Jomsom Muktinath Trek

The classic Jomsom-Muktinath soft adventure trek starting from Pokhara follows the Kali Gandaki valley that emerge at Jomsom, nestled between the mighty Dhaulagiri & Nilgiri, on the border of upper Mustang, which is popularly known as the Himalayan Shangri-la. Deep valleys and high mountains encompassing the giant Annapurna Mountain range embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. Jomsom Muktinath trek is exceptional in view that reaching the maximum altitude of 3800, it can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness.
 

Jomsom Muktinath trek starts with a day in Kathmandu rambling along the world Heritage sites. A long but beautiful drive along the road perched in the body of green subtropical hills takes you to Pokhara. The real trek starts from Nayapul the next day. Walking up slowly through Ghorepani we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders - Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m).  Early morning’s short hike from Ghorepani will bring us to Poon Hill (3210m), a place of eternal beauty offering magnificent views of the Himalayas.  Along the route, opportunity of exploring and comparing the culture and lifestyles of several ethnic groups, Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Bhrahmin, Chhetri, etc., will keep us enchanted day after day as you trek along the way. The rice terraces really adds a unique composition to the landscape.
 

The trek gets exciting in Tatopani where we have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs! The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m). Here, the natural elements are displayed in miraculous form-flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burn on water, stone and earth in an offering said to have been first lighted by Brahma, the Hindu creator. The sound of chilling 108 waterfalls refreshes the thoughts while the mysterious natural gas flame boggles the mind. The descent is made to Jomsom village on the Tibetan Plateau where you can take time to look around at the headquarter area of "Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang.”  The area used to be major trade route linking Tibet and India. The trek ends at Jomsom and from here we fly back to Pokhara and then heading back to Kathmandu.

 

Day 01 : Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu

You are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel
 

Day 02 : Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast
 

Day 03 : Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m) 6 hrs

After breakfast at your hotel we will depart at 8am; take a scenic drive to Pokhara via the Prithivi Highway (approx 6 hours). While driving we will have many chances to observe rural people & various cultures along the highway. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of full board meals
 

Day 04: Drive Naya Pul (New bridge), to Tikhe Dhunga (1495m) 4 hrs

After breakfast at around 07:30am, we will drive to Naya Pul (42km) by car/taxi via the large village of Lumle and walk for about 20 minutes to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town. The trail follows the main street of Birethanti, going through bamboo forests and past a large waterfall and swimming hole. Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches Ramghai where you will have lunch. After lunch, the trail climbs gradually up the side of the valley, reaching Tikhe Dhunga. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
 

Day 05 : Trek to Ghorepani (2850m) 6 hrs

From Tikhe Dhunga the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge near the camp site at Tikhe Dhunga. The trail ascends a steep stone staircase (which has about 3300 steps) to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 2080m. Above the village, the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields. There is a camp site for a rest and water stop one hour’s walk above Ulleri. The trail crosses two sparkling streams before making a short, final climb to Nangethanti where we stop for lunch. Thanti is a Nepali word meaning "rest house”. In the winter the trail can be covered with snow. From Nangethanti we will climb to Ghorepani at 2850m, from here we can see the spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 06 : Hiking -Poonhill (3180m), trek to Tatopani (1200m) 7 hrs

This morning, we will get up early and hike to Poon Hill. From here you will see a superb view of the sunrise and a panoramic view of the Himalaya, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and others. After visiting Poonhill, we will come back to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and continue walking to Tatopani. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 07 : Trek to Ghasa (2120m) 7 hrs

The trek now starts up the Kali Gandaki valley, which is said to be the deepest gorge in the world Here we will enjoy a beautiful day’s walking along the Kali Gandaki riverside, gradually ascending into sub-tropical vegetation. We will cross the Bhalu Khola on a high suspension bridges before arriving at Dana (1450m) Around 30 minutes from Dana we will see a very high waterfall: Rupse Chhahara (which translates as “beautiful waterfall”). From there we will continue through the steepest and narrowest part of the Kali Gandaki valley, where much of the route is cut through solid rock. We will cross the river again on a 120m long bridge to the east side. We will continue on to Ghasa, an ethnic Thakali village and this marks the southernmost limit of Tibetan Buddhism in the valley. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
 

Day 08 : Trek to Tukuche (2560m) 5 hrs

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through a narrow gorge before reaching Thakali traditional villages. Today we will cross the gorge and river numerous times via long suspension bridges, which make great photo opportunities. We will pass a couple of villages (e.g. Lete, Kalopani and Kokhethati). On the way we can see the top of Dhaulagiri Mountain peeking over the west side. We will end our day in the village of Tukuche. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals
 

Day 09 : Trek to Kagbeni (2800m) 5 hrs

An easy and lovely day’s walking where we will first see the village of Khobang, which has narrow alleyways and tunnels connecting houses. We can make short side trip to the Kanti Gompa (a Buddhist temple). Then our route continues to Marpha, one of the most important place for Apple. We can see a wine-brandy distillery here and walk through the orange orchard street. We will continue our trek for another 2 hours before reaching our day’s final destination at Jomsom, Here we will have lunch then trek continue along the Kaligandaki river passing though Eklai Bhatti. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 10 : Trek to Muktinath (3800m) 4 hrs

Today we will do the 1000 meter ascend to Muktinath which is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindu and Buddhist. We will first walk through Khingar (3400m) and then onto Jharkot (3500m), which is an impressive fortress like village. We will continue our way to the first part of Muktinath which is known as Ranipauwa, where we will stay the night. There will be time to explore the area and see some of the holy Hindu places like an eternal flame coming from natural gas next to a spring which is considered holy as well. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 11 : Trek to Jomsom -2600m, 5 hrs. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 12 : Morning flight to Pokhara, 20-minutes. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of full board meals

Day 13 : Drive back to Kathmandu, 6 hrs. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast

Day 14 : Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for your home departure. "Farewell

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

 

OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP: