Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport (1300m/4264ft) and then transfer to hotel

Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley’s cultural, historical, religious and world heritage sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also witness the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith and the Stupa is the largest of its kind in the whole world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site.  The whole are of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home of Nepal’s living Goddess known as Kumari where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepalese custom.  In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture show.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (915m), overland 6 hours
After an early breakfast, we drive to Pokhara which shall take us about 6-7 hours. Upon our arrival, the rest of the day is kept free for you to explore this beautiful lakeside city on your own or if you would like you can just sit back and relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04:  Pokhara – Jomsom (2713m) by flight and trek to Kagbeni (2895m) - 3 hrs
We will be transferred to the Pokhara Airport for a flight to Jomsom (2713m) early in the morning. The flight exposes great views of some of Nepal’s central Himalayas including Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Fishtail (6997m) and many other surrounding peaks. Upon our arrival in Jomsom and after a brief orientation, we then begin our trek to Kagbeni following the Kali Gandaki River bed. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Kagbeni – Muktinath (3795m) - 4 hrs:
From Kagbeni, we trek to Muktinath today which takes about 4 hours. The trail ascends steeply for sometimes and as we continue our walk through the beautiful desert like landscape, apple farming, we come across of Thorong La valley straight up to Muktinath.  After our lunch at Jharkot we then proceed to visit the local monastery believed to have been built around 15 century. We then head toward Muktinath following steep ascent path for half an hour and hike to Rani Pauwa (3700m); which is an important pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and the Buddhist. During the walk we have magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m) and other many surrounding peaks. We finally arrive to Muktinath temple where we observe the unusual architect and the ever burning natural flame. Within the temple premise there are 108 stone taps continuingly flowing the water.

Day 06: Muktinath – Marpha (2667m) – 6 hrs
From Muktinath, we trek to Marpha today which takes about 6 hours. By now we begin the descent down the dramatic Kaligandaki Gore which resembles the same topography as that of Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor for most of the way to Jomsom sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki. From here there are very good views of Mt. Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha which is a delightful Thakali village. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.  The village of Marpha is like something out of a story book. White brick walls and maroon framed doors and windows line the hand-laid shale and dirt pass through the village. Wrinkled Nepali women shuffle downs line the paths with baskets of buckwheat strapped across their foreheads and children play hide and seek with trekkers passing thorough. Cafes and lodges along the main path boast outdoor seating, real coffee (as opposed to the NesCafe that runs rampant throughout Nepal) and the best thing of all: fresh, hot apple crumble which are perhaps the best in the world.
Marpha is particularly known for its apple cider, apricot and peach whiskey. Overnight at lodge.

Day 07: Marpha – Ghasa (2013m) - 6 hrs:
The trek today from Marpha to Ghasa takes about 6 hours descending steeply through forest to Ghasa-the last Thakali village and the southernmost limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The initial part of the trek is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani and then the trail descends steeply to Ghasa. The first half of the trail passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forest.  The surrounding area of Ghasa has been a famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. From here there are mesmerizing views of Mt. Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).Stay overnight at lodge. Overnight at lodge.

Day 08: Ghasa – Tatopani (1189m) -5 hrs:
From Ghasa, we trek to Tatopani today which takes us about 5 hours. The trail from Ghasa descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse waterfall) and is situated between the world’s deepest gorges and between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m).  From here the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different rural settlements. We can enjoy natural hot spring at Tatopani at the bank of Kali Gandaki River. It is believed that taking a bath at the natural spring helps getting rid of many kinds of skin diseases. We stay overnight at lodge.

Day 09: Tatopani – Ghorepani (2853m), 7 hours:
From Tatopani, today we trek to Ghorepani which will take us roughly 7 hours. The trail from Tatopani is a level walk for sometime before ascending steeply at least for an hour and passes through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste. The majority of the residents here have served as British Gurkhas and the region is popular as the main recruitment base for British Gurkha servicemen. During today’s hike along the Kali Gandaki river bed, there are panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The trail to Ghorepani ascends gently mostly through the rhododendron forest and exposes majestic views of the snowy peaks.  Although we arrive Ghorepani quite early, it is good to stay here overnight for dramatic views of sunrise the following morning from Poon Hill.  Overnight at hotel.

 Day 10: Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3180m) – Tadapani (2675m) – 6 hrs:
Today we are up quite early at about 4:00 am to hike up to Poon Hill to enjoy the majestic sunrise and the whole panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. The walk from Ghorepani – Pooh Hill takes roughly an hour and once the sun is out the whole ranges lit with awesome light. From here there are amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. Following the trip to Poon Hill we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and after we set out for Tadapani through the deep forest o rhododendrons, bamboos and oak forests. En route we will see many beautiful waterfalls, rocks, wild animals and various kinds of bird species. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests. From Tadapani there are excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Annapurna II and other. .Overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Tadapani (2675m) – Ghandruk (1950m) – 3 hrs:
From Tadapani, it will take us about 3 hours to reach Ghandruk and is a very easy and pleasant walk along the rhododendron, oak forests. It also provides us the opportunity to observe different kinds of bird species and the route remains one of the popular destinations for birders. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village and has a handicraft and Gurung museum.  From here there are very good views of Mt. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Overnight at lodge.

Day 12: Ghandruk – Pothana (1990m) – 6 hrs
From Ghandruk, it will take us about 6 hours to Pothana. The initial part of the trek is steeply down following many stone staircases to Kimbu (Bee hive) located at the elevaton of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. From here on the trail ascends steeply through the stone staircases up to Landruk. We have lunch at Ghandruk and then proceed again steeply to Deurali (2150m) by passing through Tolkha village (1850m). From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village at 1900m meters.

Day 13: Pothana – Dhampus Phedi (1113m) – 4 hrs and drive to Pokhara:
From Pothana we will walk to Dhammpus Phedi which shall take us about 4 hours. The trail descends gradually or at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then steeply desceds to Phedi passing through Dhampus village. Upon our arrival to Dhampus Phedi we will be transported to Pokhara by a private vehicle.  Overnight at Pokhara.

Day 14: Pokhara – drive or fly back to Kathmandu
From Pokhara, we fly back ( 35 min) to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is kept at leisure or if you would like you can either explore Kathmandu high street on your own or just lay back and relax at your hotel.

Day 15: After breakfast we will set out for a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur and Patan and return to our hotel at late afternoon.

Day 16: Transfer from hotel to airport, fly home