Life Dream AdventureJomsom and Muktinath trek
- 1 Review
Facts About Jomsom and Muktinath trek
Trip Overview
Jomsom and Muktinath trek is a part of the Annapurna circuit that passes through deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Mountain Range along with diverse landscapes and cultures which offers the perfect insight into the rural life of Nepalese people. Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage site regarded as sacred as the place of salvation for the Hindu religion.
Muktinath lies about 18 km north east of Jomsom in the Mustang district of Nepal at an elevation of 3, 749m. We start our trek from Pokhara and ascend the Annapurna foothills through picturesque Gurung villages. The trail passes through rhododendron forest to climb Poon Hill for astounding scenery of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Walking in the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River is one of the key feature of this trek. After trekking upto Kali Gandaki valley we pass through the blooming villages like Tukuche – Ghasa – Marpha and Jomsom. We continue to trek for arid Tibet-like landscape of Mustang passing Jomsom. Finally we reach Muktinath passing below the Thorung La pass. We explore the temple and villages and enjoy wonderful mountain scenery within a day before taking the flight back from Jomsom.
Jomsom and Muktinath trek Itinerary
Expand/Collapse AllFood
Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
Arrive at Kathmandu airport.
Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley includes the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) & the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath. Also visit Monkey Temple the Swyambhunath (2000 years old temple) and visit Patan city of fine arts.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
900
Kathmandu to Pokhara 7 hours by tourist vehicle.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1570
Drive to Nayapul (1010meters) and trek to Tikhedunga (1570meters) 3 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2840
Trek to Ghorepani (2840meters) 5 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1190
Hike up to Poon Hill (3210meters) and trek to Tatopani (1190meters).
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2010
Trek to Ghasa (2010 meters) 5 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2586
Trek to Tukche (2586m.) 5.30 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2810
Trek to Kagbeni (2810m.) 5 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3802
Trek to Muktinath (3802meters) 5 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2713
Trek back to Jomsom (2713meters) 5 hours.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
900
Fly back by Jomsom Pokhara Flight, overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
Drive or Fly back by Pokhara Kathmandu Flight, overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Cost Includes
- All airport/hotel transfers
- 3 night hotel in Kathmandu and 2 night in Pokhara
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
- An experienced English-speaking trek guide and Sherpa porters to carry luggage including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- All necessary paper works
- National Park entry fee
- TIMS Card fee
- All government and local taxes
- English speaking tour guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Cost Excludes
- Nepal Entry Visa fee
- Airport departure tax
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara (Main city)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters
Altitude Graph
Fequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes trekkers through the scenic landscapes of the Annapurna region. The trek passes through traditional villages, lush forests, and arid deserts, and culminates at the holy shrine of Muktinath.
The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek can be completed in 13 days, depending on the route taken and the pace of the trekker. It covers a distance of approximately 80-100 km.
The best time to do the Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, and the temperature is mild, making it ideal for trekking.
The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is a moderate trek and is suitable for trekkers of all ages who are physically fit and have some prior trekking experience. The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, but the overall difficulty level is not as high as some of the other treks in the region.
The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek reaches its highest point at Muktinath, which is at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet).
To do the Jomsom and Muktinath Trek, you need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or from the Nepal Tourism Board's office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
It is not mandatory to hire a guide or a porter for the Jomsom and Muktinath Trek, but it is highly recommended. Having a guide or a porter can make the trek safer and more enjoyable, as they can provide useful information about the local culture, flora, and fauna, and can also assist with logistics such as accommodation and meals.
Accommodation during the Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is mainly in teahouses or lodges. These teahouses offer basic amenities such as a bed, a blanket, and a shared bathroom. Food options are limited, but the menus typically consist of basic Nepali and Tibetan dishes such as dal bhat, momos, and noodles. It is recommended to bring some high-energy snacks and water purification tablets or a water filter.
The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek has several highlights, including the stunning mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the traditional villages of Kagbeni and Jomsom, the holy shrine of Muktinath, and the unique landscapes of the Mustang region.
Additional Information
The trek starts from Nayapul, which is about an hour's drive from Pokhara.
The route follows the Kali Gandaki River valley, which is one of the deepest gorges in the world.
Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional villages of Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni, which are known for their unique architecture and culture.
The trek also offers an opportunity to visit the ancient monastery of Kagbeni and the old village of Jharkot.
The holy shrine of Muktinath is a major highlight of the trek, and it is believed to have spiritual and religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The trek can be done as a tea-house trek, which means that accommodation and meals are provided at the teahouses along the way.
The trek also offers an option to visit the forbidden kingdom of Mustang, which requires a special permit and additional days of trekking.
The weather during the trek can be unpredictable, and it is recommended to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
The trek also requires some physical fitness and acclimatization, especially during the ascent to Muktinath, which is at a high altitude.
It is recommended to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, including medication for altitude sickness, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
The Jomsom and Muktinath Trek can be combined with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, to make a longer and more diverse trekking experience.
Trip Reviews (1)
Annapurna Poon Hill and Jomsom Muktinath Trek
" I have know Hari and his family for several years and last year asked Hari to organizes a four day trek for me on the lower Annapurna slopes. I could not have asked for a better service. He was a charming sophisticated companion, spoke English well and knew his way around perfectly (not least as we had to make a major change of plan the morning of the trek due to flight problems, which he effected effortlessly). He was well known throughout the area and knew all the suitable trekking lodges. The arrangements were all perfect. He seemed to know exactly what was wanted and arranged much on line without fuss beforehand, including all the flight details and KTM lodging. His charges were modest. If I were young enough to go on another trek! I would certainly want to go with Hari and advise anyone who wants to be looked after properly to do the same.
Brigadier Robert Baddeley
18th May, 2022
