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The Kaligandaki Valley, also known as the Jomsom and Muktinath area, is situated to the north of Pokhara. The area is excellent for trekking, whilst being a lot quieter than other, more popular, trekking routes.
There are some of the most dramatic close-up views of some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world. Highlights include witnessing a magnificent sunrise at Poon Hill, descending to the hot springs at Tatopani and the world's deepest gorge, where the powerful Kali Gandaki River has cut deep through the Himalaya between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. mountain views abound, as well as a view of the huge Dhaulagiri Icefall.
As we trek up the Kali Gandaki valley we pass though the traditional and prosperous villages of Tukuche, Ghasa, Marpha and Jomsom. The Thakalis, a traditional trading people, have converted their charming and wonderfully clean homes into trekkers' lodges and are well known as some of the most gracious and successful inn-keepers in Nepal. Past Jomsom we reach the arid Tibet-like landscape of Mustang. At Muktinath, set below the Thorung La pass, we have a day to explore the temple and villages and enjoy the wonderful mountain views. Finishing our trek along one of the major pilgrimage and trade routes between India and Tibet, we experience local traders as well as Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, making the end of our adventure as amazing as the beginning.
THE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is for guidance only, as things are subject to change at the last minute. We will, however, endeavour to keep as close to this as possible.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet our staff and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing about the trek/tour. (D)
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing. Optional (price included) sightseeing trip to Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and then to Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu Temple and finally to Bhaktapur, a typical Newar village where the culture has remained unchanged for many years. (B)
Day 03: Kathmandu to Lumle and trek to Tirkhedhunga (1,540m). After the short morning drive to Lumle by bus, we walk through meadows and terraced fields to Birethanti, where we enter the Annapurna Conservation Project area. From here, the trail crosses the Bhurungdi Khola, past the village of Hille, and then on to Tirkhedhunga for the night. "B,L,D"
Day 04: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,750m). Today the walk takes you up an impressive number of stone steps to the village of Ulleri. This pretty slate-roofed village, offering superb views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, is largely comprised of Magar People. They are Tibeto-Burman in origin and are very skilled craftsmen in stone wood. The trail now climbs less steeply and after a short while reaches Banthanti, where a few tourist lodges and tea houses are situated. After here, a lovely rhododendron forest begins, which is really spectacular in March and April. About two hours later the trail reaches Ghorepani. "B,L,D"
Day 05: Ghorapani to Tatopani (1,180m). Today's walk takes us to Tatopani and its famous hot springs. However, before we set off, we make an ascent of Poon Hill (3210m) to obtain magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The early morning walk up to the top of Poon Hill takes approximately one hour and is well worth the effort. Following this, we follow the trail through rhododendron and magnolia forest, eventually arriving at Tatopani. This is a large village with many well-appointed tea-houses and takes it's name, which means 'hot water', from the hot spring bathing pools on the banks of the river. These give a very relaxing end to the trekking day. "B,L,D"
Day 06: Tatopani to Kalopani (2,560m). The trail continues up the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is considered to be the deepest in the world as it is situated 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 passes through a number of villages before arriving at Kalopani at an elevation of 2560m. "B,L,D"
Day 07: Kalopani to Marpha (2,665m). Today 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 refugee 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. "B,L,D"
Day 08: Marpha to Kagbeni (2,810m). 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 an airstrip, 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 will 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. "B,L,D"
Day 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,800m). From Kagbeni we make a steep climb up the Jhong Khola valley and join the direct trail to Muktinath just below Khingar at 3200m. From here we continue on the trail high above the Jhong Khola to the imposing village of Jharkot at 3500m. This village is well worth exploring and so we will stop here for lunch before continuing on to Muktinath. From Jharkot the trail climbs up to our ultimate destination of Muktinath at 3800m. We initially reach Ranipauwa where there are many tea houses and shops, and where we stay for the night. The actual religious site of Muktinath is a further 10 minutes walk up the hill and this area is kept free of hotels and camping sites. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists alike, and the area includes a Buddhist gompa and a Hindu temple. "B,L,D"
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,713m). Today we descend to Jomsom with great views of Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki river. The rest of the day is spent exploring this busy town."B,L,D"
Day 11: Morning flight to Pokhara (850m). On this day we fly through the biggest gorge in the world. During the flight you will have an opportunity to see snowcapped mountains and beautiful landscape. The flight to Pokhara takes just 25 minutes. The afternoon is free for you to explore Pokhara. Overnight Hotel. "B"
Day 12: Pokhara at Leisure. This day is for you to spend relaxing around Pokhara, perhaps boating, hiking to the World Peace Monastery or just relaxing in a restaurant by the lake. This day is also a back-up in case our mountain flight from Jomsom is delayed due to bad weather. (B)
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu. We take the afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. (B)
Day 14: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 15: Drive to the airport for your journey home. (B)
PRE-TRIP MEETING.
We wll be offering at least one informal pre-trip meeting, at a date and location to suit group members. This will be so that everyone can get together and meet prior to the trip, at a place where we can walk or climb, as well as having a meal and a beer or two in the evening.
FLIGHTS
This trip is priced excluding international flights. This is to allow a flexible approach for anyone wishing to travel out early, stay on later, or join from another country. We will, however, give you full help and guidance in booking an appropriate flight, and this often means that many of the team will travel together. Further details will be supplied with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline you should allow a cost of around £600 for a return flight from the UK.
COST
The cost for the trip KTM-KTM is TBA
To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071.
DATES 2008
TBA
WHAT IS INCLUDED
International airport pick-up and drop-off.
Welcome and farewell dinners.
3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Tea house accommodation during the trek.
Sightseeing with English speaking guide.
Sightseeing entry fee and transport.
Bus transport to trekking start point to Pokhara.
Flight ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Tea House accommodation during the trek.
Highly experienced and first-aid trained English speaking trekking guide.
Meals as detailed above (B,L,D).
Conservation permit.
Trekking registration certificate.
Required numbers of porters including insurance and equipment.
Meals/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipment for guide/cook/porters.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights.
Personal trekking equipment.
Meals other than mentioned above.
Drinks and bar bill.
Tipping.
Personal insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and visas.
Airport departure taxes.
Any other things that are not mentioned in 'included'.