Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Trip Code : AHC/T-02

Destination : Annapurna region of Nepal

Duration : 10 Days

Grading : Moderate

Activity : Tea house Trek

Starts at : Kathmandu

End at : Kathmandu

Trip Route : Pkohara-Ghorepani-Muktinath

Best Season : Any seasons

Overview

The Jomsom-Muktinath Trek is a classical trek, essentially the final third of the Annapurna Circuit, following the gorges of Kali Gandaki Valley between the soaring peak of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. It emerges to the north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry, desert- like Tibetan Plateau. A few days walk beyond Jomsom, takes you to the final destination, Muktinath, one of the holiest Hindu Temple of Nepal.

This trek allows access to the high mountains of the Himalayas within a reasonable timeframe and without ascending to extreme altitude. You get 2 alternatives to return to Pokhara, you can either retrace your steps down the Kali Gandaki Valley or take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Trip Highlights

Views Phewa lake
Vibrant and colorful centre hub in the Himalayan lap Pokhara
Magnificent views of the Landscape
Staying in mountain tea houses
Gurung, Thakali, villages and gompas
Incredible mountain flight in Jomsom to Pokhara
Tukuche & Pisang peak
Views of Annapurna Nilgiri North, Tilicho glimps, Barahashikhar, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri,
The vibrant, colorful, chaotic city of Kathmandu & Pokhara

Itinerary

Day 1 : Pokhara - Tikhe Dhunga (1491m)

We drive to the large village of Lumle and the hamlet of Chandrakot. From here the trail descends steeply to Birethanti on the banks of the ModiKhola. We follow the east bank of the Bhurungi with some detours to avoid cliffs. Along the way, various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if Ghorepani is the objective for the next day it is better to push on to TikheDhunga.

Day 2 : Tikhe Dhunga - Ghorepani (2,774m)

The trail ascends a steep stone staircase to Ulleri village then pleasantly through a rhododendron forest. There is a hut with water and a small camp site about 1 hr. above Ulleri. Further on we follow a stream providing water for a meal stop. At the end of the day we arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and camp there.

Day 3 : Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,190m). 5 hours

Early in the morning before thermals bring the steamy clouds up from the jungle below, we hike up to Poon Hill (3,100m) for breathtaking, panoramic views of the mountains. We head back to camp for breakfast and then begin the long descend to Tatopani which lies between two 8,000 meter peaks, Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m). Tatopaniis situated at the bottom of the Kali Gandaki gorge which is considered to be the deepest in the world using the two peaks on either side as reference points. The hot springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good scrub and for relaxing tired muscles. The food and hospitality is amazing.

Day 4 : Tatopani to Ghasa (2,120m). About 5½ hours

As the canyon narrows the trail is forced high up the cliff, at one point passing through a tunnel carved into the rock. The trek passes by a most beautiful RukseChhahara (waterfall) before reaching Ghasa, the first Tibetan- style village of the upper Kali Gandaki. Its stone houses are characterized by the flat roof and narrow covered alleys.

Day 5 : Ghasa to Tukuche (2, 714m.) 5 hours walk

The Kaligandaki now opens up into a wide gravel bed where the trail travels through coniferous forests past Kalopani to Tukche. During the day, there are good views of the Dhaulagiri Icefalls to the west. On a hill above Larjungther is an interesting Gompa with many old paintings. We stay over night at Tukche.

Day 6 : Tukuche to Jomsom (2,760m) 6 hours walk

Today, you will pass through a number of beautiful Thakali villages, Marpha being the most prominent one. Marpha is a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields, famous for its apple brandy and jam. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical ThakKhola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It is quite wonderful to wander its streets and shops. It is entirely different from villages in the west and it is still without automobiles. After Marphaa gentle walk takes us to the beautiful villageofJomsom, the administrative headquarters for the region, straddling both sides of the Kali Gandaki. Convection winds grow stronger in the afternoon and exhilaratingly, we walk with the wind assisting us northward. The major inhabitants of Jomsom are government officials, army personnel and merchants who are engaged in distribution of the goods brought in by plane and pony caravans.

Day 7 : Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,840m)

After breakfast in the morning, our trek begins by 8:30 a.m. crossing the Kali Gandakiriver by bridge. We then trek about three hours to reach Eaklibatti village; another hour brings us to Kagbeni which lies at the bank of two rivers- the Kali Gandaki (which flows from Muktinath) and the Nilgiri (which flows from Mt. Nilgiri). This village is picturesque with old fortress ruins, deserted landscapes and itis filled with the daily activities of the villagers.

Day 8 : Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,817m) 4 hours walk

The trail rises up out of the valley to a high desert bench overlooking the river below. We walk onwards to Muktinath - an important pilgrimage destination for Hinduism and Buddhism with Gompa and Pagoda style temples. The most interesting sight of this area however is the spot with burning natural gas.

Day 9 : Muktinath to Jomsom (2,760m) 5 hours walk.

The trail descends to the valley 1,525m below as we retrace our steps to Jomsom through the beautiful arid landscape. The new perspectives and views of the mountains coupled with the ease of descending make this a great final day of trekking.

Day 10 : Jomsom to Pokhara/Kathmandu by flight

After an early breakfast we take the short walk to the airport and fly back to Pokhara or Kathmandu.

What's included

Accommodation in Kathmandu (hotel and lodge)
Accommodation in the route (lodge, tea houses)
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
National Park Permit Fee
English speaking licensed guide
Porter
Airfare Kathmandu to Pokhara-Jomsom-Kathmandu
TIMS
Comprehensive medical kit
15 kg luggage allowance

What's not included

Drinks, tip and expenses of personal nature
Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events
International flights
Visa and permit fees
Travel Insurance

Good to Know

Note: If you want more activities such as Annapurna circuit trek or special explore of World cultural heritage site of Kathmandu valley, Chitwan and Lumbini let us know by our email visit2017nepal@gmail.com before your trekking start or After complete your trekking if you have extra time utilization in Nepal.

Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Visit Nepal Treks and Expedition Pvt.Ltd. Please note that our leader and Guide have 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 the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The Leader and Guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required of the conditions. And we highly recommend to all clients to have travel insurance.

Additional Information
Visit Nepal Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. website contains as much information as possible about this trek. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email visit2017nepal@gmail.com . If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: 977-9867068415

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