Kathmandu to Sotikhola (700) via Arughat (608m)
Driving time: 11 to 12hrs
we drive to Sotikhola early in the morning from Kathmandu. We make our way through a few bumpy roads filled with adventure and thrill that will keep us from dozing off in the bus. It is an 11 to 12 hours’ drive to Sotikhola, which offers us splendid mountain scenery of the Nepalese countryside along with lush greenery.
Sotikhola to Machha Khola (869m)
Trekking period: 6 to 7 Hours
Making our way through the Sai forests, we climb onto a ridge above the splashing Budhi Gandaki. The trail continues along a rocky path as we climb uphill and downhill passing through two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of the cliff. The trail is a fun-filled, thrill-full journey that explores every path of the region. On our way, we walk past the scattered Gurung villages in Labubesi. The trail descends towards the sandy river bed right before climbing steeply over a ridge. From here, we make our way down the river and walk across a swinging suspension bridge to reach the Machha Khola village where we will spend our first night in a tea house.
Machha Khola to Jagat (1410 m)
Trekking period: 6 to 7 hours
After an early morning breakfast, we step upon a narrow trail as we cross the Tharo Khola River and make our way towards Khorlabesi. The trail goes up and downhill as we come across a small hot spring in Tatopani, which is absolutely delightful. The route continues over another ridge, crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. We then come across a well-crafted staircase, after which we move past a landslide area over a ridge to Dobhan. Walking along another ridge over the splashing Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then descend to a river and climb few more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. The trek from here takes us up to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki as we climb over a ridge after which we walk along a river and then climb towards a small village at Jagat in a tea house
Jagat to Lokpa (2240m)
Trekking period: 3 to 4 hrs
our journey continues as we embark upon a rocky ridge to Salleri, from where the trail descends to Setibas. As we make our way up to the Ghatta Khola, we feel the valley widening a bit. From here, we make our way upstream passing through a long suspension bridge, leading us to Philim, a large Gurung village. Here from we have to walk a slightly up path on a narrow slope, a trail that is vulnerable to landslides, so a careful steps to Lokpa.
Lokpa to Chumling (2363m)
Trekking period: 4 hours.
We walk towards the Pass Lokpa as we climb further north through pines and rhododendrons, leading us to Ghumlong followed by Ripchet. We cross the Shiar Khola and finally arrive at our destination for the day, Chumling. We explore a few old Chumling gompa and walk in the stone streets of the village Overnight in Teahouse.
Chumling to Chhokangparo (3010 m)
Trekking Period: 5 to 6 hours
walking across a suspension bridge onto the opposite bank, we make our way alongside the Rainjham and Serpu Khola. We come across incredible views of the Ganesh Himal on our way, which leads us to the village of Chhokangparo. If the weather permits, we get to enjoy a crystal clear view of the peak of the Himalchuli which lies at an altitude of 7893 meters. We stay the night in a Teahouse.
Chokhangparo to Niley (3361 m), or Mu Gomba via Milarepa cave
Trekking times: 6 to 7 hours
Extra precaution is required today as climbing above the Chokhangparo hits trekkers hard with the altitude sickness. We make our way past the Lamagaon to the Rachen Gompa amidst the lush greenery. From here, we climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave followed by the Shiar Khola. The trail brings us to a small scattered village of Chhule, after which we climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at the Niley. Niley to Mu Gompa (3700m) 3 hours walks). We are only a few steps away from touching the Tibetan border from here. We climb to the west bank of the valley admiring the Tibetan landscapes that move alongside us and do not leave our sight. We climb up to the Mu Gompa from where we make our way to Bhajyo, a remote area which only has yak farmhouse and no local houses which is quite fascinating. As we walk up the trail we now see amazing Tibetan peaks as well along with the Ganesh Himal range. After having our lunch, we explore the area. Overnight at Tea house.
Niley to Lama Gaun (3302m)
Trekking period: 4 to 5 hrs.
After an early breakfast, we continue our trek descending down to Lama Gaun. We walk most downwards today. On the way we will visit one of the famous Buddhist Gompa of the region, Rachen Gumba, it is one of the largest nunneries in the Shiar Khola Valley and holds a great importance in the region. The interior of the Gumba perfectly painted with Buddhist mural paintings which reflect the culture and tradition of the Buddhist ancestries. Overnight at Teahouse.
Lama gaon to Chumling(2363 m)
Trekking period: 5 to 6hrs.
The trail continues south until we come across a bridge that crosses to the west bank. From here, we descend to Chhokangparo which is followed by a descent to the previous trail for about 2 hours. We come across a small gompa at Gho (2485 m). We then take the northern route in the lower Tsum Valley and we finally arrive at our destination, Chumje,,Yaju, and Dumje, Via Ripchet to Chumling Overnight in Teahouse.
Chumling to Deng (1860m)
Trekking period: 6 to 7 hrs.
We will trek down to the river and after getting across we have to make an ascent through bamboo, pine and beautiful rhododendron forest. We will walk along the walls on a newly installed cantilever bridge above the river Budi Gandaki that connects Lokpa. After that we will walk down a narrow path carved on a cliff to Deng. One is advised to be very cautious on this trail. We will see Shiringi Himal and Mani walls at in Deng at Gurung village.
Deng to Namrung (2630m)
Trekking period: 6 to 7 hours
after an early morning breakfast, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana which lies at an altitude of 1910 m. We pass through dense forests and mani stones admiring its aura that surrounds us through every step. The Prok village which is our next stop has a splendid view of the mighty Siringi Himal again. We follow the trail which goes up a river through a dense forest. After crossing the river, we come across an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge and the forest becomes less dense. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb, we reach at Namrung.
Namrung to Samagaon (3530 m)
Trekking period: 6 to 7 hours
At Namrung, we get to witness the beautiful mountain peaks that surround the area including Mt. Siring, Mt. Ganesh Himal and Mt. Himal Chuli which lies in the south. En route, a steep climb to Lihi, we pass through a dense forest which is followed by a drop moving past a valley Simnang. Along our way, we step in the village of Lho from where we get an amazing view of Mt. Manaslu, and we also get to explore the famous Ribung Gompa. As we make our way through the lush greenery, we come to Shyala village, which surrounds us by mountains that provide us with an opportunity to take photos of the beautiful Samagaon. We spend the night here.
Acclimatisation Day at Samagaon
A day for acclimatization gives us an opportunity to explore and learn about the local culture of Samagaon village and its people. The trails of the village are filled with mani stones with Budhhists prayers and texts carved in it and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments set the ancient and antique ambiance of the region. We climb up from Samdo which leads us to one of the trade passes to Tibet, offering us a mesmerizing view of the mighty Himalayas including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru. En route, we will pass numerous types of wildlife and birds. We also visit an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa) that lies on a little hill near the Sama village which has splendid views of the glacier.
Samagaon to Samdo (3975m)
Trekking period: 4 to 5 hours
after an early morning healthy breakfast, we descend down to the Budhi Gandaki River as we join the Larkya la Trail and pass several mani walls. From here we observe the valley beginning to widen up. The trail gets easier to pass as we continue walking above the river passing through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. The trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and steeply climbs onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch here, we can enjoy the view of a large white kani. Finally making our way through the kani, we reach our destination, Samdo. Overnight at teahouse.
Samdo to Dharmashala (4460m)
Trekking periods: 4 to 5 hours
a bridge over the Budi Gandaki leads us to an ascending trail towards Larkya Glacier. En route we stumble upon two streams. We make our way around the valley of Salka Khola and climb up again to a stone guest house (4450 m). It’s a gentle and short walk up to Dharmashala, leaving us plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight at Dharmashala.).
Dharmashala to Bhimthang (3590m)
Trekking period: 8 to 9 hours
after a healthy breakfast, we make our way to a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we get to witness mesmerizing views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. To get to our destination, we climb across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper in the last section of the pass. This is the highest point of the trek that lies in an elevation of 5160m. We take pictures of the outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. To walk up to Bhimthang is longer relatively, but walking into the beautiful low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu, is an unforgettable experience which makes the trekking look short and we reach Bhimthang in no time. Overnight at Bimthang.
Bhimthang to Gho (2515m)
Trekking period: 5 to 6 hours
We spend some time in Bhimthang admiring the incredible views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. After that, the trail descends through a thick jungle further more crossing a high pasture followed by a swinging bridge over Dudh Khola. We then make our way through the fruity smell of the rhododendron forests that leads us towards a narrow valley. We pass across fields before taking a steep climb over a ridge takes us to the sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A few more uphill climb finally takes us to our destination, Tilije, where we spend the night at an elevation of 2300m.
Gho to Tal (1700m)
Trekking period: 5 to 6 hours
after an early morning breakfast, we climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through villages. We experience the authentic local culture of the village and continue our journey crossing over the bridge over the flowing Dudh Khola. The trail from here ascends through a chorten-shaped arch, subsequently passing a mani wall and reaching the Thonje village at last. We continue a gradual walk along the river crossing a few bridges until we reach the village of Tal that is situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Today we end our trekking activity so we can celebrate dining together one last time in the hills if you wish.
Tal to Kathmandu
Driving time: 7 to 8 hours
we drive to Kathmandu and end our trek.
