Highlights
+ remote "before it's gone" Tsum Valley
+ Tsum Valley exploration
+ adventurous Tsum Valley exit
+ steep gorges and high waterfalls
+ endless spectacular mountain views
+ peaceful, scenic wilderness camps
+ many exploratory day/side trips
+ diverse scenery and cultures
+ stunning Larkya La crossing
+ gompas galore
+ 6 rest-exploration days
+ several shorter trek days too
+ no domestic flights
Travel basics
2023: show airline COVID vax cert/test
e-visa before/on arrival and arrival form
pay USD125 visa fee on arrival
we handle all other permits & entry fees
Grading
max altitude 5135m+
max sleeping altitude ~4500m?
rough, challenging trails
strenuous trekking
insurance: hiking/trekking
understand your health risks
city dengue season: Aug, Sept, October
2023 details
8 Oct-10 Nov, 34 days USD4480
Tilicho extension: ask
trip deposit: USD750
Start and end in Kathmandu, airport code KTM
Max 9 bookings
hotel extra nights USD70/80
2024 details
Please ask
Preparation
trek gear discussion
Nepal visa
trekking intro
Leader
Jamie McGuinness
Mobile: +977 98021 49789
Arrival hotel
Hotel Thamel House
Our service includes
airport transfers
hotel in Kathmandu, single with breakfast
1 night Bandipur, twinshare
group transportation by private vehicle
entrance fees and permits as needed
Kathmandu group dinner
Expedition-style trek includes
all meals, afternoon tea and hot drinks
roomy single tent / large double for couples
horse-mule porterage
very experienced crew
Nice touches included
fresh coffee for breakfast
filtered drinking water
thin mat to protect your air mattress
our special comfy dining tent
and more unique Project Himalaya comforts
Our qualified guide carries
pulse oximeter
water filter (saves you buying bottles!)
first aid kit including altitude meds & antibiotics
first aid book
Our service excludes
insurance, Nepal visa, other meals in Kathmandu
additional hotel nights due to delays
international flights, equipment rental, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, laundry, tipping and other items of a personal nature
Tips & extra cash
allow approx $50 per day for Kathmandu meals
we suggest 5% of the trip cost per trekker for the crew tips pool
Day 0 - early arrival
Arrive early to recover from long flights, shop and to sightsee.
Day 1 - Sunday 8 Oct - Arrive Kathmandu
We meet you at Kathmandu airport, transfer to the hotel and now you can relax.
2 - Kathmandu 1350m
The office gets the permits today while we relax. There is optional morning sightseeing and we have a briefing this evening.
3 - drive Machha Khola 890m
Starting early, after a bumpy day of driving, we sleep in a lodge.
4 - trek Yaru camp
Prepare for a steamy day's trekking, but shorter than the usual haul to Jagat. (Might an umbrella be useful?)
5 - trek Ekle Bhatti via Philim 6.5 hrs
Again, a longer, hot day but not as long as many itineraries. "Sports recovery beverages" are recommended!
6 - trek Chumling 2400m 7 hrs
We leave the main Manaslu circuit and head into Tsum and cooler air.
7 - trek Chhokang Paro 3030m 5-6 hrs
8 - trek Nile 3350m 4-5 hrs
9 - trek Mu Gompa 3700m 3 hrs
Some necessary acclimatization and a good time to have a rest day too.
10 - trek Kalung ~3800m
We leave villages behind to camp in the wilderness (or alternatively have a rest day near Mu Gompa).
11-12-13 - explore
Depending on local advice, we camp in the same spot - or move higher, so as to explore to the top of several passes to Tibet.
14 - trek Nile 3350m / Lamagaon 3300m
We head down, still with incredible views in teh steep-sided valley.
15 - trek Gumba Lungdang 3200m
We turn off the main route again.
16 - rest-explore Gumba Langdang
Up the valley, the in your face of Ganesh Himal views just get better.
17 - trek Chumling or further
We position ourselves for tomorrow's adventure.
18 - trek Lokpa 2240m / Dorjan Kharka 2740m
The mules and crew take the regular route. For other who revel in spectacular small trail trekking, we take the shortcut. Have the locals built a convenient small lodge? There are rumours.
19 - trek Bihi 2130m (/Rana)
We converge with the mules and kitchen crew again.
20 - trek Prok 2375m
(Well above Prok is a lake ...)
19 - trek Namrung 2630m
A shorter trek day but there are alternative trails.
22 - trek Hinang Gompa ~3230m 4 hrs
We head off the main trail for stunning Himal Chuli views (thank you, Richard).
23 - trek Lho 3180m 3hrs
Explore or soak up the panorama in the morning then trek to Lho.
24 - trek Pung Gyen Gompa ~4000m 5 hrs
More unbeatable views!
25 - trek Sama 3520m 3 hrs
A half day walk so more time to explore.
26 - trek Samdo 3875m
En route, we check out Birendra Tal, and other possible options too.
27-28 - rest-explore Samdo 3875m
There are several valleys to explore!
29 - trek Dharmasala 4460m 3-4 hrs
30 - trek Bimtang 3590m via Larkya La 5135m 8-9 hrs
A long, tough but rewarding day as we cross the pass.
31 - trek Tilje / Dharapani
Lets see where it is best to stay.
32 - drive Bandipur
We break up the drive with an overnight in delightful Bandipur.
33 - drive Kathmandu
We will get back to the hotel sometime in the afternoon.
Day 34 - Friday 10 November - depart
Annapurna Circuit extension
As the trek ends on the Annapurna Circuit, there is the option to continue in the lodges to Tilicho and/or the Thorung La to complete the Annapurna Circuit. Please ask.