Nepal Holiday Treks and TOurs

Annapurna Kali Gandaki Trek via Jomsom

Duration
13 days
Max. Elevation
4000m
Group size
2+
Level
MODERATE
Transportation

Tourist bus/ Private car/ Flight

Best Season
(March, April, May) and (September, October and November)
Accomodation

Teahouse / lodge during the trek

Meals
(Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast) and 3 coupe of tea or coffee during the trek 
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Muktinath, Jomsom and Pokhara

Highlights

    • Witness stunning peaks like AnnapurnaⅠ, Annapurna south, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche peak, among others
    •  Explore the dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and the roaring Kali Gandaki River
    • Visiting Muktinath temple to seek blessings and spiritual solace
    • Experience mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas from the top of Poon Hill, with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
    • Tatopani known for its natural hot springs
    • Opportunity to taste local apple products, such as apple brandy and dried apples
    • Visit Kagbeni village showcasing Tibetan influenced architecture, monasteries, and the ancient Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling monastery
    • Encounter diverse flora and fauna including rhododendron forests, pine trees, and a variety of bird species
    • Experience the warm hospitality of the locals, taste local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the mountain culture
    • Offers the thrill of trekking through challenging terrains, crossing suspension bridges, and surrounded by nature’s grandeur

Overview

Annapurna Kali Gandaki trek via Jomsom

The Annapurna Kali Gandaki trek also known as the Jomsom trek, is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you through the Kali Gandaki valley, which is situated between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It follows the Kali Gandaki River valley, which is considered the deepest George in the world. This trek offers a diverse and breathtaking landscape, mesmerizing views of snow- capped peaks, and cultural diversity.

Jomsom is a small town situated at an altitude of around 2700 m in the Mustang district of Nepal. It is located in the Kali Gandaki River valley, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. It is a popular trekking destination and a gateway to Upper mustang region.

The major highlight of Jomsom trek is the sacred Muktinath temple- a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. It is believed that visiting the temple brings salvation or liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the temple complex includes natural spring and 108 water spouts. 

The Kali Gandaki River known as the Gandaki River or Narayani River is one of the major rivers in Nepal which plays a significant role in both the cultural and geographical aspects. The river originates from the high Himalayas and flows through the Kali Gandaki George, which is one of the deepest Georges in the world. The George is a spectacular natural formation with towering cliffs and unique landscapes. The Kali Gandaki River also has significant hydroelectric potential as well as offers thrilling opportunities for rafting and Kayaking.

Moreover, it is considered a holy river and many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims often visit the river to perform various religious rites and take holy dips. Similarly, the river is also known for its fossil deposits. In the past, various fossilized remains of marine creatures including ancient sea shells and ammonites, have been found along its course which provide evidence of the region’s geological history.   

Overall, the trek follows a well- established trail that passes through several picturesque mix terraced fields, suspension bridges, rhododendron forests, and traditional villages, providing an authentic cultural and natural experiences. Throughout the trek, you will encounter various ethnic communities including Gurungs, Thakalis, and Tibetans. You can immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with villagers, and experience their traditional lifestyle, cuisine, and customs. Similarly, after days of trekking, the trail pass through Tatopani known for its natural hot springs where you can relax and rejuvenate in hot water springs which are believed to have therapeutic properties. 

Best seasons for trekking

The best season for Annapurna Kali Gandaki trek via Jomsom is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months provide more stable weather conditions and clear views. It’s important to note that Annapurna Kali Gandaki trek via Jomson can be trek during other times of the year as well. However, the weather condition may be more challenging and the risks associated with trekking. Winter treks require additional safety and experience.

Spring season is considered one of the best times to trek Annapurna Kali Gandaki trek via Jomsom. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures. The visibility is amazing, providing panoramic views of the surrounding stunning mountains. The trails are also relatively dry and less prone to snowfall, making it easier for trekkers.

Autumn season is another favorable time for this trek. After the monsoon, the weather becomes stable, with excellent visibility and cool temperatures. This season is particularly preferred by many trekkers due to its suitable weather, beautiful views, and breathtaking autumn landscapes.   

Permits

To undertake Annapurna Kali Gandaki trek via Jomsom, you will require two different permits:

1) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

2) Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card

Foods and Accommodation

You will stay in tea houses or lodges along the trekking route. The tea houses offer basic accommodation facilities such as a bed, blanket, and shared bathroom facilities. It’s advisable to carry a sleeping bag suitable for cold weather condition, especially at higher altitudes. The level of comfort and amenities may vary as you ascend to higher altitudes.

Most of the tea houses along the route provide a variety of meals to cater to trekkers’ dietary needs. All the food will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local. They offer a menu with a range of options including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian and International dishes. The common meals consist of rice, lentils, vegetables, soups, and noodles. 

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is common in mountains above the altitude of 3000 m. When it comes to illness such as nausea, headache, difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, and uneasiness, one should be pro- active and notify the guide to minimize the possible risk.

To minimize the risk of altitude sickness here are some guidelines:

Stop and rest where you are

 Do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours

 Make sure you are drinking enough water

 Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise

Guide and porter

It’s always helpful to trek with a knowledgeable, experience licensed guide and join a trekking agency to ensure safety and utilize your valuable time in a best way.

It’s important to note that according to Nepal tourism board, all the trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and to obtain TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the government of Nepal.

Therefore, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. is always here to offer you a highly experienced, friendly, English speaking, and licensed trekking guide and porter with their insurance. Moreover, they can provide you valuable insights into the local culture, traditions, and history of the region. They can also explain the significance of monasteries, festivals, and other cultural aspects you encounter along the way.  Similarly a porter carries your heavy backpack, and allowing you to trek with a lighter load.

 Travel insurance

Obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended for any trekking activities including Annapurna Kali Gandaki Trek via Jomsom. The trek includes high altitude trekking which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage and other potential risks associated with high- altitude trekking.

When buying travel insurance for this trek, ensure that it covers the activities like mountaineering, high- altitude trekking, and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expansive without insurance. 

Importantly, Nepal Holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. strongly recommend you for travel insurance for this trek because it can offer you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unforeseen accident. Before you buy it carefully read and understands the policy details including coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and any specific conditions or requirements. It’s essential to be aware of the coverage scope and any necessary steps or documentation required for making a claim.

Important Note

Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you and mountains are calling you.

This trip is fully customization. Importantly, this trip is available on both a fixed departure and a private group basis. Moreover, we can also customize the trip as per your needs, please contact us at Whatsapp (+977-9843770916) or email us at info@nepalholodaytreksandtours.com. Let us know how we can help you, and we will do our best to give you the best customer service you’ll get anywhere else.

Furthermore, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reputable and reliable company serving relentlessly in the field of tourism to fulfill the dreams of diverse adventure seekers around the globe into reality where they can feel most alive. So, we recommend you to reserve seat for yourself by booking with us right away for a wonderful and unforgettable trip experience.

Trip Itinerary

On the very first Day of your arrival in Kathmandu; our representatives will be before you to for pickup and drop to your desired hotel as per the inquiry made by you. This day will be for your recreation and if the mood permits we will be providing you a guided tour to the local markets to make you familiar with Nepalese culture and environment. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

You can either take a 30 minutes flight to Pokhara or prefer a bus trip of 7 hours. We will prefer you to take a bus if you wish to observe the culture and nature from more close. If you go by flight; you can get involved in a half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara and enjoy the activities like boating too. Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara. 

The early morning we will be taking a bus from the bus station near Pokhara airport to reach Nayapul; the starting point of most of trekking in Annapurna region as well as ours. We will then trek to Hile through Birethanti (1015 meters) along Modi khola (river) and it will take us about 3 hours to reach there at an altitude of 1400 meters. Overnight: Guest House in Hile. 

We will walk through the rhododendron trail along the oak trees to complete today’s magnificent trek. We will enjoy the chirping of birds as well as the colorful butterflies. It will take about 7 hours to reach Ghorepani from Hile. We will stay overnight at the guesthouse in Ghorepani at an altitude of 2855 meters.

The early morning we will be trekking for an hour to reach Poon Hill for watching the spectacular sunrise over the mountain range of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri Peak and a lot more. We will then return back to Ghorepani and after lunch we will move to Tatopani to enjoy natural hot spring bath. It will take about 7 and half hours to reach the guest house at Tatopani to stay overnight.

Today we will trek along the Kali Gandaki Gorge which is also known as the deepest gorge in the world towards the Dana village. You can also enjoy the waterfall on the trail at a place named Rupse. Today’s trek is one of the most exciting one which lets you enjoy all the variety of geography from deepest gorge to steepest and narrow section of gorge. After the five hours of walk; we will be at Ghasa at 2013 meters for overnight stay.

We will trek today to reach Marpha a beautiful village famous for apple at an altitude of 2667 meters. We will have to hike for about 6 to 7 hours crossing the Kali Gandaki valley to reach the beautiful Marpha village. We will enjoy the rhododendron trail along different ethnic villages of Gurung, Thakali as well as Tibetan people. We will stay for overnight at Marpha village and of course you can enjoy delicious Apple if you remain lucky and the season in on.

We will be hiking through the valley of Kali Gandaki and on the way there is Tukuche village the marvelous gift of nature and houses built in a beautiful ways. There is a famous song about wind blowing hard in Jomsom at 12 pm in the day and as the song; the wind blows really hard at the mid day. We will reach Kagbeni in about 5 hours of walk where we will stay overnight.

The following day we will move through the deserted landscapes, apple fields and companied by old Tibetan styled villages as well as the sheep and yak herds along the way to reach Muktinath at 3795 meters after a four hours walk. You can enjoy the view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and such mountains on the way to Muktinath temple where there is 108 taps and it is believed to get nirvana after bathing there. We will stay overnight at a guest house in Muktinath.

After the visit to the holy Muktinath; we will make our way back to Jomsom (2713 meters) descending through the Kalgandaki valley. It will take us approximately 3 hours to reach Jomsom taking the photographs on the trails of magnificent scenarios provided by nature. We will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Jomsom.

This day we will be taking a flight back to Pokhara from Jomsom and if possible we will be involved in a half day sightseeing tour at the beautiful Pokhara city and enjoy boating too. We will be staying overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

You can either take a 30 minutes flight or a 6 hours bus to reach Kathmandu.

This day we will accompany you to the airport for your farewell to your homeland and the end of the trip.

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Includes

      • Pick and drop from airport to hotel and vice versa
      • 2 Night hotel in kathmandu B/B
      • 2 Night in pokhara B/B
      • Permit fee for trekking and TIMS card
      • Three times meals a day- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and accommodation in teahouse/ lodge during the trek
      • One experienced (government licensed) and qualified English speaking guide
      • One porter for two trekkers
      • Guide/ Porters: food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment etc
      • First aids kit and Duffel bag
      • All taxes and company services charge
      • Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
      • Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
      • Pokhara to Nayapul by private car or private van

    Doesn't Include

        • International airfare and visa fees
        • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
        • Personal expenses of bar and beverage bills, wifi, hot shower, bottle of water, extra porters, laundry or any other things which are not mentioned by the company 
        • Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
        • Your travel insurance which should include the emergency rescue
        • Tips for your guide and porters                        
        • Entrance fees during the sightseeing
        • Extra expenses due to any event such as strikes, weather conditions, or flight delays 

      Equipment List

      Waterproof daypack
      Small waterproof bags
      Flash or torch light
      Trekking poles
      Sleeping bag
      Water bottles
      Sunglasses
      Sun hat
      Warm down jacket
      Woolen hat and scarf
      Windproof jacket
      Trekking socks
      Raincoat and rain trousers
      Toiletries
      Antibacterial hand wash
      Travel towel
      Mouth wash
      Tooth brush and tooth paste
      Small personal power bank
      Camera and batteries
      Trekking shoes 
      Full-sleeves shirt 
      T-shirts
      Sun lotion
      Other required equipment’s 

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      Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal