Jomsom Muktinath Trek - 14 Days

After some healthy breakfast, you’ll be invited to our office for a pre-trip meeting. You’ll be introduced to your trekking guide and have a discussion regarding your upcoming escapade. Thereafter, we’ll set off for a delightful sight-seeing tour around the classic city of Kathmandu.

We’ll initiate our wonderful tour with a visit to the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath i.e. devoted to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple constructed on a single-tier plinth that sits on the banks of the holy river Bagmati. Then, we’ll continue the tour and have a look around the sacred Buddhist Stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.

One of the largest in terms of size, these stupas feature four pairs of Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on them. Between them, the number one (in Devanagari script) is painted, which denotes a nose. These pair of Buddha’s eyes in four cardinal directions is believed to keep an eternal watch over the people. Eventually, we stopover at Basantapur Durbar Square and explore this amazing complex of Durbars (palaces) and temples.

These sites reflect the remarkable ancient architecture, sublime fine arts, and paramount historical significance. Enlisted as UNESCO world heritage sites, these heritages of Kathmandu City are examples of diverse Nepalese culture and traditions.

Early in the morning, we’ll depart from Kathmandu to Pokhara on a private vehicle/tourist bus. The 7-8 hours long journey (depending on traffic conditions) proceeds via the 174km long asphalted road of Prithvi Highway.

The windy highway takes you across fabulous landscapes, lush greenery, splendid paddy fields, and numerous human settlements; constantly followed by white-water rivers of Trishuli and Masryangdi. You can observe the snowy mountain peaks and lush green hills as well. The lovely Pokhara city possesses a charm of its own.

With beautiful Phewa lake in the south, graceful view of Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhre in the north, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east, Dhaulagiri in the west, natural elegance is scattered all over Pokhara.

Additionally, the inspiring Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, International Mountain Museum, World Peace Pagoda are other highlights in the city.

Today, we’ll take a scenic flight from Pokhara, all the way to Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang District. The flight utilizes about 25 minutes and bestows awe-inspiring aerial vistas embracing exquisite Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain Ranges.

At the beginning of the journey; visitors are often aspired by the towering snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri around Jomsom, to have the best time of their life. We now commence our trek along the windy trail in arid terrain down the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge to Eklai Bhatti (2,730m). Earlier, there used to be the only teahouse in the region when it got its namesake, ‘Ekali –Bhatti’.

The trail eventually progresses to Kagbeni (2,800m). With its closely crammed mud houses and concealed dark tunnels; Kagbeni lies on the trail from Jomsom to Lo Manthang at the conflux of Jhong Khola and Kali Gandaki River. Rich Tibetan culture and traditions alongside warm hospitality by native communities make Kagbeni unique and notable. 

In order to circumvent strong winds, we begin our trek early in the morning. The trail proceeds along the extensive stone-strewn riverbed of the Kali Gandaki River next to exquisite views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. Making a climb uphill to Khingar (3,200m); the trail now advances across cascading streams, grasslands, and lush vegetation to Jharkot (3,500m). Afterward, the trail continues to Ranipauwa. For years, this village has remained a resting point for pilgrims and travelers. In the end, the trail reaches Muktinath (3,800m).

Situated in the heart of the mighty Himalayas; the ancient Hindu shrine of Muktinath is a sacred and picturesque jewel!! Although Muktinath is primarily known as a Hindu shrine, it is an equally significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists devotees. The Muktinath complex contains a Buddhist gompa and pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Moreover, the complex also features prayer wheels, Lord Shiva Temple, the pool with its 108 brass water pouts modeled on the basis of cow’s heads that dispenses sacred water. Further, at the east of main Muktinath temple lies inside Jwala Mai Temple is situated inside Tibetan style Dhola Mebar Gompa where the substantial quantity of natural gas exists in the Himalayan spring appearing nearby the shrine. These produce continuously burning flames on top of the water itself.

This very day, we descend from Muktinath and advance beyond the deep and narrow gorge of Kali Gandaki. The trail then progresses across settlements of Jharkot, Khingar, and Kagbeni respectively, which flaunts classic Tibetan architecture. From this point onwards, the trail heads to Jomsom and subsequently extends to the village of Marpha (2,660m).

Marpha village still maintains its long-established narrow paved alleys, passageways, and an underground drainage system. The village is chiefly inhabited by native Thakali communities and renowned for apples, lovely apple orchards, and apple products especially ‘Marpha’, the brandy made of local apples.

Today, we depart from Marpha and pursue a steep tapering trail along the Kali Gandaki River, which advances beyond the village of Khobang. The trail then continues to Larjung and progresses across Kokhethanti.

Now, the abrupt trail changes into a leveled one and heads forward to Kalopani (2,530m). Here, we can lay our eyes on vistas including peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range.

This morning, we set off from Kalopani and trek to Lete. From here, the trail incorporates several ups and downs. Tackling this series of obstacles, we arrive at Ghasa.

Now, the trail advance down to the world’s deepest George: Kali Gandaki George, positions in the middle of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) mountaintops. Thereupon, the trail gradually makes its headway past the exquisite Rupchechhara waterfall. Admiring the sublime beauty of the waterfall, we advance to Tatopani (1,190m).

The name ‘Tatopani’ is composed of two Nepali words i.e. ‘Tato’ and ‘Pani’ that translates into Hot Water. The village earned this name due to the presence of hot springs by the river within its vicinity.

Today, we trek on the trail that precedes parallel to Ghaja Khola and traverses a handful of tiny villages. The trail now ascends abruptly across the rhododendron woodland covered by dense moss.

The woodland also harbors numerous species of birds. Eventually, advancing uphill along the trail, we set our foot in Ghorepani (2,780m). Inhabited chiefly by native Magar communities, Ghorepani Village renders a golden opportunity to get acquainted with ethnic Magar culture and traditions.

Furthermore, this village extends spell-binding vistas embracing Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri mountain peaks.

Before the break of dawn, we tighten our shoelaces and trek uphill to Poonhill. It takes about 1 hour to reach the paramount Himalayan viewpoint at Poonhill bestowing a dreamy sunrise vista above the snow-capped peaks that appear to be as pretty as a picture.

Also, we can witness the awe-inspiring panorama encompassing the beauty of snowy mountaintops of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Tarke Kang, Gangapurna (7,454m), Lamjung Himal (6,986m) and Machhapuchhre (6,997m). Taking pleasure from these marvelous outlooks, we trek back to Ghorepani (3,210m).

From this point onwards, accompanied by the mesmerizing scenery of Annapurna and Macchapuchre mountain ranges, we pursue the trail advancing through the pine and rhododendron woodland to Deurali (3,090m) then Banthanti (3,180m). In the end, we arrive in Tadapani (2,630m).

In the day ten of our escapade, we make a short, pleasant and predominantly downhill descent to Bhaisi Kharka(2,470m) and continue to the prepossessing village of Ghandruk (1,940m). Along the way, the trail traverses various farmlands and woodlands next to breathtaking sight of the snow capped mountains. Ghandruk village is chiefly inhabited by native Gurung communities. Further, it presents excellent views of Annapurna South and other snow-capped peaks. Also, a wander around this village provides a detailed insight into ethnic Gurung culture, customs, and values. You can explore the Gurung museum, library, schools to get more familiar with this village.

Bidding farewell to friendly natives of Ghandruk, we commence a downhill descent to Chane. Thereafter, we then stay on the trail to Kimche. It takes about a 1-hour hike from Ghandruk to Kimche. At Kimche, the transportation facilities directly to Pokhara are accessible.

If your feet are tired then we may take a vehicle (probably a jeep), which utilizes about 2 hours to reach Pokhara. Or if you desire to trek more and see more of the Annapurna region then we continue to Kilyu. From here, we trek to Syauli Bazar(1,220m)  and progress to Birethati (1,015m) where we are required to show our TIMS and permits.

Ultimately, we make our way to Nayapul aka “Gateway to Annapurna Region.” From here, we take a vehicle that utilizes about 1-hour drive to reach Pokhara.

The very morning, you’ll hit the roads again. Don’t worry!! This time, you’ll take a tourist bus to Kathmandu. The bus journey takes about 7-8 hours (depending on traffic conditions) via Prithvi Highway through pleasing terrain, crowded local markets, and numerous human settlements alongside gushing white-water river Trishuli and Marsyandi.

Once we arrive in Kathmandu, you may rest or relax. Else, you can visit the remaining landmarks of the city and perform some last-minute shopping of souvenirs for your loved ones back home.

Today marks the end of your escapade in this beautiful South-Asian country of the Himalayas. You can plan your next adventure or you can fly back home; we are there, holding your back!!

If you intend to return home; 3 hours prior to your flight, one of our representatives will guide you to Kathmandu Airport so that you don’t have to face any problems during your last minutes in Nepal!! Farewell!! Bon Voyage!!