TREKKING AT ITS BEST

Jomson to

Trek Description Trek details This 10 day trek is the part of the Circuit that follows the the harsh and rugged landscape of the Kali Gandaki gorge into the greenery of Trek dates the spectacular forested lands of the Thakali people, to the fertile terraced Daily fields of ’s middle hills. Start with a view of the sunrise over the An- napurna and ranges on your flight to . Your trek takes you Season first to holy , the place where fire, water and air meet and pilgrims September to July from Nepal, and India all come to pay homage. You can then experience the diverse cultures and natural landscape by trekking back down to Pokhara, Duration literally crossing the following the Kali , which forms 10 days the deepest gorge in the world.

Trekking grade Highlights of the trek Easy -This trek is part of the , following the Kali Gandaki -Explore beautiful Kagbeni village. Maximum altitude -The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath. 3800m -Apple Brandy at -View of Dhawagiri Ice flow Starting point -The world’s deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley Jomson -Natural hot spring at Tatopani Finishing point Detailed itinerary Pokhara Itinerary can be customized according to your needs and length of stay. Trek style (accommodation) Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu Tea House Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, transfer to your hotel. A short briefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your itinerary. Trek code Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby S1 sanctuaries or resting.

Day 02 - Sightseeing Cultural Day in Kathmandu Half day sightseeing around Kathmandu. Your guide will escort you on a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines that reflect the ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalised. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

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Day 03 - Fly to Pokhara Drive or fly to Pokhara, where the afternoon is free to enjoy the views of Lake Phewa. Take an optional boat trip on the lake or a microflight to see the Himalayas up close.

Day 04 - Fly to Jomsom [2713m] and trek to Kagbeni [2840m] If the weather is clear, you will be called by your guide for a ride to a local hilltop for a spectacular sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhalagiri ranges. Then fly to Jomsom, where we begin our trek to Kagbeni. The trail follows the river to Eklai Bhatti and then on to the medieval-looking town of Kagbeni. This town has closely packed mud houses, dark tunnels and alleys and a large ochre-coloured gompa perched above the town. We will stay in one of the guesthouses operated by the hospitable Thakali people of this region. (3 hrs).

Day 05 - Trek to Muktinath [3800m] Today we will ascend 900 metres to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage place for Hindus and Buddhists. We will first walk through Khingar (3400m) and then to Jharkot (3500m), which is an impressive fortress- like village. We will continue our way to the first part of Muktinath, known as Ranipauwa, where we will stay the night. There will be time to explore the area and see some of the holy Hindu places such as Jwala Mai Temple, with a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas (4 Hours).

Day 06 - Trek to Marpha [2665m] Today’s trek bring us to Marpha, home to many apple orchids as well as all the various food products made from the fruit. Apple Brandy is a local specialty that you may be lucky enough to taste en route (6 hrs).

Day 07 - Trek to Lete [2470m] This day will be a rewarding day when we trek further down the Kali Gandaki valley alongside the Kali Gandaki river to Ghasa. We will pass the villages of Tukuche (2580m) and Larjung (2560m). We then cross the Kali Gandaki river on a high suspension bridge and continue through an area covered with fir, juniper and cypress trees. Near the village of Kalopani (2530m) we will have splendid 360˚ views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. After crossing another very long suspension bridge (107 metres long) we will reach Lete/Ghasa, our base for this night (6 hrs).

Day 08 - Trek to Tatopani [1160m] Today our trek leads us through the steepest and narrowest part of the Kali Gandaki valley. Much of the way is cut through solid rock and subject to frequent landslides. Before we reach the village of Dana (1450m) we pass the Rupse Chhahara (beautiful waterfall). Descending farther down past several landslides we will reach Tatopani, meaning hot water, which is situated on the riverbank. We will stop here to make the most of a well deserved bath in the hot springs (be sure to bring a bathing costume). (5 hrs).

Day 09 - Pokhara Today we go by 4WD to Pokhara, where we overnight at Lake Phewa (6 hrs).

Day 10 - Pokhara to Kathmandu We return to Kathmandu.

The trek program is – because of weather or unforeseen events - subject to change. www.itreknepal.com TREKKING AT ITS BEST

Services & costs NOT included in price

International airfares Travel/trekking insurance Excess baggage charges more than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights Visa fees Airport departure tax Rescue charge Drinks (Cold & Alcoholic) Expenses of personal nature Permit & Liaison officer fee (where applicable)

Services & costs included in price

Airport pick-up and drop-offThree night's Hotel accommodation and breakfast in Kathmandu Licensed and trained trekking guides Porters for carrying goods and supplies All accommodation during the trek All meals, mineral water on trek and hot beverages Transportation to and from trailhead All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable) National Park/Conservation Area entry permit Equipment such as sleeping bag, tents and mattresses Cooking equipment Camp-site charges Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your Insurance plan)

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