Salt Trade Route

Mustang Gateway · Moderate

Salt Trade Route

A Muktinath-and-Jomsom corridor route that leans into history, trade-path atmosphere, and dry mountain character instead of the usual Annapurna talking points.

Route planning map

Explore the route before you commit to it.

Switch between topographic context, overall route shape, and stage-by-stage stops so you can see how the trek unfolds in real terms, not just as a line between famous names.

Route map

Salt Trade Route

Loading route map

Drawing the topographic base, route line, and stage markers for this itinerary.

Route read

Jomsom to Marpha

5 mapped stages, about 28 km on the visible line, showing where the trek leaves road access and moves into higher mountain terrain.

Route progress

Stage 1 of 50%

0 km

Completed

~28 km

Total route

Elevation profile

1234

↑ 2,270 m

Elevation gain

↓ 3,120 m

Max elevation

Current leg

Jomsom to Kagbeni

7 km

Est. distance

Transit

Stage type

Duration

9 days

Max altitude

3,800m

Best seasons

Mar-May · Oct-Nov

Starting rate

$1,290+

Permits and access

Permits

ACAP, TIMS or equivalent trekking registration

Access

Jomsom or overland access, Private jeep options

Stay style

Pokhara stay + Mustang-side lodge chain

Customize your trip

flight

Fast Jomsom sectors can shrink the route for tight leave windows.

jeep

Overland access works well for flexible custom pacing.

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Local partner insight

Extra route detail from our local trekking partner.

The notes below show what is commonly included, how the days are staged, and where pricing can change.

Partner-published rates are reference points. Final pricing depends on dates, group size, route choices, hotels, and transport.

Itinerary preview

Day 1

1.5 hrs drive 4 hrs walk42kms drive 7kms walk546m ascent

Pokhara (884m) - Hille (1430m)

A 1.5 hr drive takes us to our starting point, Nayapul. The beginning of our trek follows the banks of the Modi Khola river and slowly we ascend through local villages and rice fields until we reach Hille (1475m).

Day 3

3 hrs walk6 kms walk30 m Descent

Ghorepani (2860m)

We begin our day with an early climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3210 m) to watch the sun rise across a spectacular Himalayan panorama. After breakfast back at the lodge we begin our trek. Rhododendron and Magnolia forests give way to the terraced fields of Shika. (1935m). Hiking hours: 4

Day 4

4 hrs walk7 kms walk1240 m Descent

Shika (2430m)

We descend through the terrace fields and cross the Kali Gandaki river. Tatopani (1189 m), on the banks of the river, is famous for its hot springs. Here we can spend the afternoon relaxing in the springs. Hiking hours: 3

Day 5

6 hrs walk18 kms walk1340 m Ascent

Tatopani (1190m) - Kalopani (2530m)

We have a gentle walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river until we reach the magnificent falls of Rupse Chhahara (1630m). We then pass through the deepest gorge in the world and climb up to Ghasa. (2010m), this is a paradise for bird watchers. Today’s destination, Kalopani (2530m) is reached after a 2-hour walk and offers great mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We take a side trip from here and spend the rest of the day exploring Titi lake and viewing the Dhaulagiri glacier. Hiking hours: 6