxing day so start early. Descend from Gumba Lungdang by the upward track. In Dumje cross the Laudang Khola and stay on the south bank of the Shiar Khola (contrary to the map). Climb over some very deep gorges and shaky cantilever bridges to picturesque Ripchet (2470m; Ripche). Take time to look around at this perched fertile valley of barley and buckwheat with evocative chortens in the fields backed by pine forest. Descend on steep stairs to the lone bhatti Ghumlong (2130m) on the river, which you passed through six days ago. Climb again through the pristine temperature forest to Lokpa (2240m). Overnight at a lodge in Lokpa.

Day 13: Lokpa to Jagat 1370m/5-6 hours

You will descend down towards Philim. You will then trek along the Budi Gandaki River and after few ascends and descends, you will reach Philim. Further, you will descend down, and cross a long suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki River. You will then reach Sirdibas passing through the Gatte Khola. From here, you will go through small villages, and trek on the rocky path to reach Jagat. You will stay overnight at the lodge in Jagat.

Day 15:  Jagat to Machha Khola 870m/5-6 hours

You will descend down to the lower Jagat and trek on the rocky path. You will then cross a suspension bridge and descend down through the forest to reach Yarubagar. You will trek on the rocky trail and walk down through the forest. Further, you cross numerous rivers on multiple occasions and reach Machha Khola. You will stay overnight at the lodge in Machha Khola.

Day 16: Drive from Machha Khola to Kathmandu 7-8 hours by private 4W private vehicle

Today, you will drive back to the Kathmandu on a  vehicle. The route will go through the dusty newly built road to Arughat Bazaar. From here, you will drive towards Gorkha Bazaar with the views of Ganesh Himal ranges and reach Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu.

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)

Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.