Treks: The Kali Gandaki Pilgrimage

The Kali Gandaki Pilgrimage Trek

Grade Length
Moderate 17 days

Description
This trek in the Annapurna region combines an introduction to the religious and cultural aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism with spectacular views of the Annapurna Range and the mountain Dhaulagiri. This major trans-Himalayan trek follows the gorge of the Kali Gandaki River upstream from subtropical jungle to high-altitude desert through a string of quaint villages in less than a week. Mixed in with the stream of international trekkers are Hindu holy men (saddhus) walking to Muktinath and jingling mule trains heading down from Tibet loaded with bales of wool. Both are reminders of the trail's status as a major trade and pilgrimage route, an important cultural corridor across the Himalaya

The high point in the trek is the ancient shrine of Muktinath, one of Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites. Muktinath has been sacred for over 2000 years; its holiness to Hindus stems from flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burning on water, stone and earth, now enclosed in the shrine of Jwala Mai. Nearby are108 waterspouts, shaped like bulls' heads, where devout pilgrims bathe in the freezing water to purify their sins and earn mukti or spiritual liberation. The place has ancient association for Buddhists as well; Guru Rinpoche is said to have passed through here en route to Tibet, leaving his footprints in a rock. There are many old Buddhist temples around here. The entire trek stays below 4,000 meters, but awesome views of the Himalayas are always present.

Itinerary

Day	Activities
1	Arrive in Kathmandu. Late-afternoon city walk, usually amazing for first-time visitors to Nepal.
2	Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
3	Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and preparation for trekking departure
4	Drive to Beni via Pokhara in the morning. Camp near Beni.
5	To Rahughat.
6	To Tatopani.
7	To Ghasa.
8	To Kobang.
9	In Kobang. Optional day trip to the Dhaulagiri icefall.
10	To Marpha.
11	To Kagbeni.
12	To Muktinath. Visiting Jharkot on the way. Stay in hotel.
13	To Jomsom. Stay overnight in hotel.
14	Fly to Pokhara mid morning. Afternoon: guided touring in the Pokhara area.
15	Fly to Kathmandu mid morning, after sunrise boating on the lake. Free afternoon.
16	In the Kathmandu Valley, guided touring and shopping.
17	Depart Kathmandu for home.

Location

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