ANNAPURNA - KALI GANDAKI - JOMSOM TREK

"Journey on the ancient trans-Himalayan salt trade route and through the world's deepest gorge"

Our trek follows one of the most ancient trade routes of the Trans Himalaya, passing through many interesting villages, local people, and traders, donkeys and mule trains.

The trail also follows through beautiful enchanting forests of rhododendron, oak and pine trees with constant views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain range. We start this marvelous trip in Pokhara which is located in the mid western Nepal. Pokhara, is one of the most unique sub-tropical valley's in the Himalaya, and arguably in the world, where one can marvel the beauty of the Himalayan landscape and reflection of the imposing Annapurna Range, including the towering majestic peak of Mt. Machhapuchare, and its beautiful lakes.

The trail at one time served as a major trade route linking India and Tibet. Yak caravans loaded with salt descended from the Tibetan plateau, while mule trains carrying grain headed up river from Nepal's hills, meeting halfway to barter their precious commodities. The Thak Khola region you enter after Tatopani was the centre of this vital and ancient tradition of trade.

It is also the homeland of one of Nepal's most successful ethnic groups, the Thakalis.

Thakali tribes are wide spread from Pokhara up to the Mustang region, which used their strategic position on the trade route to great advantage.

As you enter the cobbled streets of Marpha, you have entered another world, a reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau. From Jomsom the trail stretches on the Kali Gandaki Valley, and up towards Kagbeni, and Muktinath; a Tibetan-like village with the ruins of fortresses set in the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki river Valley. Headquarters of the Mustang district, Jomsom is an important government centre.

In the heart of this scenic, magical valley lies Muktinath, one of the most sacred of pilgrimage places in all of Nepal. Here, the natural elements are displayed in miraculous form; flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burn on water, stone and earth in an offering said to have been first lighted by Brahma, the Hindu creator.

The country changes dramatically in the days walk from Dana onwards, with fabulous views of Nilgiri Himal, the Annapurnas, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The culture and the people changes as you reach from higher to lower elevation. Prayer flags and stone chortens (prayer walls) marks the entrance to Tibetan influenced Buddhist villages and clustered around monasteries several centuries old.

As the trek enters Tatopani onwards we will be walking on the deepest gorge in the world between the two towering massifs of Dhaulagiri 8,172m and Annapurna 8,091m with only 35 km apart, turning the plunge to the Kali Gandaki at Tatopani from their high top peaks into a staggering 6,660m gorge.

Slowly, this marvelous trek comes to an end near Pokhara with glamorous scenery all the way a short interesting drive brings you at Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

Pokhara Valley

Pokhara is one of the most unique sub-tropical valley in the Himalaya and probably in the world, where one can marvel the beauty of the Himalayan landscape and reflection of the Annapurna massif including the towering majestic peak of Mt. Machhapuchare on its beautiful lakes.. Pokhara is situated in the mid western Nepal. It is linked by the main highway of 200 km driving distance from Kathmandu, and by air approximately 20 to 30 minutes flight with a sweeping panoramic view of the mid western Himalaya.

Mother Nature has certainly blessed this fertile valley with outstanding scenery of the landscapes, snow capped mountains, moderate tropical climate, and beautiful pristine lakes of Begnas, Rupa and Phewa.

The most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the magnificent panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Among these high peaks it is the towering majestic Mt.Machhapuchare (Fish Tail) which dominates all others in this range Pokhara with its natural beauty is also a starting point of Nepal's most popular adventure destinations. Most of the trekking, mountaineering expeditions begin from this remarkable place and it's an ideal spot for all types of holiday makers.

Service Includes

3 night's twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu on Bed and breakfast basis; complimentary welcome dinner in one of the finest Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu; a day Kathmandu valley sightseeing including tour guide; entry fees and private transportation as per the itinerary; Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by luxury tourist bus; Annapurna conservation entry permit/s; one professional trekking guide and one porter based one two person basis and including crews insurance, wages, meals and accommodation; three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), tea and coffee as well with the meal; accommodation in the mountain at tea house/lodge with serve boiled and safe drinking water; Pokhara to Jomsom by flight; 2 night's twin sharing accommodation in Pokhara before and after trek; necessary local transport by private vehicle in Kathmandu and Pokhara; down jacket & sleeping bags on hired basis; first aid kit box includes.

Service Excludes

International Airfare; airport departure taxes (from Nepal), personal travel insurance (available on request); personal insurance for helicopter evacuation; any additional accommodation not mentioned above; activities or transport not included in the itinerary or before/after the dates specified (available on request); expenses of a personal nature such as alcohol; bottled drinks including bottled water; snacks; laundry; excess baggage fees; phone calls; tipping or gratitude for guides; crew members and drivers; expenses incurred as a result of flight delays; strikes; weather conditions or other events beyond our control or acts of nature.

We hope you have a memorable and good time with us!