We hit the road early, driving along the Trishuli River. Terraced fields, tiny villages, and riverside settlements kept popping up—it felt like a postcard. The road was winding, bumpy in parts, but the views made up for it. Machha Khola is small, quiet, a perfect little place to prepare for the trek. The lodge was simple but welcoming. 

First day on foot! Walking along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing a few suspension bridges that swung way more than I expected. Terraced fields, rhododendron forests—it’s like walking through a storybook. Jagat is a tiny village, and the locals were so warm, kids waving as we passed. Stayed in a lodge, had some dal bhat, and felt that trekking life starting to settle in.

Climbing gradually today. Streams, forests, and pastures—everything changing slowly as we gained altitude. Villages with stone houses and Mani walls dotted the trail. Lokpa sits on a hill, and the views are gorgeous. You start to see Tibetan influences here, monasteries tucked into the hills. The lodge had a cozy vibe, perfect after the day’s walk.

Steeper now, through alpine meadows and yak pastures. Prayer flags everywhere, small stone villages, and chortens guiding the way. Chhokangparo feels timeless—like stepping into another world. The lodge looked tiny from the outside, but inside, it was warm and simple, exactly what you need at this altitude. 

The air is thinner now, but the views keep you going. Alpine flowers, distant peaks, quiet streams… Nile is peaceful. Sitting outside the lodge at sunset, looking at the mountains, it felt unreal. 

A side adventure today. Mu Gompa is perched above the valley, and walking up there—wow. The monastery, the rituals, the views—you just stand there and take it all in. Headed back to Nile for the night, tired but happy.

Retracing steps can be funny—things look different coming back. The meadows, streams, and villages felt familiar, like meeting an old friend. Back in Chhokangparo for the night. 

Heading down. Forests, pastures, little villages… the air is warmer, and you notice small details you missed before. Lokpa again, same lodge, same welcome.   

Down more through terraced fields and forest trails. Deng is at the edge of Tsum Valley, small and charming. It’s a good place to slow down, have tea with locals, and watch life here go by. 

Climbing a bit again. Terraced farmland, forests, villages along the way. Namrung is stunning, mountains all around. You can’t help but stop every few minutes to take photos—or just stare. Lodge stay. 

Gentle climb today. Shyla is quiet, peaceful, surrounded by alpine scenery. Perfect spot to rest and acclimatize. Nights are crisp, stars unbelievable.

Hiking through valleys, yak pastures, and scattered villages. Sama Gau has stone houses, Tibetan-style, and views that make you feel tiny. Lodge stay. 

Big day! Either the base camp or Pugen Gumba. Glaciers, moraine valleys, snow-capped peaks—you feel the Himalayas close enough to almost touch. Head back to Sama Gau, exhausted but exhilarated. 

Through alpine meadows and yak pastures again. Small streams, prayer flags fluttering. Samdo is remote, Tibetan in style, last stop before the big pass. 

Rocky trails, high pastures. Dharmasala sits at the base of Larkya La. Time to rest, pack, and mentally prepare—the big day is tomorrow. 

Early start. Larkya La is epic—the highest point of the trek. Views that make your jaw drop. Then a long descent through valleys and alpine terrain. Bimthang feels like a reward. 

Back to forests, terraced fields, riverside trails. Villages dot the way. Dharapani welcomes you like an old friend. Nights feel warm after a long day.

Road time again. Mountains, fields, forests flash by. Besisahar is lively, a little bittersweet—last stop in Manaslu before heading back. Overnight in hotel. 

Scenic drive back to the capital. Hills, valleys, changing landscapes. Kathmandu feels chaotic after the mountains, but in a good way. Spend the evening shopping or just resting. 

Breakfast, airport transfer, and off you go. Leaving with a heart full of memories: the Tsum Valley, high Himalayan passes, Tibetan villages, and the people who made it unforgettable.