Annapurna Jomson-Muktinath Trek (ANN-MUK-16)

Thakali villages and sacred Muktinath
The trail along the Kali Gandaki has long been a trade route between India and Tibet and you will share the trail with horse, mule and pony caravans. Led by Thakhali or Tibetan men, the lead horses are adorned with wondrous plumes and headdresses and the melodious sound of their bells is a constant companion.

The temple of Muktinath, although dedicated to Vishnu, is sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist and many ascetic sadhus gather here.

Where are you going?

Days 1-2 : Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the morning of day 2 a half-day city tour will introduce you to some of the highlights of Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive to Pokhara, or you may choose to fly. USD71 one-way (35 mins)

Day 4 : A morning flight to Jomsom is followed by a 4-hour walk along the Kali Gandaki to Kagbeni, gateway to Mustang. Here houses are flat-roofed in the Tibetan style and it is not uncommon to find ammonite fossils along the river.

Day 5 : This morning's walk passes the medieval village of Jharkot with its ruined dzong and Bon gompa. Continuing to Muktinath, you are free for the afternoon to explore this fascinating village. It is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and attracts many pilgrims. Here spring water flows from a rock face via 108 spouts (108 is a sacred number to Buddhists). This water wall surrounds a temple sacred to Vishnu and below the statue runs a trickle of water with pale flames caused by natural gas. There are shrines to Shiva and his consort and Padmasambhava as well as numerous chortens. The surrounding poplar grove supposedly sprang from the staffs of the 84 Siddhas. The mass of Dhaulagiri I makes a striking contrast.

Day 6 : The return to Jomson, renowned for the best apples in Nepal, via a slightly different route is mostly downhill with dramatic landscapes along the way.

Days 7-9 : The Kali Gandaki is home to Thakalis, Gurungs and Magars. Many of the hills bordering the northern end of the valley are yellowish due to desertification and make a striking contrast to the green farmland of the valley floor. The Thakali dominated the lucrative trade routes with Tibet and today have turned their entrepreneurial spirit to other businesses. The neglected Buddhist shrines of Tukuche are testament to their 19th century conversion to Hinduism in their climb to power.

Larjung is an architecturally exotic town of narrow alleyways and courtyard houses. We spend two nights here allowing for an excursion up the Ghatte Khola to the Dhaulagiri icefall.

Day 10: The descent to Tatopani follows the increasingly narrow valley, through one of the world's deepest river gorges, past the beautiful Rupse Chaharo waterfall, with fantastic views along the way and the lure of hot springs at the end. Take a dip at night with the sound of the river rushing below and stars above.

Days 11-14 : It is a challenging ascent to the pass at Ghorepani, yet the sunrise and sunset views from nearby Poon Hill are truly magnificent and a fitting reward for the effort. From Poon Hill the Pokhara and Mustang valleys are visible as are more than 30 snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From here descend through pastureland and bamboo forests along the Bhurungdi Khola to Pokara.

Day 15 : Return to Kathmandu.