Cross the Machha Khola suspension bridge and follow the gorge path to the small natural hot springs at Tatopani. Climb over high rocky ridges, cross a steel bridge at Yaru Khant, and navigate a dramatic cantilever cliffside pathway suspended over the churning river rapids. Ascend stone staircases past Dobhan to the paved flagstone village of Jagat to register restricted area permits.

Climb out of Jagat through terraced fields to Salleri for views of Sringi Himal (7,161 m). Drop to Sirdibas, cross the river on a long suspension bridge to Ghatta Khola, and continue to the large village of Philim. Branch east into pine and rhododendron woods, crossing the gorge above the river confluence to reach Lokpa—the isolated gateway settlement to the hidden Tsum Valley.

Descend into the deep gorge of the Syar Khola, crossing suspension bridges through dense forests of hemlock and pine. Climb steadily along stone-cut cliff trails where the canyon narrows dramatically before opening into the fertile agricultural basin of Chumling. Visit the old Buddhist monastery and take in views of Ganesh Himal IV (7,104 m).

Cross the Syar Khola and walk through pine and oak woods past Rainjam to Gho. Climb steadily up a steep stone staircase out of the lower canyon to enter the broad, flat valley of Upper Tsum at Chhokangparo. Settle into your lodge surrounded by fields of buckwheat and barley with panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range.

Walk north along the valley floor past ancient hand-carved Mani walls and chortens. Stop at Piren Phu (Milarepa’s Pigeon Cave), where the saint Milarepa meditated in the 11th century, admiring holy footprints, carved statues, and mural paintings. Continue past Rachen Gompa and the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun to reach the stone hamlet of Nile.

Hike up the barren alpine valley toward the Tibetan border to reach Mu Gompa (3,700 m), the highest and largest monastery in Tsum Valley. Explore its ancient prayer halls and religious library with views of bordering peaks. After tea with the monks, retrace your steps down the wide valley past Nile and Rachen Gompa back to Chhokangparo.

Descend out of Upper Tsum, passing through Gho and Chumling. Follow the Syar Khola gorge path downhill through lush forest, crossing suspension bridges and rock steps to leave the Tsum sanctuary and reconnect with the main Manaslu Circuit trail at Lokpa.

Re-enter the Budhi Gandaki river gorge, walking through dense bamboo and pine forests. Cross the river repeatedly on suspension bridges to reach the village of Deng. Climb through fir woods past intricately carved Buddhist Mani stones to the quiet settlement of Ghap.

Trek through dense rhododendron and oak cloud forests, crossing wooden bridges over cascading waterfalls to reach Namrung (2,660 m), where Nubri culture begins. Pass through Lihi and Sho to arrive in the stone village of Lho, where Ribung Gompa stands framed directly in front of the north face of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m).

Descend into the pine valley past Shyala village, enjoying 360-degree mountain panoramas of Himal Chuli, Peak 29, and Manaslu. Take an acclimatization side trip up toward Pungyen Gompa to view the massive Manaslu Glacier before dropping into the broad, stone-walled village of Samagaon.

Take an active acclimatization hike to the turquoise glacial waters of Birendra Lake. Trekkers feeling strong can continue up the steep moraine ridge to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400 m) to watch climbing expeditions on the glacier. Return to Samagaon to explore the ancient Labrang Gompa.

A short high-altitude walk up the widening valley alongside the Budhi Gandaki. Pass grazing yaks, alpine scrub, and long Mani walls. Cross a wooden bridge over the river and climb a gentle ridge to Samdo, a traditional Tibetan refugee settlement situated just hours from the Tibetan border.

Descend through the valley floor, cross the wooden bridge over the river, and climb past the ruins of the ancient Larkya Bazaar trading post. Ascend the rocky lateral moraine of the Larkya Glacier to reach the seasonal stone lodge clearing of Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi). Rest early to prepare for the pass.

Set out at 4:00 AM under freezing starlight. Climb past frozen glacial lakes and loose moraine ridges to the prayer flags of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Enjoy a 360-degree vista of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Make a steep 1,400-meter descent down loose scree and snow tracks into the wide alpine meadow of Bimthang.

Descend out of the alpine meadows through rhododendron, pine, and oak forests along the Dudh Khola gorge. Pass through the Gurung village of Gho and the stone-walled settlement of Tilije. Cross the suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to join the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani.

Board a private 4WD vehicle from Dharapani, descending the rugged Marsyangdi River canyon past waterfalls to Besisahar. Transfer onto the paved highway driving back to your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara for an evening of rest.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Kathmandu for souvenir shopping in Thamel or sightseeing around UNESCO World Heritage sites before transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight.