This 9 day trek is the part of the Annapurna Circuit that follows the the harsh and rugged landscape of the Kali Gandaki gorge into the greenery of the spectacular forested lands of the Thakali people, to the fertile terraced fields of Nepal’s middle hills. Start with a view of the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on your flight to Jomsom. Your trek takes you first to holy Muktinath, the place where fire, water and air meet and pilgrims from Nepal, Tibet and India all come to pay homage. You can then experience the diverse cultures and natural landscape by trekking back down to Pokhara, literally crossing the Himalayas following the Kali Gandaki River, which forms the deepest gorge in the world.

Highlights

• This trek is part of the Annapurna Circuit, following the Kali Gandaki
• Explore beautiful Kagbeni village.
• The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
• Apple Brandy at Marpha
• View of Dhawagiri Ice flow
• The world's deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley
• Natural hot spring at Tatopani

Detailed  itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, transfer to your hotel. A short briefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your itinerary. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby sanctuaries or resting.

Day 02 - Sightseeing Cultural Day in Kathmandu
Half day sightseeing around UNESCO Bhaktapur / 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.

Day 03 – Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara, from where you will depart on your trek. Overnight in Pokhara.

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 – Trek to Ghodepani (6 hrs).

Day 10: Trek to Tikhedhunga

Day 11: Trek to Nayapul, an hour drive to Pokhara, overnight stay at hotel

Day 12: Pokhara
 Rest day, overnight stay at hotel

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu (6 hours), overnight stay at hotel

Day 14:  Kathmandu
Rest day, Overnight stay at hotel

Day 15 – Departure from Kathmandu.