Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Naya Pul via Pokhara, and trek to Tikedhunga. We start by driving to the roadhead at Naya Pul where we begin the trek. From here it is a 20 minute walk along the bank of the Modi Khola to Birethanti (1065m), a large village which has many shops and tea-houses. From here the trail continues through the village and then follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495m and shortly after reaches Tikedhunga at 1525m. This is a short, relatively easy day which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.
Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorapani. After yesterday's gentle introduction, today is a hard day with a long climb up to Ghorapani at 2775m. However we take it slowly, rest often, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The trail continues upwards on a steep stone staircase to Ulleri at 2070m. From here the trail leads through thick forest to Banthanti at 2250m, and then continues through oak and rhododendron forest to Nangathanti at 2460m. The trail continues to rise and after approx. one hour reaches Ghorapani. We continue to the main concentration of tea-ouses at Deorali (2834m), a further 10 min walk, where we obtain fantastic views of the surrounding peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Day 3: Ghorapani to Tatopani. After yesterday's ascent, today's walk is a lot easier as it is mainly downhill to Tatopani. However before we set off, we make an ascent of Poon Hill (3210m) to obtain magnificent, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. The walk up to the top of Poon Hill takes approx. one hour but is well worth the effort. From Deorali, the trail descends through rhododendron and magnolia forest, to Chitre at 2390m, and continues down to Sikha at 1980m, and then Ghara at 1705m. From here it is a steep descent of 500m to the Ghar Khola, where the trail then climbs briefly before crossing the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge. It is then a short walk to Tatopani at 1180m. Tatopani is a large village with many well-appointed tea-houses and takes it's name, "hot water", from the hot spring bathing pools on the banks of the river.
Day 4: Tatopani to Kalopani. The trail continues up the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is considered to be the deepest in the world, situated as it is between the two 8000m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trail rises gently to reach Dana at 1400m, and on to Rupse Chhahara at 1550m, where there is a stunning waterfall. The trail then crosses to the eastern bank of the river to reach Kopchepani, but then crosses back to the western side on a suspension brudge at 1935m. From here it is a short climb to Ghasa at 2080m. We continue to ascend and pass through Lete at 2470m, shortly before arriving at Kalopani at an elevation of 2560m. From here we obtain superb views of the Nilgiri peaks to the east.
Day 5: Kalopani to Marpha. We start by crossing to the eastern side of the river, but cross back again further up the trail before entering Larjung at 2560m. We then continue on a short distance to the interesting village of Khobang with it's narrow alleyways. Our lunch spot is the ancient Thakali village of Tukuche at 2590m. From Tukuche we continue up the Kali Gandaki, with the terrain becoming much more barren and the breeze increasing as it passes through the gorge. On the way to Marpha we pass a Tibetan refuge settlement and then a horticulture research station. Marpha at 2665m is a large Thakali village with many excellent tea houses, but it still retains the typical architectural features of narrow alleyways, flat roofs, and whitewashed buildings. There is also a superb Nyingmapa Buddhist gompa which can be visited.
Day 6: Marpha to Kagbeni. We leave Marpha and continue to climb along the side of the valley to reach Jomsom at 2713m. Jomsom is a large, bustling settlement which is the administrative centre of the region, containing the airport, army camp, and numerous hotels, shops, banks and government offices. We cross the river to the eastern bank and continue onwards to Eklai Bhatti at 2730m. From here there is a direct route to Muktinath that ascends the hill behind the village, however we follow the trail along the river to Kagbeni at 2810m. Kagbeni is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki, and is the northernmost village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang. It is a fascinating village with many Tibetan influences.
Day 7: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3817 m.): ¾ hours walk, an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists with a Gompa and a pagoda style Pagoda dedicated to Lord Bishnu.
Day 8: Muktinath to Jomsom (2709 m.): A walk down hill with a dramatic landscape up to Jomsom.
Day 9: Jomsom. Day free.
Day 10: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara. Day free. Overnight.
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All accommodation in Pokhara hotel on Bed and breakfast basis,
- All accommodations at tea houses or lodges with all three meals while on trek,
- Services of a shepa guide and porters (including their fee for the way Back from Jomsom after your flight to Pokhara) tourist bus transfer from Kathmandu To Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu,
- All transfers for trek.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
Sightseeing
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