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Home Destinations Nepal Activities Trekking in Nepal Annapurna Region Jomsom - Muktinath Trek

Jomsom - Muktinath Trek Details

  • Trip Highlights:Sunrise and mountains views from Poon Hill; typical Magar village in Ulleri; Hot springs at Tatopani; World deepest Kaligandaki Gorge; Typical Thakali village in Tukuche, and Marpha; Monasteries in Tukuche, Marpha, Kagbeni, Jharkot, and Muktinath; Muktinath, the place of nirvana

The Jomsom Trek is indeed a classical trek, essentially the final third of the Annapurna Circuit, follows the Kali Gandaki Valley between the soaring peak of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. Finally, it emerges to the north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry, desert- like Tibetan Plateau. A several days walk beyond Jomsom, takes you the final destination, Muktinath, the holy temple. This trek allows access to the high mountains of the Himalayas within a reasonable timeframe and without ascending to extreme altitude. You will then return to Pokhara by taking a flight from Jomsom.

Itinerary

Jomsom Muktinath Trekking Map
Jomsom Muktinath Trekking Map
Day 01: 
Your arrival to Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will be met by our Airport Representative, and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara - 4-5 hours scenice drive by Private Car / van. Overnight at hotel. B.L.D.

Day 03: One hour drive to Nayapul by private Car / Van, we then begin trek to Tikhedhunga

We begin our trek at Nayapul, driving to the road head. After 15- minutes short walk along the bank of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1065m) a large village that has many shops & teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village. The trail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola.

From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495m & after the short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1525m. This trek offers a short & relatively easy day, during journey & allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.

Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani
Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village at 2070m. Then the trail continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak & rhododendron towards Banthanti at 2250m. Then we make our trek towards Nangethanti at 2460m. After an hour walk brings you to Ghorepani at 2775m.

Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 05: Ghorepani to Tatopani
This day early in the morning at 5 o'clock, we begin the trek for hiking to Poon Hill. It takes an hour to climb from here to Poon Hill, offering you one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal from where spectacular Himalayan ranges with amazing sunrise view can be seen very closely.

After observing the wonderful Himalayas views, we return to Ghorepani and we will have hot breakfast. After breakfast, we continue our journey to Tatopani.

The trail makes a descend steeply to Chitre at 2390m. 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 1705m. A further steep descent of 500m takes you to the Ghar Khola where the trail crosses the river on a suspension bridge. We then make another climb up above the Kaligandaki River before crossing that too.

As you turn north, it takes you to the Tatopani at 1180m. Tato means 'hot' and pani is 'water', a name earned courtesy of the hot springs by the river. Tatopani is one of the popular shorter trek spot out of Pokhara.

Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 06: Tatopani to Kalopani
Today, the trail continues up the Kali Gandaki gorge. This is considered to be the deepest in the world which is situated as it is between the two 8000m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From there, trail rises gently up to Dana at 1400m, & on to Rupse Chhahara at 1550m, there you can see a stunning waterfall. As the trail crosses to the eastern bank of the river, you will reach Kopchepani, & then crosses back to the western side on a suspension bridge at 1935m. From here it is a short climb to Ghasa at 2080m. The trail continues to ascend & pass through Lete at 2470m, shortly before arriving at Kalopani at an elevation of 2560m, where we obtain superb views of the Nilgiri peaks to the east.

Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 07: Kalopani to Marpha
This day 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 2560m. The trail continues on a short distance to the interesting village of Khobang with its narrow alleyways. Then will have our lunch at the ancient Thakali village of Tukuche at 2590m.

After Tukuche, the trail continues up the Kali Gandaki. As we pass through the gorge, the terrain becomes much more barren & the breeze increases. We continue towards Marpha at 2665m passing a Tibetan refuge settlement & then a horticulture research station. Marpha is a large Thakali village with many excellent teahouses, however it still retains the typical architectural features of narrow alleyways, flat roofs, & whitewashed buildings. There we will visit a superb Nyingmapa Buddhist gompa.

Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.


Day 08: Marpha to Kagbeni
From Marpha, we climb along the side of the valley to Jomsom at 2713m. Jomsom is a large, bustling settlement, & it is the administrative centre of the region that contains the airport, army camp, & numerous hotels, shops, banks & government offices.

On the way, we cross the river to the eastern bank, we then walk onwards to Eklai Bhatti at 2730m. From here we catch a direct route to Muktinath that ascends the hill behind the village, however we follow the trail along the river to Kagbeni at 2810m which is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola & the Kali Gandaki, the northernmost village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang. This village fascinates rich Tibetan cultures & their unique hospitality, influences us much.

Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath
We make a steep climb up the Jhong Khola valley leaving Kagbeni, we then join the direct trail to Muktinath just below Khingar at 3200m. From here trail continues high above the Jhong Khola to the imposing village of Jharkot at 3500m which is well worth exploring. We, therefore, 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 3800m. 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 is 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 Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 10: Trek back to Jomsom. Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 11: Fly back to Pokhara (about 20 minutes short, but scenic flight). Overnight at hotel. B.L.D.

Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu by car / van. Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Day 13: Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square). Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Day 14: Transfer to Airport for your onward Journey. Farewell!

Note: B.B> Bed and Breakfast, B.L.D> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
  • 3 nights accommodation at 3/4* hotel in Kathmandu inclusive of breakfast
  • Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
  • Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
  • 1 highly experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipments, insurance (We have insured our staffs by Neco Insurance Company Nepal).
  • Surface Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back by private car / van.
  • Annapurna conservation permit, and all necessary permits.
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
  • 2 night accommodation in Pokhara (inclusive of Government taxes, breakfast, lunch & dinner).
  • Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • Tourist service charge, Vat.
  • Office Service charge.

Cost Excludes

  • Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
  • Travel insurance. 
  • International air fare to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal Tourist Visa fee US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 15 days, US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 30 days. You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
  • Trekking Equipments (down sleeping bag and down jackets are available to hire or buy in Kathmandu, which would cost approximately US$ 1 per day per item to hire and US$ 60 to US$ 100 per item to buy). 
  • Tips for guide, porters, driver...

NOTE: Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.

Testimonials

  • 12.01.12 18:46Dear Tilak,

    Happy New Year!

    I just want to express my thanks to you and your team for making my trekking tour to Nepal a great success. I have always been fascinated by high mountains, but at an age of 67, I think it is too late to start climbing. But to fullfill my dream, I decided to take the Classic Everest Trek from Jiri to Everest. With start Oct.29-2011 and ending Nov.25-2011 it was quite a long trek, but a trek I will strongly recommend. Even that the weather from Jiri to Lukla was not very good and the trekking trail is quite strenuous, I think you get a better impression of the daily life in the Himalayan area, than from Lukla up to Everest which are more touristic.

    I want to thank Bhairam for meeting me in the airport and bringing me back after the trek and to Kevi (guide) and Raz (porter) for exellent service during the whole trek. Kevi understand that my main goal was to go as close to Everest as possible. He adviced me all the way up and I managed Kala Pattar (5.550m) without any problems. I will never forget the beautiful view of Mount Everest early in the morning and I was really proud of myself for not giving up in the steep tracks. The trek back to Lukla was very relaxed and Kevi and I had more time to talk about the life up in the high mountains. Even if I could not talk to Raz in english, we could communicate with gestures and he also managed to serve me local wine before Lukla!

    Finally I want to thank you, Tilak, for meeting me in the hotel after the trek and I want to say that I am very satisfied with your company and your staff and I will tell all my friends in Norway to contact you if they plan to go to Nepal. Myself I am quite sure I will travel back to Nepal in the future.

    Kind regards,
    Kjell G. Herregarden
  • 03.01.12 09:30Namaste Mr Tilak

    Just to let you know we had a wonderful holiday in your country - our flights booked through you all went smoothly and we found your people so friendly and kind.

    We will recommend your services to our Australian and South African friends.

    Regards,

    Suzanne and Mark Second
  • 03.01.12 09:27Dear Tilak,
    Namaste,

    We also, wish you and your family, along with all Nepal Trailblazer Team, a Happy New Year and Best Wishes.

    We hope year 2012 brings health, happiness, peace, prosperity and good business to all of your team, to You and to your family.

    Under the skillful guidance of Nepal Trailblazer Team and your management, we enjoyed another excellent Everest Base camp Trek this year in 2011, as a group of 12-people, from Zirve Mountaineering & Outdoor Sports Club, Turkey. All of our group members have asked me to convey their thanks again, to You and to Nepal Trailblazer Team. Our Group have expressed me their commendations towards your skillful coordination and teamwork organization during our activity.

    Thus, we have shared during 2011, a second come back trekking activity with wonderful memories in Nepal, after our Classical Everest Base Camp Trek (Jiri-Kala Pattar ) activity that we have shared also under Nepal Trailblazer guidance during year 2008.

    Thank you for having assigned Guide Narayan Khan to our activities, who , along with Kapel, were both very successful and helpful.

    As more of our Club members and other friends in Tukey are expressing interest to visit Nepal, we wish and look forward to cooperate with you and your Company again, during coming years, also to other trekking routes in Nepal. It has been a pleasure working with you repeatedly, in the past. I am confident that it will be the same in future.

    Best of luck in the New Year..

    Best Regards,

    Taner UYSAL
    Marmaris, Mugla
    GSM: 0532-251 0911; Tel/Fax: 0252-417 6600
  • 14.11.11 18:13Dear Tilak,

    Many thanks for organizing a great trekking holiday for us. It was generally very well organized.

    One comment that might help you improving your services in future.

    I suggest checking with the Clients regarding their physical shape when planning the treks. In our case we could easily walk 3-4 hours more each day and save enough time to deviate to Tilicho lake for example.
    Otherwise, as said above everything was excellent.

    I will be certainly planning another trip to Nepal in the future and will naturally apply to you for helping in organizing it.

    Best regards and thanks,

    Alex Golmstock
    Director
    Reservoir Evaluation Services LLP
    mob.: +7 701 7136375
    tel: +7 727 3969434 (ext.9903)
  • 09.11.11 01:36Dear Tilak,

    How disappointing - to have to return home last week after the wonderful trip that you orchestrated for us to Nepal!!

    Our time in your country was fantastic and mesmerising; the kind people from your team looked after us all so well from initial arrival in KTM airport to the 5 day Poon Hill Trek to the Chitwan jungle elephant safari to the cultural and historical immersion of the Kathmandu city and valley areas. Such a great blend of activities for a family to challenge physically and to savour intellectually and culturally.

    Many thought my wife and I were mad to attempt this with our 7 and 11 year old boys, and I thought our 3 week family exploration of Vietnam 2 years ago would not be surpassed; all misplaced feelings. This was superb and I would highly recommend to families your tailored individual packages; guided and assisted when we wanted, left alone to ourselves when we desired. Also, changes to what we wanted to do when in Nepal were accommodated with ease as my childrens' energy surged and ebbed.

    Of particular note, I would like to highlight the following individuals from your team:

    Basu: Our guide on the 5 day Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Ghandruk trek. He was outstanding. So understanding of our needs and capabilities, so engaging with my little boys during the trek days and in the tea houses in the evening (card games are now addictive with the boys), and I enjoyed long talks with him over a few glasses of Roksy (my spelling!). We were all very sad to say goodbye to him when we departed from each other in Pokhara and my boys want an e-mail from him when he can!. I would recommend Basu highly as a perfect guide for families trekking with younger children; he is a superb man who will seek out the best food, accommodation and service for you; whilst also being great fun to be around on the long trek days and socialising at night.

    Mr Thapa: Our guide in Kathmandu when we went to Durbar Square, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nargakot etc. He was such a knowledgeable, intelligent and articulate man. We learned so much from him about Nepali history, culture, Hinduism and Budhism. I especially enjoyed our chats about the challenges facing Nepal in the era of globalisation.

    I would be grateful if you could thank again for me all those who assisted in our visit to Nepal, and pass my comments above directly to Basu and Thapa.

    In the future, we would like to come back to Nepal when the boys are a little older and we can attempt an even more challenging trek. ABC, the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp may be options when the boys are a little older and stronger.

    I will definitely recommend you to my friends who fancy some adventure. In fact, you have some friends of mine with you now, who I recommended should go to Nepal with your company after your expert organisation of our trip.

    Thank you for making this adventure happen for me, my wife and my young boys.

    If families wish to e-mail me about our experiences and advice, please do so through Tilak. I would be delighted to assist you.

    Kinds Regards

    David Luedicke
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Trekking in Annapurna Region

Trip Facts

  • Trip Code:NTB08
  • Best Time to Travel:Jan, Feb, March, April, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
  • Price:USD 1260 per person, twin sharing room
  • Accommodation:Teahouse (Lodge to Lodge)
  • Meal Includes:Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Per day walking:5 to 7 hours
  • Transportation:Car / Van / Plane

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Head Office:
Nepal Trailblazer Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
P. O. Box: 8667, House No: 540/21
Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 4362996, 977 1 4363334

Branch Office: Thamel, near Kathmandu Guest House, just opposite of Pilgrims Book House, 3rd floor
Tel: +977 1 4701004, +977 1 4701028, +977 1 6213333
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Email: sales@trailblazertrekking.com
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