Jomsom Trek
Fixed Departure Dates: Mar 10, 22, Apr 12, 15, 28, May 10, 26, Jun 7, Aug 22, Sep 10,
Oct 7, 25, Nov 2 & 18 |
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Just doing half of Annaurna Circuit: fly up one of the deepest gorges in the world - squeezing between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I, both 8,000m - and land at Jomsom (2,700m / 8,858ft) amidst the stunning high desert scenery of the upper Kali Gandaki river. This trek will take you to Pilgrimage site of Muktinath, a millennia-old holy spot, and sight visit of ancient fortress settlements. Then we trek back to Jomsom and down to Pokhara. There are many different ethnic groups along the trail, but the predominant people in this area are the Gurungs. Together with the Thakali, Magar and Chetrie people, the Gurungs are famous as soldiers in the British Army, better known as Gurkhas.
Along the trail the views of Nilgiri (7061), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machapuchare (6993m) and the Annapurnas are magnificent. The winding trail passes through magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron that line the southern foothills of the Himalaya. The terrain varies from sub-tropical valleys with banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges clad in thick rhododendron forest. You will visit the famous Poon Hill where you will hopefully be blessed with a fantastic sunrise and view of all the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range to the West. The views here are breath taking as you sit and sip on a hot chocolate before heading down the main trail to Pokhara. Finally trek to Ghandrung following the EBC trail then to Birathanti and drive to Pkhara. |
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Day 1: Welcome
to Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu airport, you will be met by the staff from our
agency. Transfer to Hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
The following morning you will be taken on a half day
sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting
Surrounding sights of Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu - Pokhara
Transferred by tourist bus for about 6 -hour drive to Pokhara, a
beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller
and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting
point for our trek. Your first day in Pokhara can be spent just
relaxing or you may enjoy a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp
and Devi Falls. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy either
doing last minute shopping for the trek or packing your kitty
bag for the following day's departure.
Day 04: Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni
Fly to Jomsom & sightseeing around Jomsom. The Kaligandaki
valley here is called the Thakkhola, after the native Thakalis,
who are distantly related to the Tibetans. Gentle walk to
Kagbeni, the checkpoint of entry to Upper Mustang.
Day 5 Kagbeni - Muktinath
We ascend steeply to a 3880m, at Muktinath. This is
one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. Holy
water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu
temple in a grove of poplars. Muktinath is also home to many
ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists, who come here for the temple
in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water inside a
small but very holy temple.
Day 6 Muktinath - Jomsom
Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into
the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to
Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola,
from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this
area.
Day 7 Jomsom - Kalopani
Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and
fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old
Thakali trading centre of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the
Himalayan rain shadow end and open spaces make way for
coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560m.) From here there are
spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas high above.
Day 8 Kalopani - Tatopani
A beautiful walk, with another transition into sub-tropical
vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and
poinsettias. The trail follows the river through a narrow gorge,
and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall,
before winding through the valley to
Tatopani, the hot water springs.
Day 9 Tatopani - Ghorepani
Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the
terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to
the village of Ghorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views
of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and
the Annapurna Range.
Day 10 Ghorepani - Tadapani
A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a
spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Trail
descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with
bird life to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of
Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Day 11: Tadapani - Ghandrung
Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may
see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps
that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung (1940m) and
explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung
settlement.
Day 12: Ghandrung - Birethanti - Pokhara
A steady climb down past startlingly green cultivated terraces
and picturesque, beautifully-preserved farms to the scurrying
Modi River, which
the trail follows back to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive Back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Rest day at leisure or final souvenir shopping. Join the
farewell dinner in the evening most probably with cultural
program.
Day 15: Departure transfer to airport.
Cost: USD 570 per person based on 5 star hotel in kathmandu.
Online booking - 7% discount available for travel agent and student.
Service Includes:
Food, hot drinks, lodge accommodation, entry
permit & National Park/ conservation entrance fee, ground
transportation, guide & sherpa, staff insurance, hotel with
breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara, arrival/departure transfer,
taxes, service charge etc.
Service excludes:
Personal Wears & gears, Personal nature
expenses, Emergency Rescue cost, air fare, lunch/dinner in kathmandu/Pokhara, cold beverage, mineral water, alcoholic
drinks etc. |
