Nepal Travel Trek

Jomsom Muktinath Trek

The Annapurna region of Nepal, a couple of hundred kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, is renowned for its blend of undisturbed nature, spectacular mountain views, and embracing culture. The Annapurna Circuit is typically rated as one of the "top 20" trekking experiences worldwide...Now that is an understatement!
TheJomsom Muktinath Trek is a half final part of the Annapurna Circuit, Starting from Pokhara by flight to Jomsom. The route around the Annapurna massif covers around 75 miles of marvelous trails, and offers some of the most varied mountain scenery in Nepal as it penetrates the Northern Himalayan range and the Tibetan plateau.

Some major attractions include typical Mustang villages such as Tukuche, Marpha and Jharkot with its medieval King’s Palace and Bonpo Gompa. The deepest gorge, Kaligandaki is another attraction of this route. Muktinath is a popular sacred place for Hindu, Buddhist Pilgrims and ascetic Sadhus. The temple is situated with 108 water tapes emerging from sacred water springs.

The trail follows the kali Gandaki River that flows through the deepest gorge on earth. This itinerary also includes a hike to the popular trekking destination of Poon Hill, providing a spectacular panoramic view of Manaslu Himal (8th highest mountain in the world), Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak), Annapurna I (10th highest mountain in the world), and Dhaulagiri Himal (7th highest mountain in the world) and colorful Gurung villages- Ghandruk famous for their hospitality, breathtaking vistas of terraced rice fields, and walks through serene and inspiring forests of pine and rhododendron.

Best season to visit: In the spring (March to May) when the rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, are in bloom. Also in the fall (September to November) or post-monsoon when the weather is temperate and the skies are clear.

Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate. This is not a difficult trek although it has some steep climbs. No mountaineering skills required. This itinerary offers a gradual gain of the altitude to greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Maximum altitude: 3760m at Jomsom.

Length of trek: The trek can be completed in a minimum of Eleven days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Pokhara. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to enjoy several of the possible side trips and add immeasurably to the experience. It is advisable to spend two weeks along this route to fully experience the full scenic and cultural splendor.

Accommodations: This is traditionally a teahouse trek with well-maintained facilities along the route. It can also be organized as a camping trek as the valley floor can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather. Camping trek rates and fees are considerably higher as more resources are required.

Legal Preparation: Entry permit (NRS 2000) for the Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) is needed.

Additional Information: This trek can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall and Altitude sickness so potential trekkers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities.  Our experienced porters/guides will help you to avoid potentially unsafe situations. The Jomsom-Muktinath trail is often covered with trains of donkeys and ponies traveling to Mustang and other areas in the north of Nepal.

Culture: Gurung/ Magar/ Thakali

Himalayan sights: Explore beautiful Kagbeni village - The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath -View of Dhaulagiri Ice- flow -The world deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley - Natural Hot spring at Tatopani - Sunrise at Poonhill with magnificent mountain views.        

Key Attractions: Dhaulagiri (8167m), Fishtail (6993m), Manaslu (8157m), Nilgiri and Annapurna range

Outline Itinerary

Day 01	Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 02	Pokhara to Jomsom – Flight and Trek to Kagbeni.
Day 03	Muktinath to Kagbeni; Trek
Day 04	Kagbeni to Marpha: Trek.
Day 05	Marpha to Ghasa (2010 m), Trek.
Day 06	Ghasa to Tatopani (1190 m): Trek
Day 07	Tatopani to Ghorepani 2860 m):  Trek
Day 08	Ghorepani (2860 m) to Poonhill (3193m) to Tadapani   (Poon Hill is the excellent view point- Early morning view)
Day 09	Tadapani to Ghandruk; Trek
Day 10	Ghandruk to Nayapul to Pokhara (Trek & 1 Hour drive by Taxi)/ End of Trek Program
Day 11	Pokhara to Kathmandu: Drive or fly to Kathmandu

 

Price:

• Trekking Package
• Client's Flight Fare:
• Staff Flight Fare:

Price includes:

• Arrival and departure by Car.  (Airport to City, City to Airport)
• Ground Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus and Nayapul to Pokhara by car or taxi.
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and Accommodation in Trek.
• First Aid Kit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (Nrs. 2000 Per person)
• TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Certificate.
• English speaking Experienced Guide cum Porter. (one staff for two clients)
• All necessaries for Nepalese staff (all meals, accommodation in teahouses, equipments, insurance etc).
• Certificate of Trek completion from Himalayan Humanity Trekking.

Price Excludes:

• Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water and cold drinks),
• Client's personal insurance and personal expenses,
• Meals and Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Rescue,
• Tips for staff (porter/Guide) etc

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara by Bus – Overnight Hotel.

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by private bus/car. It is a scenic drive with several picturesque gorges and occasional glimpses of mountain peaks. We will stay Overnight in a lodge at Pokhara.

 

Day 02: Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni (Tea House)
Morning fly to Jomsom-35min. while flying you enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna Himalayas and Dhaulagiri-8167m. Trekking passing valley of Kaligandaki River to ancient village Kagbeni entrance of Upper Mustang Kingdom.          

Day 03: Kagbeni (2,800m) to Muktinath (3802m)
Today we have a short walk to Muktinath;. After breakfast it is well worth going to visit the Monastries in Kagbeni. The trail passes through a beautiful arid landscape in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, this is starkly different to green and lush terrain at the start of our trek a week ago!
We descend steeply to the green oasis of Kagbeni. It is a fascinating place to explore with narrows streets and old buildings. One needs a special permit to follow the path north of Kagbeni along the Thak Khola to Upper Mustang.

Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists at 3750 meters (12,300 feet) at the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy spot with mutual respect and support.
In Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa all the elements are represented, not only earth, air and holy water, but also fire. Beside trees are growing at an unusual altitude. For this and reasons unseen yogis from both religions do their meditation at Muktinath.  

Day 04: Trek to Marpha (2,670m).
The trail follows the Kali Gandaki down to the town of Jomsom and then on to the pretty village of Marpha set amongst apple orchards.

Day 05: Trek to Kalopani (2,560m).
Today we pass the interesting village of Tukuche with its large, carved houses before continuing on down the Kali Gandaki to the villages of Karjung and Larjung. Kalopani is further located a little further down the valley.

Day 06: Trek to Tatopani (1,190m).
We now leave the Tibetan like landscape and start to see pine, cypress and junipers trees. The trail is sometimes on the valley floor and other times on a trail high above. Tatopani is village with natural hot springs and is it well worth having a soak in the afternoon.

Day 07: Tatopani to Ghorepani

About 10 minutes south of the Tatopani path crosses a bridge over the Kali Gandaki to its left bank and then crosses another bridge over its tributary the Ghar Khola. Just after this bridge turn steeply uphill just to the left of a building. It looks like a path into the owner's back garden.
Slog up the hill steeply for 300 meters until you reach the crest of the ridge. The view up the Ghar Khola valley towards Ghorepani is dramatically revealed here. Stop here at the teahouse for a rest and to admire the view (50 minutes). Climb less steeply for another 500 meters to Sikha (3 hours 30 minutes). The path is paved most of the way with what appears to be marble. Phalante (4 hours 20 minutes) is mentioned in the origin myth of the Thakali people. The four Thakali ancestors turned back here when they were unable to find their way to the Ghorepani pass. They were probably discouraged by the never-ending ascent.

Chitre (4 hours 50 minutes) is a little further on. Here the path forks. Take the right hand uphill fork by a building. From here it is a 600-meter steady uphill ascent through the endless rhododendron forest past the electricity pylons to Ghorepani. Ghorepani village (6 hours) is in the col of the Ghorepani pass.

 

Day 08: Ghorepani to Tadapani

Early morning, hike two hours up to Poon hill from Ghorepani village, best spot to see the marvelous view of Manaslu in the east and Dhaulagiri to the west including unrivalled views of Machhapuchhare Annapurna, Hiunchuli and as well as Sunrise view. Then we lead our trek east from Ghorepani village along the ridge, which offers glorious views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From here, we lead down to Banthanti our lunch spot. Then the trail goes down to the Tadapani stream then leads up again through the thick forest to Tadapani village. Our six-hour trek duration finishes here for today. This day is up and down walking through the magnificent stand of giant rhododendrons....

Day 09: Tadapani to Ghandruk

The Ghandruk trail descends steeply through forests. There are two trails from here, both of which lead to Ghandruk. The paths descents on stone steps into the village. Ghandruk is famous village where Gurung people used to live.

 

Day 10: Ghandruk to Pokhara via Nayapul

The trail to Birethanti leads south from here. After walking few famous places along the trail, we will reach Birethanti. It's a 20-minute walk on the rough trail to Nayapul from Birethanti, then we have to climb steeply up the hill to the road. We found here some taxi, which leads us to Pokhara.

Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Drive by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu around 06-07 hours (depending upon road conditions). Another option is to drive by private car or take the 25-30 minutes flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

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