Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Duration: 6 Days | Trip Map

Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Trip Style: Trekking and Tour
Transport: Aeroplane / Tourist Bus
Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel + Teahouses + Lodges
Max Elevation: 3710m
Group Size: Min 2 pax

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is an exciting and acknowledged trek in the Annapurna region to the north-central part of Nepal. This awe-inspiring trek is a classic sampler of Himalayan vista, marvelous landscapes and religious heritage. The diverse backdrops and cultures found along this trekking route provide the ideal insight into the rural life of Nepalese people. Well-favored from the natural and cultural point of view, this trek is suitable for someone with moderate level of fitness, craving a low-altitude hike in Nepal within a short period of time.

This trip starts with a scenic drive to Pokhara, where the serenity of lakes and the majesty of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. The peaceful night in Pokhara is followed by an early morning flight to Jomsom which takes around 30 minutes. Jomsom, located at an altitude of around 2700m is the administrative centre of Mustang district. The trek actually begins from here on as you head towards Kagbeni through the banks of Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world. Kagbeni in fact is a beautiful Tibetan model village often admired for its hospitality, holy caves and ancient monasteries; most notably The Red Monastery from 14^thcentury.

Continuing the trail through plateaus and diverse landscapes takes you to Muktinath, the major attraction of the trek. Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage site which carries a massive significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is a great instance to our world of a holy place shared in harmony by devotees of two world religions. As per the Buddhist mythology, Muktinath is a sacred place where Guru Ripoche had meditated on his journey to Tibet. Muktinath, the ancient temple of Lord Vishnu literally means the Land of Salvation. Thus, bathing through the holy 108 spouts situated in the courtyard of temple is believed to purify your heart and soul.

As we trace back all the way down to Jomsom, the trail offers spectacular mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. You can also witness various floras and faunas during the trekking route since this region is extremely rich in bio-diversity. This Jomsom Muktinath Trek is suitable for those who want to explore the diversity of the Annapurna region in a short span of time without doing the full Annapurna Circuit Trek. Marvel Adventure conducts this trek with all the necessary arrangements and commitment to make your time in Nepal immensely memorable.

Highlights

Exploring Pokhara, the City of Lakes
Scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
Spectacular mountain view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Exploring Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world
Experiencing diverse culture and landscapes
Visiting the sacred temple of Muktinath

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Drive to Pokhara
We take a wonderful scenic drive of around 6-7 hours to Pokhara as we cruise through colorful rural settings. On reaching Pokhara, you can explore the beautiful lakes and relish the spectacular mountain views. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 2 Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
We take an early 30 minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Jomsom is a large, bustling settlement and administrative center of the Mustang region. After spending some quality time in Jomsom, we start our trek to Kagbeni by crossing the Kali Gandaki River. We hike to Eklai Bhatti and continue our journey towards the beautiful Kagbeni village. On reaching there, we will visit the Kagchode Thubten Sampheling Gompa, a Sakyapa monastery founded in 1429. Exploring this ancient monastery will certainly be the major highlight of the day. Overnight at lodge in Kagbeni.
Day 3 Trek to Muktinath from Kagbeni
After the breakfast in Kagbeni, we begin our trek to Muktinath. The trails today rises up above Kagbeni to the plateaus and then more steadily to another archaic town of Jharkot. Then it’s a climb of 45 minutes to Muktinath from Jharkot. Muktinath is a sacred temple for both Hindu and Buddhists with immense religious significance. Bathing in the 108 water tapes of this holy temple is believed to wash away all the sorrows and troubles. Overnight at lodge in Muktinath.
Day 4 Trek back to Jomsom
Today we trek back all the way down to Jomsom. Although the hike is windy, the landscape and splendid mountain views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges will make a wonderful walk. We will then take a well-deserved rest after reaching the touristic town of Jomsom. Overnight at lodge in Jomsom.
Day 5 Flight to Pokhara and Exploration
Early in the morning, we take a scenic flight back to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, we will do half-day sightseeing tour of this marvelous city well complimented by visit to World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls and Int’l Mountain Museum. Overnight at hotel In Pokhara.
Day 6 Drive back to Kathmandu
After taking breakfast in the hotel, we return back to Kathmandu bidding farewell to the City of Lakes. A picturesque drive of around 6-7 hours through beautiful villages and rivers brings us back to the capital. You can do some last minute shopping after arriving in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

What to Expect

What's included

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Government license holder guide
Strong and helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
Salary,food,accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
Flight to and from Pokhara - Jomsom
All land transportation
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit
Two nights standard Hotel in Pokhara
Comprehensive first aid kit
Government taxes and official expenses

What's not included

International Airfare and taxes
Nepal entry visa fee
Your Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu
Entrance fee in the heritage sites during city tour.
All the expenses of personal nature
Any kind of drinks and desserts during the trek
Tips for guide and porter (Tipping is expected)

Request a Private Date

Useful Information

1. Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients undertaking any trip. It should provide adequate security for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue and loss of luggage. Make sure that your insurance policy covers up to 2500-4200 meters of altitude.

2. Packing List

Sunglasses
Sun-Cream and Lip Balm with high SPF
Hat/Cap
T-shirt, Vests and Shirt
Fleece/Sweater
Fleece Jacket
Down Jacket
Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
Warm Gloves
Hiking Boots
3-4 pairs of socks
Day pack (30-40 liters)
Torch light
Water bottle (Minimum 2 liters)
Small Hand Towel
Sleeping Bag for up to -15 Degree Celsius

3. Guide and Porter

We provide experienced, knowledgeable and honest guide with good communication skills in English language to make your trip wonderful. The guide will provide all the information about the mountains, different histories, cultures, traditions and many more. We will provide 1 porter for 2 people. The porters are helpful as well as strong and will carry a maximum of 25 kgs combined. After giving the best services along with the hard works up in the mountains, guides and porters expect some tips from your side. Tipping culture is very common in tourism sector.

4. Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 3000 meters. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". However, most people can ascend to 3000 meters without difficulty.

Primary Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Swelling of hands, feet, and face
Insomnia
Shortness of breath upon exertion
Nosebleed
Persistent rapid pulse
Drowsiness
General malaise

Prevention:

Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Avoiding strenuous activity such as skiing, hiking, etc. in the first 24 hours at high altitude reduces the symptoms of AMS. Alcohol and sleeping pills are respiratory depressants, and thus slow down the acclimatization process and should be avoided. Alcohol also tends to cause dehydration and exacerbates AMS. Thus, Marvel Adventure strictly suggests avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24–48 hours at a higher altitude.

Guides and porters from Marvel Adventure are very much familiar with this problem due to their experience. All of them are trained with basic medical trainings and hence they can definitely help you.