Jomsom- Muktinath Trek
The Jomsom trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The diverse landscapes and cultures to be found along the trek route give marvelous insight into the way of life of rural Nepali people. The highlight of the trek is the walk through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in the Tibetan plateau to eventually flow into the Ganges in India.
Normally, trekkers continue the trek beyond Jomsom to Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that to wash in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that still burn at Muktinath. To the Buddhists it is a place where the great sage guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to meditate. To the rest, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams, which are found all along the upper reaches of Kali Gandaki. This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom and people with obvious Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up to Mustang. Their customs and attire are all quite distinct and this trek is ideal for observing the diversity among the people and their customs. Hinduism dominates the lower parts while as one climbs further up, Tibetan Buddhism predominates. If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking.
Most of the route along the Jomsom trek has been described as part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothill treks. The usual starting point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and from there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. Between Tatopani and Lete Khola, there is a dramatic change of scenery. Pine forests crowd in on the trail and the villages take on a quite different appearance. The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are unique to this area. The houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from the late morning onwards. These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with an efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley.
Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex.
An alternative to Jomsom as a base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni which lies a further two-hour walk up the valley. Kagbeni is not as commercialized as Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is the furthest trekkers are allowed to go towards Upper Mustang without a special permit and an accompanying Environmental Officer. For details see the description of Upper Mustang treks. From Kagbeni to Muktinath is a three to four hour trek and trekkers can choose to do this as a day trip or stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath
Trip Highlights
Trip Duration: 15 Days
Trek Duration: 09 Days
Grade: Moderate
Highest Point: Muktinath (3,710m)
Best Season:Mar,Apr, May,Sep,Oct, Nov,Dec
Activities: Trekking & Cultural Excursion
Accommodation: Deluxe Hotels in City & Lodges in Trekking
Group Size: Min 1 to 25
Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02:Sightseeing at Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Kathmandu drive to Pokhara (850m)
Day 04:Pokhara Trek to Tikhendhunga (1,552M): 4-5 hrs
Day 05:Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani (2,750 M): 6-7 hrs
Day 06:Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,190 M) :5-6 hrs
Day 07: Tatopani to Ghasa (2,110 M): 5-6 hrs
Day 08: Ghasa to Marpha (2,680m): 4-5hrs
Day 09:Marpha to Kagbeni (2,810 m): 4-5 hrs
Day 10:Day 09 Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,710m): 5-6 hrs
Day 11: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m): 5-6 hrs
Day 12:Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
Day 13: Pokhara
Day 14: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 15: Kathmandu Departure
Details of Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02:Sightseeing at Kathmandu valley
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Stupa, Swyambhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure & Patan Durbar Sqare.After breakfast proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Pashupatinath Temple is situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pathupatinath with two tierd golden roof and silver doors is considered one of the holiest shrines of Hindus. The stupa of Boudhanath lies 8kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world and the center of Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument in 1979 After Lunch proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, use to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site .ancient city of Patan Durbar Square, Tibetan Refugee Camp and Handicraft Industrial Estate. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Day 03: Kathmandu drive to Pokhara (850m)
After Breafast drive or flight to Pokhara.Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the Fishtail Peak rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. Pokhara is a perfect place to see the panoramic view of Himalayan region including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Day 04:Pokhara Trek to Tikhendhunga (1,552M): 4-5 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurungdi Khola, the trail climbs through sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhendhunga
Day 05:Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani (2,750 M): 6-7 hrs
From Tikhendhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani via very steeply up to village Ulleri. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of your stamina. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means "horse-water" owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings
Day 06:Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,190 M) :5-6 hrs
Ghorepani town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village & further descend to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing suspension bridge it climbs up at Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning Hot Water in Nepali derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among the trekker to sooth their tired leg muscles
Day 07: Tatopani to Ghasa (2,110 M): 5-6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara meaning beautiful waterfall and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for the bird watchers
Day 08: Ghasa to Marpha (2,680m): 4-5hrs
A steep climb through forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki reach you Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross trail via Tukche at 2590m and apple farm projects which produces apple and vegetable for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village.
Day 09:Marpha to Kagbeni (2,810 m): 4-5 hrs
The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. Cross the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti meaning lonely pub. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, From Jomsom, the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area
Day 10:Day 09 Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,710m): 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque places to stop by. From Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village. A further climb brings us to Muktinath.
Day 11: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,715m): 5-6 hrs
Muktinath is one of most important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. It also hold an important place for the Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra"or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. There is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Also enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue to Jomsoml.
Day 12:Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Phewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Phewa Lake or just can take an hour's walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Pokhara
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City including Mahendra Cave, David Fall, Tibetan Refugee camp, Seti George, Guteshowr cave and 1 hour boating at Lake Phewa. Free at leisure for the remainder of the day.
Day 14 : Pokhara - Kathmandu
After Breakfast scenic drive back to Kathmandu through the bank of the Trisuli river.
Day 15: Kathmandu
Free for adequate personal activities till departure transfer from hotel to the International Airport.
| Trekking Destination: | Kathmandu -- Pokhara - Kathmandu |
| Group Size: | 01-25 |
| Highest Access of the Trekking: | 3800m |
| Grade: |  |
| Transportation: | Surface |
| Mode of Trekking Tour: | Tea House / Camping |
| Trekking Hour: | 4-6 |
| Total Days: | 15 Days |
The cost of each trip differs as per the size of group, choice of hotel, client's interest of service and correction in our itinerary.
For Price of this trip, please contact us
Tour Cost Include:
| » | Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus. |
| » | Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast |
| » | All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking. |
| » | All necessary permits and conservation entry permits. |
| » | All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trekking |
| » | Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit. |
| » | An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples). |
| » | Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and Porter. |
| » | Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available). |
| » | Flight Pokhara-Jomsom. |
| » | All transportation by car/ van/ bus/ flight pokhara jomsom |
| » | Nepal entry visa fee |
| » | Your Travel insurance. |
| » | Your personal expenses. |
| » | All lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara |
| » | International airfare and airport departure tax. |
| » | Bottle Drinks. |
| » | Tips for the guide and porter. |
Please contact us for your suitable date & special discounted promotional Jomsom Muktinath trekking cost.