14-Days Jomsom Muktinath trek is an awesome alternative to the very popular spiritual trek for those who do not have time in their schedule or for those with no desire to do challenging hikes.

The days-long hike allows you to walk through the famous historic Marpha Village,  ending at the trading hub of Mustang district Jomsom. It is so much more rewarding to arrive this way to Muktinath than to take the Flight or bus that directly shuttles you right up to the Jomsom or Muktinath's main entrance.

About the trip:

The final spot of the trek - Muktinath is one of the prime places for performing ritual tasks and the area is enclosed with 108 water spouts. The place is well-known for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from all around the world. Most of the travelers take a spiritual bath over the flowing water from 108 spouts.   

Devotees take the holy bath even in the freezing temperatures. The statue of Gautama Buddha, historic monastery, and prayer flags make the area more spiritual. However, Jomsom and Muktinath are part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek as well. This trek is also known by Muktinath pilgrims trekking. The diverse landscapes and cultures of the Jomsom and Muktinath along this trekking route give the perfect insight into the rural life of Nepalese people. 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 Gangas in India.

In route to Muktinath and Jomsom:

The starting point is Nayapul about a one-hour drive from Pokhara. Normally trekkers continue above Jomsom to Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist. Muktinath is a sacred place for salvation to Hindu people. There is the myth that to wash in the water here guarantees salvation after death. it is the place that the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated at to Buddhists, and to all, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as Shaligram. This trek is recommended year-round as most of this trek is always in the rain shadow.

Major Highlights of the Trip

→ Mountain drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
→ Breathtaking view from Ghorepani Poon Hill (3210m)
→ Natural Hot spring at Tatopani
→ Hindu and Buddhist mixed community
→ Kali Gandaki gorge, Kagbeni, and Jomsom Village
→ Apple Grainery of Marpha Village
→ Muktinath Temple for both Hindu and Buddhist People

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1333m)
Day 02: Kathmandu valley Sightseeing and Trip Preparation
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m) by Tourist bus 7-8 hours
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1000m) Trek to Tikhedunga (1540m),1.5 hours drive & 4-5 hrs walk
Day 05: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2874m) 6-7 hrs walk
Day 06: Hike up to Poon Hill (3210m) and trek to Tatopani (1190m) 7-8 hrs walk
Day 07: Tatopani  to Ghasa (2015m) 6-7 hrs walk
Day 08: Ghasa to Tukche (2586m) 6-7 hrs walk
Day 09: Tukche to Kagbeni (2810m) 5-6 hrs walk
Day 10: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3760m) 4-5 hrs walk
Day 11: Muktinath back to Jomsom (2670m) 5-6 hrs walk
Day 12: Morning flight to Pokhara 30 mins.Sightseeing around Pokhara valley
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu 7-8 hrs
Day 14: Final Departure

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic Airfare
• An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking Guide
• Porter service (2 trekkers:1 porters)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportations, food, and accommodation
• Down jacket and sleeping bag  (to be returned after trip completion)
• Create Himalaya’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
• All government and local taxes

When is the Best season for trekking in Annapurna  region

Winter

December to February are the coldest months to trek, with the shortest days and the fewest people. There is often a lot of snow on the ground, especially in Ghorepani, Jomsom, Muktinath, and getting to Destination can sometimes be very difficult or impossible. Many of the higher villages are abandoned for the winter.

Spring

March, April, and May are some of the busier months and for good reason. The days are getting warmer, the weather is mostly stable and the climbing season is in full swing. It really is an amazing sight from, Jomsom, Muktinath, Lo-Manthang. In the lower valleys and similar areas. The flowers are blooming on the Rhododendrons and the terraced fields turn green with new shoots of vegetables.

Summer

From June to August the summer monsoons bring rain and snow. There are fewer visitors during these months, although some of the most beautiful, warm, blue-sky days occur now. Usually, by the afternoon, there is a rainstorm or snow higher up.

Autumn

This is the most popular time to visit the Annapurna Area. September through November is a time of steady weather patterns, less precipitation, and cleaner air. The lodges are full and everyone is friendly. If you enjoy meeting new friends, want the best chance for great weather and don’t mind an empty, this is the best trekking season.

Tour Note

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Create Himalaya Adventure. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. However, this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu 1333m
Description : Our office representative will welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival and then transfer you to hotel. Take some rest at hotel and later visit Create Himalaya Adventure’s office. A welcome dinner will be offered in the evening along with tour briefing by our team.
Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meal: Welcome Dinner


Day 2 : Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Trek Preparation
Description : After breakfast, you begin your sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:-
Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century.
Swyambhunath:-
Swyambhunath Temple is popular among foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area.
Pasupatinath:-
Pasupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the principal temples of Lord Shiva.
Bauddhanath Stupa:-
The Bauddhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupa's in South Asia.
Hotel in Kathmandu
Including Meal: Breakfast


Day 3 : Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) 7-8 hrs drive
Description : Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30am and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek.
Hotel in Pokhara
Including meal: Breakfast


Day 4 : Drive to Nayapul (1000m) trek to Tikhedunga (1540m) 1.5 hours drive, 4-5 hrs walk
Description : We begin our trek at Nayapul after a 1.5hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015m) a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495m and after a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,540m. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
Overnight at Teahouse in Tikhedhunga
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 5 : Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2874m) 6-7 hrs walk
Description : Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village at 2,070m. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2,250m. We trek towards Nangethanti at 2,660m. After an hour of walk this brings you to Ghorepani at 2,874m.
Overnight at Teahouse in Ghorepani
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 6 : Hike to Poon Hill (3210m), trek to Tatopani (1190m) 7-8 hrs walk
Description : It’s an early morning rise at 5 o’clock; we begin trekking for Poon Hill. It takes an hour to climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill, presenting you with one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal from where spectacular Himalayan ranges with amazing sunrise views can be seen very closely.After observing the wonderful Himalaya views, we return to Ghorepani to have a hot breakfast. After breakfast, we continue our journey to Tatopani.
The trail makes a steep escent to Chitre at 2,390m. As the trail drops down through Sikha, the hills are extensively terraced. Sikha is a large village with shops and hotels at 1980m, from there the trail descends gently to Ghara at 1,705m. A further steep descent of 500m takes you to the Ghar Khola where the trail crosses the river on a suspension bridge. We then climb up above the Kali gandaki River before crossing too. As you turn north, it takes you to the Tatopani at 1,180m. Tato means ‘hot’ and pani is ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs by the river. Tatopani is a popular short trekking spot just out of Pokhara.
Overnight at Teahouse in Tatopani
Included meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 7 : Tatopani to Ghasa (2015m) 6-7 hrs walk
Description : Today, the trail climbs up the Kali Gandaki gorge, considered to be the deepest in the world which is situated between the two 8,000m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trail rises gently up to Dana at 1,400m, and onto Rupse Chhahara at 1,550m, there you can see a stunning waterfall. As the trail crosses to the eastern bank of the river, you will reach Kopchepani which crosses back to the western side on a suspension bridge at 1,935m. Then a short climb to Ghasa at 2,010m .
Overnight at Teahouse in Ghasa
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 8 : Ghasa to Tukche (2586m) 6-7 hrs walk
Description : We start the trek by crossing to the eastern side of the river, but cross back again further up the trail before entering Larjung at 2,560m. The trail continues on a short distance to the interesting village of Khobang with its narrow alleyways. Then we spend over night at the ancient Thakali village of Tukuche at 2,590m.
Overnight at Teahouse in Tukche
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 9 : Tukche to Kagbeni (2810m) 5-6 hrs walk
Description : From Tukche, we climb along the side of the valley to Jomsom at 2,713m. Jomsom is a large, bustling settlement and it’s the administrative centre to the region that contains the airport, army camp, hotels, shops, banks and government offices.
We cross the river to the eastern bank; then walk towards Ekle Bhatti at 2,730m. From here we take a direct route to Muktinath that ascends the hill behind the village, however we follow the trail along the river to Kagbeni at 2,810meters which is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola & the Kali Gandaki which is the northern most village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang. This village is fascinating with its rich Tibetan cultures and their unique hospitality which influences us greatly.
Overnight at Teahouse in Kagbeni
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 10 : Kagbeni to Muktinath (3760m) 4-5 hrs walk
Description : We make a steep climb up the Jhong Khola valley leaving Kagbeni, we then join the direct trail to Muktinath just below Khingar at 3,200m. From here trail continues high above the Jhong Khola to the imposing village of Jharkot at 3,500m well worth exploring. We take a break here for lunch before continuing on to Muktinath. As we leave Jharkot, the trail climbs up to our ultimate destination of Muktinath at 3,802m. We initially visit Ranipauwa, there are many teahouses and shops. Our overnight stay will be here. Further 10 minutes’ walks up the hill, we will be rewarded with the actual religious site of Muktinath & this area is kept free of hotels and camping sites. Muktinath is a pilgrimage center for Buddhists and Hindus. There we can see Tibetan traders as well as sadhus from the far south of India. There are shrines in a grove of trees including a Buddhists gompa & the Vishnu temple of Jwalamai. An old temple nearby shelters a spring and natural gas jets that provide Muktinath’s famous eternal flame. It’s the earth-water- fire combination that accounts for Muktinath’s great religious significance.
Overnight at Teahouse in Muktinath
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 11 : Muktinath back to Jomsom (2670m) 5-6 hrs walk
Description : Today we follow the same trail nearby Kagbeni and then the new trek takes you down to the Eklebhatti, then again follow same trail to Jomsom.
Overnight at Teahouse in Jomsom
Included Meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner


Day 12 : Jomsom Fly to Pokhara 30 min.
Description : A 30-minute morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we then drive to the hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave, etc.
Hotel in Pokhara
Included Meal: Breakfast


Day 13 : Drive back to Kathmandu 7-8 hrs
Description : You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities.
Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meal: Breakfast and farewell Dinner


Day 14 : Final Departure
Description : The trip concludes today. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Included Meal: Breakfast

Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara / Teahouse in Trekking

Breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara / Full Board in Trekking