Jomsom and Muktinath Trekking
Jomsom showcases the best of Nepal’s spectacular diversity. Located in the Annapurna region, the most popular trekking area in Nepal, Jomsom and Muktinath trekking is renowned both within and outside the country. The deep valleys and towering mountains surrounding the Annapurna range are home to a diverse population with a wide range of cultures and terrains, from subtropical jungles to high, dry landscapes reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau.
Overview of the 13-Day Muktinath Trek Itinerary:
The trek begins with an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, offering a close-up view of the Himalayan Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Jomsom, the trek to Muktinath begins. Along the way, you can visit Hindu and Buddhist shrines, explore their culture and rituals, and trek down to the natural hot springs at Tato Pani. Enjoy the stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill before trekking down to Nayapul and driving back to Pokhara.
The trek follows the Kali Gandaki River, where you’ll experience the life of the Thakali people who call this area home. From Kagbeni, you’ll head north towards the once-forbidden Kingdom of Mustang.
Highlights of the Muktinath Trek:
The trek’s highlight is the journey through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates from the Tibetan Plateau and eventually flows into the Ganges in India. Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, attracting many ascetic sadhus.
Muktinath is renowned for fossilized ammonites, known locally as Shaligram, which are found along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki. These fossils are considered sacred.
For Hindus, Muktinath is a place of salvation, where bathing in the waters is believed to guarantee salvation after death. The eternal flames at Muktinath are said to have been lit by the Hindu god Brahma.
For Buddhists, Muktinath is a meditation site for the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The local population includes Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis, and the Lopa people, each with their own unique customs and attire.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek Cost:
The Muktinath Trek is very affordable, and the itinerary can be fully customized to fit your schedule. The cost for international tourists is USD 1099, with a lower rate for domestic tourists. For more information about the cost and packages, please contact us.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our agency representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Later, we'll provide a brief overview of the journey, followed by a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we'll refresh and later explore local attractions such as Davi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and Fewa Lake boating. We'll stay overnight in a hotel
Early in the morning, we'll take a 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. From there, we'll begin our trek to Kagbeni, our entry point to Upper Mustang. The trek will take approximately 3 hours. We'll spend the night in a tea house.
Today, we'll trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath, ascending to an altitude of 3880m. This revered pilgrimage site is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike, known for its 108 water spouts surrounding the Vishnu Temple. We'll stay overnight in a tea house.
We'll trek back to Jomsom from Muktinath, taking about 5 hours. We'll spend the night in a tea house.
Passing through picturesque rural communities and following the Kali Gandaki River, we'll reach Tukuche, an old trading center of the Thakali people. We'll continue to Kalopani, where we'll stay overnight in a tea house.
Today, we'll trek to Tatopani, known for its hot springs. The trek will take about 5 hours. We'll enjoy a relaxing bath and stay overnight in a tea house.
Leaving Tatopani, we'll trek to Shikha, located at an elevation of 1935m. The trek will take about 5 hours. We'll stay overnight in a tea house.
We'll trek to Ghorepani, ascending through terraced fields and rhododendron forests. We'll set up camp to enjoy the stunning sunset over the Annapurna Range and Mt. Dhaulagiri. We'll stay overnight in a tea house.
Today, we'll hike to Poon Hill (3210m) to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail. Afterward, we'll descend to Ghorepani and continue to Tadapani. We'll stay overnight in a tea house.
We'll trek down to Nayapul through the Modi Khola valley, taking about 4 hours. Afterward, we'll drive back to Pokhara and stay overnight in a hotel.
We'll drive back to Kathmandu, a journey that will take about 6 hours by tourist bus. This marks the end of your Jomsom and Muktinath Trek. You can relax at your hotel or explore the city. We'll stay overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you'll depart from Nepal to your next destination or home.