KTM – POKHARA – MUKTINATH
This combination Kathmandu tour and trek to Muktinath provides the complete Nepal experience. From the historic Kathmandu Valley brimming with ancient temples, monasteries and art all the way to Muktinath where an ignited gas jet fire burns on top of a natural water spring deep in the Himalayas, you get both trek and tour. The approach to Muktinath follows the Kali Gandaki River which lies at the bottom of one of the world’s deepest gorges. The walk is simply amazing. From the river bed path, which is a mere 1,300 meters above sea level (400 feet), you see looming above you—literally in the sky—Annapurna, 8,091 meters (26,545 feet); Dhaulagiri, 8,167 meters (26,795 feet) and Manaslu, 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It’s difficult not to be humbled as you appreciate this awesome and magnificent display of gorgeous geology.
Along the Kali Gandaki route it is common to find 400 million year old fossils of extinct marine animals known as Ammonites. Hunting these stones adds a special thrill to the trek and possibly provides a unique keepsake. Don’t worry if you don’t find one, kids are flogging them all over the place!
The trek begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city and it’s picturesque lake Phewa Tal. A tiny island in the middle of the lake has a temple to Varahi (called Barahi in Nepal) the female counterpart of Vishnu’s incarnation as a boar, Varaha. The trek continues through traditional farming villages, many populated with Gurkha war heroes. Poon Hill, which we summit, provides one of the most famous vistas in Nepal, affording close up views of the above mentioned snow peaks—an incomparable landscape.
Location:
Duration: 13
ITINERARY:
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our envoy who escorts you to the hotel. After a rest, sightseeing begins with a trip to Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 2
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley, you have many choices here to be determined as you wish.
Day 3
Excursions to Changu Narayan Temple, with some of the most beautiful Hindu statues in Nepal. Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site; ditto with the City of Patan with it's extraordinary Durbar Square. And Chobar, where, as the myth goes, the deity Manjusri cut the valley wall to drain it of water making human habitation possible.
Day 4
Early morning drive to Pokhara and check into hotel. In the evening take a boat ride on the lake visit to the Barahi temple, evening enjoying the lake side.
Day 5
Meet your guide and start the drive to Nayapul and commence the first leg of the trek to Tikedunga.
Day 6
Trek from Tikedunga to Ghorepani.
Day 7
Early morning ascent of Poonhill to take in the panoramic view of Annapurna, Daulagiri and a good deal more of the Himalayan chain. Return for breakfast and rest, then off to Tadapani.
Day 8
Trek from Tadapani to Marpha.
Day 9
Trek from Marpha to Kagbeni.
Day 10
Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath.
Day 11
Drive to Jomsom and fly from the Jomsom airstrip back to Pokhara. In Pokhara additional sightseeing can include the Davis Waterfall, Gupteshvar Cave and the Mahendra Cave.
Day 12
Drive back to Kathmandu. In the evening join us for a farewell dinner at the Nepali Chulo restaurant.
Day 13
Free day and packing, thence to airport and departure to your next destination.
Cost Includes:
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- 6 nights best available hotel or lodge during trek.
- 8 days trek leader/guide
- Insurance for guide while on trek (Nepalese gov't requirement)
- All permits for Annapurna Sanctuary
- TIMS (trekking permit) for Poon Hill trek
- 7 days all meals during trek, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- KTM – POKHARA by Tourist Bus