Salt Trade Route Trek (Jomsom / Muktinath)

A 1.5 hr drive takes us to our starting point, Nayapul. The beginning of our trek follows the banks of the Modi Khola river and slowly we ascend through local villages and rice fields until we reach Hille (1475m).

We start off with a steep climb that offers our first views of Annapurna South. We catch our breath in Ulleri (1960m) and then continue our trail which climbs gently through the rhododendron forests. After 5 hours walk we reach our destination, Ghorepani(2855m).

We begin our day with an early climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3210 m) to watch the sun rise across a spectacular Himalayan panorama. After breakfast back at the lodge we begin our trek. Rhododendron and Magnolia forests give way to the terraced fields of Shika. (1935m). Hiking hours: 4

We descend through the terrace fields and cross the Kali Gandaki river. Tatopani (1189 m), on the banks of the river, is famous for its hot springs. Here we can spend the afternoon relaxing in the springs. Hiking hours: 3

We have a gentle walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river until we reach the magnificent falls of Rupse Chhahara (1630m). We then pass through the deepest gorge in the world and climb up to Ghasa. (2010m), this is a paradise for bird watchers. Today’s destination, Kalopani (2530m) is reached after a 2-hour walk and offers great mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We take a side trip from here and spend the rest of the day exploring Titi lake and viewing the Dhaulagiri glacier. Hiking hours: 6

Marpha (2665m) – famous for its apple brandy and apple pie – is reached after a 5-hour walk. In the afternoon we can visit an old Tibetan monastery.

We follow along the riverbed to Jomsom (2713m), the hubbub of Mustang. We then continue our hike to Kagbeni (2895 m). This ancient Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by a patchwork of fields and fruit trees will take you back in time. Hiking hours: 5

After a 4-hour hike through a desert-like landscape we reach Jharkot (3500 m) In the afternoon we visit Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Buddhists and highest point of our trek (3800 m). Hiking hours: 6

We return via a different trail to Jomsom where we spend the remainder of the day visiting the local museum, enjoying the sites of the town or recuperating at the hotel. Hiking hours: 5

Today we take an early morning flight back to Pokhara were we can spend a wonderful day relaxing and recuperating with soothing views of Fewa lake and our tales of the high mountains. Dinner is served in the evening at the Three Sisters Guesthouse and our trekking staff will join in for an evening of laughs, music, dancing.