Overview
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 back.
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 Fossil, 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.
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
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
- Day 02: Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Day 03: Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Driving 7 hours by tourist bus.
- Day 04: Day 04: One hour drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1577m), 4 hours.
- Day 05: Day 05: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2835m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 06: Day 06: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210m), Trek to Tatopani via Sikha (1189m), 6 hours.
- Day 07: Day 07: Drive from Tatopani to Marpha (2670m) by jeep, about 4 hours driving.
- Day 08: Day 08: Trek from Marpha to Kagbeni (2810m), 4-5 hours.
- Day 09: Day 09: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3800m), 4 hours.
- Day 10: Day 10: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2713m), 5 hours.
- Day 11: Day 11: Early morning flight back to Pokhara.
- Day 12: Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Day 13: Day 13: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation at the cost. This accommodation is included during 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 the twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group. Our company provides you a sleeping bag, two-person tents with comfortable mattress for outdoor camping trek. Our Guide will try to set up your camp with a spectacular view.
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 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.
