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Overview
The Trek to Jomsom Muktinath reaching the maximum altitude of 3800m (12,464 ft) and can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness. Continuing along the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, marvel at the splendid peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri both of which reach heights in excess of 8000m (26,240 ft). Explore the hundreds of years old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Make an adventure starting from world's deepest gorge Kali Gandaki Region into world's highest regions passing through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail, up and down the hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and several other peaks.
The initial days of the Trek to Jomsom Muktinath through the Annapurna region ascends through rice terraces and villages inhabited by the indigenous people, mostly the Gurungs. The trek gets interesting in Tatopani where you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs. Then the Trek to Jomsom Muktinath passes through Jomsom and Kagbeni, the entry point of upper Mustang Region. The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on the show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m/12,464 ft). The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble water flowing from taps and mysterious natural gas fires that boggle the mind. From here it is downhill to Jomsom village on the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around at the gateway to the "Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang", and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions still in practice. A flight the following day will bring you back to Pokhara from where we make a few hours drive through the green mountains to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, gretted by one of our airport representative and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhedhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs.
Day 04: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 05: Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 06: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 07: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs.
Day 08: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs.
Day 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 11: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight.
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 13: Final departure.
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft].
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will pick up by our representative. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Nepal Highpoint Trekking & Expedition display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel Family or a similar category hotel. After check-in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city or visit our office; it all depends upon your interests and condition.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour.
We start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square area holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred linga or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous cremation site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the “the self-existent” is popular among the foreigners as Monkey Temple owing to a large number of monkey population residing in the area. Overnight at Kathmandu. Breakfast.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhedhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs.
Early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch the right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna range and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara offer fishing, boating, and swimming, the city itself is popular as the city of lakes. After taking rest for some time, drive to Nayapul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurung Khola, the trail climbs through the subtropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga.
Day 04: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs.
From Tikhedhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani via very steeply up to village Ulleri. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of your stamina. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means “horse-water” owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings.
Day 05: Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Ghorepani town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village & further descend to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing suspension bridge it climbs up at Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning Hot Water in Nepali derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among the trekker to soothe their tired leg muscles.
Day 06: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs.
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara meaning beautiful waterfall and Kopche Pani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for the bird watchers.
Day 07: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs.
A steep climb through the forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kali Gandaki reach you Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross trail via Tukuche at 2590 m and apple farm projects which produces apple and vegetable for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village.
Day 08: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs.
The trail continus along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. Cross the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti meaning lonely pub. From Jomsom onwards, it is very windy in the afternoon and the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-Bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of the easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age-old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. (B, L, D).
Day 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the walk, we will have scenic picturesque places to stop by. From Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village. A further climb reaches us to Muktinath.
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Muktinath is one of the most important destinations for Hindus pilgrimage. It also held an important place for the Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a “Muktikhsetra” or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. There is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Also, enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religious harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom.
Day 11: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight.
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, the guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Phewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu.
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with our staffs. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 13: Final departure.
You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from our company will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara - every hotel rates are affected by standard and ranking. We will be happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per your interest and budget. Thus, please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of accommodation that you would like to stay in.
Equiment Checklist
Here’s a complete rundown of what to bring if you’re planning a trek to Everest Base Camp or any other tea-house trek in Nepal. Proper preparation and equipment for the conditions will go a long way to ensuring you have a great trekking experience. What follows is a pretty comprehensive list and will make sure you are covered in the coldest months of the year. If you have questions on what you might need just ask us and keep in mind that Kathmandu is a great place to buy trekking gear at affordable prices.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS
ON THE TRAIL DAYPACK
CLOTHING: BASE, MIDDLE AND OUTER LAYERS
FOOTWEAR: SHOES AND SOCKS
DUFFEL BAGS AND DAY PACKS
FIRST AID KIT AND TOILETRIES
OTHER ITEMS