Nepal9 days
Kali Gandaki to Muktinath: Nepal's Deep Gorge & High Valley Trek — 9 Days
A trek from Pokhara through the world's deepest gorge to a 3,710-meter Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage site
This nine-day trek follows the Kali Gandaki Valley from Pokhara's foothills to Muktinath on Nepal's Mustang border. The route descends steeply from Ghorepani pass through rhododendron forest, then traces the Kali Gandaki—the world's deepest gorge—past terraced villages and stone-built Thakali settlements. The trek reaches its high point at Muktinath, a shared Hindu and Buddhist shrine at 3,710 meters, before returning to Jomsom for the flight back to Pokhara. The route passes through Gurung, Magar, and Thakali villages, each with distinct architecture and settlement patterns adapted to the steep valley terrain. Accommodation throughout is in tea houses maintained by local families, and the trek is feasible year-round except during monsoon season.
Highlights
- Sunrise views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks from Poon Hill
- Passage through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge, with rock-cut trails and orange groves near Dana
- Thakali village architecture in Ghasa, Marpha, and Larjung, featuring flat-roofed houses and enclosed courtyards
- Muktinath temple complex at 3,710 meters, sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, with gompa and pagoda shrine
- Terraced farmland and suspension bridge crossings through the Bhurungdi Khola and Kali Gandaki rivers
- Stone staircase ascent through Ulleri village with views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
Day by day
1Kathmandu to Ulleri: Flight, Drive, and the Bhurungdi Khola AscentKathmandu · Ulleri · Bhurungdi Khola · Pokhara · Birethanti · Hille and Tikedungha
Your day begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where the trek team meets you at the airport. A 45-minute drive brings you to Birethanti, a busy village of lodges and shops that marks the trailhead. The trek starts with a gradual climb along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola, a steady introduction to the terrain ahead. You pass through Hille and Tikedungha, walking the upper edges of terraced fields that cascade down the hillside. Beyond Tikedungha, you cross a stream and descend to a suspension bridge spanning the Bhurungdi Khola. Here the trek steepens considerably. A long, unrelenting stone staircase climbs toward Ulleri, the village that will be your base for the night. At 2,000 meters, Ulleri offers clear views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli rising across the valley. You overnight at a tea house in the village.
2Ulleri to Ghorepani: Forest Trek and Mountain PassUlleri · Ghorepani · Nangathanti · Deorali
The path climbs through oak and rhododendron forest, crossing several clear mountain streams en route to Nangathanti. Annapurna South remains partially obscured by ridge lines until later in the trek. A short walk from Ghorepani leads to a small pass and the village of Deorali. Ghorepani, located at 2,775 meters, has historically served as a watering point for mule caravans between Pokhara and Jomsom. Accommodation is in a local tea house, allowing time for acclimatization.
3Poon Hill Sunrise to Tatopani via Kali Gandaki GorgePoon Hill · Tatopani · Kali Gandaki · rhododendron forest · Sikha
An early start rewards you with sunrise views across the Dhaulagiri range from Poon Hill's vantage point. After breakfast, the descent begins through rhododendron forest, offering outstanding natural vistas throughout. As you approach Chitre, the Dhaulagiri range comes into sharp relief. The trail then passes through terraced fields to Sikha, a Magar village clustered on a ridge, before descending more sharply to cross the Ghar Khola. A short climb follows, then a large suspension bridge carries you across the Kali Gandaki. From there, it's a brief walk upstream to Tatopani, a village named after the hot springs that pool near the river below. You'll spend the night in a local tea house, with the thermal waters accessible for a soak if desired.
4Tatopani to Ghasa: Kali Gandaki Gorge PassageGhasa · Kali Gandaki Gorge · Dana · Rupse village
The trek ascends gently into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, moving upstream toward Dana, a settlement surrounded by orange groves. Local vendors sell baskets of oranges along the route. Near Rupse village, a waterfall cascades directly beside the trail. The track then enters the gorge's narrowest and steepest section, where a well-maintained stone path runs along the rock face. Beyond the cliff line, the trail reaches Ghasa, a Thakali village at 2,000 meters with distinctive flat-roofed Tibetan-style architecture. Overnight accommodation is in a local tea house.
5Ghasa to Larjung: Traditional Architecture and Riverside TrailKali Gandaki · Larjung village · tea house
Alternating sections of descent and ascent follow the Kali Gandaki through forests of fir, cypress, and juniper. Larjung village at 2,560 meters displays traditional stone construction, including narrow alleyways, tunnels, and houses arranged around enclosed courtyards. The architectural detail reflects local adaptation to the steep terrain. Tea house accommodation.
6Larjung to Jomsom: Marpha, Orchards, and Alpine ValleyJomsom · Kali Gandaki valley
The trail widens as it follows the Kali Gandaki valley, passing through Khobang and Tukuche. Traditional courtyard-enclosed houses recur throughout, designed to withstand the strong valley winds. Stone walls border orchards as the path approaches Marpha, marked by a stone gate entrance. The village features white-walled architecture and a functioning drainage system; it is locally known for apple brandy production. After a midday rest, the trek continues toward Jomsom at 2,713 meters. The landscape becomes progressively arid, with browns, yellows, and grays contrasting the snowcapped peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri. Overnight stay is in a local tea house in Jomsom.
7Jomsom to Muktinath: High-Altitude Pilgrimage Site TrekMuktinath · Chhancha Lhumba · Khingar · Jharkot · Ranipauwa · Kali Gandaki riverbed
The trek ascends along a wide gravel riverbed of the Kali Gandaki, with a small ridge crossing at Chhancha Lhumba (2,730 m) marking the initial gain. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri dominate the skyline during the continued climb to Khingar at 3,200 meters, where meadows, streams, and increasingly sparse vegetation appear along the trail. The path reaches Jharkot at 3,500 meters, passing ruins of a Dzong and the villages of Purang and Changur. Ranipauwa, at a slightly lower elevation, has long functioned as a rest point for pilgrims and trekkers. The final ascent leads to Muktinath at 3,710 meters, where Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites dominate: a Buddhist gompa and a pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Multiple religious shrines and ritual structures occupy the hilltop settlement. Overnight accommodation is in a local tea house.
8Muktinath to Jomsom: Return Trek with Nilgiri ViewsMuktinath to Jomsom · Jomsom
The route retraces the path to Jomsom at 2,713 meters, with Nilgiri peak remaining visible throughout the descent. Overnight stay in a local tea house in Jomsom.
9Jomsom to Pokhara: Domestic Flight ReturnJomsom · Pokhara
An early morning domestic flight departs Jomsom for Pokhara, with airport transfer back to the hotel.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Pokhara
- 3Birethanti
- 4Ghorepani
- 5Deorali
- 6Jomsom
- 7Muktinath
- 8Jomsom
- 9Pokhara
Included
- 9 days Trekking trip as per the above mentioned itinerary on full board basis (includes Breakfast, Lunch and dinner only) with accommodation at the Tea
- Houses on the trail.
- Annapurna Conservation Fee, Tims card fee and prevailing government tax.
- Surface transfers to the trek starting point from Pokhara and from trek end point to Pokhara.
- Sherpa guide and Sherpa porters for the trek.
- One way airfare for Jomsom / Pokhara sector with domestic airport tax.
- Two way airfare for Kathmandu / Pokhara /Kathmandu sector with domestic airport tax.
- (Please note the airfares and the taxes are subject to change without prior notice)
Not included
- Price Excludes
- Any International airfares, visa fees, airport tax etc.
- Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic & non alcohol beverages, laundry, bills, telephone bills and camera fees etc.
- Insurances of any sort, emergency evacuation and any extra cost arises during
- The entire trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder and due to any
- The Reason which is beyond the reach of Venture Travels & Tours.
- Any extra services which are not mentioned in service includes section
Activities: TREKING, HIKING