This classic lodge trek starts with a long climb to and then descends to the world’s deepest gorge, on the Kali Gandeki River, going all the way from rhododendron forests to the beginning of the Tibetan plateau. This trek also offers you a chance to encounter unique cultural people who practice their ancient traditions even today. The maximum altitude reached on this trek is 3800m and can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness.
The first part of this trek ascends through rice terraces and villages inhabited by the fearless Gorkha people, renowned for their strength and as pillars of both the Indian and British armies. A fascinating museum of Traditional Nepalese Life awaits you in Ghandruk. Walking up slowly through rhododendron forests, the majestic Annapurna range reveals itself as you emerge from the forest into Ghorepani. A short hike from Ghorepani will bring you to Poon Hill (3210m), a place of timeless beauty presenting magnificent views of the Himalayan Mountains. The trek gets interesting in Tatopani where you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs! Continuing along the Kali Gandeki River Gorge, marvel at the splendid peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri both of which reach heights in excess of 8000m. The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m). The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble water flowing from taps and mysterious natural gas fires that boggle the mind. From here it is downhill to Jomsom village, on the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around at the gateway to the “Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang”, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions still in practice. A flight the following day will bring you back to Pokhara while you enjoy a last look at the beautiful Himalayan Mountains.
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Acclimatization
Although Kali Gandeki Trek consider as a easy and non risk zone in terms of AMS(acute mountain sickness) for relaxed trekkers Kumar Adventure Trekking planned this itinerary with a high degree of minimization of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) as you are going up to 3800m/12467ft which is the mandatory height of this trek at Muktinath. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is in the air. Your body needs many days to adapt to this, so for a safe trek it absolutely essential to allow for sufficient time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS.
We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.
Included
All airport transfers before & after trek
Three nights 3 or 4-star hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night 2-3 star hotel in Pokhara on BB
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide all world heritage site & entrance fees.
All accommodation and meals during the trek
All ground Transportation: Pokhara to Nayapul
English-speaking trekking guide, Sherpa & porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
All necessary paper work and permits as per rules Government of Nepal
Annapurna Conservation fee (ACAP)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
Not Included
Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD Cash)
http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
Excess baggage charges
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, Early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary)
International airfare
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides, Sherpa and porters
Extra
Kathmandu- Pokhara & Jomsom-Pokhara -Kathmandu flight fare USD 474 Per Person Subject to Change
What you need on trekking (Check list)
Nepal is a mountainous tropical country, which means there are climate extremes. Night and day temperature differences can vary between -10°C on the high treks and 30°C on the lower ones (14°F to 86°F), so you need to bring a variety of clothes. The key to staying comfortable on a trek is layering.
Suggested items to bring …………..
- Boots: the single most important item to pack, are comfortable, sturdy hiking boots which gives a good support to your ankles. Preferable are the higher models with a good profile sole.
- Shoe wax or rainproof spray for shoes
- Gaiters (recommended on tours above 3500 meter)
- Sleeping bag: needed for both camping and teahouse treks as teahouses usually only provide blankets (easy to rent/buy in Nepal)
- Backpack: 60-70 liters with good waist and chest belt for the assistant guide* to carry your belongings
- Hiking sticks (easy to rent/buy in Nepal)
- Lightweight shoes or sandals for changing into at night
- Socks: 3-4 pairs outer socks, 1-2 pair liner socks and 1 pair for night time (depending on trek and season)
- Loose cotton trousers
- T-shirts, long sleeved shirts
- Cozy shirt for the evenings
- Thermal underclothes are a necessity
- Warm lightweight sweater or fleece
- Hat (sun and night), gloves or mittens, scarf
- Lightweight wind jacket (+trousers if tour is above 4000 meters)
- Rain gear: a simple plastic poncho is adequate to protect you from some rainfall
- Rain cover for your backpack and day backpack
- Down jacket: depending on trek and season (easy to rent/buy in Nepal)
- Day pack with good waist and chest belt
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and chap stick
- Quick dry towel
- Flash light for midnight toilet trips and power cuts, spare batteries**
- Moisture cream for your skin and lips (we recommend factor 30-40)
- Water bottle with carry strap
- Water purification: filter or iodine
- First aid kit and medicines
- Camera, spare batteries**, film if needed
- 2 passport photos for ACAP & TIMS (trekking) permit