Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath trek is the famous trekking trip to the holy Muktinath temple situated in the Annapurna region. It is also the adventurous trekking through the cold and windy village in Jomsom. Annapurna region is the land of giant Annapurna Massifs along with Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and many mountains to be experienced to the closer eye sight.
Jomsom at an elevation of 2,713m is now reachable by Land Cruiser, Jeep, Bus or daily flight which has made more straightforward for this Jomsom Muktinath trek. From the old days the settlement was well known for its exceptional vantage point and serving as a trailhead to Muktinath, the temple of the preserver, Mustang the land beyond. The trip will ensure you to by stand the bailer of goods by the natives of the local hills, Thakalis (previous traders who now have a strong restaurant trade) ethnicity and marvelous view of Himalayas.
The trail follows the classical adventurous walk from Jomsom, leading first to reach Kagbeni (2810m) a rural community by the side of Kali Gandki River banks, the deepest gorge in the world. The town seems to have come straight out of the medieval past. The settlement in the mud houses, collection of dark alleys, and imposing chorten and a large Gompa (Buddhist Monastery) are the special features of the place. The life style, languages, dresses of the people itself reflects the high Buddhist culture and tradition which is much untouched by the western influences. From here the trail follows ahead continuing the classical walk past piles of trailside rocks erected by the pilgrims to honor the decreased and then reach to Muktinath.
Muktinath (3,802m) is reachable with trekking or horses and mules are also used as the local means of transportation here. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from many part of the world visit the place, some even in bare feet to worship the eternal flame mentioned in the Mhabharata epics of 300 B.C. The temple is famed for 108 sacred springs and a Tibetan monastery called Jwala Mai houses eternal flames.
During the full moon of July a horse racing festival is celebrated by ethnic Bhatia’s as the Hindu festival of Janai Purnima takes place. Heading down to Marpha you may try the famous local cider of fruit preserves. To the south the trail reaches Tukuche a center where Nepal and Tibet traded during the Rana Era. The trail passes through a Thakali village where, particularly, you feel the rough winds that make flying aircraft in the region difficult in the afternoons. At Tatopani, you may relax in the hot springs.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and meet day at the Kathmandu Airport
First we welcome you to home of Mt. Everest, Nepal, country of Himalayas. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport our representative will welcome you and assists to transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will have to make rest day in Kathmandu. Make permit day and you can look around in Kathmandu valley or make Sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu valley. After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for the welcome dinner in Nepal Culture restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and bring briefing about your trip and overnight hotel.
Day 02: From Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight or by Tourists Bus and car
From Kathmandu we take our flight or 7 hour easy drive to Pokhara. We take our beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trek. Your first day in Pokhara can be spent just relaxing or you may enjoy a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Devi Falls. The remainder of the time is yours to enjoy either doing last minute shopping for the trek or packing your kitty bag for the following day's departure Hotel.
Day 03: Early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Trek start to Kagbeni
Early morning we fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and it is very good view for the 20 minutes like mountain Himalayan flight and sightseeing around Jomsom. The Kali gandaki valley here is called the Thakkhola, after the native Thakalis, who are distantly related to the Tibetans. The day we walk to Kagbeni, the checkpoint of entry to Upper Mustang. The altitudes of this trek vary between about 915m at Pokhara to approx.3880m at Muktinath going up and down will test the best pair of knees. The secret is, take it slowly.
Day 04: Trek Kagbeni to Muktinath
We ascend steeply to 3880m, at Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple in a grove of poplars. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists, who come here for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water inside a small but very holy temple.
Day 05: Trek Muktinath to Marpha
Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to Marpha is very nice place not like Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this area.
Day 06: Trek Marpha to Kalopani
Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old Thakali trading center of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rain shadow end and open spaces make way for coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560m.) From here there are spectacular 360-degree views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna high above.
Day 07: Trek Kalopani to Tatopani
A beautiful walk, with another transition into sub tropical vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias. The trail follows the kali Gnadaki river through a narrow gorge, and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall, before winding through the valley to Tatopani. The hot water springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good 'scrub.
Day 08: Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani
Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.
Day 09: Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani
Early morning, you will visit the famous Poon Hill where you will hopefully be blessed with a fantastic sunrise and 360 degree view of all the Annapurna Range including Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), with imposing views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8170m) and the Dhaulagiri Range to the West. The views here are breath taking as you sit and sip on a hot chocolate before heading down the main trail to Pokhara. Here you will be able to see how things have changed over the years since western man started visiting the Himalayas. One of the added advantages of lodge trekking is being able to sit and chat to the Sougi Inn Keeper, whilst he spins you yarns about life in Nepal. A short early morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over view Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna, and all the way south to the plains of India. Trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 10: Trek Tadapani to Ghandruk
Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandruk (1950m), and explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement.
Day 11: Trek Ghandruk to Naya pul and drive to Pokhara
A steady climb down past startlingly green cultivated terraces and picturesque, beautifully preserved farms to the scurrying Modi River, which the trail follows back to Naya pul. Drive to Pokhara and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12: Drive or flight back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, evening farewell cultural programme
It takes 6 to 7 hour if you wish to drive back to Kathmandu. You can also fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara which takes only 30 min. It will be the best opportunity to experience the mountain Himalayan flight over the Pokhara valley and the Kathmandu valley. You will be transferred to the farewell and cultural programme in the evening. Transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal to your home country
See you again wonderful Himalayan country in Nepal. Today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your friend and family to gift, relatives for you until your departure flight to your home country. Or any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your home country. Hope to see you again Nepal Himalayan country.
Trekking Map
Price Info
This is the detail for the Group package tour and trekking: Group Size 2 / 4 / 6 / 10 Hikers and larger groups can also be arranged.
Price Includes
- Airport/hotel pick up & drop services
- Hotel accommodation with BB plan as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary program by private vehicles
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu domestic airfare if required
- All necessary paper works, temple/museum entry fee and National park fee
- Annapurna Conservation Permit and TIMS card (for 2 or 3 weeks trekking)
- An experienced English speaking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism) and porters, necessary meal/accommodation/transportation/salary/insurance
- All accommodation and meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, Coffee in Tea House) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinner in a Nepali Restaurant
- All government and local taxes
Price Excludes
- International airfare and travel insurance
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee. Visa easily issued at Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation other than itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Travel and helicopter rescue insurance (incase altitude sickness in the mountain)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Tips, gifts for the staff
