Muktinath Jomsom Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Muktinath Jomsom Trek is a popular and scenic trekking route located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It also offers a mesmerizing journey through diverse landscapes, charming villages, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, this trek takes around 14 to 16 days to complete, making it a perfect choice for adventurers seeking a moderate challenge and a cultural experience. The journey begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, a beautiful town situated in the Mustang district. From Jomsom, trekkers make their way towards Kagbeni, a picturesque village that marks the entrance to the Upper Mustang region. The trail continues along the Kali Gandaki River, which gets flank by towering cliffs and offers stunning views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks. As the trek progresses, trekkers pass through traditional Thakali villages such as Marpha and Tukuche, known for their apple orchards and local apple products. The trail then ascends to the village of Muktinath, a significant religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here, trekkers can explore the ancient Muktinath Temple, also known for its sacred water spouts and eternal flame. Beyond Muktinath, the route takes trekkers to the enchanting village of Jharkot and further down to Jomsom. This region known for its strong winds, creating a unique desert-like landscape known as the "wind-swept valley." The trek also provides ample opportunities to witness the traditional culture and lifestyle of the local Thakali and Gurung communities. Throughout the journey, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, and Tukuche. The diverse terrain, ranging from lush valleys to arid landscapes, adds to the allure of the trek.Conclusion and Summary
The Muktinath Jomsom Trek is not only about the breathtaking landscapes but also about immersing oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural exploration, making it a memorable adventure for trekkers from around the world.Trip Highlight
- The scenic ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Mesmerizing scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Experience of the local lifestyle, steep climb up and the atmosphere
- Dramatic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Himchuli, and Damodar Himal
- Beautiful City with lake and surrounds the views of the mountain
- 3500 steps pathway of Ulleri
- Lush green forest with the sound of bird chippings
- Streams of largest Rhododendron forest
- Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags
- World’s deepest gorge at Kali Gandaki River
- A popular holy destination : Muktinath
- Pokhara the tourist capital of Nepal.
- Famous pilgrimage site Muktinath Temple at an altitude of 3800 meters
- Natural hot springs at Tatopani
- Sunrise view of the mountains at PoonHill View Point
Itinerary
Today marks the beginning of your beautiful journey to the Jomsom Muktinath Region. You will be picked up from the Tribhuvan International Airport as per the Jomsom Muktinath Trekking Itinerary. The private vehicle will drop you off at your hotel. You can rest in your hotel room and get rid of your jet lag from your flight to Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu you will be placed in a deluxe hotel named Hotel Access Nepal. You will be provided with breakfast in the morning. So rest well for we have a lot of new things to experience in the morning.
The second day of the trek is a free day. You are allowed to do as you please in the valley. This includes touring and sightseeing the famous tourist destinations in the Valley. There are many interesting things to try in the Kathmandu Valley.
The day is barely enough to visit the Kathmandu Valley but we will have to make do. If you want, you can enjoy some extra days in the valley after the trek.
Also, today along with the sightseeings and enjoying the culture and cuisine of the valley, you will make proper arrangements for the actual trek starting tomorrow, this doesn’t just mean physical preparation but also mental preparation. So rest well and get ready to face the adventurous trek the next morning.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will fly to Jomsom in the morning. It’s a scenic flight with a view of tremendous scenery of the high Himalayas such as Mt. Dhaulagiri, a series of Annapurna (Annapurna I, II, III, and IV), Nilgiri, Sacred Mountain Fishtail, and many other snow-capped peaks. Trekking starts from Jomsom through the Kaligandaki River Valley. It’s about 3 hour’s walk to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a very old and beautiful town and also a gateway to Upper Mustang. Overnight in Kagbeni.
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We start our scenic drive after an early morning breakfast, traveling by tourist bus out of the valley and along the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. The beautiful scenery along the way includes rivers, terraced fields, villages and sights of the snowy mountains, including Ganesh and Manaslu peaks. Pokhara is a lakeside tourist’s paradise with many facilities for travelers.
- Accommodation at Hotel near Lakeside.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Today we are ascending to Muktinath. You will encounter many trekkers who are coming from another region by crossing Thorong La Pass. Muktinath is a holy temple, so this place is pretty friendly even for Nepali pilgrims. It is believed that once they take a bath from 108 holy taps and then god will make them free from negativity if they have done it unknowingly. Overnight in Muktinath.
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After a nourishing breakfast meal, we enjoy a short drive through beautiful landscape on the way to Nayapul, our trek starting point. Here we inaugurate our first steps on the trail. The route follows a pleasantly through fertile jungle and terraced fields along a rushing river. We pass through several rural settlements and gradually reach Tikhedunga.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will trek back to Jomsom and then continue to walk to Marpha. We will walk through the Kaligandaki Valley. The trail is windy with full of sand. So starting our walk early morning will be smart. Marpha is a beautiful town with Thakali ethnic. This place is very famous for apple and apple brandy locally produced. Overnight in Marpha.
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This day involves a vigorous ascent as we climb a long, steep series of stone steps on our way to Ghorepani. After the challenging steps we journey through scenic villages and timberland. Although a difficult climb, along the way, we can take in astonishing views of the snowy peaks including the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli. Our destination is Ghorepani, a spectacular settlement located on a ridgeline.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will follow the Kaligandaki River. We will pass beautiful villages like Tukuche, Kobang, Larjung, and Kokhethanti, inhabitant by Thakali and Thakuri ethnic. We will realize the world’s deepest gorge Kaligandaki between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. An appalling view of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Nilgiri on the left, and Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak on the right side makes our walking so joyful. Overnight in Kalopani.
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Today we have an early start of the day as we begin before sunrise to ascend Poon Hill in time to view the sunrise on the Himalaya. The marvelous panoramic view from Poon Hill includes Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, the Annapurnas and much more. After enjoying the views, we return to our lodge for a hearty breakfast, and then follow a pleasant forest trail through rhododendron and villages with terraced farmland to eventually cross the Kali Gandaki river and arrive at Tatopani with nearby hot springs where we take a dip and savor the experience.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will walk mostly downhill. We will pass many local villages and pine forests, we will possibly see several monkeys playing in the forest. After walking for about 6 hours, we will reach Tatopani. Tatopani in the Nepali language is “Hot Spring”. We can go there to take a bath or just to see the hot spring pool. Many Nepalese people from across Nepal go to this place to have a bath. It is said that if they take a bath here, all kinds of skin diseases will be cured. Overnight in Tatopani.
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The pleasant route heads north as we follow upriver in the Kali GandakiValley. We take the chance to explore newly developed trails away from the motor road. We will pass through scenic farmland with rural villages surrounded by terraced fields. We are hiking up the world’s deepestgorge, with Dhaulagiri, world’s seventh highest peak on one side, and Annapurna I, the tenth highest on the other.We ascend to the peaceful village of Ghasa, mainly populated by Thakali people of this region.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will take a public transportation bus or jeep to Beni and then to Pokhara. The road from Tatopani to Beni is off-road makes us tired. But the road from Beni to Pokhara is a highway. Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal. We can look around Lake Side. We can go to Tal Barahi temple which is in the middle of Fewa Lake by boat in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.
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Today we continue our journey up the Kali Gandaki. We pass through peaceful forests to the large settlements of Lete and Kalapani and as we continue the journey north , the territory becomes noticeably drier and the lush vegetation and forests give way to more desert like terrain. The culture, too, begins to change from the lowland Hindu style practices to a Buddhist lifestyle. Tukche is a scenicvillage with surrounding orchards and a monastery. The local brandy from Tukche is famous throughout Nepal and a hit with many trekkers.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We pass through the scenic village of Marpha, famous as part of the Annapurna Circuit for its apple pies before road building dramatically decreased tourism. We enjoy thrilling views of the surrounding peaks and unforgettable landscape.Jomsom is the next town and district headquarters of Mustang. The route then follows a pleasantly up the arid valley of the Kali Gandaki Riverto the fort of Kagbeni, an ancient trade post with a Buddhist monastery, too. Kagbeni is just south of the restricted area of Upper Mustang.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will make an exciting journey up the valley in the direction of the legendary Thorung La pass. We are on the world-famous Annapurna Circuit but most people attempt the pass from the other direction. We make a scenic climb up the Jhong River valley with marvelous scenery along the way. The trail passes ancient villages on the way to Muktinath, a temple that has long been a pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple’s walled complex has a Buddhists monastery and Hindu shrines, 108 bathing spouts and even an ‘eternal flame’.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have reached our final day on the trekking trails. The journey heads down the valley as we lose elevation and gradually rejoin the Kali Gandaki River valley bottom and the trail back to Jomsom. Jomsom’s market area may seem like a big change from the serene trails and villages that we have visited. Rest and refresh at the lodge or explore Jomsom bazaar.
- Overnight at Lodge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We say goodbye to Mustang today and will have an early morning flight back through the Kali Gandaki Valley’s southern section. The scenic flight returns us to Pokhara. (We can then connect with a flight back to the ancient city of Kathmandu, or take a day of exploration of Pokhara and tourist bus to Kathmandu the following day). The rest of the day is yours to explore the city and perhaps go souvenir shopping or just relax in the tourist haven.
- Accommodation at Hotel near Lakeside
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is an early start as we depart by tourist bus for a return to Kathmandu. The 200 km route follows first along the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli Rive offering a good look at the natural scenery and farmland. The bus makes one last climb and we are back in the valley of the gods, Kathmandu.
- Accommodation at selected Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Included meals: Breakfast
You can depart from Kathmandu to your home country with a bag of memories or extend another trip within or outside Nepal.
Airport Drop Off in a Private Vehicle.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
| Start Date | Price | Availability |
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Both way transportation service between Kathmandu and Pokhara by Tourist bus.
- Private transport from Pokhara bus station to your hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.
- Two night’s accommodation in selected hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 3 star catagorised with breakfast
- Private transportation service Pokhara and Nayapul (trek strat point)
- Tea House/ Lodge accommodation including meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trek.
- Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Government License holder Friendship World Trek experienced and qualified trek leader (guide), and porter to help trekkers luggage (2 trekkers: 1porter).
- Coverage of guides and porters meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation and other necessary equipment.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
- Catering extra dietary requirements
- All Government and Local Taxes.
- Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance).
- Friendship World Trek appreciation of certificate after over the successfully trek.
- Farewell dinner at the end of the Trek.
Price Excludes
- International Flight.
- Excess baggage charges.
- All accommodations and Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu and Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and pokhra due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (because of any reason) prior to the plan scheduled itinerary.
- Personal expense such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, bettery re-charge fee extra porters etc.
- Personal clothing and gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porters (Recommended by the Culture)
- Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Accommodation
Accommodations in the Jomsom Muktinath Trek are mostly guesthouses. The guesthouses are comfortable with basic facilities. The extra charge must be paid for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, laundry, charging, internet, and electricity in the guesthouses.
Meals and Food
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trekking from the guesthouses. The meals are basic and suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat which provides enough energy throughout the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals prepared from home-grown crops are a treat during this trek.
Drinking water
Drinking water is easily available at the guesthouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle but you should do proper disposal of plastic bottles. You can also fill boiled water at guesthouses paying extra charges. Always carry a water bottle and water purification kits to prevent from unwanted health issues.
Communication and Network
The internet facility is easily available in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. The internet connectivity and phone signals are fairly stable in the Jomsom-Muktinath regions. By paying extra charges at guesthouses, internet facility, electricity for charging can be used. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used.
Best time for Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time for Jomsom Muktinath Trek. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. There is a high chance of flight cancelations during the Rainy and Winter seasons. Besides this, the weather is cold and the trails are muddy, icy, and slippery. We recommend you plan carefully if you want to trek during the off-season.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek Difficulty
Jomsom Muktinath Trek’s difficulty is moderately difficult. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, and rough trails. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful. So, we recommend you participate in exercises, day hikes, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Acclimatization rest is necessary during trekking. The trek starts from Jomsom (2,720m) and the highest altitude is Muktinath (3,760m) during the trek. So, in between the treks, upon reaching your daily destinations acclimatize properly. Walk to the surroundings to adapt to the environment and prevent altitude sickness.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Preventive Guidelines
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- Immediately inform the guide
- Warm-up, and body stretch before the trekking journey
- Drink water and Hydrate yourself at regular intervals
- Frequent urination throughout the journey
- Ascend slowly and gradually
- Take plenty of rest and sleep
- Avoid salty foods, alcohol, and smoking
- Descend immediately when it’s difficult/uneasy
- Take medicine consulting a guide
Equipment
Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)
Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks
Winter Season: Woolen clothing items (light)
Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu. You can customize the checklist as a necessity.
Required Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits are required.
- ACAP permit cost charge:
NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC)
- TIMS permit cost charge:
NPR 2000 (Foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC)
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
Safety and our guides
We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services
Muktinath Jomsom Trek Route Map
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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