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.

Day 03: Fly (35min) to Pokhara (915m) and trek to Tirkedhunga (1,552m– 3 hrs): Today we board on an early morning flight to Pokhara which takes about 35 minutes to reach. Upon arriving in Pokhara we have some time for orientation before setting off for a ride to Nayapul which takes about an hour or so.  From Naya Pul it is a 20 minute walk along the bank of the Modi Khola to Birethanti (1065m), a large village which has many shops and tea-houses. From here the trail continues through the village and then follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495m and shortly after reaches Tikhedhunga at 1525m. This is a short, relatively easy day which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal

Day 04: Tirkedhunga – Ghorepani (2,750m/9,020ft (6-7hrs): After yesterday’s gentle introduction, today is a hard day with a long climb up to Ghorapani at 2775m. However we take it slowly, rest often, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The trail continues upwards on a steep stone staircase to Ulleri at 2070m. From here the trail leads through thick forest to Banthanti at 2250m, and then continues through oak and rhododendron forest to Nangathanti at 2460m. The trail continues to rise and after approx. one hour reaches Ghorapani. We continue to the main concentration of tea-houses at Deorali (2834m), a further 10 mins walk, where we obtain fantastic views of the surrounding peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Day 05:  Ghorepani – Poon Hill - Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft) 5-6hrs:  Today we are up rather earlier (around 4 in the morning) and walk for an hour to Poon Hill for sun rise view and from where we have mesmerizing views of the Nepal’s central most Himalayas.  After this, we come back to the hotel, have our breakfast and begin our hike to Tatopani. After yesterday’s ascent, today’s walk is a lot easier as it is mainly downhill to Tatopani. From Deorali, the trail descends through rhododendron and magnolia forest, to Chitre at 2390m, and continues down to Sikha at 1980m, and then Ghara at 1705m. From here it is a steep descent of 500m to the Ghar Khola, where the trail then climbs briefly before crossing the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge. It is then a short walk to Tatopani at 1180m. Tatopani is a large village with many well-appointed tea-houses and takes its name, “hot water”, from the hot spring bathing pools on the banks of the river.

Day 06:  Tatopani – Ghasa (2110m / 6922ft) 5-6hrs: The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops are only 38km apart. This trail further ascends to first Thakali village Ghasa considered to be the birders paradise. Overnight at Ghasa lodge.
 
Day 07:  Ghasa – Larjung (2570m /8430ft): A steep climb through forest takes us to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki reach us Larjung Village. Over night at lodge.

Day 08:  Larjung – Marpha (2680m / 8792ft) 4-5 hrs: Today trail cross via Tukche at 2590m and walking further through a governmental established project produces fruits mainly apples and vegetables for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village. Over night at lodge.

Day 09:  Marpha – Kagbeni (2,810/9,218ft) 5-6 hrs: We leave Marpha and continue to climb along the side of the valley to reach Jomsom at 2713m. Jomsom is a large, bustling settlement which is the administrative centre of the region, containing the airport, army camp, and numerous hotels, shops, banks and government offices. We cross the river to the eastern bank and continue onwards to Eklai Bhatti at 2730m. From here there is a direct route to Muktinath that ascends the hill behind the village; however we follow the trail along the river to Kagbeni at 2810m. Kagbeni is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki, and is the northernmost village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang. It is a fascinating village with many Tibetan influences.

Day 10:  Kagbeni – Muktinath (3,710m/12,170ft) - 5-6hrs: From Kagbeni we make a steep climb up the Jhong Khola valley and join the direct trail to Muktinath just below Khingar at 3200m. From here we continue on the trail high above the Jhong Khola to the imposing village of Jharkot at 3500m. This village is well worth exploring and so we will stop here for lunch before continuing on to Muktinath. From Jharkot the trail climbs up to our ultimate destination of Muktinath at 3800m. We initially reach Ranipauwa where there are many tea houses and shops, and where we stay for the night. The actual religious site of Muktinath is a further 10 minutes walk up the hill and this area is kept free of hotels and camping sites. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists alike, and the area includes a Buddhist Gompa and a Hindu temple.

Day 11:  Muktinath – Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft) – 5-6 hrs: We can now look forward to a reduction in altitude and easier going, as we descend back down the trail to Jomsom, from where we will fly out to Pokahara and then on to Kathmandu. We take the direct route back which misses out Kagbeni and descends the hill behind Eklai Bhatti, before returning to Jomsom on the west side of the Kali Gandaki.

Day 12: Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu by flight:  We return to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu by plane. Initially we take a short 30 minute flight back to Pokhara, where we change planes and continue onto Kathmandu domestic airport. Here you will be greeted and transferred back to your hotel in Kathmandu. Arrival times back into Kathmandu vary, however it is usual to arrive back at your hotel by mid-afternoon.

Day 13: After breakfast we will set out for a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur and Patan and return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 14: Final departure