The Day-by-Day — Exactly How the Trail Feels
Below is the real schedule we use, straight from our field itinerary. Day-by-day routes, exactly as we run them on the ground:
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Kathmandu→Machha Khola |
| Day 2 | Machha Khola→Jagat |
| Day 3 | Jagat→Lokpa |
| Day 4 | Lokpa→Chumling |
| Day 5 | Chumling→Chhokang Paro |
| Day 6 | Chhokang Paro→Mu Gompa |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day at Mu Gompa |
| Day 8 | Mu Gompa→Chumling |
| Day 9 | Chumling→Deng |
| Day 10 | Deng→Namrung |
| Day 11 | Namrung→Samagaon |
| Day 12 | Acclimatization Day in Samagaon |
| Day 13 | Samagaon→Samdo |
| Day 14 | Samdo→Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) |
| Day 15 | Dharamsala→Larkya La Pass →Bimthang |
| Day 16 | Bimthang→Goa |
| Day 17 | Goa→Tilije→Drive to Besisahar |
| Day 18 | Besisahar→Kathmandu / Pokhara |
Before You Lace Up: The Practical Stuff
| Best season | March–May and October–November. Both Manaslu and Tsum are restricted, so permits are fixed-date. |
| Difficulty | Hard due to length and altitude (Mu Gompa ~3,700m, Larkya La 5,160m). Good for experienced trekkers who want depth, not speed. |
| Permits | Restricted Manaslu + Tsum permits, licensed guide, minimum two trekkers. All arranged by us with fixed itineraries. |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and simple lodges; Tsum has very basic, family-run stays — part of its charm. |
| Food on the trail | Dal bhat, Tibetan bread, potato dishes, butter tea in the monasteries. Carry extra snacks for Tsum’s long quiet days. |
| Safety | We build acclimatization at Samagaon and take the Larkya La early. Our guides know the remote clinics and evacuation routes. |
Life on the Trail
We keep groups small and our own guides lead every trek — no outsourced groups. You’ll walk at your own pace, eat well, and actually get to know the places you pass through. That’s the difference between a tick-list trek and one you’ll remember.
Grab the Full Itinerary (PDF)
Want the complete day-by-day exactly as we send it to clients — with every distance, overnight stop and what to pack for each section? Grab our prepared itinerary for this route, free:
Free download · the exact route we run on the ground
What to Pack — The 8 Mountains Packing List
We’ve sent hundreds of trekkers out with this list. It covers the essentials for any of our teahouse treks — adjust for season and altitude.
Clothing
- Base Layer: 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts, 1 thermal wear
- Mid Layer: Fleece or down jacket (optional)
- Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket & trousers, raincoat or plastic poncho
- Lower Body: 2–3 trekking pants, thermal leggings, 2–3 pairs trekking socks
- Footwear: Trekking boots, sandals (can be rented)
- Crampons — provided by 8 Mountains
Headgear & Gloves
- Warm beanie or sun hat/cap
- Sunglasses, buff/scarf
- Gloves
Backpack & Gear
- 40–55L backpack
- Trekking poles — provided by 8 Mountains
Essentials & Accessories
- 1L water bottles + purification tablets or filters
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm
- Personal medicines (very important — bring enough for the full trek + a few extra days)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, menstrual care products, quick-dry towel)
- Power bank
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruits)
Real Questions We Get Asked
What makes Tsum Valley special?
A restricted, Buddhist valley with ancient monasteries (Mu, Rachen), no motor roads, and a profound sense of stepping back in time.
Is 18 days too long?
Not if you want depth. Tsum adds culture that pure-Manaslu treks miss. We pace it so it never feels like a slog.
Permits?
Same Manaslu restricted permits; Tsum is its own restricted zone. All arranged by us.
Ready to walk this trail?
Small groups, local women-led guides, and itineraries built from years on the ground. Message Vivi and we’ll plan it with you.
Author: Vivi
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