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Kaligandaki Valley Trek

Kaligandaki Valley Trek

Overview

Trip Fact

Trip Name:

Kaligandaki Valley Trek

Best Month:

Sep - Nov & Mar - May

Max Elevation:

3800 meters

Walking hours Per Day:

5 - 8 Hours

Trip Grade:

Easy to Moderate

Meals:

BLD

Accommodation:

Hotel/Lodge

Group Size:

1+

Destination:

Annapurna Region

Kali Gandaki Valley Trek 

Kaligandaki Valley Trek is known as lower Mustang Trek as well as Jomsom Muktinath Trek. It is located in the north side of Pokhara city at the lower Mustang Region, so this trek is a quite low altitude trek and suitable for people of all age’s trekkers. This best and easy trekking trail was main trading route of Nepal and Tibet. So, you can trek at any time of the year in low altitude with amazing spectaculars view of snow capped mountain such as Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7041 m), Mt. Tukuche Peak and many more with  multi nature beauty nearby dippiest gorge of the world and varied flora and fauna. 

There are many different starting and ending point of the Kali Gandaki Trek as well as the trekking Itineraries are always flexible. So it may take a little more or less than that depending on your time vacation. From Pokhara, it is possible fly to Jomsom, or to go by road or trekking start from Beni to Jomsom. The same options for the returning back after complete the trip. Muktinath to down is part of classic Annapurna Circuit Trek route.   Just inform us about your program, we are always flexible for create the itinerary according to your time require.

This regular Kaligandaki Valley Trek is starts from Beni after 3 hrs drive from Pokhara and ends at Jomsom in the Annapurna region through Tatopani, Dana, Ghasa, Kalopani, Larjung, Tukuche Marpha, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath and back to Jomsom for Complete the trip. Highlights thing of Kaligandaki valley treks are magnificent mountain views along the trekking trail and Gurung and Thakali culture and lifestyle as well as chance to observe the famous apple farm in Marpha Village, Muktinath temple and Kagbeni village. Muktinath (3800 m) is the highest elevation of the trip and this is famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist. There is beautiful temple and monasteries in one compound with “Jwala Mai” (mysteriously natural flame come through the water). 

Furthermore, the Kali Gandaki Valley Trek offers many wonderful things to see such as lowland to highland landscaped, monastery and temple, caves, wildlife, multi culture of local people of that region, beautiful farmland and wonderful local villages. End of the trek you will back to Pokhara by flight from Jomsom or drive and enjoy to your extra day in Pokhara for extra adventure activities with us.

Kali Gandaki Valley Trek Highlights

  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
  • Wonderful Panoramic landscape with rural villages, hills and terraced farmlands
  • Following the famous rafting rivers Trishuli, Marshyangdi and Kaligandaki
  • Magnificent mountains view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges 
  • Visiting an charming city of Lakes-Pokhara can enjoy before and after trek
  • Interacting with local people of different ethnic community Gurung, Magar and Thakali
  • Visit the natural hot spring site at Tatopani and can take Hot Bath
  • Visit the apple farm in Marpha and can taste apple and apple brandy 
  • Chance to visit the pilgrimage site of Hindus and Buddhists at Muktinath in one compound 
  • Scenic Mountain flight over the Annapurna mountain ranges from Jomsom to Pokhara

Visit the Pokhara City

Pokhara is the famous city for leisure and adventure destination as well as gateway to trekking in the Annapurna region with lots of entertainment for travelers. You can observe the panoramic view of snow capped mountains included Annapurna I (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m) in the clear weather. Traveler can experience lots excitement of adventure like boating, paragliding, bungee jump, zip flyer, day hiking, horse rides, and day tours etc or simply relaxing around the Fewa Lake in the valley. Also, there are many places to visit such as Peace Pagoda, Mahendra Cave, Chamere (Bat) Cave, Gupteshor Cave, Devils fall, Bindabasini Temple, International Mountain Museum, etc. Pokhara city is also best place for accommodation and food because there are many hotels and Restaurants.

Why with us? 

Trekking in Nepal with High Pass Adventure means a lot. It means friendship, fun, convenience, adventure and above all the security and safety we bring. Our long experience in Nepal and true dedication guarantees your vacation is well thought out and planned to make the most beautiful journey of your lifetime. We are flexible for create a suitable itinerary and offer such a great combination of quality hotel, small group size trip, family tour, solo trekking, honeymoon trip, group trekking.  Also our guides have general knowledge about first aid kits and long years experience in the trekking fields and hire strong porters for supporting by carry the luggage.  

Important Note:

Some time becomes problems like weather condition, local politics issue, transportation or other factors that are beyond from our control. It might be change the itinerary.  However, it is very unlikely that the itinerary would be considerably changed.  If alterations are necessary, the Guide and Trekking leader will decide what is the best options are. You can talk and decide taking into through the best happiness of the whole group. Where a change does suggest itself, we try to do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot take responsible for the results of changes or delays. Our trekking staffs are experience and professional and try to solve all problems during the trekking. 

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Arrive at Kathmandu and we will picked up by our ( high pass adventure) staff and transferred to a hotel for check in. You will then be explained about the program further. There are no planned activities for the day. Enjoy your stay at the hotel.
 

Food
Welcome Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

Traveller Useful Information

Information of Annapurna Conservation Area Project

Annapurna Conservation Area project (ACAP) is largest conservation area of Nepal and located in north center in Nepal.  It has 7629 square Km and established in 2049 B.S. (1992 A.D.). It is bounded by the mustang in the north, Kali Gandaki River in the west, Marsyandi valley in the east and Pokhara valley is the south border. 

This project was initiated by National Trust for Nature Conservation (the king Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation) a non- government organization and donate by many international trusts. Nowadays, this project conserved by National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and local people community from local area. The head quarter of this ACAP is Ghandruk. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost

Annapurna Circuit Trek situated in Annapurna Conversation Area, so you need to buy entrance fee of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permits and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. Both of these permits are compulsory for your trek to Annapurna Region except Nar Phu Valley Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. Those two permits can buy ether from registered trekking company or Tourism Board (Bhrikuti Mandap). Those two permits, you have to take yourself during the whole trek and have to show on the every check post along the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail. If you are going there without these trekking permits, you have to buy from there with double charge (penalty) or you may have turn back.

  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) is compulsory for everyone to trek in Annapurna Circuit.
  • It Cost US$ 20 per person/ per Trek
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permits 
  • It cost US$ 30 only per person/ per trek

Our government has instilling these two permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Food and Accommodation in Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Region is second popular trekking destination in Nepal next to Everest Region Trek. There are many trekking routes and Annapurna Circuit Trek is best one of them for nature and culture with different landscaped. Annapurna Circuit trekking trail is well managed and managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area project and local community. 

There are lots of accommodations and restaurants along the trekking trail because every year increasing new house and add the room for trekkers. So, you can have easy to finding comfortable accommodation in the Annapurna region. Almost all tea-houses are tried to give you best service for all traveler. Normally, lodges have private rooms (2 beds in one room) for customers with sharing indoor bathroom but if you need luxury lodge, they have luxury facilities and some places have limit lodges.  Every different place has different quality of the lodges, so you can choose best on your budget.

Every lodge have food menu and foods items are almost same. We strongly recommended typical Nepali dish “Dal-Bhat” (boiled rice, vegetable, lentil soup) but if you like, you can choose others food from food menu.  Most of the lodges produced fresh Vegetables on their garden and serve to costumer. Basically, the cooks are trained but food taste might be bit different than western. Meat is not fresh in the mountain area so you have tried to be vegetarian during the Annapurna Circuit trek and all trekking routes in Nepal Himalayas. 

You can buy all types of drink in every lodge but the prices goes high as you go higher. You can drink normal water with using a purification tablets. Avoid the alcoholic drinks when you go higher.  

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek

There are two main trekking season for Trekking in Nepal. Autumn trekking season (September to December) and spring trekking season (March to May) are the best trekking seasons. Even though, beginning of September to end of May are the very good times for the Annapurna circuit Trek. The weather is perfect sunny and warm with wonderful mountains views clean air and not rain and snow compare with other trekking season. 

If you want and wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature and culture, you can do this trip during the winter (January and February) also could be an option.  The temperature during winter could be little bit cold for most trekkers but the visibility is not bad.  In the summer season (June to August) is raining but best time for nature lovers. That is why; you can choose your best season for Annapurna Circuit Trek depends on your Vacations time.

Communication in the Annapurna Region 

Annapurna region is popular trekking destination In Nepal. There are good mobile network services and internet services in the whole Annapurna region trekking area but not few places such as Nar Phu Valley, Tilicho Lake and Saribung Pass trekking.  The internet service will be available whole Region but tea-houses and lodges provide internet with some extra charge. If you have not Nepali SIM card for communication with your family and not use the internet service, our guide help to you for pass the massage because always our guide have cellular phone and he contact to Kathmandu trekking office about to know the trek and your health condition as well as we help any kinds of problem during the trek.

Hence, travelling is important things in life so we make sure you about safe and healthy during the trekking in Nepal. Nowadays, you can get the local SIM card in Kathmandu airport after arrival to use the 3g and 4g internet service because most of the trekking routes in Nepal have Mobile Network service. If you need Nepali SIM, we can provide to you for your trekking but you have to tell us before leave the trekking. 

Acclimatization:

High altitude sickness is common problem in the high Himalayan area when you go as higher elevation. It is appears very quickly but symptoms are   preventable. If you have previous high altitude trekking experience, it might be best but if not trek in above three thousand meters high you need to prevention of the high altitude sickness.  You need a extra suitable acclimatization days to complete the trip and Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, don’t drink alcohol, go higher and sleep low elevation as well as spend 2 nights on every 500 meters  above than 3500 meters heights are prevent the altitude sickness during the trekking in Nepal.   All our trekking itineraries are flexible with acclimatization days and first priority for your health and safety to complete the trek without any problem.  We provide you basic medicine to support for emergency rescue, if situation gets worse. 

Hence, every day you have inform to your Guide or Leader about your health condition and he will response to decide whether and your overall health condition to continue the trip or return back. 

Tipping information 

The Guide, porter, driver and all workers who are working in tourism filed, they except some tips during your Tour Trekking and others activities in Nepal. Tipping is judgment of workers from travelers and workers offers the tips end of the trek. Travelers tips 10% of their payable amount but you can give to them depend on their services. 

Hence, it is important to High Pass Adventure working team who take care to you all the time during the visiting in Nepal, motivated with outstanding service and offer inspiring trip in a lifetime experience.  

Trip extension 

If you have extra time after complete the trek, you can do different activities or different short trek in Nepal. We have many short tour packages and adventure activities such as Chitwan National park and Bardiya National Park for Jungle safari tours. You can visit Pokhara city, Nagarkot Hiking, Dhampus hiking or day Rafting trip in Trisuli River. 

Adventure activities are like paragliding, canoeing, Ultra light flight, Bungee Jump and Mountain Biking. These all package are extra activities as optional tours and not included in your package cost. If you will do these activities after the trip with us, we arrange at a reasonable cost and we give to you good discount. 

Trekking Gear List 

Travel equipment are necessary to pack before you travel.  We hope it is too much to carry from your home to others country but some are the necessary equipment can be hired or buy in Kathmandu around Thamel. These general equipment are for all seasons while on trekking in Nepal, but may be different as per the different season and duration of trekking routes on your chosen trip.

Documents: 

  • Passport and 4 passport size photos 
  • Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
  • Boarding passes for flights
  • Driver’s license (if needed)
  • Cash USD
  • Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card incase an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)

Sleeping:

  • Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
  • Sleeping bag liner (Optional)

Footwear:

  • Trekking boots: one pair  lightweight
  • Sandals for city and tea house footwear 
  • Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
  • Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks

Clothing for Body: 

Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking:

  • Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
  • Fleece/Windproof jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket for warmth
  • Travel clothes and City Wear
  • Underwear
  • Base-layer trousers (optional)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Trekking trousers
  • Trekking shorts (Optional)
  • Gloves and wool hat
  • bandanna or scarf 

Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)

  • First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
  • Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
  • Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu

Others: 

  • Sunglasses and Sun cream 
  • Towel
  • Book (reading and writing materials)
  • MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
  • Travel wash
  • Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
  • A day bag: 35 liters
  • A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
  • Dry Liner or Dry Bag
  • Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.

General Toiletries

  •  Toilet papers/ tissue 
  • Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
  • 1 medium sized quick drying towel
  • Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
  • Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
  • Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries) 
  • Binoculars (for luxuries)
  • Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)

Getting There: Nepal 

Between China's Tibet Autonomous Region and India, Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation. It has eight of the top ten mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. There are numerous points from China and India where one can enter Nepal by land. Tourist visas for Nepal are available on arrival at all Indian and Chinese borders if you are traveling there by land. There are numerous foreign airlines providing nonstop connecting flights to Nepal if you're arriving by air. Nepal Airlines, Turkish Air, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Air, Jet Airways, Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Travel Dubai, Air Arabia, and Air China are a few of the well-known airlines that fly to Nepal. From China or India, one can also go overland. Please check your flight and get in touch with us before arriving in Nepal. At the airport in Nepal, you can easily obtain an on arrival visa.

Visa and passport information

Except for Indian passport holders, all foreign visitors to Nepal need a visa; however, you must have a passport with a six-month validity date in order to apply for a tourist visa. At the Tribhuvan International Airport and the Chinese-Indian border in Tibet, visas are available on arrival. To apply for a visa to enter Nepal, you must have a color photograph in PP size. Please click this link for more details about Visa Information. 

Money exchange rate and prices

If you're seeking for the best foreign exchange rates and locations in Nepal, you may easily exchange the majority of your foreign currency at a local bank or authorized money exchange facility in a well-known tourist destination. The Nepal Rastra Bank controls all exchange rates (Center Bank of Nepal). You can exchange small amounts of money at the hotel if you want to. Because our banks will not take dirty or old notes, kindly bring clean and fresh notes.

In order to avoid the time-consuming processes associated with cards and traveler's checks, Nepalese people typically prefer cash in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other locations. You can use an ATM to get cash (in Nepali Rupees) if you have a credit or debit card. In the main tourist city, there are a number of ATM counters with 24-hour service. If you use a card, the maximum withdrawal amount is between 30,000 and 35,000 rupees at once, plus a processing fee of 500 rupees. 

You must convert your money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the hike because the majority of trekking routes do not offer a facility for international currency exchange. Additionally, inquire about the amount of money required for a Himalayan trek from your trekking operator or guide.

Safety and security

When traveling in Nepal, safety and security are crucial issues to consider both on the way to in and out. We are here for you at all times, and we promise to provide the greatest service to all of our cherished clients. Our guides have extensive training in the field of trekking and broad understanding of first aid items. Because it rises more than 4000 m above sea level, it is essential for hiking in Nepal. Because health is crucial, if a trekker becomes ill from the high altitude, our knowledgeable guide discusses the necessary medications and decides to continue the trek while organizing the emergency rescue.

You must be cautious when hiking trails pass one other because they are not wide enough to do so. During the busiest trekking season, there are lots of porters, yaks, mules, and Jokpe along the trail. You must stay on the safe side if you encounter them on a bridge or in a confined space because otherwise they may force you over the edge.

Safe drinking water

For a healthy body while traveling and staying hydrated, clean water is essential. It will be the most effective method of completing the Himalayan journey. If not, getting sick and having diarrhea is simple. Almost everywhere during the Nepalese tea house trip, but not during the camping trek, sells bottled water. Unfortunately, bottled water is very pricey. 

Please bring good water bottles (for boiling water) and water purification tablets or water filter bottles since plastic bottles are detrimental for the environment. Reusable water bottles are a good idea because they help keep the mountain clean. If you are concerned about finding a typical water tap to fill up your bottles in the trekking region of Nepal, they are very simple to locate. It can be found in rivers, streams, and lodges.

Travel insurance and insurance policy

Nepal hiking tours: The difficulty levels of the Himalayas range from easy to tough. As a result of the Himalayan climate changing, there is a risk of high altitude and potential mishap. 

Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas demands practical trekking abilities at high altitudes (above 4,000 meters), so travel insurance is essential. If an accident occurs during a trip and requires medical attention or evacuation, the cost of returning to a city and receiving treatment may be significant. Therefore, you must ensure that your insurance covers the price of an air ambulance, medical care, and any risks associated with travel, such as delayed flights and lost, stolen, damaged, or missing baggage. Your complete itinerary while visiting Nepal should be covered by your insurance policy. Make sure your insurance policy covers hikes higher than 5,500 meters. If not, you will be responsible for all unforeseen costs associated with your trek through Nepal. 

All trekkers must send a copy of their certificate from their comprehensive travel insurance policy to High Pass Adventure as part of the booking process for trekking and climbing in Nepal.

High altitude sickness information

Mountain sickness is another name for high altitude sickness. You must be aware of high altitude sickness symptoms since they arise rapidly if you hike or ascend to a higher elevation. Here are some details if you're curious as to why it occurs. The air pressure is the main cause of altitude sickness. Your body needs time to adapt to the shift in air pressure when you travel to higher elevations since the air pressure decreases and there is less oxygen present. According to doctors, If you are at sea level, it begins at 8,000 feet (2400 meters).

1) Types 

There are three types of altitude sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): it is very common and symptoms feel like a tiredness, dizzy, headache, thirsty, muscle aches, nausea 

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): it is effect in the lungs, which can be very dangerous and hard to do life threatening

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): it is effective in the brain and most difficult to treat and you need to go to hospital attention the right way. 

2) Cause 

Following are the causes of high altitude sickness:

  • Generally living near sea level and travel to a high elevation 
  • Had the sickness before
  • Climbing quickly
  • Not being acclimatized to the altitude
  • Drinking alcohol when you ascend 
  • Medical problems of heart, nervous or lungs 

3) Symptoms

These symptoms will appear depending on your speed to climb and how hard you push. Symptoms range from normal to serious. They can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart.

Here are symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness 
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid Pulse (Heart Rate)
  • Short breath with action
  • Blue color of skin or gray soft skin 
  • Chest tightness or blocking
  • Confusion
  • Dry cough or coughing with blood
  • Cannot walk in a straight line 

4) Prevention 

Important keys to preventing of High Altitude Sickness are:

Climb the mountain gradually. 

Stop every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of climb above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and one or two nights sleep there.

  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible.
  • Make sure that you have the ability to quickly descend if needed.
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness.
  • If you plan on climbing quickly, or climbing to a high altitude, ask your provider about medicines that may help.

If you are at risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia), ask your provider if your planned trip is safe. Also ask if an iron supplement is right for you. Anemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes you more likely to have mountain sickness.

5) While climbing, you should follow these rules:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Climb slowly.
  • Take it easy
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrates.
  • Sleep lower elevation 
  • Take a medication (diomax) according to doctor 

Client Reviews

Cable T

Cable T

Australia

High Pass Adventure is the Best

18th June, 2023

I just returned from Nepal, did the Kaligandaki Valley Trek. High Pass Adventure organized all the logistics of my visit and did an excellent job. They provided a great service and extremely good value. Nepal needs the tourists to return to help its economic recovery. Don't delay, go to Nepal, it's an incredible country with wonderful people! If you want to go Nepal for spend your valuable holiday, choose High Pass Adventure Trekking Company

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