Trek along the Kali Gandaki to Muktinath on the border of Mustang - 10 days Kali Gandaki Valley passing through the deepest gorge in the world and finally emerges to the wide valley of Jomsom, a Himalayan Shangri-la. Beginning the trek from Nayapul after a short drive of about 45 minutes from Pokhara the trail passes over the Ghorepani pass and descends down to Kali Gandaki valley. The view of the first ray of sun touching the pinnacles of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Ghorepani is truly spectacular. Along the route, fascinating traditional villages of gurung, magar & thakali will keep you enthralled day after day. Once you reach Jomsom you can either trek to famous Mukthinath temple [ Temple of Lord Vishnu ] at 3710 meter or explore the fascinating villages around Jomsom.
This is an easy trek that can be done any time of the year except during monsoon [July & August.
Trekking Itinerary
Day 01 Drive / Flight to Pokhara
You have to take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight offers awesome view of Himalayan range. Our staff will receive you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Pokhara. You can spend rest of the day indulging in any sorts of activities of your choice.
Day 02 Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri [2000m]
You leave Pokhara by road, driving along the valley of the Modi Khola for about an hour before walking a short distance from the road to 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 have to cross a stream beyond the village and then drop down to the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. Then follows a long, steep and seemingly endless climb up a stone staircase, eventually arriving at the village of Ulleri . From this village, there are fine views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. You get to camp in the terraced fields. [walk approx 5 hours]
Day 03 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 brings you to Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and it is a popular watering spot for mules which ply this route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. Ten minutes walk beyond Ghorepani is a small pass and the village of Deorali . For proper acclimatization, you rest your trekking journey for the day at Ghorepani and overnight at a superb camp site. [walk approx 3 hours]
Day 04 Trek to Tatopani [1190m]
You can catch an amazing sunrise view from an ideal vantage point of Poon Hill. After breakfast, you have to descend to Tatopani through the rhododendron forest amidst the magnificent natural vistas. As you near Chitre, you can feast on the 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 then 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 from the hot springs near the river below the village. [walk approx 5-6 hours]
Day 05 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 cliffs end, you head towards Ghasa, a quaint Thakali village where you have to spend the night. You can see several flat-roofed Tibetan style houses in Ghasa. [walk approx 5-6 hours]
Day 06 Trek to Larjung [2560m]
After breakfast you trek away 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 splendors of this exotic town; tunnels, narrow alleyways and houses built in traditional style make interesting sight. There are several hotels in Larjung.
Day 07 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 sightsee 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 stone-walled 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 lunching in Marpha, you continue trekking towards Jomsom. As you approach your destination, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and impressive with its mixture of browns, yellows and greys contrasting with the white snowcaps of Tilicho and Nilgiri. After dinner, you can overnight at a good hotel in Jomsom. [walk approx 5 hours]
Day 08 Trek to Muktinath [3710m]
After breakfast you resume your trekking along the path up 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 travellers. On trekking further, you enter Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place; Buddhist gompa and pagoda-style temple of Lord Vishnu are the pilgrims' destination. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. There are several hotels and camping places in Muktinath. [walk approx 4-5 hours]
Day 09 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
Heading away from Muktinath, you retrace your path to Jomsom feasting on a magnificent view of Nilgiri. You overnight in Jomsom and take the opportunity to have a farewell party with the crew who you have come to know so well over the last 10 days. [walk approx 3 hours]
Day 10 Flight to Pokhara and Fly / Drive to Kathmandu
You board an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From Pokhara you can either fly or drive to Kathmandu.
Note: The itinerary may flexible during the trek depending upon the clients requirements and fitness.
