Trip Introduction
Overview of Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
Embark on the Jomsom to Muktinath trek in the Mustang region of Nepal to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and rich spirituality of this ancient landscape. Experience the most breathtaking views of the tallest mountain up close and immerse yourself in the distinct culture and religious practices of the region. Jomsom is a popular travel destination in Nepal, especially for trekking. It is a great starting point for discovering the lower Mustang region and visiting the pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
Embark on the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek and journey to the picturesque city of Pokhara. Trek through the stunning Gorepani Poonhill and traverse the world-renowned Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is the deepest gorge on the planet. Hike through the enchanting rhododendron forests and finally reach the Trans Himalayan Tibetan plateau.
Traveling through the region, you will encounter desert areas at higher elevations, filled with monasteries, prayer flags, rocky structures, and Tibetan settlements where Buddhist traditions are practiced. Meanwhile, the lower lands are dominated by lush green forests and rice farming. They are home to various communities such as Brahmins, Thakali, Chhetri, Gurung, and Magar people who follow the Hindu religion.
The trip begins among the apple orchards of Jomsom before ascending to the trek’s high point, 3,800 meters above sea level. The Muktinath temple is a Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
The 108 sacred sprouts and the cleaning ritual of bathing in them are the main draws here. The devotees will also engage in other rituals while at this holy spot. So, this stop along the trail offers far more opportunities to learn about local culture.
The Kali Gandaki river in Hindu culture is home to a significant number of black fossilized stones called Shaligrams. These stones are regarded as icons and representations of the god Vishnu. Kali Gandaki is a popular travel destination where visitors can find holy stones that are believed to be exclusive to the area and hold significance for Hindus.
The river flowing to the south of Mustang’s rocky soil and highlands is a popular travel destination. Mustang Nepal is a must-see destination for travelers.
Jomsom to Muktinath Trek Route Map
Pokhara, west of Kathmandu, is the first stop on the expedition. The scenic drive lasts 6-7 hours. From Pokhara to Nayapul, you hike to Tikhedunga, a peaceful settlement at 1,540 meters, the next day. The 3–4-hour hike lets you adjust to higher altitudes.
Day three takes you to Ghorepani, a charming town at 2,860 meters. The 6-7-hour walk offers stunning mountain views. The next morning, you trek to Poon Hill to see the sunrise across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After that, you hike to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs, to relax and rejuvenate.
You continue to Ghasa, a charming 1,190-meter-high town. The five-hour walk displays varied landscapes and cultures. From Ghasa, Tukche, at 2,510 meters, is known for its culture and architecture. The next day, you visit Kagbeni, a settlement at 2,900 meters with historic monasteries and Tibetan culture.
Muktinath, a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site at 3,855 meters, follows. You may explore the temple complex and feel the spirituality here. After Muktinath, you reach Jomsom, a lovely town at 2,720 meters, where you may enjoy the local culture and friendliness. After an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, you can fly back to Kathmandu or continue by tourist bus or flight.
Is Jomsom to Muktinath Trek Difficult?
The Jomsom to Muktinath Trek is renowned for its moderate level of difficulty. While it does not present the same level of challenge as some of the high-altitude treks in the area, it still necessitates a reasonable level of physical fitness and stamina.
The trek involves gradual ascents to higher altitudes, with the highest point being Muktinath at an elevation of 3,855 meters (12,635 feet). It is important to be cautious about altitude sickness and prioritize proper acclimatization and precautionary measures. Typically, completing the trek takes around 8-10 days, with daily walking distances ranging from 5-6 hours.
Although the distances are manageable, consecutive days of trekking can be physically demanding. The trail conditions are generally well-maintained, although occasional sections are rocky and uneven, requiring careful navigation during steep ascents and descents.
Along the trail, teahouses and lodges are available, providing basic accommodation and meals, although the facilities may be more rudimentary compared to other popular treks. It is advisable to listen to your body, maintain a comfortable pace, and remain vigilant for any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Itinerary of Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
The seven-hour bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara traverses verdant hills and swift-moving rivers. The vehicle gradually leaves Kathmandu and ascends the mountain roads. The route passes by a number of tiny villages, rural towns, and landscapes visible from the window of the bus.
The road from Kathmandu to Pokhara traverses the Trishuli viaduct in Dumre before continuing on a winding, slow, several-hour journey to Pokhara.
Our trekking begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the trailhead. The lower mountain slopes of Nayapul are carved by layers of agriculture, making the town a stunning destination for trekkers.
Following several hours of trekking, we crossed a suspension bridge and had our Permits and TIM cards inspected at the Bantanthanti checkpoint. The path is tranquil and follows the Bhurungdi Khola River through placid agricultural communities and verdant mountain valleys. The ascent is precipitous for several hours, passing through charming villages, adorable Himalayan mountain dogs, and breathtaking scenery. After that, we will walk several hours to Tikhedunga.
The steep ascent from Tikhedunga to Ulleri may make today’s excursion challenging. The path is shared with trekkers and herds of horses or mules traveling between cities. Finally, we reach Ulleri, but despite the fact that the stairs have ceased, the overall ascent has not.
As you approach Banthanti, the terrain changes dramatically. You will encounter a dense forest, moss-covered bark, lush vegetation, and gushing waterfalls. At an altitude of over 2,300 meters and ascending, things begin to feel slightly different.
From there, hiking slowly and steadily through some gorgeous rhododendron forests adds significance to your journey. In April, these rhododendrons will be enchanted and will embellish the entire forest. Our first glimpse of Ghorepani revitalizes us.
Early in the morning, we will hike approximately one hour to the Poon Hill, viewpoint spot for a breathtaking sunrise. After some steep treks, the night sky, and a peaceful new day, you will reach the mystical point where you will begin to sense the altitude.
As we ascend to the summit, the world begins to awaken with a pinkish radiance. The sunrise illuminates the magnificent mountains of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, and Lamjung, which are spread out before us. This is the kind of moment you want to bottle and preserve eternally, and I didn’t think life could get any better.
After spending some memorable moments in this location, we will return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing to Tatopani.
You pass more populated areas with villages, fields, and livestock roaming around. Make sure to appreciate the impressive Rupse Waterfall cascading down right underneath the dusty track. take plenty of water breaks and enjoy some of the scenery around you. After some hours of trek, we will reach Kopchepani. Kopchepani is small but has a couple of places where you can grab a drink or some food.
As we headed through lush forested areas, we could glimpse the dusty road on the other side of the river. We passed many villages and got to interact with people on the way. The fast-moving water was churning over the giant rocks, relentlessly carving out a path through the mountains. The rocks safely negotiated, and we crossed a suspension bridge. After crossing over the river and passing the giant boulder, we will ascend toward the Ghasa.
Today is the start of the next day of our adventure up the Kali Gandaki. As we travel further north, the landscape becomes much drier and more desert-like in appearance, replacing the lush vegetation and trees. We travel through tranquil woodlands on our route to the major villages of Lete and Kalapani. The lowland Hindu practices give way to Buddhist ways of living, and the culture undergoes a parallel shift at the same time.
Orchards and a monastery may be found in the vicinity of the picturesque town of Tukche. The local brandy produced in Tukche is well-known in every corner of Nepal and is a favorite among many trekkers.
We make our way through the picturesque town of Marpha, which was formerly well-known across the Annapurna Circuit for its apple pies. We take pleasure in the breathtaking vistas of the mountains and landscapes that surround us.
The subsequent town in Mustang is Jomsom, which also serves as the district headquarters. After that, the path winds its way in a pleasant direction up the dry valley of the Kali Gandaki River until it reaches the fort of Kagbeni, an old trading station that also houses a Buddhist monastery. Just south of the restricted region that makes up Upper Mustang is where you’ll find Kagbeni.
We are about to go on an amazing adventure that will take us farther up the valley and closer to the fabled Thorung La Pass. We are currently traversing the famed Annapurna Circuit, however, the vast majority of travelers approach the pass from the opposite direction. We begin a beautiful ascent up the Jhong River valley, which is surrounded on all sides by breathtaking landscapes.
On the approach to Muktinath, a temple that has long been regarded as a pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus, the road travels through some old settlements. The walled compound of the temple has a Buddhist monastery as well as Hindu temples, 108 bathing spouts, and even something called an “eternal flame.”
We have arrived at the last day of our journey through the hiking trails. As we continue our descent down the valley, we will gradually regain the height until we reach the bottom of the Kali Gandaki River valley and the route leading back to Jomsom. Compared to the peaceful trails and villages we have been touring, the market area in Jomsom may appear to be a significant departure. Relax and refresh in the lodge, or go explore the Jomsom market.
Today, we will wave our goodbyes to Mustang, and we will have an early morning flight that will take us back across the southern half of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Following the breathtaking ride, we will land back in Pokhara. (We can then connect with a flight back to the ancient city of Kathmandu, or take a day of exploration of Pokhara and a tourist bus to Kathmandu the following day). You are free to explore the city as much as you like, go shopping for mementos, or simply take it easy in this vacation hotspot for the remainder of the day.
On this day, we take a tourist bus to make our way back to Kathmandu; the journey should take somewhere between 6 to 8 hours. While you are traveling through the countryside of Nepal, take in the breathtaking views.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- KTM-PKR-KTM tourist bus
- PKR–Jomsom-PKR Flight
- Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Pass and TIMS Card
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 11 days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for 10 days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for 8 nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary.
- Staff insurance
- 08 x set breakfast, 11 x set lunch and 08 x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
What's Excluded?
- Food and Accommodation for Kathmandu and Pokhara will be on your own as you will have various options.
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Excess baggage cost during your domestic flight
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Essential Information - Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
Jomsom to Muktinath Weather and Best Season
Jomsom and Muktinath temples are best visited during the months of September, October, and November. Early September is a great time to travel, as you may experience some light rainfall, but overall, it is the best time to fully immerse yourself in the travel experience.
The ideal time to travel to Jomsom and Muktinath temples is during the months of March, April, and May. Experience breathtaking Himalayan views during these months of travel.
The upcoming months for traveling to Jomsom and Muktinath are more favorable. The summer season, which spans from June to August, is typically characterized by monsoon weather. There is a chance of heavy rainfall, which could potentially cause some unpredictability and impact your travel plans.
Nepal experiences the winter season during the months of December, January, and February. The completion of the trip depends on the weather and temperature forecast. However, these months may not be the best for travel due to the increased likelihood of snowfall. At higher elevations, you can experience heavy snowfall, while at lower elevations, it is perfect for short treks.
Jomsom to Muktinath Trek Accommodation
During the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek, travelers can expect to stay in typical teahouse lodgings that offer basic rooms with a bed and shared bathroom facilities. On the other hand, when traveling to Kagbeni and Jomsom, there are plenty of comfortable lodging options available.
We do not offer any lodging options in Kathmandu. There are numerous travel options in Kathmandu City, and if you have already listed out the accommodations to try in Kathmandu through the Internet, we do not want to influence your decision. If you are planning to travel to Kathmandu and need help booking your accommodation, please let us know when you inquire. We are happy to guide you on that.
During your travel, some locations may not have modern amenities, particularly at higher elevations. However, we guarantee that they will be arranged in a secure and comfortable manner. We can arrange for you to stay at hygienic and safe tea houses, local lodges, or homestays during your travels. You can personalize your accommodations according to your preferences.
Jomsom to Muktinath Trek Foods
Similarly, in Kathmandu Valley, we do not offer any meals along with lodging for the same reason. When traveling to Kathmandu, you will find a wide variety of food options to choose from based on your personal preferences. However, we are always open to offering suggestions or services.
When traveling to remote areas, you can expect to find limited dining options. However, rest assured that the food served is always prepared with hygiene in mind and is of high quality. Additionally, the majority of your meals are covered by the expenses of your journey. We can assist you in customizing your travel plans based on your preferences and budget, as long as there are options available.
Altitude sickness and acclimatization in the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
The Jomsom to Muktinath trek offers a low chance of experiencing altitude sickness, as you won’t be trekking to higher altitudes compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal.
The highest altitude you can reach during your travels is Muktinath, which is 3,855 meters above sea level. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the basics of altitude sickness and prepare yourself both physically and mentally for it before traveling. During your travels, you will have a knowledgeable guide who will assist you along the way.
Most asked questions
FAQs about Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
The highest level for the Jomson to Muktinath trip is in Muktinath, at 3,855 feet above sea level.
The Jomson to Muktinath trek is a great travel option for those who are new to trekking, as the route is known for being relatively easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. The trek demands an average of 5-6 hours of walking.
Yes, the Jomson to Muktinath permit is highly compulsory while trekking in the area. You will require a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Both permits will be arranged by the tour operator themselves.
After conducting the necessary research, our team does not recommend reducing the number of program days. We do not recommend traveling at higher altitudes in a single day, and our program has been developed to suit everyone.
However, if you want to add more days to spend more time in the Himalayas or for some other reason, please let us know. We will be happy to make the trip fit your interests.
Travelers are required to have a licensed guide when trekking in any part of Nepal. If you are looking for a travel experience that does not involve group trekking, your alternative is to book a licensed private guide for yourself or your own group.
When traveling, it is a good idea to bring along an extra battery or a solar charger to ensure that your devices stay charged throughout your journey. Travelers on a trek often choose to pay an additional fee to utilize the charging stations available at the teahouses. In certain destinations, you may have the opportunity to utilize it without charge. It depends on the location of the travel destination.
Yes, you can plan a trip with your kids to Jomson and Muktinath.
Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara is usually reliable; sometimes the journey might get delayed, but it won’t usually be canceled. When traveling to Nepal for trekking, it is recommended to reserve a few extra days in case of unexpected circumstances due to the unpredictable nature of the region.
If your travel plans involve flying to or from Kathmandu and your flight is delayed, we will arrange for your ticket to be rebooked for the next day. As a traveler, you can expect that the airlines will work with us to ensure your vacation is comfortable.
If your flight gets cancelled, you will have to arrange for your own accommodation and meals, as they will not be provided as part of the travel package. As requested, we are always ready to assist you with travel accommodations.
We want to inform you that before starting your journey to the Jomsom to Muktinath trek, we already paid for several things on your behalf: permits, taxes, and others. Please also be aware that we must compensate our porters and guides even if you cancel or choose not to finish the trip because of their commitment to serving you.
Yes, we provide acclimatization training trips to Soldhunga Day Hike before starting the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek. Preparing for a high-altitude trek can be easier if you do some practice trips first. These trips help, especially if you’re going to a place much higher than you’re used to.
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