• Duration

      14 days

    • Group

      16 Pax

    • Difficulty

      Moderate

    • Accommodation

      Hotel / Lodge

    • Max.Altitude

      2720m

    • Season

      All Season

The Kali Gandaki Trek is a part of the Annapurna circuit and one of the most popular treks 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 point of this two-week trek is Dhampus, a few hours’ drive from Pokhara, and takes you on an ascent till Chitre whence we head to the Kali Gandaki Valley. Walking through fine villages inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, we also get to revel in spectacular and majestic views of snow-capped Himalayas. As it continues to the north of the main Himalayan range on to the high and dry Tibetan Plateau, the scenery is equally breathtaking. We return to Pokhara from Jomsom to enjoy all the wonderful activities and a relaxing ambience at the serene lakeside city to top off our trek

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 Dhampus (1,700m / 5,577ft), via Pokhara (900m/2,953 ft)

    Our trekking staff will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30am and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek. We proceeds onwards from Pokhara to Dhampus, which is the starting point of our trek.

  • Day 4
    Trek from Dhampus to Landrung (1,699m / 5,574ft)

    From Dhampus, on undulating trails we reach Landrung in the later afternoon. Enjoy the wonderful and unspoilt village lifestyle in this part of the Annapurnas with mountains seen in the horizon. We’ll take it easy today, walking on comfortable pace and prepare ourselves for the gradual ascent we’ll be headed tomorrow.

  • Day 5
    Trek from Landrung to Tadapani (2,170m / 7,119ft)

    From the lush greenery of Landrung and the rolling hills and towering mountains we get to witness, our journey takes us on ridgelines and thin settlements along the way. The fresh air and serenity of the environment make it worth every drop of sweat! When we reach Tadapani, observe Annapurna, Machhapuchare and a wide range of peaks seen from your lodge.

  • Day 6
    Trek from Tadapani to Chitre (2,331m / 7,648ft)

    After a hearty breakfast in Tadapani, we move on through the jungle section to reach Chitre in late afternoon. We’ll be gaining some altitude today, and through not at a very high altitude it is important not to pace ourselves comfortably and tread carefully through the woods en route Chitre.

  • Day 7
    Trek from Chitre to Tatopani (1,250m / 4,101ft)

    From Chitre we descend to the famous hot springs of Tatopani, from where the sight of Nilgiri mountains gleam from the north. Spend the evening relaxing in the hotsprings and loosening your muscles, preparing for the gradual uphill we’ll be headed the next day. The small market of Tatopani along the shores of Marshyangdi is also worth exploring.

  • Day 8
    Trek from Tatopani to Ghasa (2,010m / 6,594ft)

    We leave Tatopani after breakfast and head northward to reach the district of Mustang. The trails till Ghasa have some alternative routes we can take to dodge jeep tracks.Ghasa, the first town of Mustang, welcomes us with its pristine culture and welcoming smiles. Greenery is still abundant in the town of Ghasa, but we’ll soon get to experience changing landscapes of Mustang in the days to come.

  • Day 9
    Trek from Ghasa to Marpha (2,670m / 8,760ft)

    From Ghasa, we continue our ascent through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha, where we get strong gusts of winds up to Marpha. The town is renowned for its apple orchards and we can also taste the apples and apple products like wines and pies. Don’t forget to try Apple Brandy, which is a local specialty you don’t want to miss!

  • Day 10
    Trek from Marpha to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft)

    On the last day of our walk, pass through more desert-type landscape, we walk from the Kali Gandaki Valley and follow the river northwards up the windy valley to reach Jomsom. We get a good close-up views of Nilgiri mountain here. Jomsom is a bustling town where there are several interesting places of interests to visit.

  • Day 11
    Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (900m/2,953 ft)

    A 30-minute morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. We then head back to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a scenic 4-hour drive.

  • Day 12
    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 13
    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 14
    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.

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

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