• Duration:13 Nights 14 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude: 3800m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking and Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Kali Gandaki Trekking

The Kali Gandaki follows the river bed northward to emerge in dry, desert- like Mustang, on the north side of the main Himalayan range. It is essentially the final third of the Annapurna Circuit, done in reverse. The Kali Gandaki is the deepest gorge in the world. It carries water from the Tibetan Plateau southward on its journey toward the Ganges.

This rocky trail between the soaring peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is suitable for people of all ages who are keen to experience the high Himalayas within a reasonably short time and without ascending to extreme altitude. The Kali Gandaki Trek attracts adventure and nature lovers as well as pilgrims seeking Muktinath, which means the place of salvation. The Muktinath Temple is surrounded by 108 natural stone taps and mysterious natural gas fires.

The Kali Gandaki Trek offers insight into the life of ethnic hill tribes. The most prominent ethnic groups of this region are Gurung, Thakali and Manangba. There are ancient monasteries, caves and amazing scenery to explore. If you look closely you will surely see fossilized ammonites along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River valley. Wildlife includes pika, blue sheep and Himalayan Thar. The Kali Gandaki Trek offers an amazing range of elevation which correlates with a remarkable diversity of flora. The trek begins in sub-tropical lowland forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron and fertile rice terraces and climbs up to high alpine meadows and the barren windswept desert of the Tibetan Plateau.

The Kali Gandaki Trek is possible at any time of the year. Unlike other parts of Nepal, this area is not affected by the monsoon since the Upper Mustang falls in the rain shadow area. Like most trekking routes in the Annapurna region, this trail is well facilitated by teahouses.

Travel options: There are several options for the Kali Gandaki Trek depending on your preferences. From Kathmandu it is possible to fly or go by road to Pokhara. From Pokhara, it is possible to fly to Jomsom, or to go by road to a trailhead at Nayapul, and trek to Jomsom. The same options apply to the return trip. Just inform us about your preferences and we will supply the itinerary accordingly.

Highlights of Kali Gandaki Trekking

  • possible any time of year
  • maximum altitude 3800m
  • graded moderate - possible for all age groups
  • natural hot springs of Tatopani
  • culture of ethnic groups of the region
  • a glimpse into restricted area of Upper Mustang
  • splendid views of Dhaulagiri, 8167m, Annapurna I, 8091m, Mt.Nilgiri, 7040m, Annapurna South, 7219m, Annapurna II, 7937m, Annapurna III, 7555m, Annapurna IV, 7525m, Hiunchuli, 6441m, Fishtail/ Machhapuchhare, 6998m, Tukuche peak 6920m, Lamjung Himal 6586m

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room or go for a walk exploring the city.

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel

After breakfast, we visit Bouddhanath, the Stupa of a Million Dew-Drops. We circumambulate the stupa with monks and devotees. Then we Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal 's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. We watch the Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River . After visiting Pashupatinath, we drive to Bhaktapur - the City of Devotees . There is a one big museum in Bhaktapur which is famous for temples, palaces and houses dating back several centurie. Finally, we drive back to Kathmandu 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara early in the morning by tourist bus or Private vehicle passing the River side of Trisuli. It takes about 7 hours to reach in Pokhara valley. We can visit some interesting places like Devi’s Fall, Guptswor Cave, Tal Barahi Temple and boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

Option: We have not included the airfare Kathmandu- Pokhara (USD $125 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalayas where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Pokhara by flight, we give free Airport Drop and Pick up. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Trek to Hile begins at Nayapul after 1 hour driving by private vehicle from Pokhara. After 15 minutes short walk along the bank of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti, a large village that has many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village that follows the north bank of the Budhhi Gandaki Khola. From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hile.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Hile to Ghorepani: A steep ascends up to Ulleri and gradually ascending up to Ghorepani which takes about 7 hours. You will walk the whole day through dense forest of Rhododendron, oak trees and bamboo grooves watching beautiful rhododendron and orchid flowers. You will certainly enjoy the chirping birds and butterflies. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Today, the trek offers you an early morning hike to Poon Hill to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast, you trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani. After descending through the rhododendron forest, fine vistas open up we approach Chitre, with the Dhaulagiri Range straight ahead. The path then leads through terraced fields to Sikha, a Magar village clustered on a ridge. You continue to descend, gradually at first and then more steeply to cross the Ghar Khola. After a short climb, we then cross the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge and from here it is only a short distance upstream to Tatopani. Tatopani takes its name from the hot springs near the river below the village. At Tatopani, you can enjoy the Natural Hot Spring Bath. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

The followed route ascends gently up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, towards the village of Dana which is surrounded by orange groves. From autumn to winter, baskets of these oranges are offered for sale to passing travelers. Just beyond the small hamlet of Rupse, a thundering waterfall cascades down beside the trail. From here, the trail enters the steepest and narrowest section of the gorge, but the layered stone path is well-constructed and wide. When the rock cliffs end, we descend to the river before making the short climb back up to Ghasa. This is the first Thakali village we come across and the houses here are all built in the flat-roofed Tibetan style. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Today, the trek ascends crossing the wide valley of Kali Gandaki. Throughout the trek, you will be enjoying the mighty Rhododendron trees and many ethnic villages with a sparse population of Gurung, Thakali and few Tibetans. On the way to Marpha, we trek along the banks of Kali Gandaki through the apple orchard. Marpha is a big village enriched with a Buddhist Monastery in between the village which has its own cultural importance. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

Today,we trek from Marpha to Jomsom to Kagbeni.  You continue to follow the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki passing through Khobang and Tukuche. Tukuche is a delightful village where narrow alley ways and houses built around enclosed courtyards attempt to provide some shelter from the winds which howl through the gorge. The wind generally picks up after about midday, but will at least be blowing at our backs as you head up to Jomsom. After passing through stone-walled orchards, a stone gate marks the entrance to Marpha. White walled houses line both sides of the narrow paved street, under which flows a cleverly made drainage system. Marpha makes a good lunch stop and the courtyards of the many lodges make ideal resting and refreshment places. The local apple brandy is especially well-known! As the trail continues towards Jomsom, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and impressive with its mixture of browns, yellows and grey, contrasting with the white snowcaps of Tilicho and Nilgiri. By afternoon, the stiff winds begin to blow, hastening our way to Jomsom, to Kagbeni.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

The Trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred Meters. While gradually walking, you can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, Caves, old Tibetan Style Villages , apple Garden , Yaks Herds, Sheep Herds and so on. We enjoy delicious lunch at Jharkot and visit Monastery which is believed to be built in 15 century. Now you head towards Muktinath following steep ascent path for half an hour. You stay overnight at Muktinath village. From here you hike to Rani Pauwa (3700m), an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here you come across Natural flaming which really exhilarates you. At this point, you can see splendid view of Dhaulagiri (8165m), Nilgiri (7061m.) and others. Now you walk for fifteen minutes to reach Muktinath Temple , where you can enjoy a holy bath of 108 Taps.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

We now begin to descenf down the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet . After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. En route, we sight tremendous views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Jomsom is a large town sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River , and it is here we will spend the last night of our trek.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/Lodge

We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a spectacular flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Early morning, we depart from Pokhara Tourist Bus Station to travel back to Kathmandu. If you are interested in continuing on to Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today.

Option: We have not included the airfare of Pokhara – Kathmandu (USD $120 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalaya where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Kathmandu by flight, we give free Airport Drop and Pick up. You need to book this flight before start the trek. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. Check in at the Kathmandu international airport 3 hours prior to your flight time.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Three nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation in Pokhara, Two nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 8 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Annapurna Conservation Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • All ground transfers Kathamndu – Pokhara -Nayapul and Pokhara- Kathmandu.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water , boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.