Jomsom Muktinath Trek-14 Days
Over View
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the Popular trek in Nepal. This trek takes you in the Tibetian influenced culture, tradition and lifestyles hub. We reach to Muktinath, which is holy pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist people from long time in the history. Muktinath temple lies above the Kali Gandaki valley and below the Thorang la Pass. Muktinath word came from Sanskrit language which literally means to be free from all sins and wrong doing and reach to Nirvana. During the trek, we will rewards breathtaking view of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains.
The trek start a short flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. But travelers and pilgrims can take off road Jeep or local bus to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is the district headquarter of Mustang district. Jomsom used to be the Trans Himalaya Trade Route with Tibet in the past. This trek takes you windy Himalayan valley with the view of mountain vista, monasteries, temples. Jomsom Muktinath trek connects with famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. In Jomsom ,We can find nice Tea Houses, Bakery, Coffee Shop, ATMs etc. We can find local apple brandy which is very popular in this region.
Best time to this Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek can be done throughout the year. Although on the month of June and July, it rains a lot. And in the winter, it snows heavily above 3000m .
Best Time of trekking : March, April, May
September, October, November
Is prior experiences required for this trekking
Jomsom Muktinath Trekking is not a very difficult trek. The prior experiences doesn't require to do this trek. We go through local village, stone path, crossing suspension bridges, view of amazing mountains will really encourage us to do this trek even not having previous experiences.
Details Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Airport, A representative of Himalayan Encyclopedia will wait outside of the airport with your name signage to welcome you to the beautiful country Nepal. He will take you to the hotel. In the day, there will be trip briefing. We will provide you much more information in the briefing which help you to prepare the trip nicely. In the evening you can explore touristic city Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel.
Accommodation : Tea House
Day 2:Drive to Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting point of all Annapurna region trek. There are 2 options to reach there. Either you take bus or 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara Domestic Airport.
If we take a bus, we go through the bank of Trishuli and Marshyandi river. Along the way, you will have chances to see local houses, beautiful landscapes, farmlands etc. It takes 6-7 hrs. to reach to the Pokhara.
While reaching Pokhara, you can take rest and can explore beautiful Pokhara city. Pokhara is the touristic city having several beautiful lakes. In the morning, We have opportunity to see magnificent mountains such as Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II(7219m),Fishtail(6997m), Manaslu(8156m), Lamjung Himal(6983m) and so on . Overnight in Pokhara
Maximum Altitude :827m/2713ft
Travel Distance: 200 km
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast
Day 3: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
Early morning we take an exciting flight to Jomsom(2743m). We fly above Kaligandaki gorge. We will see stunning mountain range, local communities, Himalayan diverse landscape, farmlands and so on.
After arriving at Jomsom, We take a tea coffee break and spend few time in Jomsom Bazaar. Jomsom is a gateway to forbidden kingdom of Lomanthang in upper Mustang. Kagbeni village lies in the bank of kaligandaki river. Then we walk to beautiful Kagbeni. Overnight in Kagbeni.
Maximum Altitude :2804m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day4: Kagbeni to Muktinath
After having breakfast, We begin our trek through Khingar and Jharkot village. We will see stunning view of Himalayan vista, beautiful landscape, local Himalyan communities, open pasture etc. Muktinath is a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist people. Overnight in Muktinath
Maximum Altitude :3800m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Muktinath to Marpha
Today we begin our hike to Marpha. Marpha is also known as the Apple Kingdom of Annapurna Circuit region. We walk downhill about 2.5 hrs to Ekle Bhatti and flat through Kaligandaki river bank. Today's trek would be windy via Kaligandaki valley. Marpha is a very beautiful village lies in the elevation of 2650m . Marpha apple brandy is very famous throughout the country. Overnight in Marpha.
Maximum Altitude :2650m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Marpha to Ghasa
After having breakfast at Marpha, We begin our trek to Ghasa. Today's trek is comparatively longer than other day but beautiful. We cross Kaligandi river and walk through beautiful village Chimang, Saura, Kopchepani. We reach Kalopani and walk down to Lete and reach to Ghasa. Ghasa is famous for the habitat of Himalayan Pheasant(Danphe- The national bird of Nepal). Overnight in Ghasa.
Maximum Altitude :2010m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Ghasa to Tatopani
After having breakfast, We walk to Tatopani, the beautiful village of Annapurna circuit region. Ghasa to Tatopani is 14.3 km and takes about 5-6 hrs. We start our trek at the elevation of 2010m and at the end of the day, We descend to 1190m. Overnight in Tatopani.
Maximum Altitude :1190m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Tatopani to Ghorepani
After having breakfast, We begin our trek to Ghorepani. We start our trek at the elevation of 1190m and at the end of the day we reach at 2874m. Today we walk from Tatopani to Ghara, Ghara to Sikha and from Sikha to Ghorepani. The distance from Tatopani to Ghara is 16 km and takes 7-8 hrs. to cover the distance. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Maximum Altitude :2874m
Hiking : 7-8 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Ghorepani to Poonhill and Tadapani
After having breakfast at Ghorepani, We start our trek to Tadapani. We climb stone step path about 2 hrs. and reach to Thapla Danda(3180m). In the clear morning, We will see stunning mountain view from Thapla Danda. We descend down to Deurali and Banthanti. After reaching mini hydro-power, We climb about an hour to reach Tadapani. Overnight in Tadapani.
Maximum Altitude :2650m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10:Tadapani to Ghandruk
We wake up early to capture sunrise view over Annapurna south(7219m),Fishtail(6997m) and Himchuli(6441m). We see very closure view of mountains from Tadapani. Then we have our breakfast and walk down to Ghandruk village(1940m). We pass by Bhaisikharka village, this is the only village between Ghandruk and Tadapani. Ghandruk is a beautiful village mostly inhabited by Gurung community. Overnight in Ghandruk.
Maximum Altitude :1940m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Ghandruk to Pothana
We will take breakfast at Ghandruk with the view of mountains. We spend few time to explore Ghandruk village. We can visit Gurung Museum which provides insightful information about this place. Then we start our trek to Pothana. We descend down to Modi khola and ascend to beautiful Landruk village. We pass by beautiful local communities, farmlands and climb to Pitam Deurali(1770m). From Piatm Deurali we descend down to Pothana through the forest. Overnight in Pothana.
Maximum Altitude :1890m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Pothana to Dhampus and Pokhara
We walk to Dhampus through the lush forest. We walk to Dhampus by passing Austalian Camp(2060m) and rhododendron forest. Along the way, We will see terraced farm, local communities and beautiful view of Annapurna and Manaslu mountains. We take a Jeep from Dhampus to Pokhara. Dhampus to Pokhara takes about an hour via Baglung highway. Overnight in Pokhara.
Maximum Altitude :827m
Hiking : 5-6 hrs.
Accommodation : Tea house
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu
We begin our journey to Kathmandu from Tourist Bus Park. The tourist bus leaves around 7 AM from Pokhara. We will follow the same road to Kathmandu. Driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 6-7 hours. If you think to take flight, it only takes 30 minutes.
Maximum Altitude: 1350m/4429 ft
Travel Distance: 200 km
Driving: 6-7 hrs.
Day 14: Final Departure
Your wonderful journey to Nepal come to an end today. A representative of Himalayan Encyclopedia will drop to you at the airport, about 3 hours before your flight. We say Good Bye for this time and hope to see you in Nepal again for next adventure.
Cost Includes
- All airport and hotel transfer by private car.
- Transportation on Tourist Bus Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- Flight ticket from Pokhara to Jomsom Airport.
- Private transportation from Dhampus to Pokhara.
- 2 nights accommodation in 3 star category hotel in Pokhara with BB plan.
- Accommodation at Tea Houses(on a twin sharing basis) during the trek.
- Daily meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- National Park Permit
- Rural Municipality Permit
- A Government Licensed, English speaking Trekking Guide.
- Porters to carry your baggage(1 porter for 2 clients)
- All the cost for food, accommodation, salary, accidental insurance for Guide and Porter.
- Duffel Bag, Sleeping bag and Down Jacket during the trek.
- Jomsom Muktinath Trekking Route Map
- First Aid Kit.
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- All meals & accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the journey.
- Lunch & dinner in Pokhara
- Visa Cost
- Travel Insurance
- All soft drinks including water
- Snacks and all types of refreshment items.
- Laundry, Telephone expenses, Electricity charges, Wi Fi, Hot Shower
- Personal trekking gears
- Make sure your travel insurance has to cover high altitude emergency evacuation and hospital expenses
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara due to early or late departure to the trek or early return from the trek.
- Additional cost incurred due to cause beyond our control such as landslides, weather condition, illness, strikes, changes of government policies etc.
- Tips to the Guide and Porter
1.How high is Jomsom Muktinath Trek ?
The starting point of Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Pokhara is 822m and highest point Muktinath is 3710m.
2.How fit do I need to go trekking to Jomsom Muktinath Trek ?
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is not very difficult trek. Although, average fitness is required to complete this trek. We walk so many ups and downs through the stone path, forest and mountains side, cross so many bridges, walk along the ridges of the mountains.
3.Where am I sleeping at night ?
After walking long hours in the day in the mountains, we need to require good sleep in the night. You will sleep at the Tea houses having basic facilities. You will provide enough blankets and sleeping bags which helps to warm your bed in the mountains. Except high elevation area, you will have good sleep. In high elevation area, if you manage to sleep few hours, that will be also ok because we can sleep next day when coming down.
4.Which is the best season to Trekking in Jomsom Muktinath Region ?
Jomsom Muktinath Trek can be done throughout the year. Although in the monsoon season(June & July), It rains a lot. And in the winter, it snows heavily in the high mountainous region.
Best time to do this trek is
March- April- May
September-October-November
- How easy or difficult Jomsom Muktinath Trek ?
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is moderate to strenuous trek. Lower section, you will feel easier but when we gain elevation, we might feel strenuous. In high elevation, we make our pace slow to achieve our mission.
6.Is drinking water easily available during the trek ? Is it safe ?
We can find mineral water in the Tea Houses which is 100% safe to drink. If you are using tap water for Drinking, You can use water purification tablets. Due to national park rules and regulation in some section, We cannot buy water bottles. We need to use boiled and filtered water which we can find in the Tea Houses.
7.How do we Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara ?
We can reach Pokhara in two ways : You can take tourist bus from tourist bus park, which takes about 6-7 hrs. Travel distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is 200Km. We drive along side of Trishuli and Marshyandi river with the specular view of local houses, farmlands, beautiful hills etc.
Second option which is easier and faster is : taking flight from Kathmandu- Pokhara. The flight takes only 30 minutes with scenic view of gorgeous mountains.
8.What food do we get in mountain?
We normally get local hygienic and fresh foods. Although there will be different varieties of Chinese, Continental, Indian foods. Your Guide will help you to choose the foods from the Menu.
9.What happens if I get sick in the mountain?
Having minor health issue is normal in mountains. You may have common cold, minor headache which is common in mountain. But if you have serious high altitude sickness, we have to come back. In worst case helicopter evacuation will be done.
10. what kind of accommodation we can get during the trek ?
The Tea House in the mountain will be basic. Although we can find room having attach bathroom, in some areas. you have to inform in an advance if you want more facilities room.
