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The Starlight Trek

Trekking off the beaten track - Amazing panoramic views of Himalayan giants - Unspoilt Hill Villages

All meals on trek included

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Duration

9 Days
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Grade

Moderate / Challenging
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Max Altitude

2800m
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Walking Days

6 Days
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Accommodation

3 Nts Hotels - 5 Nts Camping
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Trip Overview

Dramatic views on this rather unusual Nepal trek and Himalayan trekking away from the crowds.

Although short in duration and at relatively moderate altitudes, this mini-trek has some challenging days with sufficient ascent and descent to determine it to be one not to be under-estimated and best suited to mountain walkers with a good level of fitness. One appeal is that it's a quiet trekking route. However, the rewards for those undertaking this trek are commensurate with effort, as this is not only hiking off the beaten track in Nepal, but it also affords panoramic views that rival and exceed the 'usual suspects'. Along the way, you'll encounter tiny villages that see few foreign visitors, hike through forested hillsides, and camp at scenic locations. For many, the highlight will be Tara (Starlight) hilltop and Cormshing Hill camps, from where there are expansive views of most of the Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchare (Fishtail), and down to where Nepal drops into India. A great way to see rural Nepal without the crowds is to enjoy great trekking and fantastic views of Himalayan giants. It is also possible to shorten this trek by a couple of days if you're either short on time or don't fancy two hill climbs and trekking out from Ghalegoan. A stunning, shorter, but still reasonably challenging trek.

Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent camping. A full trek service is provided (tents, cook, dining table, chairs, cutlery etc & porterage) We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.

Dramatic views on this rather unusual Nepal trek and Himalayan trekking away from the crowds.

  • Although short in duration and at relatively moderate altitudes, this mini-trek has some challenging days with sufficient ascent and descent to determine it to be one not to be under-estimated and best suited to mountain walkers with a good level of fitness. One appeal is that it's a quiet trekking route. However, the rewards for those undertaking this trek are commensurate with effort, as this is not only hiking off the beaten track in Nepal, but it also affords panoramic views that rival and exceed the 'usual suspects'. Along the way, you'll encounter tiny villages that see few foreign visitors, hike through forested hillsides, and camp at scenic locations. For many, the highlight will be Tara (Starlight) hilltop and Cormshing Hill camps, from where there are expansive views of most of the Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchare (Fishtail), and down to where Nepal drops into India. A great way to see rural Nepal without the crowds is to enjoy great trekking and fantastic views of Himalayan giants. It is also possible to shorten this trek by a couple of days if you're either short on time or don't fancy two hill climbs and trekking out from Ghalegoan. A stunning, shorter, but still reasonably challenging trek.

    Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent camping. A full trek service is provided (tents, cook, dining table, chairs, cutlery etc & porterage) We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Parje
    • Day 3
      Trek to Starlight (Tara Top)
    • Day 4
      Trek to Ghalegaon
    • Day 5
      Trek to Cormshing Hill
    • Day 6
      Trek to Karuwa
    • Day 7
      To Pokhara
    • Day 8
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 9
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Parje

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Nepal's premier resort, Pokhara. A private vehicle transfer from Pokhara of around 45 minutes brings you to the beginning of the trek by the Modi Khola River. Initially, the walking is straightforward for the first couple of hours as you follow the trail that skirts above the river. There's then a climb of around 3 hours up a stone-stepped trail through gladed forests to reach the scenic camping location at Parje. Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours with around 950 m of ascent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Parje
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Full Support Camping

    DAY 2

    Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Parje

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Nepal's premier resort, Pokhara. A private vehicle transfer from Pokhara of around 45 minutes brings you to the beginning of the trek by the Modi Khola River. Initially, the walking is straightforward for the first couple of hours as you follow the trail that skirts above the river. There's then a climb of around 3 hours up a stone-stepped trail through gladed forests to reach the scenic camping location at Parje. Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours with around 950 m of ascent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Parje
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Full Support Camping

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Starlight (Tara Top)

    With Himalayan mountain views to behold, you now head westward, initially contouring the hillside, and walk through forests, passing the occasional tiny settlement along the way. A right turn leads onto a trail that ascends a wooded ridge all the way up to the spectacularly located Tara Top Camp (2900m). It's a long, steep climb up, but with views of almost all of the Annapurna Massif, Macchapuchare, Lamjung, and Manaslu, the reward for effort is more than duly compensated. Yes, the camp is literally on the hilltop itself, and as well as uninterrupted views of Himalayan giants, watching the sun go down over essentially most of central Nepal and down towards the Terai is something once seen, never forgotten. Walking time is approx. 4-5 hours, with around 1000m of ascent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Tara Top
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Starlight (Tara Top)

    With Himalayan mountain views to behold, you now head westward, initially contouring the hillside, and walk through forests, passing the occasional tiny settlement along the way. A right turn leads onto a trail that ascends a wooded ridge all the way up to the spectacularly located Tara Top Camp (2900m). It's a long, steep climb up, but with views of almost all of the Annapurna Massif, Macchapuchare, Lamjung, and Manaslu, the reward for effort is more than duly compensated. Yes, the camp is literally on the hilltop itself, and as well as uninterrupted views of Himalayan giants, watching the sun go down over essentially most of central Nepal and down towards the Terai is something once seen, never forgotten. Walking time is approx. 4-5 hours, with around 1000m of ascent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Tara Top
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Trek to Ghalegaon

    What goes up must come down, and that is basically today's walking. Initially, after dropping down, the trail contours the hillside at around 2500m before dropping sharply through forests of rhododendron. Look up, and you may find wild orchids clinging to the branches. Clearing the forest, you reach the tiny village of Ghalegaon (1620 m), perched above the Sardi Khola Valley. Walking time: approx. 4 hours with around 1200 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Ghalegaon
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek to Ghalegaon

    What goes up must come down, and that is basically today's walking. Initially, after dropping down, the trail contours the hillside at around 2500m before dropping sharply through forests of rhododendron. Look up, and you may find wild orchids clinging to the branches. Clearing the forest, you reach the tiny village of Ghalegaon (1620 m), perched above the Sardi Khola Valley. Walking time: approx. 4 hours with around 1200 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Ghalegaon
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Cormshing Hill

    Around an hour of walking down some stone steps to the valley floor and across the Sardi Khola via a bridge followed by a steady climb up the valley, passing the village of Naparang and walking through pasture land. The trail then heads into the forest and begins to climb. A further 2 hours of walking later, it's time for lunch. Suitably rested and refreshed, a further 2 hours of fairly steep ascent bring you to another magnificent vantage point (Cormshing Hill, 2500m) and tonight's camp site. There are stupendous views of Fishtail, Annapurna 3, and Mardi Himal in particular from here. Descent of around 400m, ascent of approx. 1000 m, walking time of approx. 6-7 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Cormshing Hill
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Cormshing Hill

    Around an hour of walking down some stone steps to the valley floor and across the Sardi Khola via a bridge followed by a steady climb up the valley, passing the village of Naparang and walking through pasture land. The trail then heads into the forest and begins to climb. A further 2 hours of walking later, it's time for lunch. Suitably rested and refreshed, a further 2 hours of fairly steep ascent bring you to another magnificent vantage point (Cormshing Hill, 2500m) and tonight's camp site. There are stupendous views of Fishtail, Annapurna 3, and Mardi Himal in particular from here. Descent of around 400m, ascent of approx. 1000 m, walking time of approx. 6-7 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Cormshing Hill
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to Karuwa

    It's virtually all downhill today (you did sleep on top of a hill last night, after all). A narrow trail through forests descends sharply to reach the rustic village of Sadar. Now in the Seti River Valley, your legs can take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. The afternoon's walk is much easier as you contour the valley sides, gradually losing height, and reach the tiny Gurung village of Karuwa (1380m). Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours with around 1100 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Karuwa
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6

    Trek to Karuwa

    It's virtually all downhill today (you did sleep on top of a hill last night, after all). A narrow trail through forests descends sharply to reach the rustic village of Sadar. Now in the Seti River Valley, your legs can take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. The afternoon's walk is much easier as you contour the valley sides, gradually losing height, and reach the tiny Gurung village of Karuwa (1380m). Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours with around 1100 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Camp, Karuwa
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    7

    To Pokhara

    A somewhat easy final walk will feel like a mere stroll, although after yesterday's descent, your legs may be grateful for this.  Following the Seti River downstream and to the confluence with the Mardi Khola, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you the short distance back to Pokhara. You should be back in good time to take a leisurely lakeside lunch and enjoy the rest of the day either relaxing or exploring Pokhara. Walking time: approx. 3 hours, with around 220 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 7

    To Pokhara

    A somewhat easy final walk will feel like a mere stroll, although after yesterday's descent, your legs may be grateful for this.  Following the Seti River downstream and to the confluence with the Mardi Khola, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you the short distance back to Pokhara. You should be back in good time to take a leisurely lakeside lunch and enjoy the rest of the day either relaxing or exploring Pokhara. Walking time: approx. 3 hours, with around 220 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    8

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. You'll receive a private vehicle transfer to your hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 8

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. You'll receive a private vehicle transfer to your hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    9

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 9

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1365

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, internal flights in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, all camping equipment (except sleeping bags), full camp service, permits, National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licensed.

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all our trips.

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