Kaligandaki Jomsom-Muktinath treks follows one of the most ancient trade routes of the Trans Himalaya, passing through many interesting villages, local people, and traders. The trail also follows through beautiful enchanting forests of rhododendron, oak and pine trees with constant views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain range. We start this marvelous trip in Pokhara which is located in the mid western Nepal. Pokhara, is one of the most unique sub-tropical valley's in the Himalaya, and arguably in the world, where one can marvel the beauty of the Himalayan landscape and reflection of the imposing Annapurna Range, including the towering majestic peak of Mt. Machhapuchare, and its beautiful lakes.

The trail at one time served as a major trade route linking India and Tibet. Yak caravans loaded with salt descended from the Tibetan plateau, while mule trains carrying grain headed up river from Nepal's hills, meeting halfway to barter their precious commodities. The Thak Khola region you enter after Tatopani was the centre of this vital and ancient tradition of trade. It is also the homeland of one of Nepal's most successful ethnic groups, the Thakalis. Thakali tribes are wide spread from Pokhara up to the Mustang region, which used their strategic position on the trade route to great advantage. As you enter the cobbled streets of Marpha, you have entered another world, a reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau. From Jomsom the trail stretches on the Kali Gandaki Valley, and up towards Kagbeni, and Muktinath; a Tibetan-like village with the ruins of fortresses set in the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki river Valley. Headquarters of the Mustang district, Jomsom is an important government centre. In the heart of this scenic, magical valley lies Muktinath, one of the most sacred of pilgrimage places in all of Nepal. Here, the natural elements are displayed in miraculous form; flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burn on water, stone and earth in an offering said to have been first lighted by Brahma, the Hindu creator. The country changes dramatically in the days walk from Dana onwards, with fabulous views of Nilgiri Himal, the Annapurnas, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The culture and the people changes as you reach from higher to lower elevation. Prayer flags and stone chortens (prayer walls) marks the entrance to Tibetan influenced Buddhist villages and clustered around monasteries several centuries old. As the trek enters Tatopani onwards we will be walking on the deepest gorge in the world between the two towering massifs of Dhaulagiri 8,172m and Annapurna 8,091m with only 35 km apart, turning the plunge to the Kali Gandaki at Tatopani from their high top peaks into a staggering 6,660m gorge.
Slowly, this marvelous trek comes to an end near Pokhara with glamorous scenery all the way a short interesting drive brings you at Pokhara and then to Kathmandu. Pokhara Valley. Pokhara is one of the most unique sub-tropical valley in the Himalaya and probably in the world, where one can marvel the beauty of the Himalayan landscape and reflection of the Annapurna massif including the towering majestic peak of Mt. Machhapuchare on its beautiful lakes.. Pokhara is situated in the mid western Nepal. It is linked by the main highway of 200 km driving distance from Kathmandu, and by air approximately 20 to 30 minutes flight with a sweeping panoramic view of the mid western Himalaya. Mother Nature has certainly blessed this fertile valley with outstanding scenery of the landscapes, snow capped mountains, moderate tropical climate, and beautiful pristine lakes of Begnas, Rupa and Phewa.

The most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the magnificent panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Among these high peaks it is the towering majestic Mt.Machhapuchare (Fish Tail) which dominates all others in this range Pokhara with its natural beauty is also a starting point of Nepal's most popular adventure destinations. Most of the trekking, mountaineering expeditions begin from this remarkable place and it's an ideal spot for all types of holiday makers.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival Kathmandu
You will be met by Holidays Destination Travel and Trekking staffs at Airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure for you to explore, Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. A pre-trek briefing will be given this evening.

Day 02- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. (820m).
Today we drive to Pokhara (200km), approximately 7 hours away by tourist bus (a flight is available at an additional charge and takes around 30 minutes). We will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara, an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. We can explore its scenic land on bicycle or on foot as well as taking a boat out on Phewa Lake while the Annapurna Mountains gaze down at us.

Day 03- Trek Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga (1540m)
After breakfast we drive to Nayapul (48 km.) 1.5 hours by vehicle over hilly ridges of Lumle/Kande and walk about 20 minutes to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town. Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans the trail reaches Sudami where we have Lunch. After lunch climb steadily up the side of the valley, reaching Hile at 1495m near by Tikhe Dhunga. Along the way various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if Ghorepani is the objective for the next day it is better to push on to Tikhe Dhunga. There we stay O/N at Tikhe Dhunga local guest house.

Day 04- Trek Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani (2860m)
Breakfast served in the morning around 7am. From Tikhe Dhunga the trail crosses a stream (Bhurungdi Khola) on a suspension bridge to start the long steep climb to the large Magar village Uleri at 2070m. Above the village the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields. There is magnificent rhododendron and oak forests and we lunch in Nangethanti. Thanti is a Nepali words meaning “rest house”. In the winter the trail can be covered with show.  It takes Nangethanti one hour walking to Ghorepani at 2848m. Arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and camp there. There we stay O/N in Ghorepani local guest house.

Day 05- Trek  Ghorepani to Tatopani (1190m)
We will visit the popular viewpoint of the region, Poon Hill (3193 meters). You will wake up early in the morning at about 5am and get ready to go. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the small flat top. You will see the sun gradually rise on the mountains and the views are breathtaking. The mountain peaks you will see are Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri I, and glaciers.Today we walk on the long descent towards the Kali Gandaki canyon while enjoying the cool quiet of the forest as we descend steeply through Chitre, Shikha and Ghara which all offer refreshments and a chance to rest your knees. After about 6000ft of descent, we get to enjoy our first sight of the Kali Gandaki River, which we then cross to reach Tatopani, a village consisting of several clusters of buildings with excellent food, hot springs and nice view of Nilgiri Mountain. Sip a beer as you enjoy a soak, drinking in the wonderful atmosphere and surroundings of the riverside. It is one of the best experiences in the world. There we stay O/N in Tatopani local guest house.

Day 06- Trek Tatopani to Lete (2480m)
Today, we continue up the valley along the deepest gorge at Dana after which the trail becomes progressively steeper and narrow as the river becomes ‘younger’ when it meets the Rupse Chhahra. There is a spectacular waterfall and the geology over here changes. We will continue north along the steep cliff side to Kabre and then to Ghasa (2040m), a sprawling flat-roofed village, which contains teashops and hotels and is the first Thakali village of the trek. It also marks the end of the subtropical vegetation and the beginning of the conifer forests. From Ghasa the trail climbs steadily, but not steeply, and it soon enters the pine forest, crosses a stream on a wooden bridge and climbs for about 15 minutes to Lete, a wonderful place for staying overnight. Sunset views from Lete are magnificent view. There we stay O/N in Late local guest house.

 Day 07- Trek Lete  to Marpha (2670m)
The spread out village of Lete then combines into Kalopani. At Kalopani, we cross the river where it is narrow via a suspension bridge. We aim to reach the pretty village of Marpha today. The trail passes through the interesting Thakali villages of Larjung, Khobang and Tukuche. There are many lodges to choose from over here. After walking for about one and a half hours from Tukuche, we finally reach the charming town of Marpha where we pass by the Agricultural farm, which has introduced new crops in the area. There we stay O/N in Marpha local guest house.


Day 08- Trek  Marpha to Kagbeni (2800m)
From this point northwards, a strong wind begins to blow from about 10am onwards and because of this we to aim to set out early. The trail begins to enter the rain shadow caused by the mountains and the trees become smaller, fewer and grow far apart with scrubs replacing them. As we approach Jomsom the scenery changes again and becomes like a desert. Jomsom is the centre of Mustang that contains several good hotels, bakery shops; army/police check posts and government offices. After about three hours walk along the valley, we reach the Tibetan village of Kagbeni, which is very pretty. We will stay here for the night.

Day 09- Trek Kagbeni to Muktinath (3670m) and back to Kagbeni (2800m)
This morning we head up east with only day packs. Away from the Kali Gandaki River there are views of Muktinath and Thorung Pass in the distance. We pass the traditional village of Jarkot where we stop for lunch and finally reach Muktinath. The Temple here is a point of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus where flame, water and air meet. Enjoy the views before returning to Kagbeni. There we stay O/N in Kagbeni local guest house.

Day 10- Trek Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m)
It takes only three hours to get back to Jomsom. After having lunch, we can stroll around the town or hike up to the next village by crossing the Kali Gandaki village. Jomsom has an ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) office and a museum which are worth a visit. There we stay O/N in Mountain guest house.

Day 11- From Jomsom fly to Pokhara (820m)
After breakfast, we take the flight to Pokhara and transfer to Hotel in Pokhara. There we stay O/N in Pokhara at fine hotel.


Day 12- Drive or fly from Pokhara to kathmandu
After a normal drive of seven hours, we reach Kathmandu. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable Car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple, Malekhu, Dhading and Kathmandu.

Day 13- Transfer to the Airport for your departure.
Holidays Destination Travel and Trekking team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc.


Price determent factor for the Trip
The cost of the Trip depend group size, Category of the trip and your desire (budget). The above itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern, which we provide you. This trekking can be modified according to your time and requirements. The Itinerary may be changed after understanding by both agency and client. Additional activities could be added or reduce as per client's request before confirming the trip. Price for reduced activities could be deducted and additional activities could be added as per mutual understanding. The itinerary mentioned above is published from Airport to Airport services for the betterment of the client. Due to various categories Hotel facilities in the Capital City Kathmandu they may choice for their own and if required through us, we provide the facilities Also. The cost also affects the number of guides and porters.

Thus, please mail us for up to date prices for the above Trip

Cost include

•    Pick up and drop from Kathmandu airport to airport.
•    Daily three meals (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the trek
•    Full board Accommodation of Lodges, Guesthouses in Twin Sharing Bases during the trek
•    Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) entrance permit fee
•    TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) Permit
•    Necessary staff during the trekking period With Experience Guide and Porter
•    25 Kg Luggage free Per Person during the trekking.
•    Trekking porter carry all personal gear and group equipment
•    Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary.
•    An Experienced Government license holder Trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid.
•    Facility of Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all Trekking staff
•    Group medical supplies (First Aid medical kit will be available)
•    English speaking Tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour by private car / van.
•    Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
•    All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes, Local Taxes,  complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary)
•    Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu before departure
•    Domestic airfare (Kathmandu -Pokhara- Kathmandu) or overland journey by tourist bus/car as required.
•    Hotel accommodation according in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per your interest and budget   

Cost Exclude

•    Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
•    Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
•    Travel & Health Insurance (Most recommended)
•    Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
•    Airfare international flights
•    Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
•    Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot shower
•    Alcoholic beverages, Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet
•    National Park entry fee and royalty (for off the beaten Trail and wilderness area) where we need special permit
•    All kind of Personal Expenses
•    Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section

Note- If above itinerary could not meet your need, we can design a tailor made itinerary to suit your needs. Please let us know

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