Manaslu, Tsum Valley & Annapurna Circuit Trek

Driving time: 11 to 12 hours. We drive to Soti Khola early in the morning from Kathmandu, along a few bumpy roads filled with adventure. The drive offers splendid mountain scenery of the Nepalese countryside and lush greenery.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Making our way through sal forests, we climb onto a ridge above the Budhi Gandaki. The trail continues along a rocky path, up and down past two tropical waterfalls on a steep trail clinging to the side of the cliff. We walk past the scattered Gurung villages of Labubesi. The trail descends to the sandy river bed before climbing steeply over a ridge. From here we go down to the river and cross a suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village, where we spend our first night in a tea house.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. After an early breakfast we follow a narrow trail across the Tharo Khola and on to Khorlabesi. The trail goes up and down to a small hot spring at Tatopani. The route continues over another ridge, crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge, then up a well-crafted staircase, past a landslide area and over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing the Yaru Khola, we climb stone stairs, descend to the river and climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. On the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki we climb over a ridge, walk along the river and then climb to the small village of Jagat.

Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours. We climb a rocky ridge to Salleri, from where the trail descends to Setibas. As we make our way up to the Ghatta Khola the valley widens a bit. From here we go upstream across a long suspension bridge to Philim, a large Gurung village. We spend the night at a tea house.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. The valley narrows as we walk north past Philim through forest. After Ekle Bhatti we walk alongside a gorge and enter dense pine forest. The trail descends as we turn into the Tsum Valley, with views of Mt Himal Chuli through the pine and rhododendron forests. We reach Lokpa, climb further north to Ghumlong and Ripchet, cross the Shiar Khola and finally arrive at Chumling. We explore the old Chumling gompa and walk the stone streets of the village. Overnight in a teahouse.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. Crossing a suspension bridge to the opposite bank, we make our way alongside the Rainjham and Serpu Khola, with incredible views of Ganesh Himal, to the village of Chhokangparo. If the weather permits we enjoy a crystal-clear view of Himal Chuli (7,893 m). We stay the night in a teahouse.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Extra care is needed today, as climbing above Chhokangparo brings a risk of altitude sickness. We walk past Lamagaon to Rachen Gompa amidst lush greenery, then climb to Milarepa's Cave and follow the Shiar Khola to the small scattered village of Chhule. We climb upstream and cross the bridge to arrive at Nile. From Chhule–Nile it is about 5 km and 3 hours' walk to Mu Gompa (3,700 m), only a short distance from the Tibetan border, with Tibetan landscapes and peaks alongside the Ganesh Himal range. After lunch we explore the area. Overnight at a teahouse.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. After an early breakfast we descend to Rachen Gompa, established in 1905. It is one of the largest nunneries in the Shiar Khola valley and holds great importance in the region. The interior is painted with Buddhist murals reflecting the culture and tradition of the region. Overnight at a teahouse.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. The trail continues south to a bridge that crosses to the west bank. From here we descend to Chhokangparo and follow the previous trail down for about 2 hours. We pass a small gompa at Gho (2,485 m), then take the northern route in the lower Tsum Valley and arrive at Dumje. Overnight in a teahouse.

Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours. We continue on the northern route in the lower Tsum Valley, through the village of Dorjon Kharka, before reaching Rana. We cross a large suspension bridge to reach the main valley of the Budhi Gandaki River. Depending on your interest, we can customise the schedule and walk further up to the village of Bihi. We spend the night at a teahouse.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. After an early breakfast we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1,910 m. We pass through dense forests and mani stones. Prok village, our next stop, has a splendid view of Siringi Himal. We follow the trail upriver through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense. The pleasant walk continues and, after a last steep climb, we reach Namrung.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. At Namrung we see the mountains that surround the area, including Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli to the south. A steep climb through dense forest leads to Lihi, followed by a drop across the side valley of Simnang. We reach the village of Lho, with an amazing view of Mt Manaslu, and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. Through lush greenery we come to Shyala village, surrounded by mountains, and on to Samagaon, where we spend the night.

A day for acclimatisation gives us the chance to explore and learn about the local culture of Samagaon village and its people. The trails of the village are lined with mani stones carved with Buddhist prayers and texts, and women in traditional clothes and ornaments give the place its ancient atmosphere. We also visit Pungyen Gompa, an old gompa on a little hill near Sama village with splendid views of the glacier.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. After an early breakfast we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, join the Larkya La trail and pass several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. The trail is easy, above the river through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we see a large white kani; passing through it, we reach Samdo.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. A bridge over the Budhi Gandaki leads to an ascending trail towards the Larkya Glacier, crossing two streams. We go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb again to a stone guest house (4,450 m). It is a gentle and short walk to Dharmashala, leaving plenty of time for acclimatisation and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.

Trekking time: 8 to 9 hours. After breakfast we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers with views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We climb across the moraines of the glacier, a gradual ascent which becomes steeper in the last section to the pass at 5,160 m. We take pictures of the outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. The walk to Bimthang is long, but walking into the beautiful low pastures with the evening mist coming in and Mt Manaslu above is an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Bimthang.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. From a ridge at Bimthang we have very beautiful views of Mt Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We walk down and cross the high pasture (Sangure Kharka). Beyond a bridge over the Dudh Khola we descend into rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley to the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche (2,785 m). We cross a slide and fields before a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2,580 m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Overnight stay at hotel.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. After breakfast we walk along the road, over a small bridge to a stone-paved village and wind among its closely spaced houses. We cross the Dudh Khola and trek along the river embankment. Crossing a wooden bridge back to the northern side, climbing through a chorten-shaped arch and passing a mani wall, we reach Thonje village and its police checkpoint, then continue to Dharapani. Here we enter the Annapurna Circuit section, spend the night and enjoy our mountain food.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. Views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525 m) are the reward of today's hike, as we climb steep forested uplands and cross several landslides on the southern side of the valley. Our destination comes into sight as we approach the large mani wall before Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. Today's trail can be strenuous: the steep, narrow path through thick, lush pinewood may take an hour to get through. There are excellent views of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face, glacial erosion at its finest. The exciting trail carved out of the rocky mountain leads us to the beautiful settlements of Pisang in the Manang valley.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Cut off from the full effect of the monsoon, the upper valley is very dry. The people herd yaks and raise crops for part of the year. We have a choice of two trails that meet in Mungji (3,480 m): the southern route by Hongde (3,420 m) involves less climbing, and the northern route by Ghyaru offers beautiful views along the northern bank of the river. From the junction the trail leads to the hidden village of Braga (3,500 m) and nearby Manang.

After several days of exercise it is important to acclimatise in Manang before pushing on to the Thorong La pass. There are spectacular viewpoints around the village, such as the Gangapurna Glacier, and the monastery has a large number of Buddha statues worth seeing. The village is a trading centre. It is in your best interest to allow yourself plenty of rest.

Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours. From Manang the trail climbs to the village of Tengi, then leaves the Marsyangdi valley for the Jarsang Khola, making gradual progress with altitude in mind. The trail rises moderately past a few summer pastures and scrub juniper above Gunsang, a cluster of flat mud roofs, and continues to the small village of Ghyanchang, where it drops to cross a tributary. After a small wooden bridge and an ancient mani wall, the beautiful village of Yak Kharka welcomes us.

Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours. Today we climb about 500 metres to the foot of the pass we cross tomorrow. The trail zigzags through scrub to rocky debris as we approach the high camp to spend the night.

Trekking time: 8 to 9 hours. A journey of 1,000 m of ascent and 1,600 m of descent, a moment to cherish for the rest of your life. The Thorong La pass (5,416 m), between Thorong Peak and the Yakwakang cliffs (6,482 m), is the crowning point of this trek. Leaving the snowy peaks behind, we head for the dry valley of Mustang to the west, with the Dhaulagiri range on the far horizon. The climb to the icy altitude is tiring but rewarded by amazing views from the top. The descent must be made as carefully as the ascent – first loose gravel, later solid rock.

The important Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath is reached in the late afternoon. Behind a long surrounding wall and thousands of prayer flags is an oasis of springs and trees with a Vishnu temple and a Buddhist shrine: a testament to religious harmony in Nepal. The Tibetan name for this place, Chu Mig Tsa Gye, means "108 springs". A further 10-minute walk leads to the bustling village of Ranipauwa and our tea house for the night.

Trekking time: 6 hours. Today is the last day of our trek and we mostly follow the newly surfaced road. We descend to Kagbeni, an ancient village with beautiful monasteries and centuries-old stone houses, another gateway to Mustang. We follow the Kali Gandaki River all the way to Jomsom. Overnight at a teahouse.

Flight time: 30 minutes. After landing at Pokhara you are transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.

Driving time: 6 to 7 hours.