
This trek is classic medium grade trek which is considered as one of the best trekking trails in the world. This trek is located in the Mustang district of the Annapurna region. The trail will follow part of famous Annapurna Circuit and reach close to the Mustang border in Kagbeni. During the trek you will be able to enjoy: dramatic mountain scenery; alpine deserts; rice terraces, the Tibetan plateau; turbulent rivers with deep gorges; crystal clear lakes; hot springs; waterfalls and a wide variety of vegetation, including the world's biggest rhododendron forest. In addition, you will be able to observe different cultures and ways of life of people who live in this region, as well as different birds and animals. Another highlight will be our visit to the well-known Muktinath temple used by Hindus and Buddhists.
You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.
After our eight day trek, we will drive to Chitwan National Park, which is situated at south western Nepal and covers an area of 932 Square kilometers. Chitwan is well known as the best wildlife park in Nepal as well as one of the best national parks in Asia. Here you will be able to observe many types of wild animals, and enjoy bird watching, canoeing, elephant rides, and the Tharu village's community and culture.
Facts of the Trek
Total Days: 18 days
Trekking Days: 8 days
Hotel in Kathmandu: 5 days
Hotel in Pokhara: 2 days
Hotel in Chitwan: 3 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Altitude Maximum: 3760m (Muktinath)
Type of Trek: Lodge (Recommended for camping also)
Best season: March-May and September-November
Walking Time: 4-7 hours each day
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 02 : Kathmandu: In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).
Overnight: Hotel
Day 03 : Kathmandu: Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 04 : Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) by tourist coach bus in the morning. In the afternoon, we will visit Devis Falls (the waterfall goes into a very deep and narrow canal), Guptesowri Cave (a very attractive natural cave) and Fewa Lake (second largest lake in Nepal, 1.5 km long) which are the main tourist attractions in Pokhara.
Overnight: Hotel
Drive time: 4-5 hours (200Km)
Difference in Elevation: - 514m
Day 05 : Fly Pokhara to Jomsom and commence trek to Kagbeni (2800m): Jomsom is a big beautiful village with lot of facilities, including a small domestic airport (which is only connected to Pokhara). Jomsom is also the administrative headquarter of the district. From Jomsom, our trek commences for about 3 hours to Kagbeni (2800m). On the way you will see a lot of black fossils or ‘Saligrams’ which local people will offer to sell to you. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very interesting and medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. It is not very far from legendary areas of Mustang and Lo Monthang.
NOTE: Mustang is a controlled trekking region so a separate permit is required to travel in Mustang. Therefore we recommended that you not to walk north of this village because this is border of the Mustang.
Overnight: Lodge
Flight time: 20 Minutes
Walking time: 3 ½ hours
Difference Elevation: 1890m
Day 06 : Trek Kagbeni to Muktinath (3760m): The trek will take about 4 hours to reach Muktinath as we ascend for a couple of hundred meters. On this day, we will enjoy beautiful deserted landscapes, old Tibetan style villages, and the Thorong-La valley. After reaching Muktinath, we can hike to Ranipauwa (3700m) where there is very important site for Hindus and Buddhists. When we reach the Vishnu temple we may see pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +960m
Day 07 : Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m): Heading away from Muktinath we will retrace our steps to Jomsom leaving the beautiful views of Nilgiri and the famous Hindu and Buddhist temple.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m
Day 08 : Trek Jomsom to Kalopani (2560m): Today's trek begins with us passing the government vegetable and horticultural farm below Marpha and continues down to follow the Kali Gandaki River past the beautiful Thakali Village in Tukuche (2590m). From Tukuche we continue along the trail through the villages of Khobang and Larjung, crossing the river twice with good views of Annapurna I before reaching Kalopani (2560m).
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 6 - 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -190m
Day 09 : Trek Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m): Today the trail descends steeply through forest to Ghasa (2080m) and the highlight of the day will be in Rupse Chhahara (1550m) where you can see a beautiful waterfall. The trail will cross many rivers during the day and finally we reach Tatopani (1190) with losing a lot of elevation. Tatopani means "Hot Water" in Nepali and there is natural hot spring down by the river side which is excellent for a relaxing soak.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 6 - 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1370m
Day 10 : Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani (2860m): This day the trail heads upward before we cross the suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River. We will continue upwards passing through many villages on the way including Ghara, Sikha and Chitre villages. The trek is longer than the previous day but you will enjoy the panoramic views which are absolutely stunning. Ghorepani is one of the famous of the short trekking destinations of Nepal, where many people enjoy its breathtaking views.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +2004m
Day 11 : Trek Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga (1540m): In the early morning we will hike to Poon hill (3210m) for the wonderful mountain scenery at sunrise, including Dhaulagiri( 8167m), Fishtail(6998m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II( 7939m), Annapurna III(7555m), Annapurna IV(7525m), Himchuli(6441m), Annapurna South(7219m), Tukuche Peak(6920m), and Lamjung Himal(6986m). From Poon Hill we will retrace our steps to Ghorepani. After having breakfast we will continue our trek, descending to Tikhedhunga (1540m), crossing rhododendron forest and the beautiful Ulleri village. The trek from Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga will be descending all day long.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1654m
Day 12 : Trek Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (820m): This is the last day of trek and we will descend to Birethati bazaar which is situated on the bank of the Modi Khola River. After crossing a suspension bridge we will reach Naya Pul, where our trek will end. We will return to Pokhara by Bus/Van, arriving in the afternoon. In Pokhara, once again you will be able to see panoramic views of Annapurna and Fishtail.
Overnight: Hotel
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Driving time: 1 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: -1654m
Day 13 : Pokhara to Chitwan (815m) by Bus/Van: After breakfast in Pokhara, we will enjoy the spectacular drive to Chitwan National Park. In the afternoon we will visit the Tharu village, museum and in the evening you can attend the cultural program/slide show in Chitwan.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: -5m
Day 14 : Chitwan sightseeing: Today, we will have full day of Jungle excursions, including the elephant back safari for viewing some of the 50 species of animals, including two types of crocodiles, four types of deer, one horned rhinoceros, sloth bears and over 450 species of exotic birds. If you are really lucky you may spot a leopard, Royal Bengal tiger, python or dolphin.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 815m
Day 15 : Chitwan Sightseeing: Today starts with canoeing down the Rapti River, observing many types of birds and animals before we visit the elephant breeding centre. You will also have a chance to take an elephant shower where you will be sprayed with water from their trunks. For the rest of the day you will have free time to shop, explore the Tharu village further or relax at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 815m
Day 16 : Drive Chitwan /Kathmandu (1334m) by Bus/Van: After breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu. Your afternoon in Kathmandu is free for sightseeing and shopping
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +519m
Day 17 :
Bhaktapur and Kathmandu: Today, you will be escorted by our experienced city tour guide as we travel approximately one hour by bus/van to visit the very ancient city of Bhaktapur. After lunch we will return Kathmandu where you will have the afternoon free for sightseeing and shopping.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 18 : Transfer to the airport and departure.
Special Note:
This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget. For the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Chitwan-Kathmandu segments, we can depart by flight or by bus/van.
NOTE:The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.