The Jomsom Kaligandaki trek is a popular trek in Nepal with good reason. This route is often referred to as the Marpha Brandy trek where they produce fresh apple brandy in Marpha. It is a tribute to the culinary skills of the legendary Thakali inn-keepers who run some of the most pleasant mountain lodges anywhere, and a reminder of the apple orchards near the quaint and charming settlement of Marpha.
This fascinating trek begins in Nepal’s northernmost ramparts in the Thak Khola Canyon, as the Kali Gandaki is known in its upper reaches. You explore the arid, Tibet-like semi-desert biotope of the trans-Himalaya and visit the renowned pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Our trek follows the river southward as it cuts its way down between the two 8,000m/ 26,000' massifs of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himal. Colorful mule caravans can be seen to this day plying the historic salt trade route between the lowlands of the Great Indian Plains and the elevated Tibetan plateau, demarcated by the impenetrable Himalaya. The diversity of the people, flora & fauna is as phenomenal as the scenery – dominated by the majestic summits of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
At Poon Hill we are rewarded with the opportunity to explore the interlocking spurs of the Kali Gandaki, put in perspective by the summits of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. This trip makes for an excellent first-time Nepal trek, offering the best of the spectacular Annapurna region in Central Nepal.
Trip at a Glance
Trip Duration: 10 days
Grade: Moderate
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly or Drive to Pokhara. Half day sight seeing of Pohara valley.
Day 2 - Pokhara Fly to Jomsom trek to Kagbeni.(2795m) 3hrs
Day 3 - Kagbeni - Jharkot 3550m) 4/5hrs (Excursion of Muktinath)
Day 4 - Jharkot - Marpha. (2667m) 6/7hrs
Day 5 - Marpha - Kalopani. (2530m.) 5/6hrs
Day 6 - Kalopani - Tatopani (hot spring). () 6/7hrs
Day 7 - Tatopani - Ghorepani.(2855m) 6/7hrs
Day 8 - Ghorepani - Tadapani.(2700m.) 5hrs
Day 9 - Tadapani - Ghandruk.(1950m.) 3hrs
Day 10 - Ghandruk – Nayapool Drive to Pokhara.
