Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.
Day 3 Fly Pokhara and drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri [2000m]
It takes around 30 minutes to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. While flying to Pokhara, you can enjoy the fantastic views of shimmering mountain ranges and spectacular landscapes below you.You will be met at Pokhara airport by your trekking crew. A short drive of about 45 minutes brings you to a trailhead at Birethanti, a busy village of lodges, shops and houses. You commence your trek with a gradual ascent along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. You then leave the river and follow a trail along the upper edge of terraced fields through Hille to Tikedungha. Thereafter, you cross a stream beyond the village and then drop down to the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. Then you climb a long, steep and seemingly endless stone staircase, which eventually leads you to the village of Ulleri. From this village, there are fine views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Day 4 Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
As you ascend along the path that leads to a forest, you will find Annapurna South, hidden by a ridge. Beyond Banthanti, there are magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron. After crossing several crystal-clear mountain streams, you arrive at the village of Nangathanti. Another few hours of trekking through the forest, you reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a popular watering spot for mules, which ply this route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. A ten minutes walk takes you to a small pass and further to the village of Deorali. For proper acclimatization, you rest at Ghorepani.
Day 5 Trek to Tatopani [1190m]
You can catch an amazing view of the sunrise from an ideal vantage point of Poon Hill. After breakfast, you descend to Tatopani through the rhododendron forest amidst the magnificent natural vistas. As you near Chitre, you get an awe-inspiring view of Dhaulagiri range. The path then leads through terraced fields to Sikha, a Magar village clustered on a ridge. You continue descending, gradually at first and then more steeply to cross the Ghar Khola. After a short climb, you cross the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge and from thereon, it is only a short distance upstream to Tatopani. Tatopani takes its name after the hot springs near the river below the village.
Day 6 Trek to Ghasa [2000m]
You have to follow the trail that ascends gently up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, towards the village of Dana, which is surrounded by orange groves. En route, you come across local people selling baskets of oranges. Just beyond the small hamlet of Rupse, a thundering waterfall cascades down beside the trail. Thereafter, the trail enters the steepest and narrowest section of the gorge. You will find the layered stone path well-constructed and wide. As the rock cliff ends, you head towards Ghasa, a quaint Thakali village. You can see several flat-roofed Tibetan style houses in Ghasa. [Walk approx 5-6 hours]
Day 7 Trek to Larjung [2560m]
After breakfast you trek from Ghasa towards Larjung. Few hours of descents soon follow other rock-strewn ascents through forests of fir, cypress and juniper along the riverbank of Kali Gandaki. As soon as you reach Larjung, you cannot help but marvel at the architectural grandeur of this small town; tunnels, narrow alleyways and houses built in traditional style presents an interesting sight.
Day 8 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
You begin to trek along the trail that follows the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki, passing through Khobang and Tukuche. Yet again, you get to see narrow alleyways and houses built around enclosed courtyards as a protection against the unpredictable wind of the Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail further meanders through stonewalled orchards. Soon you will come across a stone gate that marks the entrance to Marpha. You can spot several white-walled houses. Marpha has well-maintained drainage system and is most popular for its local apple brandy. After a lunch in Marpha, you continue trekking towards Jomsom. As you approach your destination Jomsom, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and impressive with its mixture of browns, yellows and greys contrasting with the white snowcapped peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri.
Day 9 Trek to Muktinath [3710m]
After breakfast you resume your trekking along the path up to the vast gravel riverbed of the Kali Gandaki. You come across a stream and verdant vegetation. On crossing a small ridge to Chhancha Lhumba at 2730 meters, you continue heading towards Muktinath. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri dominates the view as you ascend to Khingar (3200 meters). More meadows, streams and lush vegetation can be seen along the trail as it paves to Jharkot (3500 meters). You encounter the ruins of the Dzong and pristine villages of Purang and Changur. As you trek past mule stables and steep barren hillside, you enter Ranipauwa. Ranipauwa for years has remained an ideal resting point for pilgrims and travelers. On trekking further, you enter Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Pilgrims flock to the Buddhist gompa and pagoda-style temple of Lord Vishnu . Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 10 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
Heading away from Muktinath, you retrace your steps to Jomsom taking on the magnificent view of Nilgiri. You stay overnight in Jomsom. In the evening you celebrate the completion of your trek with the crew, whom you have come to know so well over the last 9 days.
Day 11 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Fly/Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
You board an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From Pokhara you can either fly or drive to Kathmandu. The flight takes around 30 minutes and the drive takes around 6-7 hours.
Day 12 Depart Kathmandu
You can indulge in souvenir shopping, sightseeing or other personal activities until your departure. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. |
The Jomsom-Muktinath-kaligandaki trek takes you along the Kali Gandaki to Muktinath Temple on the border of Upper Mustang, which is popularly known as the Himalayan Shangri-la. 
