muktinath-trek-nepal
At a Glance
  • Duration14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 3780m
  • Group Size 1 - 20 Person
  • Start City Kathmandu
  • End City Kathmandu
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season September - December and March - May
Trip Highlights
  • Natural hot spring in Tatopani
  • Cultural beauty of local Thakali, Gurung, and other ethnic groups
  • Spiritual experience at Muktinath Temple
  • Fossils around the bank of Kali Gandaki River
  • Kali Gandaki Valley –the world’s deepest gorge
  • Beautiful Marpha village and its Apple Garden
  • Historical Kagbeni village, and a glimpse of Upper Mustang
  • A Scenic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri South, and numerous other high peaks

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek has distinguished the world-renowned ancient pilgrimage destination Muktinath for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Muktinath is the temple of such deities who help absolve the sins of people.  Depending on beliefs within each religion, different rewards are given to those who make the pilgrimage.  Along the way, we may see sadhus carrying a trident, paying homage to Hindu gods with little more than the clothes on their backs. 

It is not just the enchanting spiritual aspects that make the Jomsom Muktinath Trek so wonderful.  Behold, we are continuously surrounded by jaw-dropping Annapurna Himalayan sceneries, picturesque windswept valleys, and traditional villages of ethnic groups indigenous to the area.  From thick forests and cascading waterfalls to the desolate, rugged highlands and snow-capped peaks, there is never a dull moment on this trek.  There is a constant sense of awe at the wonders of the Annapurna region.

The route lies north of Pokhara and starts after an hour of driving to the gateway at Nayapul.  We pass through various settlements, including Gurung villages Landruk and Ghandruk.  Continuing further, we reach the famous Poon Hill (3210m) viewpoint.  Our hearts and minds are full, taking in one of the best panorama mountain views in the region.  Within two days, we find ourselves in a completely different environment.  The trees become less and less and we find ourselves completely exposed to the Himalayas.   

Following the windswept trail of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the world’s deepest gorge, we reach Muktinath (3800m).  The gorge was formed between Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna I (8090m). For centuries, this valley was a major trade route between India and Tibet.  We’ll then visit the Muktinath Temple of Lord Visnu and can stop at the Buddhist monastery in the area as well.  Some Hindus believe that Muktinath is “Muktikhsetra,” or the place of liberation/salvation.  The following day we reach Jomsom, the district center of the Mustang region.  It is situated on a high, dry plateau that resembles the landscape in Tibet.  Jomsom is populated by indigenous groups such as Thakali, Gurung, and Tibetans.  Their cultural heritage is unique and fascinating to explore. We may see people selling fossils, a black stone that holds inside of it the remains of prehistoric ammonites that lived more than 140 million years ago.  From Jomsom, we take a plane back to Pokhara and head back to Kathmandu.  The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a perfect mix of the natural, cultural, and spiritual allures of the Annapurna region, leaving trekkers in constant amazement.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project has worked to preserve the biological diversity of the Annapurna region.  On the trail, we will see the varieties of flora and fauna.  Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer.  The Jomsom Muktinath Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel.  We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2|3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

We drive about 6-7 hrs along the Prithvi Highway to the gorgeous lakeside city of Pokhara. The scenery along with the drive, full of terraced hilly rice fields and valleys builds excitement within us for the upcoming trek. Pokhara is a relaxing town, a nice contrast to Kathmandu’s busyness. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 822m
  • Accommodation: 2|3 Star Hotel
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Walking Distance: 201km
  • Transport: Tourist Bus

After driving to Ulleri from Pokhara, we begin hiking through the terraced hillsides. we follow through the rhododendron forest, which adds much color to the trail while they bloom during the spring season. After having lunch and a nice rest in Ulleri or another village on the way, we continue the path leading gradually to our destination. Ghorepani is a Magar-dominated village, located in the middle of the rhododendron forest. Overnight at guest house.

  • Max Altitude: 2875m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 10km

This unforgettable moment takes us by surprise early on in our trek. Early in the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill to watch the sun light up the snow-capped Himalayas. This is one of the most famous views in the Annapurna region. The breathtaking sight of Annapurna, Hinchuli, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and the surroundings will blow you away. We hike down to Ghorepani, have breakfast, we begin today’s hike. We descend through forests of rhododendrons and other delightful trees. We trek further to Sikha and stop for lunch. After lunch, we cross a couple of little villages descend all the way to Ghar Khola, And cross a bridge to Tatopani.

  • Max Altitude: 1200m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 16km

From Tatopani, the road enters the deepest gorge in the world, following the Kali Gandaki River. There is a lot of construction going on in the area these days, so we may run into some delays.  We know we are close to Marpha when we are driving alongside apple orchards. When we arrive, have a glass of Marpha’s famous apple cider or apple brandy.  They even have an apple achaar (pickle) to accompany your delicious Dal-Bhat.

  • Max Altitude: 2670m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 44km
  • Transport: Jeep

We leave the whitewashed, stone houses and fertile fields towards higher elevation. Heading towards Kagbeni, we pass through Jomsom.  Jomsom is a hub of the area, with an airport, plenty of guesthouses, and a bus station. We keep trudging along, hiking on the stones on the riverbank of the great Kali Gandaki. A couple of hours after Jomsom, we will reach Kagbeni.

  • Max Altitude: 2810
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

After breakfast, we have our permits checked and continue to Muktinath along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki River. During our hike, we are surrounded by the picturesque Mustang region landscape – a dry, desolate desert with high snowy peaks as the backdrop. The path climbs steeply until Jarkot village before finally reaching Muktinath. Check out the magnificent Muktinath Temple, where pilgrims from all over India and Nepal come to pay homage.

  • Max Altitude: 3710m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 10km

After breakfast, feel free to make one last visit to Muktinath Temple and bathe in the sacred water.  The trail today is a repeat of yesterday’s, so take in any sights you may have missed.

  • Max Altitude: 2710m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 14km

After breakfast, we will check in the airport to catch the flight back to Pokhara. The short flight of 30 minutes gives us jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region peaks. We have a drastically different perspective of the mountains than we had before.  In the afternoon, explore the Pokhara and the lakeside.

  • Max Altitude: 822m
  • Accommodation: 2|3 Star Hotel
  • Time: 25 minute
  • Meals: BLD

After breakfast, we take a drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Take in any scenery you may have missed along the way. After 6-7 hours, we reach Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Take a rest and spend your day freely. Celebratory dinner in Kathmandu in the evening.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2|3 Star Hotel
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Walking Distance: 201km
  • Transport: Tourist Bus

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport.  Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide!  We look forward to your next adventure with us.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Cost Details
What's Included
  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • Two nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Pokhara, breakfast included.
  • All transportation for the trek.
  • Local guest house accommodation in the mountains.
  • Government-authorized experienced guides and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  •  All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  •  First Aid Kit
  •  Maps
  • Service charges and government taxes
  •  Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of the itinerary
Add-Ons & Options

Enhance Your Lower Mustang Trek with Exclusive Services:

  • Solo Travelers: Elevate your experience with a $250.00 single supplement fee.
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara -Kathmandu Flight: Opt for a flight to and from Kathmandu -Pokhara - Kathmandu instead of a 6/7 hours tourist bus ride at an additional $200.00 per person.
Dates & Price

We will operate this trip while we have two or more than two hikers for the same date.

Group Discount Prices
Number of peoplePrice per person
2 - 5 pax
US$842
6 - 20 pax
US$789

Essential Information

Accommodation

All our packages include accommodation at the cost.  This accommodation is included in the set itinerary.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you.  During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be on a twin-shared basis. In the mountain, the Shower and toilet will be on a shared basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.

Food

Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan, and Indian at teahouses.  While camping, we will prepare the meals for you.  After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel. 

Guide & Porters

A government-licensed guide will lead the trek.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience

As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.  The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek.  On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial.  Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek. 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of a medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

Best Time to Travel

The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course, they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures.  It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.

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