U.S. Sherpa International | Nepal Handcrafts, Treks, and Travel Services

Trek Highlights:
The ancient trade route to Mustang and Tibet, up the Kali Ghandaki River, presents one of the most developed trekking trails offering comfortable lodges run by Gurung and Thakali families. Starting from Pokhara, we will ascend the Annapurna foothills through picturesque Gurung villages and continue through lichen-draped rhododendron forest to climb Poon Hill at dawn for spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The trek will pass Tatopani, a natural hot spring that occurs in the local village. As part of our trek, we will have one rest day where you can soak out your hiking cramps and be prepared for another day. Later, we will trek up the deepest valley in the world situated between two Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,788ft.) and Annapurna (8,091m/26,538ft.). As we trek up the Kali Gandaki valley, we’ll pass through the traditional and prosperous villages of Tukuche, Ghasa, Marpha and Jomsom. The Thakalis, a traditional traders, have converted their charming and wonderfully clean homes into trekkers' lodges and are well known as one of the most gracious and successful inn-keepers in Nepal. Past Jomsom, we will 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 wonderful mountain views before taking the flight back from Jomsom to Pokhara.

Itinerary:
Day 1 - KATMANDU: Arrive in Katmandu. Warm Greetings by our family member and drive to guest house. Free rest day with welcome dinner at the house.
Day 2 - KATMANDU: Breakfast at Nima’s house. Sight seen day tour around Katmandu (tour includes Katmandu Durbar Square, Syambunath Stupa, Pashupati Nath & Boudha Nath - Hindu & Buddhist temple). Lunch & dinner provided, Prepare for the next day’s trek
Day 3 - KATMANDU-(Ullari) POKHARA: This is the start of a 13 day trekking. Drive to Pokhara then to a small village called Nayapul. Hike to Ullari and spend a night in Ullari
Day 4 - Ullari-GHOREPANI: The trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to GHOREPANI via very steep uphill.
Day 5 - GHOREPANI-TATOPANI: The trail descends steeply to Sikha, a large village & further descends to 380m to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing suspension bridge it climbs up at Tatopani.
Day 6 - TATOPANI-GHASA: The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river that flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops which are only 38km apart. This trail further ascends to first Thakali village Ghasa.
Day 7 - GHASA-KALAPANI: A steep climb through forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki then to Larjung Village and Kalapani.
Day 8 - KALAPANI-JOMSOM: Today trail cross via Tukche at 2590m and walking further through a governmental established project produces fruits mainly apples and vegetables for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village.
Day 9 - JOMSOM-KAGBENI: The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. The interesting trail along the river all the way to the medieval-looking village of Kagbeni.
Day 10 - KAGBBENI-MUKTINATH: From Kagbeni, the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village. A further climb brings you to Muktinath (a holy pilgrim site for Hindu and Buddhist people).
Day 11 - MUKTINATH-Optional DAY HIKE To Thorung La Summit: We will try for summit to Thorung La Pass (17,500ft) and spend another night in Muktinath. Day 12 - Muktinath-Jomsom: Spend the night in Jomsom village.
Day 13 - Jomsom-Pokhara: Fly back to Pokhara & spend the day in Pokhara
Day 14 - Drive back to Kathmandu and rest/free day
Day 15 - Last day in Kathmandu, shop for the souvenirs and spend day on your own visiting your favorite places and at night, farewell dinner provided
Day 16 - Transfer to the airport for US departure