Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a specially made package, to witness the wonders of the Annapurna Region in a short time. Located on the Northern side of Pokhara, this trek offers you the country’s spectacular diversity at its finest. Traversing across wilderness, ridges, high valleys, chasing river networks, and arid mountain landscapes. Taking you from subtropical jungles to landscapes resembling Tibetan Plateau. Discover nature, culture, and stories at each and every corner.
Overview:
The Jomsom Muktinath trek start after a detailed tour of the Kathmandu Valley. The valley offers you various attractions from ancient temples and stupas to palaces and museums. A perfect opportunity to get an insight into the rich history and culture of the country. From Kathmandu head towards Pokhara. The flight takes you across the lush hills of central Nepal flying parallel with the mountain ranges. Upon reaching Pokhara a short drive will take you to Nayapul, starting point of various trek in the Annapurna Region. Traversing across lush woodlands reach the village of Thikhedhunga.
From Thikhedhunga head further traversing along the deep wilderness of magnificent oak and rhododendron forests, crossing river networks, pasture lands and lush agriculture fields, sparkling clear streams to the tiny village of Ghorepani.
Ghorepani to head towards Poon Hill
The next day head to Poon Hill, one of the best vantage points in the Annapurna region. Ascending on a well-maintained series of stairs, reach Poon Hill. From the vantage point witness Mountain peaks from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre: Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors. Next, head further down towards Tatopani. Tatopani is a village located on Kali Gandaki corridor, here soak in the healing waters of the Himalayan hot spring. Furthermore, head towards Ghasa traversing across high cliffs on rocky landscapes.
At Ghasa head out for bird watching. The region is one of the few places in the country where one can find all six species of Himalayan pheasants. Further following the east trail of the Kali Gandaki on forested trails of brown oaks, blue pines, and dozens of species of rhododendron. Reach the settlement of Marpha. Marpha is home to many apple orchards and various products made from apples can be found in this region. Try the various apple delicacies of the region.
Head towards Kali Gandaki to Jomsom
Continuing along the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, with marvelous views of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri further head to Jomsom. An ancient village perched on the banks of the mighty Kali Gandaki river. Next, continue on the sandy footway on the western side of the Kali Gandaki riverbed. Along this section witness grandeur views of Tukuche, Nilgiri, and Annapurna massif along with some splendid landscapes and reach the village of Kagbeni. A picturesque village clinging over a cliff, facing the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River with a green terrace farm, and sheer rock cliffs. Following the Kali Gandaki upstream on a desert landscape with views of dry hills and snowcapped mountains reach the settlement of Muktinath.
Muktinath means the place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several ancient religious shrines. A sacred pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. Nestled at the foothills of the might Himalayan pass of Thorong La. Explore the temple complex and bathe in the freezing waters. Furthermore, witness the spectacular landscape of the region. After exploring Muktinath retrace your steps back to Jomsom. The following day catches a morning flight to Pokhara. At Pokhara explore the wonders of the city and the next day catch an early flight towards Kathmandu.
On Jomsom Muktinath Trek explore ancient monasteries, caves, temples, isolated villages, and different biodiversity as well as microclimates. Apart from nature, it is a perfect opportunity to witness and learn about the various culture and traditions of the people. Head on this specially made package with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
Entry and Permits:
The following permits are required for trekking to Jomsom Muktinath Trek:
- ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
- ACAP entry permit fee for Indian nationals: 2000 NPR
TIMS Permit :
- NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
- NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)
Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
Meals and drinking water:
Along the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The region has several tea-house along the trail and is run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities to luxury ones, where you will have an opportunity to taste various cuisines which you will miss it most of the trekking trails of Nepal.
Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.
If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.
Accommodation:
Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free WIFI, and many more.
Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.
Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.
Best Time to Visit?
The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.
During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking. As weather clears, bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.
The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region. The end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.
Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.
In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.
Travel Insurance:
All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company. It will cover personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Important Note
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In extreme situations, we kindly request you to co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by ACH. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Overview
Accommodations:
We will be staying at Alpine Hotel Nepal in Kathmandu, Hotel Splendid View in Pokhara, and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD150. Alpine Club of Himalaya will arrange rooms with attached washrooms. However, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Meals:
During the Khopra Ridge Community Trek, you can enjoy Nepali, Tibetan, Indian as well as more common continental cuisines. Breakfast (only) will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be available during the trek and climb. While trekking, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be arranged for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During the climbing session, hygienic and freshly-cooked food will be provided. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Trip Highlight
- Take in fantastic mountain views
- Meet local people as you travel
- Hike for 9 days through the Nepalese wilderness
- Annapurna and Mustang Range
- Scenic flight to Jomsom and return
- Explore Muktinath Temple
