INTRODUCTION
This trek is designed upto Poon Hill which lies into the foothills of the Annapurna massifs. Poon Hill is located just 400m above Ghorepani and offers such a brilliant view of the Himalayan giants such as the many peaks of Annapurna, the holy Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fish-tail) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m). On a clear day, it is even possible to see the transcendental valleys on the southern side. It would be a beautiful trekking with lots of discoveries.
TRIP OUTLINE
Upon arrival at the Pokhara airport, meet our trekking guide and drive upto Naya Pul, a small collection of roadside shacks, just beyond 42 km, along the Pokhara-Baglung highway for about an hour. After leaving the small town of Naya Pul, we will drop down the embankment to the trail and start walking, where we pass many small villages on a fairly level walking up to Tikedungha at 1500m along the side of Bhurungdi Khola. From the next day, the entire trail almost goes uphill on a stone staircases through the magnificent forest of oak and rhododendron with sparkling streams en route.
As we ascend, the tops of Annapurna South (7223m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m) are clearly visible from behind the hills. It is worth stay at the Pass just 10 minutes above Ghorepani, to see the spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Glacier Dome. Next morning, an early excursion to POON HILL, about an hour's climb, provides an even better, unobstructed view of the high Himalayas.
Finally, the route turns to the south-east bypass the village of Ghandruk and will come down the southern valley following the Modi Khola and we drive back to Pokhara from Naya Pul.
Trek Grade
Easy
Highest elevation
3210m
After leaving the Tukuche village, a dramatic change in the vegetation, from pine and conifer forest to dry, desert-like country, takes place during the stretch of trail upto Kagbeni at 2810m via Jomsom (the headquarters for the region and straddles the Kali Gandaki at an elevation of 2713m). Kagbeni looks out of the medieval past, with closely packed mud houses, dark tunnels and alley- ways, imposing chortens and a large ochre-coloured gompa perched above the town.
From Kagbeni to Muktinath, the trail makes steep climb up the Jhong Khola valley. Along the route we will see hundreds of small piles of rocks erected by pilgrims to honor their departed ancestors. The walk from Khingar at 3200m to Jharkot, an impressive fortress-like village at 3500m, is a delightful one amongst meadows, streams and fruit trees. After climbing some walls, steep, barren hillside on a wide trail, we will arrive to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The holy shrines at Muktinath are in a grove of trees, and include a Buddhist gompa and the pagoda-style temples of lord Vishnu. Around the temple is a wall from which 108 waterspouts, cast in the shape of cow's head, pour forth sacred water.
The remainder of the trail follows down to Jomsom along the Kali Ganadaki Valley and we will fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom.
Trek Grade
Moderate
Highest elevation
3800 m
Days 1
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive to Naya Pul about an hour. Commence trek to Hille (1477m) about 3 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 2
Trek from Hille to Ghorepani (2853m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 3
An early morning excursion to Poon Hill (3210m) - about an hour climb for an even better and unobstructed view of the high Himalayas. After enjoying the views, we will come down to Ghorepani and after breakfast commence trek to Sikha (1935m) about 4 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 4
Trek from Sikha to Dana (1446m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 5
Trek from Dana to Ghasa (2010m) about 4 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 6
Trek from Ghasa to Tukuche (2591m) about 6 to 7 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 7
Trek from Tukuche to Kagbeni (2800m) about 7 to 8 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 8
Trek uphill to Muktinath (3800m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 9
Free at Muktinath to explore around the surrounding areas. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 10
Trek down hill to Jomsom (2713m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 11
Trek to Nayapool about 4 hours walk and drive back to Pokhara.