Muktinath Excursion Trek

Muktinath Excursion Trek is a one of famous pilgrimage center for Buddhist and Hindus. The shrines include a Buddhist Gompa and the Vishnu temple Jwala Mai. An old temple nearby shelter spring and natural gas jets, which provide Muktinath with the famous eternal flame. Jomsom is the only place along the Annapurna circuit, which is connected by air with Pokhara and Kathmandu. It is also the district headquarters of Mustang, which includes part of the legendary Mustang and the Muktinath Region. Trekking to Muktinath begins from Jomsom.

Our trails will be easy to go to along the Kaligandaki River and reach to village of Kagbeni, a Tibetan influenced settlement close to Lo-Manthang, the capital of what use to be the old principality of Mustang. From Kagbeni village the trail climbs steeply to rejoin the regular trial before Khingar is reached. A further climb brings you to Jharkot then Ranipauwa, the accommodation area of Muktinath (3,710m.), where we can see most impressive views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukche, Thapa peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri north and Tilicho Peak.

• DAY 1

  ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU

  When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali well come dinner await for you. O/N in Kathmandu. (Welcome-Dinner)

• DAY 2

  KATHMANDU CITY TOUR

  After breakfast, we'll visit Swoyambhunath temple, and said to be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of Kathmandu City. We will then processed to Visit Pasupatinath and Bouddhanath. After lunch we'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. O/N in Kathmandu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 3

  KATHMANDU / POKHARA

  This morning you will be drive to Pokhara (200km), depart 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 7hrs away by tourist bus. Lunch spot one the way to Pokhara. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara approximately 2:00 o'clock. Pokhara lakeside villages sit, "front row center" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. In the evening you will prepare yourself for your Muktinath Trekkig. O/N in Pokhara. (B/L/D)

• DAY 4

  POKHARA/ TIKHEDHUNGA (1491m.)

  After breakfast approx: 7:30 AM drive to Nayapul (42km) 1.5 hr by Car via large village of Lumle and walk about 20 minutes to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town. The trail follows the main street of Birethanti, going through bamboo forests and past a large waterfall and swimming hole. Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches Sudami where you have Lunch. After lunch climb steadily up the side of the valley, reaching Hile at 1495m near by Tirekhedhunga. Along the way, various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if Ghorepani is the objective for the next day it is better to push on to Tikhe Dhunga. O/N in Tirkhedhunga at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 5

  TIKHEDHUNGA / GHOREPANI (2855m)

  Breakfast served in morning 7:00 AM. From Tirkhedhunga the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge near the campsite at Tirkhedhunga. The trail ascends a steep stone staircase to the large Magar village Ulleri at 2070m. Above the village where the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields. There are magnificent more pleasantly through rhododendron and oak forest. There is a hut with water and a small camp site about 1 hr. above Ulleri. The trail crosses two sparkling clear two streams before making a short, final climb to Nangethanti. Your lunch spot in Nangethanti. Thanti is a Nepali words meaning "rest house" "Dharmasala". In the winter the trail can be covered with snow. From Nangethanti about one hour trek, climb to Ghorepani at 2850m. Arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and camp there. O/N in Ghorepani at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 6

  GHOREPANI / TATOPANI

  Being of the early morning 5:30 AM wake up and start to you journey climb to Poon Hill (3195m) around 1 hr. to provides better unobstructed views and sunrise over the high Himalayas. You can see a lots of white mountain peaks from Poon Hill. After sunrise, you'll return to our camp and time for breakfast. Ghorepani means "horse water" and it is no doubt a welcome watering stop for the teams of horses, mules and ponies that carry loads between Pokhara and Jomsom. From Ghorepani the trail downhill trail follows the Jomsom route. Across the rhododendron forest, we pass some small villages and walk along side the Ghaja Khola. In Tatopani (Hot Spring) there is natural hot water springs - time for a "Scrub-up". O/N in Tatopani at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 7

  TATOPANI / GHASA

  A lovely day walking along Kaligandaki riverside, gradually ascending with transition into sub-tropical vegetation. Very interesting suspension bridges to be crossed that makes your trek exciting. Arrive Ghasa an ethnic Thakali village. O/N in Ghasa at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 8

  GHASA / MARPHA

  The trails follows the Kaligandaki river through the narrow gorge, passing through Thakali traditional villages. Marpha is the main inhabitants of the ethnic group of Thakalis. O/N in Marpha at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 9

  MARPHA / KAGBENI

  An easy and lovely day walking along the riverside to Jomsom the district headquarters of Mustang district. This is the most interesting town in the area. The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche peak and Dhampus peak will make you buy some extra rolls of film. Arrive Kagbeni, the entry point of the upper Mustang for overnight stop. O/N in Kagbeni at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 10

  KAGBENI / MUKTINATH

  Gradually ascend to Muktinath one of the most important sites for Hindus. The holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Bishnu Temple in a grove of secret poplars. O/N in Muktinath at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 11

  MUKTINATH / JOMSOM (2713m)

  Fom Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who comes to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among their merchandise is the highly revered mollusk fossil called shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Dhaulagiri. We also transit at the significant town of Kagbeni, which is at a junction of 2 rivers and the north-south and east-west trading routes. O/N in Jomsom at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 12

  JOMSOM / POKHARA

  Fly to Pokhara, free day. After breakfast we've sightseeing around Pokhara valley. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. After lunch you're free to shop for souviners or rest. O/N in Pokhara. (B/L/D)

• DAY 13

  POKHARA - RAFTING - ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

  After breakfast drive to rafting site (Trisuli River for White water Rafting) it takes approximately 3hrs drive from Pokhara. This River is popular as access to the Prithivi Highway makes "breaking off" the journey easy. Trisuli River is also an ideal beginner's River. Lunch we'll be served after 3hrs rafting in the riverside. After lunch, drive to Chitwan National Park upon arrival, rooms assigned and there will be a short briefing on the program and our facilities. 4:00 PM: Elephant-back safari: Guests will ride on an elephant to explore the jungle and wildlife you will be able to see the one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. This exciting ride lasts for 2-3 hours. 7:00 PM: Dinner in the central dining hall. O/N in Chitwan. (B/L/D)

• DAY 14

  ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

  6:00 AM: Wake-up call followed by tea or coffee, and then proceeds on a Nature Walk. This encounter on foot with the environment will introduce the main features of eastern Chitwan. Sal forest, open grassland and reverie jungle. Our guides will help you identify some species of birds, plants and other wildlife that you may encounter. 8:30 AM: Breakfast 9:30 AM: Elephant briefing program: Learn more about these fascinating animals during a visit to our elephant stable. (For the brave ones there is even a crash course in riding and leading the elephants) 1.00 PM: LUNCH. After lunch, canoeing: A traditional dugout canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti river to view aquatic birds and the animals of the riverbanks. Back to resort through the Jungle. 7:00 PM: Tharu Stick dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances. 8:00 PM: Dinner around the camp firing. O/N in Chitwan. (B/L/D)

• DAY 15

  ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK / KATHMANDU

  6.00 AM: Bird Watching (or another elephant ride) after early morning tea/coffee .8.00 AM: Breakfast 9.00 AM: Luggage down and departure at 9.39 AM. to Kathmandu. The actual program for your stay, will be given to you on arrival at Resort / camp. The activities are adjusted to the season and weather conditions. Naturally, it may not always be possible to follow this schedule to the minute and the circumstances may force us to alter the program at short notice. On safari in the jungle you will be accompanied by expert naturalists who will advise on safety procedures and we request you to respect their judgment at all times. If you wish to stroll in the forest alone, a guide will have to accompany you for your safety. O/N in Kathmandu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 16-17

  FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU

  After breakfast, you are free in Kathmandu as your own for shopping and pick-up some last minute souvenirs. O/N in Kathmandu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 18

  DEPARTURE

  After breakfast free for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination (B)