Itinerary Detail

Day 01 Drive/Flight to Pokhara
An early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, takes us along the Himalaya, passing the Ganesh and Manaslu Himal on the way. For the best views, try and get a seat on the right hand side of the plane. We can spend the rest of the day relaxing at Pokhara, getting everything sorted out ready for the trek and maybe enjoying a boat trip on Phewa Tal, to watch the sunset on the Annapurnas and the 'fish tail' peak of Machhapuchhare.

Day 02 Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri [2000m]
We leave Pokhara by road, driving along the valley of the Modi Khola for about an hour, before walking a short distance from the road to Birethanti, a busy village of lodges, shops and houses. We commence our trek with a gradual ascent along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. We then leave the river and follow a trail along the upper edge of terraced fields through Hille to Tikedungha. From here, we cross a stream beyond the village and then drop down to the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. Now we begin a long, steep, seemingly endless climb up a stone staircase, eventually arriving at the village of Ulleri. From this village, there are fine views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli and we camp in the terraced fields beyond the village.[walk approx 5 hours]

Day 03 Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
Annapurna South is hidden by a ridge as we climb the path into a forest. Beyond Banthanti, there are magnificent oak and rhododendron forests and after crossing several crystal clear mountain streams we arrive at a clearing and the village of Nangathanti. Continuing through the forest for another hour brings us to Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and it is a popular watering spot for the mule trains which ply this route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond.

Ten minutes walk beyond Ghorepani is a small pass and the village of Deorali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. [walk approx 3 hours]

Day 04 Trek to Tatopani [1190m]
After the pre-dawn start to see the classic sunrise view from Poon Hill, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then begin the long descent to Tatopani. After descending through the rhododendron forest, fine vistas open up as 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. We 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. [walk approx 5-6 hours]

Day 05 Trek to Ghasa [2000m]
Our 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 travellers. 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. [walk approx 5-6 hours]

Day 06 Trek to Larjung [2560m]
From Hille, a further descent on big steps takes it out of your legs, but it is then followed by a more level stretch beside the river, which leads eventually to to Birethanti. Thirty minutes beyond Birethanti we arrive back at the road and meet up with our transport for the one hour drive to Pokhara airport and fly to Kathmandu. [walk approx 2 hours].

Day 07 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
We continue to follow the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki, passing through Khobang and Tukuche. Tukuche is a delightful village where narrow alleyways 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 we 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 make 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 greys, contrasting with the white snowcaps of Tilicho and Nilgiri. By afternoon, the stiff winds begin to blow, hastening our way to Jomsom. [Walk approx 5 hours]

Day 08 Trek to Muktinath [3710m]
Today we continue up the vast gravel riverbed of the Kali Gandaki, passing mule trains travelling down from Tibet. The medieval village of Kagbeni lies right on the border of Mustang and there is time to explore the intriguing alleys and courtyards of this timeless place. All around is the strange rocky landscape that is typical of mysterious Mustang and quite alien to the lushness of pokhara and Tatopani just a few days ago. Continuing along the Jhong Khola Valley we pass through the fortress-like village of Jharkot before reaching Muktinath with its temples and religious shrines. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. [walk approx 4-5 hours]

Day 09 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
It's an easy return trip to Jomsom today and the view down the stony plains of the Kali Gandaki to the vast white-topped wall of the Nilgiris, is simply stunning. We will spend the last night of the trek in Jomsom and take the opportunity to have a farewell party with the crew who we have come to know so well over the last 10 days. [walk approx 3 hours]

Day 10 Flignt to Pokhara and Fly/Drive to Kathmandu
We take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara - a fantastic way to round off the trek, flying right along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. From Pokhara we catch a further flight back to Kathmandu

Mustang Get Trekking Photographs