You will begin your journey with a day of rest, allowing you to recuperate and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. During this time, you'll also receive an orientation session, where you'll be introduced to your dedicated Trek guide and provided with essential paperwork. This orientation will help you understand the project and ensure you're prepared for the adventure ahead.

You'll have a day free to prepare for the upcoming trek. This includes time for shopping, packing your essentials, and enjoying a city tour to soak in the local sights and culture. Use this day to gather any last-minute items you may need for your journey and to familiarize yourself with the city before embarking on your trek.

We'll kick off early in the morning with a drive to MachaKhola, the entry point for Tsum Valley. This scenic route marks the final valley accessible by road before the trekking journey begins. The drive is estimated to take around 10 hours from Kathmandu, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Prepare for a memorable journey as we make our way to the starting point of our adventure.

Our trek from Machha Khola spans a distance of 22 kilometers, with an estimated duration of 7 hours. As we begin, the trail undulates, crossing the Tharo Khola river en route to Khorlabesi. Continuing on, we'll encounter more ups and downs, eventually reaching the Tatopani hot spring. From there, a climb over another ridge and a crossing of the Budhi Gandaki river via suspension bridge leads us to a staircase followed by navigating a landslide area and ascending over a ridge to Dobhan. After crossing the Dobhan Khola on another suspension bridge, we'll ascend further along the trail to Duman. Continuing on, we'll reach Yaru Khola, ascending once again to cross the Budhi Gandaki. A suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola awaits us, followed by more climbing until we reach Tharo Bharyang. From there, we'll cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki and trek onward until we reach Jagat, which houses the office of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and a police check post. This leg of the journey promises stunning landscapes and varied terrain as we make our way through this captivating region.

Our journey continues with a trek covering a distance of 18 kilometers over approximately 7 hours. Departing from Jagat, we'll reach Salleri within 30 minutes before setting out towards the breathtaking Shringi Himal range. Crossing a lengthy bridge, we'll ascend to Philim, a significant village nestled on a small plateau within the Tsum Valley. Philim boasts essential amenities such as a check post for the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, a Japanese-funded school, a community health post, and a small hydro plant. As we trek beyond Philim, we'll encounter picturesque farmland before reaching the village of Ekle Bhatti. The valley narrows, treating us to the magnificent sight of cascading waterfalls. Continuing along the trail for approximately two and a half hours, we'll cross a metal bridge spanning the Budhi Gandaki river. Here, we'll face a choice: turning left would lead us towards the Manaslu circuit, but we'll opt for the right turn, guiding us into the enchanting Tsum Valley via the narrow valley of Syar Khola. As we ascend to Lokpa, we'll be greeted by stunning landscapes and a panoramic view of the majestic Ganesh Himal mountain range. Prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty and tranquility of this remote region.

The next leg of our journey spans a distance of 11 kilometers and is estimated to take around 5 hours. The trekking trail from Lokpa to Chumling presents a challenging and rugged terrain, weaving through dense forests and undulating landscapes. Our path will follow the Shia Khola, navigating steep ascents and descents amidst towering pine trees. Descending slowly towards the river, we'll traverse a cantilevered metal bridge fixed to a cliff face. This section of the trail faced isolation in 2016 when the river eroded its banks, cutting off access to the Tsum Valley for several months. Upon crossing the suspension bridge over the Syar Khola, we'll arrive at Chumling. This quaint village is steeped in Buddhist culture and tradition, boasting an ancient monastery, traditional houses, stone-paved streets, and mani walls. Despite its remote location, Chumling is equipped with essential amenities including a school, a small clinic, and prayer flags that flutter in the breeze, offering a serene atmosphere imbued with the essence of Buddhism. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this captivating village.

Our journey continues towards Lama Gaun, a trek of approximately 10 kilometers that will take us around 6 hours to complete. Along the way, we'll be treated to refreshing vistas of Lumbo Peak, Himal Chuli, and the impressive Ganesh Himal range, including peaks I, II, and IV. Trekking through dense pine forests, we'll encounter challenging terrain, particularly as we face a long, relentless uphill climb to Chopangparo. Passing through Rainjam and crossing the Serpu Khola via a bridge, we'll reach the picturesque Gho Village. From there, we'll trek for another 2 hours, ascending towards Tsum Valley until we arrive at the village of Chhokangparo. If weather conditions permit, we'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal from Chhokangparo. Our final destination for the day, Lama Gaun, is just a 30-minute trek from Chhokangparo. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, we'll spend the night, rejuvenating for the adventures that lie ahead. Get ready for a memorable evening immersed in the beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

Rest day at Lama Gaun

On your first day, we'll begin by introducing you to the project site, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the initiatives and objectives. You'll have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the project team and gain insights into the work being undertaken. Throughout the day, we'll ensure that all necessary steps are completed, including scheduling and touring of the project site. This will involve discussing timelines, objectives, and logistics to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the project. By the end of the day, you'll feel fully informed and prepared to contribute to the project's goals. We'll strive to make this introduction both informative and engaging, setting the stage for a productive and rewarding journey ahead.

You will actively participate in the project according to the schedule and planning that has been outlined. We will ensure that you are well-prepared and supported throughout your engagement in the project.

You will actively engage in the project activities according to the schedule and planning provided. In the evening, after your project involvement, you'll have the opportunity to further immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. You can choose to attend a cultural show, where you'll witness traditional performances and learn more about the rich heritage of the region. Alternatively, you may opt for a home visit, allowing you to experience firsthand the daily life, customs, and hospitality of the local community. Whichever option you select, it promises to be a memorable and enriching experience, offering deeper insights into the vibrant culture of the area.

After concluding your volunteering duties at the project site, we'll embark on a trek to Mu Gompa, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Our trek will include a stop for lunch at Nile Village before continuing towards Mu Gompa. The trail from Nile to Mu Gompa will take us around 2 hours, leading us to the last village of Tsum Valley situated above Syar Khola. Upon reaching Mu Gompa, we'll have the opportunity to explore the monastery, immersing ourselves in the teachings of Buddhism through religious texts. The statues of Avalokiteshwara, Guru Padmasambhava, and Tara will captivate us, providing a moment of spiritual rejuvenation amidst our journey. The breathtaking scenery of Longnang glacier and the yak pastures will leave an indelible impression, impossible to fully capture in words. We'll also have the chance to visit the historic Dhephu Doma Gompa, which dates back 600 years and houses meticulously preserved ancient Thangkas. From Mu Gompa, we'll be treated to an excellent view of the majestic Ganesh Himal mountain range, further enhancing our experience. After soaking in the beauty and serenity of Mu Gompa, we'll trek back to Lama Gaun, where we'll conclude the day's adventures and reflect on the remarkable sights and experiences we've encountered along the way.

As we ascend back to Chumling, we'll traverse familiar paths, perhaps noticing new details and perspectives along the way. Once we arrive in Chumling, we'll settle in for the evening, reminiscing about our adventures and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the local community.

We ascend back to Philim, retracing our familiar path and noticing new details in the landscape. Upon reaching Philim, we find comfort and rest in the village's familiarity, settling in for the evening and reflecting on our journey.

We ascend back to Dhoban. Upon reaching Dhoban, we settle in for the evening.

We'll conclude our adventure in the Tsum Valley by departing from Dhoban and embarking on a drive back to Kathmandu. A private reserved vehicle will transport us, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.

A rest day in Kathmandu with certification distribution.