Join our classic lodge trek in the Mustang region that includes the world's deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, Jomsom Muktinath Trek. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3800m (12,464 ft) and can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness. Continuing along the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, marvel at the splendid peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri both of which reach heights in excess of 8000m (26,240 ft). Explore the hundreds of years old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Make an adventure starting from world's deepest gorge Kali Gandaki Region into world's highest regions passing through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks.
The initial days of the trek through the Annapurna region ascend through rice terraces and villages inhabited by the indigenous people, mostly the Gurungs. The trek gets interesting in Tatopani where you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs! Then the trek passes through Jomsom and Kagbeni, the entry point of upper Mustang Region. The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m/12,464 ft). The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble water flowing from taps and mysterious natural gas fires that boggle the mind. From here it is downhill to Jomsom village on the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around at the gateway to the "Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang", and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions still in practice. A flight the following day will bring you to Pokhara from where we will have a few hours's drive through the green mountains to Kathmandu.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
DAY 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Blue sky Trekking. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Blue sky Trekking display board at the arrival gate.
DAY 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
We start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square area holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous cremation site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among the foreigners as Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Overnight at Kathmandu. Breakfast (B)
DAY 03: Fly to Pokhara or travel by bus [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhendhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs
We will take an early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna range and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara offer fishing, boating and swimming, the city itself is popular as city of lakes. After taking rest for some time we will drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurungdi Khola, the trail climbs through the sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhendhunga. (B L D)
DAY 04: Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs
From Tikhendhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani steeply up to the village of Ulleri. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really test your stamina! The name Ghorepani in Nepali means "horse-water" owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, so we may begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings. (B L D)
DAY 05: Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs
Ghorepani town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village & further descend to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing a suspension bridge we climb up to Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning Hot Water in Nepali derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among the trekker to sooth their tired leg muscles! (B L D)
DAY 06: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river which flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops which are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara meaning beautiful waterfall and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for the bird watchers. (B L D)
DAY 07: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs
A steep climb through the forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki reach you Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross the trail via Tukche at 2590m and an apple farm project which produces apples and vegetables for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village. (B L D)
DAY 08: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs
The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. From Jomsom onwards it can be very windy in the afternoon and the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs before finally reaching Ekley-bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of easy walking takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. (B, L, D)
DAY 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we will have plenty of scenic picturesque places to stop by. From Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village, with a further climb to Muktinath. (B L D)
DAY 10: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs
Muktinath is one of most important destination for Hindus pilgrimage. It also hold an important place for Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra"or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channelled for the stream running above the temple, there is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. You can enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom. (B L D)
DAY 11: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
After breakfast we check into the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, a guide will transfer you to your hotel. We make use of the rest of the afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. We can walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the sight of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour's walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Overnight at hotel. (B)DAY
12: Drive to Kathmandu
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos! You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catching up on some last minute shopping before a celebration dinner together with Blue sky trekking staff. We will stay overnight at Kathmandu. (B, D)
DAY 13: Final departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalayas again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Blue sky trekking will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)
Price per person: 790 GBP ,US $ 1220
Minimum of 2 people required for this trek.
For groups of 4 or more there will be a reduction of 30 GBR per person.
This includes:
Not included in the price:
· Alcoholic and soft drinks
· Extra personal expenses
· If you wish to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara this will be extra. ( we can arrange this for you)
The initial days of the trek through the Annapurna region ascend through rice terraces and villages inhabited by the indigenous people, mostly the Gurungs. The trek gets interesting in Tatopani where you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs! Then the trek passes through Jomsom and Kagbeni, the entry point of upper Mustang Region. The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m/12,464 ft). The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble water flowing from taps and mysterious natural gas fires that boggle the mind. From here it is downhill to Jomsom village on the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around at the gateway to the "Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang", and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions still in practice. A flight the following day will bring you to Pokhara from where we will have a few hours's drive through the green mountains to Kathmandu.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
DAY 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Blue sky Trekking. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Blue sky Trekking display board at the arrival gate.
DAY 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
We start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square area holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous cremation site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among the foreigners as Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Overnight at Kathmandu. Breakfast (B)
DAY 03: Fly to Pokhara or travel by bus [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhendhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs
We will take an early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna range and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara offer fishing, boating and swimming, the city itself is popular as city of lakes. After taking rest for some time we will drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurungdi Khola, the trail climbs through the sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhendhunga. (B L D)
DAY 04: Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs
From Tikhendhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani steeply up to the village of Ulleri. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really test your stamina! The name Ghorepani in Nepali means "horse-water" owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, so we may begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings. (B L D)
DAY 05: Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs
Ghorepani town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village & further descend to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing a suspension bridge we climb up to Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning Hot Water in Nepali derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among the trekker to sooth their tired leg muscles! (B L D)
DAY 06: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river which flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops which are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara meaning beautiful waterfall and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for the bird watchers. (B L D)
DAY 07: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs
A steep climb through the forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki reach you Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross the trail via Tukche at 2590m and an apple farm project which produces apples and vegetables for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village. (B L D)
DAY 08: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs
The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. From Jomsom onwards it can be very windy in the afternoon and the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs before finally reaching Ekley-bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of easy walking takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. (B, L, D)
DAY 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we will have plenty of scenic picturesque places to stop by. From Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village, with a further climb to Muktinath. (B L D)
DAY 10: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs
Muktinath is one of most important destination for Hindus pilgrimage. It also hold an important place for Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra"or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channelled for the stream running above the temple, there is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. You can enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom. (B L D)
DAY 11: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
After breakfast we check into the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, a guide will transfer you to your hotel. We make use of the rest of the afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. We can walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the sight of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour's walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Overnight at hotel. (B)DAY
12: Drive to Kathmandu
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos! You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catching up on some last minute shopping before a celebration dinner together with Blue sky trekking staff. We will stay overnight at Kathmandu. (B, D)
DAY 13: Final departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalayas again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Blue sky trekking will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)
Price per person: 790 GBP ,US $ 1220
Minimum of 2 people required for this trek.
For groups of 4 or more there will be a reduction of 30 GBR per person.
This includes:
- 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
- Accommodation during the trek
- Insurance and wages for the staff which will includes porters and guides
- Private transportation when you begin and end your trek
- Meals during the trek
- Pick up and drop at airport
- Conservation fee
- Trekking permit
- Transport to Pokhara by tourist bus
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
Not included in the price:
· Alcoholic and soft drinks
· Extra personal expenses
· If you wish to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara this will be extra. ( we can arrange this for you)