Sherpa Adventure

Overview
Itinerary
Map
What's included
Life on Trek
Equipments

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- Duration
  
  12 days
- Group
  
  16 Pax
- Difficulty
  
  Moderate
- Accommodation
  
  Hotel / Lodge
- Max.Altitude
  
  3760m
- Season
  
  All Season

The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is a part of the Annapurna circuit and perhaps the single most popular trek in Nepal. The diverse landscapes and cultures found along this trekking route give the perfect insight into the rural life of Nepalese people. The main feature of this trek is walking through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which, carries water from the Tibetan plateau to eventually join the Ganges in India.

The starting and ending point is Nayapul about one-hour drive from Pokhara. Normally trekkers continue on above Jomsom to Mukitnath, the famous pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist. To the Hindu, Muktinath is a sacred as the place of salvation. They believe that to wash in the water here guarantees salvation after death. To the Buddhist it is the place that the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated at, and to all, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams that are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River valley. This trek is recommended year round as most of this trek is always in the rain shadow.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

Upon arriving at at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.
Day 2

Visit old town of Kathmandu

A professional guide and vehicle are provided for a day of sightseeing in and around Kathmandu city. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city along with other interesting cultural monuments that dot the valley. These include Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings), along with other popular cultural attractions. We get to observe the lifestyle of Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, fascinating history as well as awe-inspiring architecture.
Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m/2,953 ft)

A fascinating and scenic 6-hour drive from Kathmandu takes us to the picturesque valley of Pokhara. On a clear day, views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna will be seen from this lakeside city famous for Phewa Lake, Peace Pagoda and of course, the mountain views. We spend the afternoon in leisure and spend some time sightseeing in Pokhara.
Day 4

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft). Trek to Marpha (2,670m / 8,760ft)

A spectacular early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, flying up the Kali Gandaki River Valley directly between two of the highest 10 peaks in the world Dhaulagiri (26,811 ft)and Annapurna (26,504 ft). Jomsom is the administrative center for the Mustang District, and the change in scenery from lush Pokhara to this arid Trand Himalayan region is striking. After lunch, head to Marpha village visit a Buddhist Monastery and apple farms.
Day 5

Trek from Marpha to Kagbeni (2,810m / 9,219ft)

Pass through Jomsom town, cross the Kali Gandaki River and follow the trail northwards up the gravelly, wind scoured valley and along Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, with good close up views of Nilgiri. This village is situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola flowing down from Muktinath. The red-colored monastery belonging to the Shakya sect dominates this first of many Tibetan-style villages.
Day 6

Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,760m / 12,336ft)

The trail follows the east ridge of Kagbeni, ascend steeply to the upper valley with good views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and Kali Gandaki Valley, after which the trail becomes more gentle as we pass through villages to reach Jharkot. We hike to Muktinath (3,760m) and important pilgrimage center for Buddhist and Hindus. Situated in a grove of trees are the holy shrines, a Buddhist gompa and a pagoda style temple housing the image of Lord Vishnu. Inside the gompa are small natural gas jets perpetually aflame alongside a spring, and it is this suspicious combination of earth, fire and water, which is responsible for the religious significance of Muktinath. We continue our hike to east of Muktinath up to the summer pasture (4,000m), where the views of Dhaulagiri. Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri and the Peaks of Mustang area outstanding.
Day 7

Rest and sightseeing at Muktinath

We’ll spend this day exploring the town of Muktinath some more. Amazing desert landscape makes for awesome hikes around the places with views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges peeking at a distance. Mingle with the local people and learn their way of life, and observe the horde of pilgrims flocking to the holy temple.
Day 8

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft)

We leave early from Muktinath to head towards Jomsom taking a serene shortcut with awesome views ahead. By late morning, we’ll have reached the Kali Gandaki valley, which picks up strong winds by noon. We’ll brave the winds and pass Eklebhatti village and walk along the Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom. The thriving city is the last destination of our trek, where we celebrate with a round or two of local brew, looking over the mountains.
Day 9

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (900m/2,953 ft)

After a short and picturesque flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, go on a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, covering Fewa Lake, Devi’s Waterfall, a museum, a Tibetan refugee settlement, Gupteshower Cave, and more.
Day 10

Free day at Pokhara

This is a free day at Pokhara for relaxation and reflection of the wonderful trip we’ll have successfully completed. It is also a contingency day in case of flight cancellation to Pokhara. In the lakeside city, there is a ton of amazing activities you could try including paragliding, microlight and zipliner among others.
Day 11

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft). Free day at Kathmandu

We catch a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The short flight takes us over the hills and mountains that glisten below. Once we reach Kathmandu, the rest of the day will be leisure and free for exploration. You are free to go souvenir shopping, spa and more exploration of the city, or extend your trip to include bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, Everest mountain flight and other adventurous activities. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at Mul Chowk Restaurant’s cozy and elegant dining ambience.
Day 12

Departure from Nepal

The trip concludes today. You will be dropped at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport by our airport representative for your flight departure from Nepal.

Map

What's included

Price Details

Please enquire with us for prices

Price Includes

- All ground transportation by private vehicle for airport and hotel pick up/drop off, sightseeing and transfers
- All domestic flights (if any)
- Accommodation in teahouses and hotels
- All meals during trek
- Entry permit to parks, monuments and cultural landmarks
- Trekking guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) their daily wages, food, accommodation and other expenses
- Comprehensive medical kit
- In case of emergency, we can send helicopters for evacuation, manage all paperwork, and deal with related insurance companies (provided the client has valid insurance)

Not included

Price Excludes

- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation by ground and air
- Nepal entry visa, obtained upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
- Rescue and evacuation
- Extra road transport/flight cost in case member returns earlier
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and if applicable, in Pokhara
- Items of personal nature like laundry, communication and bar bill
- Tips for trip staff and driver. (Tipping is appreciated)
- Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

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Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
Warm socks for colder areas.
Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
Thermal leggings for colder areas.
Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
Waterproof trousers

Body

Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
Thermal shirt for colder areas.
Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
Sunglasses or goggles.
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Warm gloves.

Other Items

Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
Day sack to be carried personally.
Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
One liter water bottle.
Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
Sleeping bag 4 season.
Torch, ideally head torch.
Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
Toilet items and towel.
Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
Fleece trousers or salopettes.
Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
Climbing harness
2 X tape slings
2 X screw gate karabiners.
Descended abseil device Ascender