09:00 Hrs : After breakfast, set out of the Kathmandu valley on the Prithivi Highway. Firstly we negotiate the traffic out of Kathmandu and ride out of the Valley to the check post at Thankot. From hereon we descend to Naubise, about 17 kilometers through winding mountain road and then a much more smoother ride on the highway to Kurintar, 97 kilometers from Kathmandu. There is a nice restaurant "Kurintar Riverside Springs Resort" an ideal place to stop for lunch.

Later drive to Muglin, the junction where the highway bifurcates, South to Chitwan and West to Pokhara. Head west by crossing the bridge and follow the Marshyangdi river for about 25 kilomenetrs to arrive at Dumre town, continue for another ½ kilometer and then take the left turning to Bandipur Resort (8 kms).

AM : Visit Bandipur bazaar.
Bandipur is a pleasant charming hill town situated on a crest of the ridge that offers a magnificent view of the Nepal Himalayas and the Marshyangdi valley. The mountain panorama includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal range.

After early breakfast, set out for town of Beni, 78 Kms on the Baglung Highway which takes about 3 hours and a convenient place to stop for lunch. From here set out on a rough terrain on the newly constructed road to Jomsom to arrive at Tatopani (26 Kms).

After an early breakfast, set out on the trail by following the Kali Gandaki River passing water falls and Thakali and Magar Villages to Dana (4750 ft./ 1446 m.) and then steeply ascend to Ghasa (6600 ft./ 2012m). The Kali Gandaki gorge is the deepest gorge in the world

As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert. It takes gradual acclimatizing with the surrounding. The Thakalies are the dominant tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the southern slopes.

We by pass the route to Jomsom and head straight to Kagbeni (2800 m) which is the gateway to Upper Mustang. (Note : The kaligtandaki Valley becomes increasingly windy during the day as the winds blows south to north and make it difficult for travelers. So it is a good idea to start early and reach Kagbeni for lunch, before the winds build up.

After breakfast set out for Muktinath, on graveled river beds. If lucky, one can find ammonite fossils millions of years old but one can also buy them directly from the traders.

The village of Muktinath is one of the many pilgrimage places in the Kali Gandaki basin. At 3800 m, its eternal flame draws the Hindus and Buddhist alike and is therefore, interesting to note the mixture of Buddhist and Hindu culture in this area. There are many interests to occupy the day in this ancient town which also used to be the capital of one of the province of Mustang.

Jomsom (2713 m) is the Administrative seat of the Mustang Region and the gateway to the Annapurna region. A land of mystique, the rugged peaks of the Annapurna, Nilgiri and Dhaulagari gaze down in their awesome splendor at weathered landscapes which contrast with the deep river ravines over noisy river beds. Jomsom is a mixture of hard work, social frivolity tempered by culture founded on deep religious traditions. It has the only airport which operates daily scheduled flights to Pokhara in the early mornings before the winds build up.

(Optional Activity : After breakfast set out on ponies for a tour of the nearby Thini village of the locals and then continue on to the Dhumba lake. Also called turquoise lake because of its colour, it lies below the mighty Nilgiri mountain. Later return to the Hotel.)

After a leisurely morning, set out for Marpha and visit the local Monastery which is under renovation under the guidance of Mr. John Sandy, a very well known person in this field whose restoration works for the World Monument Fund include all the major monasteries of the Upper Mustang region.

It is a pleasant relief to be able to tackle the roughest section of the journey in the early morning. After arriving at Beni, stop for a quick break and head off for Pokhara.

Pokhara stands at 900 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationers paradise. With its crystal clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and its bustling but quaint lake side bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. From here most of the treks starts for the western region and is a haven for people who wants to relax in this serene mountain beauty. The Annapurna mountain range is impressive by any standard. Looming ahead to take the center stage is Machhapuchhare or "Fish Tail Mountain", which gets its name from the shape of its summit and flanking it from either side are the great mountains of the range including Annapurna I (8091 m), the first 8000 m peak to be scaled in 1950. The range continues to meet the Lamjung Himal in the east while to its west looms the massive dome of Dhaulagiri (8161 m).

After breakfast, ride 200 kilometers to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into the Dwarikas Hotel