Kali Gandaki to Muktinath Family Trek

The most flabbergasting trek in the Annapurna and Mustang regions of Nepal is Jomsom Muktinath trek. After the remarkable, tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, your tour will be embarked. We will fly to Pokhara, the beautiful Lake City and begin trekking from there. With the full of joy and curiosity, we trek in the beautiful Annapurna region and gradually enter the Mustang region. Moreover, the quaint villages, cascading waterfalls, lush forests and surprisingly an almost-barren leeward side of the Himalayas make our trip more glamorous then paradise. The peculiar landscape combined with the rich culture of its people makes this trek even more rewarding. The more interesting opportunity of this trek is, we also walk on trails along the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is the deepest gorge on earth, and then visit Muktinath Temple, which is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists alike. It is supposed that while dipping our bodies into the hot spring at Tatopani we will get the solace with some skin recovery.
Because of the diverse geographic aspects and places of interests, Jomsom Muktinath trek is popular trekking adventure in Nepal among the trekkers. This trek allows an opportunity to sight the traditional village Kagbeni, which is the gateway of the Nepal's hidden treasure" Mustang".Plus the adventurous walk to the elevated shrine Muktinath, which is the common pilgrimage for Buddhist, Hindus and Jains is the walk of a lifetime in the elevated region of Nepal. This trek traverses across Kali Gandaki gorge - the deepest gorge in the world. The cultural diversity is another amazing aspect of the trek. 

Trek Highlights 

• The sightseeing tour of heritage sites in Kathmandu allowing you an opportunity to see the effects of earthquake in Kathmandu*
• The trek to Poonhill, which is the most remarkable trekking destination in Annapurna Region for the sunrise view and Himalayan panorama
• The remote trails of Annapurna region that caters extremely diverse landscapes and culture of different ethnical tribes. The cultural outlook trekkers can see includes of, Chettris, Brahmins, Gurungs, Magars and Thakali among others.
• The deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge and the ancient civilization that prospered in Kali Gandaki Valley centuries ago.
• The Apple orchard of Nepal, Jomsom and the villages nearby that includes Kagbeni.
• The panorama of Himalayan Giants including, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri among others.
• The fun of walking and ultimately the most sacred destination for the devotees of many religions, Muktinath - (The temple of salvation)

Can I Accomplish This Trek?
This trek will be highly suitable for family with different aged. This is the easy trek for all aged people. Advanced Adventures Nepal kindly request to all the clients to prepare themselves for Kali Gandaki to Muktinath Trek 15 day/s by jogging and exercising regularly at least 3 months prior to the start of the trek. If you have the subtle experiences on walking /trekking in high altitude, environment this trek will be really easier. Your Past hiking experiences may be worthy but you need special technical skill for this trek.

To accomplish the trek you should have good health with average physical fitness, positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination. If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases please kindly inform us before booking the trip. We are highly conscious of your health and safety. You can have the experiences of a more demanding and challenging episode while in Trek.

Customize Your Own Trek!
This trek itinerary provided here is a standard itinerary prepared to this trip but if you want to customize your own itinerary for this trekking adventure at your timeline and interest, do write us, and we will be very pleased to customize this trek to your need. We are more than happy to customize this trip to your requirements.

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu 
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft 
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, we meet and brief your upcoming trek with us. Evening we host welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with local music and ethnic dance. Over night at Kathmandu. 

Day 02 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley &Trek Preparation day 
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft 
Activities: Sightseeing tour
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we start our guided city tour of Kathmandu capital; we visit the main highlighted and most interesting part of the city which is recommended by the UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal. We visit Pashupatinath Nath (Greatest Hindu Temple), Bouddha Nath (Biggest Buddhist Stupa of the world- a prime Stupa of Buddhist pilgrimage), Kathmandu Durbar Square (Historical part of the city) & Monkey Temple- has a great 260 degree views of Kathmandu valley (Buddhist and Hindu center- a place of religious harmony). Afternoon, return back to the hotel, refreshed up, check your trekking equipment (hire or buy as per required), trekking preparation. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 
Altitude: 822m/2696 ft 
Activities: 5-6 hrs drive
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

We depart to Pokhara by tourist bus 7:00 in the morning. This drive is through the local highway, via through local villages, small hills, and riversides. This drive takes approx of 6 to 7 hours. Once reaching to Pokhara bus park, we transfer you to the hotel in Pokhara at the lakeside. Explore remaining time with lakeside and over night at Pokhara.

Day 04 Drive to Nayapul & trek to Tikhadhunga 
Altitude: 1,577m/5,173 ft
Activities: 3 to 4 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we take a short drive continues along with the great scenery passing through several countryside villages all the way up to Nayapul, wherefrom our adventure begins from the warm sub-tropical region and follows the Modi River to Birethanti where you can see the confluence of the two rivers of Modi and Bhurungdi Khola. We trek to Bhurungdi Khola with scenery of waterfall, high green forest and follow the stabilized trail and after 3-4 hrs continuing walk will reach at Tikhedhunga village for overnight stay.

Day 05 Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani 
Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The morning we prepare for the long uphill and start with steeply ascends on the long stone steps to Ulleri village with the amazing landscape and Annapurna Himalayan scenery. This scenery gives you inner power to climb up these steps and immerse you to walk more. After few hours of the long hard climb with several breaks in between reaching at Ulleri village, from here the path is gradual on the winding trail through the cool shade of forest and stream sound, we continue walk in the midst of the giant rhododendron forest and finally reaches you at Ghorepani for an overnight stop. Ghorepani Deurali is a busy spot on the ridge in the midst of the beautiful rhododendron forest, offering fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range. 

Day 06 Early hike to Poon Hill and trek down to Tatopani (1190m/6528 ft)
Altitude: 3210m/10528ft at Poon Hill
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning, we start our hike up to Poon Hill, one of the panoramic view point of this Annapurna.  En-route offering the glimpse of aurora walking through the pleasant rhododendron forest. Pun hill named after the hill tribe Pun, inhabitants of Ghorepani/Shikha village. This is a wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalaya of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and all the way to Manasalu Himalayan range. It is picturesque Himalayan scenery and good memorable moments spending an hour to the top. After a great time return back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek to onward destination, Tatopani.  

From Ghorepani crossing Chitre (2420m), the trail continues descends towards Phalate (2390m) and down to Sikha, you will meet a large Magar village. The trail makes a gentle descent to Tatopani. There you are able to relax in the natural hot springs.

Day 07 Tatopani to Ghasa 
Altitude: 3210m/10528ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trail starts up the Kali Gandaki Valley and from Tatopani; the route goes to Dana (1450m) a predominately Magar village, though there are a few Brahmins living there. This gorge is the deepest valley of the world - where you would also see the hydroelectric power station at this gorge valley. After Dana, you will reach Rupse Chhahara, the place famous for its beautiful waterfall and onward you will get Ghasa. Overnight at Ghasa.

Day 08 Ghasa to Larjung 
Altitude: 2560m/8398 ft
Activities: 4-5 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Crossing several small ups and down you will be at Lete (2470m) and then you will enter Kalopani  (2560m). The trail goes to Larjung (2560m). Over night at Larjung.

Day 09 Larjung to Jomsom
Altitude: 2710m/8,890 ft
Activities: 4-5 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trail goes towards Khobang (2580m) and enters the large village of Tukuche (2580m) which is a large Thakali village. As the trail proceeds, you can see the Agricultural project established in 1966 after this you will reach Marpha (2680). Following the Kaligandaki River, you will finally get to Jomsom (2760m). In Jomsom there an Airport, Mustang Eco-Museum, ACAP visitor center and permit check post. Overnight at Jomsom.

Day 10 Jomsom to Kagbeni 
Altitude: 2804m/9197ft
Activities: 3-4 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trial to Kagbeni is easy, flat and also windy. In Eklaibhatti you will find a few lodges on the bank of Kaligandaki River and going a little bit onwards you will reach Kagbeni which is the entrance of Upper Mustang (Lo- Manthang). Explore this typical local thakali village and overnight at Kagbeni.

Day 11 Kagbeni to Muktinath
Altitude: 3710m/12168ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Climbing steeply up the Jhong valley you will join the direct trail to Muktinath from Eklebatti and reach to Jharkot. Then the trail climbs to Muktinath which is the most famous religious place of Hindu as well as Buddhist people. Here you will see the big temple of Lord Vishnu and near to the temple there is a heliport also. Overnight at Muktinath.

Day 12 Muktinath to Jomsom 
Altitude: 2710m/8890ft
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Return back to Jomsom along the Kaligandaki River. Over night at Jomsom.

Day 13 Jomson - Pokhara by Trans Himalayan 
Altitude: 822m/2696 ft 
Activities: 25 minutes flight
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

This morning. We fly back to Pokhara. This flight is a Trans Himalayan flight- approx of 25 minutes. Remaining time, relax. Our guide will take you to visit some interesting sites of Pokhara- Davis Fall, Guptashor Cave, Barahi Temple and boating at Fewa Lake. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 14 Pokhara to Kathmandu Distance of driving: 6-7hrs Drive back to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft 
Activities: 5-6 hrs Drive
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

This drive is approx 5 to 6 hours through the local highway. Relax. Evening we meet you again, commence about your trip with us, take your trip feedback. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 15 Departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft 
Meals: Breakfast

Today, our trip comes at the end. You will be transferred to the airport to your onward destination. Or, join us with another adventure or ask us for the assistance of the other additional activities you would be interested in.

“End of our services”
 

Cost Includes:

• All ground transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle (Including airport pick and drop) 
• 03 Nights twin sharing Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
• Welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant- Traditional Dance & Music & Farewell Dinner at one of the finest restaurant in down town
• Annapurna Conservation Areas Project (ACAP) Permits & Fees & TIMs card
• Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu transfer by deluxe tourist bus (Lunch will be provided)
• 02 Nights twin share 3 star deluxe hotel in Pokhara with breakfast plan- Hotel Pokhara Batika or similar 
• Pokhara- Nayapul drive by private vehicle (Trekking Starting Point) 
• Kaligandaki to Muktinath Trek on full board of meals (B, L, D, tea /coffee in cups only), seasonal fruits etc. 
• Kaligandaki to Muktinath Trek accommodation in comfortable Mt. Lodges & Guest Houses on twin share- (Nights in Ghorepani, Tatopani, Jomsom & Muktinath will be in attached bathroom/hot shower)
• Jomsom- Pokhara flight, air transfer and taxes 
• One Advanced Adventures Trek Leader (Gov. Licensed, first aid, altitude trained/experienced and eco trained), assistance leader/s in a group, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance 
• One trek porter to carry trek luggage’s for every two trekkers in a group, all payment, trekking equipment and insurance 
• Sleeping Bags and Down Jacket for Trek use (Need to return after trek), Trek Duffle Bag and T- shirt, Trekking Maps & Adventure Certificate 
• Group Medicine kit Box, with AMS Medicine 
• All Gov. and local taxes as applicable 
• Final departure transfer from Kathmandu to airport on your departure

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa, International flights in/out Nepal 
• Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara (If any) 
• Cost of beverages such as mineral water, coca cola, Beer etc., cost of battery charge, laundry etc. on trek 
• Travel insurance (Must include Helicopter evacuation, Medical Exp. and trip cancellation) 
• Personal trekking gears 
• Personal nature expenses & Tips 
• Any extending trips

Important Trip Notes & Activities
Pleased acknowledge that you are joining us for the adventure trip in remote Himalayan region, where weather conditions, health and fitness of the member or unexpected natural disaster can compel us to change the itinerary and if so you have to understand it but we would try our best to keep the suggested itinerary as per the original schedule.

Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our prime concern while travelling with us and we ensure you our best team, logistics, professional services to make sure that you would have an amazing trip of lifetime with us. Also note that our trip leader deserved the final decision if the trip has to amend, change the route or cancel due to the extreme conditions for the safety precaution. However, he will try his best to ensure that the trip runs as according to the stated plan but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.

Experience & Fitness Required
This trip is not a difficult. No previous trekking experienced is required but if you have, it is a great plus point. This trek is a non technical walk. The highest height you would reach on this trip is 3800m from sea level. The walk involves a lots of ups and downs, takes you through local villages, farming lands, terraces, and river side but as long as you have strength of walking for 4 to 6 hours a day, you are qualified for the trek however you should be having a moderate health and fitness.

We strongly suggest travelers to consult with your medical doctor before travelling and do the regular check up of your health and report us while booking a trip with us. A part of the health and fitness, participant must be having a positive attitude and strong determination for the successful trip.

Passport & Visa Information
Nepal visa is the easiest visa to obtain; you may buy your Nepal visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad or buy this upon on arrival to Kathmandu international airport as per your convenient. You have to have 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US cash & valid passport at least for 6 months valid at the starting of the trip.

Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Download visa form-: www.nepalimmigration.gov.np

Group Size
In this Kali Gandaki to Muktinath Trek, the minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is ten or more on request. We can also organize private trip to solo person with single supplement cost. Else, join our estimated group departure dates available online or ask us with your personal dates, we will open group date on the same date.

Our Guides, Trip & Safety
Because these hikes take you on the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified & equipped leader for the safe and successful trip. We Advanced Adventures employee the local trek guide and stuff who are trained and qualified on the trip we worked on. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Gov, certify from TAAN & Nepal Mountaineering Association. All of our leading Trekking and Climbing Guide are experience from last 8 to 10 years. We have train them specially for your trip, to cater the flexible needs of our peoples in the group joining from different countries, this double assure you that your trip is at the right and professional hands.

At every trip, there would be our one Trek leader and one assistance leader on each additional 2 peoples on the trek- this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/ assistance guides get sick or if any travelers gets sick and need to be back or delay the days of walking, it would still works smoothly and there would not be any impact on our original trek plan. Also each two trekker would have one Sherpa helper for carrying your trekking bags.

Acclimatization 
There is no way to prepare for altitude other than to spend time at altitude. Being in very good physical condition will help ameliorate some of the exhaustion that people often feel, but it will not prevent altitude caused medical problems such as Acute Mountain Sickness. This itinerary is designed with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in mind and to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure trek in the Himalayas. Staying well hydrated and getting plenty of rest may help. 

The maximum elevation of this trek will be reached at Muktinath at the altitude of 3800m above sea level. Obviously this altitude range is high, but as we would be e range of altitude, and we are hiking from the 820m to this altitude range with enough days of hiking en route, it is not considered a high risk zone for AMS. However, AMS could affect to the peoples indifferently. 

Travel Insurance & Vaccination:
You must obtain personal travel insurance to join us for our Himalayan trips. You must be having a travel insurance which must cover helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and medical expenses. And it is suggested that you buy your insurance policy from you homeland country before traveling as it is difficult buying local travel insurance policy for foreigners in Nepal. 

Vaccination is required to plan to your trip to Nepal but it is not a must to have thing to come, but highly suggested. Your doctor will have the information of vaccination you would require to the country you will be traveling. 

Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid and Malaria etc. are the recommended vaccination for traveling to Nepal. 

Meals and Accommodations
While in Kathmandu and in Pokhara, your accommodation is at 3 star deluxe hotel that comfort your stays in city and while in trek, your accommodation is at Mt. Lodge and Guest House which is clean and comfortable. Our entire accommodation is at twin share unless stated but single supplement accommodation is also available on personal request at the additional cost of US$- 250.

In city, only breakfast is included on the offered trip itinerary but while in trek full board of meals is included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, and Tea- Coffee). We provide you food from the local tea- house/ Mt. Lodge from en route. Breakfast and dinner is to be provided from the same tea- house/ guest house we would overnight but lunch would be en route in between.

Foods provided are depends on the availability of the Mt. lodges we would be staying but in general, you can have Nepalese foods (Dal Bhat), Tibetan fried bread, various soups, Momo’s (steamed dumplings), potatoes, pastas and even a version of pizza! So, over all you have a different choice of food on trek.

Trekking Seasons
We do have two best seasons to attempt this Kali Gandaki to Muktinath Trek. We always suggest you to come at the right time of the year as far as possible to enjoy this trip at best weather condition. 

Spring: - (March, April, May) - Best warmest time to trek. Rhododendron flowers in bloom- excellent trails and clear skies, best visibility. Good Temperature, warmest weather of the year.

Autumn:- (Mid September, October and November) - Excellent trails, clear blue skies, best visibility. Best Time to Trek

Winter Months: - (December, January and February) are also good, but it’s obviously colder. You have to be prepared for this. It is up to you to plan this trek at this cold time or not.

Summer: - Monsoon, so rain and visibility can be a big issue (from Mid June, July and August). We do not suggest you this time for the trek.

Caring Porter
Our porter are fully equipped and insured for each trip they are undertaking with us. As you know that we are very sincere with the porter issues and their situation while on trek thus we make sure that our porter are fully prepared for the trip. We are closely working with International Porter Progress Association for the welfare and befit for the touristic porters. The maximum load carried by our porter is 20 to 25 KG maximum so be sure that your trekking bag so not load more than 12 KG.

To Book
Once you would choose which trip you would like to book with us, write us with the information or phone us on our phone number for the trip booking confirmation. We have online trip booking option, you may go on that link, choose your trip and date and follow the instruction with information required and summit us. Once your trip booking request would be received, we would suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment of the trip. Non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected adventure.

Please do not hesitate to contact us in relation to any questions you may have regarding our trip booking Process