The Jomsom and Muktinath trek is a part of the Annapurna circuit and perhaps the single most popular trek in Nepal. The diverse landscapes and cultures to be found along this route give a marvelous insight into the rural life of different Nepalese peoples. 

Trips Facts

Arrival/Departure

Kathmandu Nepal/ Kathmandu

Activity
Maximum Altitude

3710m

Duration

13 Days 10 Nights

Grade

Modarate

The Jomsom and Muktinath trek is a part of the Annapurna circuit and perhaps the single most popular trek in Nepal. The diverse landscapes and cultures to be found along this route give a marvelous insight into the rural life of different Nepalese peoples. The main feature of this trek is walking through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which carries water from the Tibetan plateau to eventually join the Ganges in India. The starting and ending point is Nayapul about one hour drive from Pokhara. Normally trekkers continue on above Jomsom to Mukitnath, a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. To the Hindu, Muktinath is sacred as the place of salvation. They believe that to wash in the water here guarantees salvation after death. To the Buddhist it is the place that the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated at, and to all, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams that are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River valley. This trek is recommended year round as most of this trek is always in the rain shadow.
  • You will be met at the airport by our Adventure Jaljale representative and transfered to your hotel in Kathmandu. Rest at the hotel and briefing about the trip. There should be time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. Overnight (O/N) in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
  • Leave for full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley including the holiest site in Nepal: the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO world heritage site) & the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath. We can also visit the Shyambhunath a 2000 year old temple colloquially known as the "Monkey Temple" and visit Patan city of fine arts. In the evening there wil be a briefing at your hotel or at the office. O/N at guesthouse in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
  • You have to take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight offers some awesome views of the Himalayan range. Our staff will receive you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Pokhara where you will have a free day to relax, shop or go sightseeing on your own. Alternatively, you can take the tourist bus to Pokhara at 7AM to arrive around 2PM. O/N at guesthouse in Pokhara (breakfast included)
  • We leave Pokhara by road, driving along the valley of the Modi Khola for about an hour before walking a short distance from the road to Birethanti, a busy village of lodges, shops and houses. We commence our trek with a gradual ascent along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. We then leave the river and follow a trail along the upper edge of terraced fields through Hille to Tikedungha. Thereafter, we have to cross a stream beyond the village and then drop down to the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail then follows a long, steep and seemingly endless climb up a stone staircase, eventually arriving at the village of Ulleri. From this village, you will be rewarded with fine views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. We will set up camp in the terraced fields. O/N at the camp in Ulleri. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • As we ascend along the path which leads us to a lush forest you will find Annapurna South hidden by a ridge. Beyond Banthanti, there are magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron. After crossing several crystal clear mountain streams you arrive at the village of Nangathanti. Another few hours of trekking through the forest brings you to Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" as it is a popular watering spot for mules which ply this route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. Ten minutes walk beyond Ghorepani is a small pass and the village of Deorali. In order to acclimatize, we will rest for the day at Ghorepani and spend the night at a superb camp site. O/N at the camp in Ghorepani. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • Here we will can catch an amazing sunrise view from the ideal vantage point of Poon Hill. After breakfast, we descend to Tatopani through the rhododendron forest amidst the magnificent natural views. As we approach Chitre, we can feast on the awe-inspiring view of Dhaulagiri Range. The path then leads through terraced fields to Sikha, a Magar village clustered on a ridge. We continue descending, gradually at first and then more steeply to cross the Ghar Khola. After a short climb, we then cross the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge and from thereon it is only a short distance upstream to Tatopani. Tatopani takes its name from the hot springs near the river below the village, so you can look forward to a restaurative dip. O/N camp or lodge in Tatopani. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • Today we follow the trail that ascends gently up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, an towards the village of Dana which is surrounded by orange groves. En route, we will come across local people selling baskets of oranges and have the chance to sample the goods. Just beyond the small hamlet of Rupse, a thundering waterfall cascades down beside the trail. Thereafter, the trail enters the steepest and narrowest section of the gorge. You will find the layered stone path well-constructed and wide. As the rock cliffs end, we head towards Ghasa, a quaint Thakali village where we will spend the night. Here you can see several flat-roofed Tibetan style houses. O/N camp or lodge in Ghasa. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • After breakfast we trek away from Ghasa towards Larjung. A few hours of descent soon followed by rock-strewn ascents through forests of fir, cypress and juniper along the riverbank of Kali Gandaki. As soon as you reach Larjung, you cannot help but marvel at the architectural splendors of this exotic town; tunnels, narrow alleyways and houses built in traditional style make a fascinating sight. There are several hotels in Larjung. O/N camp or lodge in Larjung. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • The trek begins along the trail that follows the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki, passing through Khobang and Tukuche. Here also we will discover narrow alleyways and houses built around enclosed courtyards as a protection against the unpredictable wind of the Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail further meanders through stone-walled orchards. Soon we will come across a stone gate that marks the entrance to Marpha. From here you can spot several white-walled houses. Marpha has well-maintained drainage system and is most popular for its local apple brandy. After lunching in Marpha, we continue trekking towards Jomsom. As we approach our destination, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and impressive with its mixture of browns, yellows and grays contrasting with the white snowcaps of Tilicho and Nilgiri. After dinner, we can stay overnight at a good hotel in Jomsom. O/N camp or lodge in Jomsom. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • After breakfast we head along the path up the vast gravel riverbed of the Kali Gandaki. On crossing a small ridge to Chhancha Lhumba at 2730 meters, we continue heading towards Muktinath. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri dominates the view as we ascend to Khingar (3200 meters). More meadows, streams and lush vegetation can be seen along the trail as it paves the way to Jharkot (3500 meters). We will come accross the ruins of the Dzong and the pristine villages of Purang and Changur. As we trek past mule stables and steep barren hillside, we will enter Ranipauwa. Ranipauwa for hundreds of years has remained an ideal resting point for pilgrims and travelers. On trekking further, we enter Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place; Buddhist gompa and pagoda-style temple of Lord Vishnu are the pilgrims' destination. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. There are several hotels and camping places in Muktinath. O/N camp or hotel in Muktinath. (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • Heading away from Muktinath, we will retrace our steps to Jomsom feasting on a magnificent view of Nilgiri. We will stay overnight in Jomsom and take the opportunity to have a farewell party with the crew who you have come to know so well over the last 10 days. O/N camp or lodge in Jomsom (all meals and hot drinks included)
  • You board an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From Pokhara you can either fly take the tourist bus to Kathmandu. O/N at guesthouse in Katmandu. (breakfast included)
  • If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today.

Trip Inclusion

  • Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle in Kathmandu.
  • Four nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu in private vehicle as per itinerary.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period prepared by our cook with Tea and coffee.
  • Local fresh fruits where available.
  • Surface Transport to and from Kathmandu.
  • Twin sharing tented camp accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide waterproof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
  • Trekking map, one in a group.
  • Trekking porter/Sherpa to carry your bags during the trekking 2:1, max 20 KG baggage/porter.
  • All camping gear and necessary staff for carrying, cooking and building camps.
  • A local government licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, the required number of cooks, porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation.
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Boiled and purified drinking water for the trek.
  • All required special trekking permits and conservation fees.
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
  • All government taxes and our service charges.
  • Farewell Dinner before departure.

Trip Exclusion

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Your Travel insurance (Mandatory).
  • International airfare and date change or ticket re issuance charges.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
  • Alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, and supplementary hot drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls and internet service.
  • Personal trekking Equipments.
  • Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fees in Kathmandu.
  • Any others expenses not mentioned on package Includes section.
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