Kali Gandaki valley trek to Tatopani, Marpha & Muktinath

Trip ID: UM142
DestinationMustang, Nepal
Duration11 Days
DifficultyEasy Persons
Group SizeMin 2 to Max 10
Maximum AltitudeMuktinath 3760 meters / 12336 feet
Best TimeMarch to May & Sept to Dec
ActivitiesTrekking & Sightseeing
AccommodationTea houses / Lodges / Hotels
Meals3 Meals a day (BLD)
TransportationFlight, Drive & Hiking
Start fromPokhara to Tatopani
End atJomsom to Pokhara

Trip Overview

About Kali Gandaki trekking

Kali Gandaki valley trek is an incredible adventure that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and physical challenge. It’s a journey of a lifetime that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will take you out of your comfort zone and into the heart of the Himalayas, then the Annapurna Circuit Trek is definitely worth considering.

Kali Gandaki valley trek is a part of traditional salt trading route to Tibet. Magar, Gurung and Thakali people are main inhabitant of Kali Gandaki corridor. The visitors get the opportunity to know about the cultural heritage and the traditions of the villages in the Annapurna trekking region.

Trip Highlight

  • Walk along ancient salt trading route to Tibet in Kali Gandaki valley of Nepal.
  • Discover the world's deepest gorge “Kali Gandaki gorge” flanked by Dhaulagiri & Annapurna massif.
  • Enjoy an incredible view of high mountains, ice fall, lakes, apple orchard and waterfalls.
  • Trek through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to arid desert-like terrain of Himalayas.
  • Experience local cuisine of ethnic Thakali, Magar and Gurung people.
  • Enjoy natural hot spring in Tatopani in Myagdi district of Nepal.
  • Discover the traditional villages, rich culture and the way of life in Mustang.
  • Visit sacred Muktinath temple, a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal

    After arrival in Kathmandu Airport (TIA) Nepal, our representative will welcome you and transfer to hotel by private vehicle. At hotel he/ she will give short briefing about program agreement and day to day plan. Check into hotel, use free time to take rest, relax and explore around Thamel.

    Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

  • Day 2 : Drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820 meters / 2690 feet

    The main ways to travel from Katmandu to Pokhara are by bus, private car and plane as per the budget, interest and booking deal. It takes 6 to 7 hours to cross 200 kilometers distance of Prithivi Highway in between Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you prefer flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara then only takes about 25 minutes.
    Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is incredibly scenic, with breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains, waterfalls, picturesque scenery, Trishuli & Marshyangdi River. Along the way, you will pass through small towns and villages that give you a glimpse into the rural life of Nepal.
    Once you reach Pokhara, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Annapurna range, serene Phewa Lake and beautiful Pokhara city. After checking into hotel you can take a rest or go to explore lakeside area, boating and walk around watching the reflection of mountain and sky in beautiful Phewa Lake. Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara end but memories last forever.

  • Day 3 : Drive to Tatopani 1190 meters / 3904 feet enjoy natural hot spring
  • Day 4 : Trek to deepest gorge in the world then to Kalopani 2530 meters / 8300 feet
  • Day 5 : Trek to Marphga 2679 meters / 8789 feet via Larjung and Tukuche village
  • Day 6 : Trek to Kagbeni 2800 meters / 9186 feet via Thini, visit Tiri village & monasteries
  • Day 7 : Trek to Ranipauwa via Jharkot, visit Muktinath 3760 meters / 12336 feet
  • Day 8 : Trek to Jomsom 2720 meters / 8923 feet

    Muktinath to Jomsom journey begin after Muktinath temple exploration at Ranipauwa village in mustang. The distance from Muktinath to Jomsom is about 21 kilometers and possible to go by driving or walking as per preferences. It takes about 1 hour by driving and 5 to 6 hours by walking depend on your pace.
    Trail descent from Muktinath towards the Kali Gandaki river crossing Jharkot, Khingar, Kagbeni and Ekle Bhatti villages in Annapurna region of Nepal. This is quite popular route offer stunning views of unique landscape, mountains, including Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more. Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards and strong winds that blow through Kali Gandaki valley.
    After crossing suspension bridges over Kali Gandaki river, ultimately you reach Jomsom, check in hotel either rest, relax or explore around city, museum, apple orchards and interact with local etc. Muktinath to Jomsom trip is an incredible experience in Kali Gandaki valley where you witness the beauty of lower mustang closely.

  • Day 9 : Flight or drive back to Pokhara

    Today is the day to say goodbye to Mustang, early in the morning, we will take a flight to Pokhara. Jomsom to Pokhara flight is a popular domestic route of Nepal. Plane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, offers stunning view of snow-capped mountains and valleys below. Once you arrive in Pokhara, there are plenty of places to see and things to do. You can spend rest of the day in leisure or walk around the streets of lake city, souvenir shopping, boating in Phewa lake and experience nightlife in Pokhara etc.
    The weather of Jomsom change in no time that affect Pokhara flight frequently. If the weather is not fine, we’ll arrange jeep to drive back to Pokhara. We request you to plan some buffer time for this possibility and be flexible to use alternative ways of transportation like jeep or helicopter.
    Jomsom Pokhara travel by jeep is a great way to explore the beautiful scenery, countryside, waterfalls, people and culture of Nepal, the memories will remain forever.

  • Day 10 : Drive or flight back to Kathmandu

    After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu, a scenic drive takes around 6-7 hours to reach by jeep, car or tourist bus and 25 minute by flight as per deal. On the way back to Kathmandu by drive along the Marshyangdi and Trishuli river seeing the sight of countryside and beautiful high mountains and greenery around. Upon arrival in Kathmandu valley, you’ll check into hotel, use free time to take rest, relax and explore around Thamel for souvenir shopping and relaxation. Enjoy farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of trip.

  • Day 11 : Airport transfer to depart Nepal

    Amazing Nepal trip completed today! Our company representative will transfer to international airport 3 hours before your flight departure.
    “Enjoy the journey! Hope to see you again soon and stay in touch.”

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • Airports pick up on your arrival day by private vehicle
  • Round trip drive / flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Pokhara to Tatopani by private vehicle (trek start point)
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 3 cups of hot drink each day on choice
  • Best accommodation at tea houses during mustang trek period
  • Professional English speaking guide service trained by government of Nepal
  • Experience trekking staffs (2 guest =1 porter basic) to carry your backpack
  • All necessary paperwork, trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and local taxes
  • Jomsom to Pokhara by drive / flight on choice / situation
  • Hotel accommodation in Pokhara for 2 nights before and after trek
  • Travel and rescue arrangements if require

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • Visa fees / international airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Hotel, Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses phone calls, mineral water, bar bills, hot shower, battery recharge, extra porters & gears etc
  • Tips for guides, porters (Tipping are expected but not mandatory)

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