Jomsom Muktinath Trek – 15 Days
Overview
Trip Name: Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Destination: Nepal
Duration: 15 Days
Highest Altitude: 3710m/12172ft
Trek Grade: Moderate
Group Size: 1 – 20
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and Tea House/Lodge during trek
Best Season: March, April, May, September ,October, November, December
Trip Introduction:
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a very exciting and unique trek in the Annapurna and Mustang region of Nepal. Mustang region is famous for its unique and dry landscape with magnificent Himalayan ranges. The influence of Thakali, Gurung and Magar community can be found in this area. Kali Gandaki valley (Jomsom – Muktinath) area is situated at north of Pokhara. In addition, this region is known for some of the most abrupt altitude variations experienced in Nepal. A magnificent sunrise at Poon Hill, before descending Tatopani (hot spring) and then we encounter the World’s deepest gorge, where the powerful Kali Gandaki River has cut deep through the Himalaya between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Jomsom is the center of Mustang region and a small airstrip is located in Jomsom from where the flights between Pokhara and Jomsom are operated daily basis. Jomsom is a large town: the administrative headquarters of the Lower and Upper Mustang region. It is also the major village along the Kali Gandaki Valley, linking the age old Trans-Himalayan salt Trade route from India to Tibet. Muktinath, located in the popular grove, is a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The Mahabharata, the ancient epic written about 300 B.C, Muktinath as Shaligram because of its ammonite fossils called Shaligrams. Brahma, the creator, made an offering here by lighting a fire on water. You can see this miracle (burning natural gas) in a small Buddhist Shrine (Gomba) below the main Hindu Temple. From this trek we can see the beautiful mountains Machhapichhare (Fishtail), Annapurna Range, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks of the Himalayas. At the end of the trip we will fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m)
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing tour and trip preparation
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara & Explore Lake side area (800m) – 7 hours drive
Day 4: Drive to Nayapul & trek to Tirkhedhunga (1480m) – 2 hours drive and 5 hours trek
Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (3210m) – 6 hours
Day 6: Trek to Tatopani (2400m) – 6 hours
Day 7: Trek to Ghasa (2113m) – 6 hours
Day 8: Trek to Marpha (2650m) – 5 hours
Day 9: Trek to Kagbeni (2810m) – 5 hours
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3710m) – 6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2743m) – 6 hours
Day 12: Fly to Pokhara (827m) – 20 minutes
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu – 7 hours
Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure
Detail Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu: (1400)
Upon arrival at International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representatives and transferred to hotel. Today you are free and easy to spend time on your own. In the evening we will proceed for welcome dinner hosted by our company. (Dinner Included)
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing & Trek Preparation (B)
Today you will take a half day guided Kathmandu sightseeing of World Heritage site. You will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swoyambhunath Stupa. After the sightseeing, we will be doing the necessary preparation for the trip. You may also wish to buy some trekking gears such as Jackets, hats, t-shirt, walking stick, trekking bags etc which is easily found near your hotel. (Breakfast included)
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (827m) – 7 hours drive
Today we will drive to Pokhara, the second largest and the most beautiful city in Nepal. Pokhara is famous for breathtaking views of Mt. Fistail and Annapurna mountain ranges and beautiful lakes. On arrival in Pokhara, check in to hotel and free time to explore the lake side area. (Breakfast included)
Day 4: Drive to Nayapul & trek to Tirkhedhunga (1480m) – 2 hours drive and 5 hours trek
After breakfast, drive to Nayapul which is the starting point of our trekking. On reaching Nayapul, we will get ready and trek to Tirkhedhunga. The trek will take us around 5 hours to reach our destination for today. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (3210m) – 6 hours
Today we will hike through rhododendron forest and reach a hamlet of cultivated fields. Continue walking for 3 hours and finally you will find yourself in Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a popular area in the Annapurna region as it is a beautiful place and also the starting point for a short hike to Poon Hill to watch the amazing sunrise and Himalayan Panoramas. Ghorepani also houses family run lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 6: Trek to Tatopani (2400m) – 6 hours
Early morning we will trek to Poonhill for around one hour which is an excellent view point for sunrise and the amazing Dhaulagiri range. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and trek back to Ghorepani and enjoy you breakfast. Then we will proceed to Tatopani meaning Hot Spring which is a popular spot for travelers travelling to the Mustang region. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 7: Trek to Ghasa (2113m) – 6 hours
Today we will start our trek towards Ghasa. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River which flows under the deep gorge. We will continue along Dana and Rupse Waterfall and Kopchepani as well. Further continuing through the trail, we will reach the Thakali village or Ghasa which is considered a paradise for bird watchers. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 8: Trek to Marpha (2650m) – 5 hours
Today we will take a steep climb through the forest which will take us to Lete Khola and finally to Lete. We continue our walk to reach Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross the trail via Tukuche and finally at Marpha. Marpha is a small beautiful village with narrow lanes and houses painted white. It is a very beautiful and unique place to explore and take photos. Marpha is known as the Apple Kingdom of Nepal as it produces very good quality apples in a good quantity during the apple season. Marpha apple brandy is also quite popular which is produced in Marpha. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 9: Trek to Kagbeni (2810m) – 5 hours
Today we will continue our trail along the side of the valley and will be rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom village. Jomsom is the center and most popular place in Mustang region which have an airstrip and have flight to and from Pokhara every day. We continue our trek and can feel that it is quite windy from Jomsom onwards. Our trek will take a gradual path on the Kali Gandaki River bed for around 3 hours before we finally reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is an old and historical village with beautiful Charm. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3710m) – 6 hours
Today we will start our trek to Muktinath. We will have scenic picturesque places to stop by. And from Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to rejoin the direct trail leaving to Khingsar. Our trail finally climbs through a desert landscape till Jharkot village to finally reach Muktinath. Muktinath is a beautiful place located at a height of 3710m and commands beautiful Himalayan Panorama. Beside from the beautiful sceneries Muktinath is famous for Holy Muktinath Temple which is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Thousands of pilgrims visit Muktinath Temple for prayers every year. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2743m) – 6 hours
In the morning we will visit Muktinath Temple which is of great importance to both Hindus & Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We will visit the temple and explore the area in the morning and then leave for Jomsom where we will stay for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 12: Fly to Pokhara (827m) – 20 minutes
Enjoy the spectacular views of Nilgiri Mountain from Jomsom in the morning. We will then proceed to Jomsom Airport for flight back to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you are free to explore the beautiful Pokhara valley. You can do some shopping or indulge in adventure activities such as Paragliding, Zip flyer etc or simply rest and relax in the cool and cozy cafe and pub. (Breakfast included)
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu – 7 hours
Today we will drive back to Kathmandu enjoying the beautiful sceneries of hills and greeneries and passing by many rivers. On arrival in Kathmandu check into your hotel and you are free on your own. (Breakfast included)
Day 14: Free Day in Kathmandu.
Today is a free day for you in Kathmandu. You can opt for sightseeing tours or just wander on your own in Thamel area. You can find lots of restaurant, cafe and pubs in Thamel along with many shops for shopping. In the evening we will proceed for a farewell dinner with cultural show hosted by our company to celebrate the successful completion of your trek. (Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 15: Departure
Today you have free time until you departure time to Airport for flight back home with beautiful Himalayan memories. (Breakfast included)
Package Includes
- 04 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive of breakfast ion a twin shared basis
- 02 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast on a twin shared basis
- 08 nights’ accommodation during trek in a Tea House on a twin shared basis
- All meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Jomsom to Pokhara flight
- Airport – Hotel – Airport Transfers (Arrival & Departure)
- Half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu inclusive of entrance fees
- English speaking Trek leader/Guide
- Porters to carry your bags (1 porter for 2 guests)
- Sleeping bags
- Food, Accommodation, Salary, Insurance and equipment’s for all staffs
- All necessary permits for the trek
- Welcome and Farewell dinner
- All ground transfers on a comfortable private vehicle üGovernment, hotel and all applicable taxes
Package Excludes:
- International Airfare and taxes
- Travel Insurance with rescue and emergency evacuation
- Nepal Entry visa (Visa is obtained in Nepal Airport immigration on arrival. USD 30 per visa for 15 days
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All items of personal nature like telephone bills, laundry, drink etc.
- Tipping to guide and driver
- All items of personal nature like telephone bills, laundry, drink etc.
- Items such as hot water for shower/drinking; Mobile phone and camera charging etc will be extra during trek which can be paid to the tea house/lodge owner directly.
- Any other item that is not mentioned in the Cost includes list.
