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Jomsom Muktinath Trek

  • Duration: 13
  • Destination: Nepal
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
  • Destination Nepal
  • Activity Trekking
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max. Elevation 3800m
  • Best Time Mar - May & Sep - Dec
  • Group Size 2-30

Overview

Jomsom to Muktinath Trek Overview

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the spiritual treks amidst the glory of mountains and mountainous landscapes. The trek takes you to Muktinath, which is a popular sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Each year, we can see a flock of individuals heading towards Muktinath. Some people opt for this trip because of its religious value, while others get lured by the region’s wilderness. The fascinating views of the mountains in the Annapurna region are another factor that attracts many travelers to this trek. The panoramic views of mountains in Annapurna Range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche peak, Lamjung Himal, etc. can see during the trek is amazing.

This trek is a part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. In Annapurna Circuit Trek, after crossing Thorong La pass, the trail runs from Muktinath to Jomsom. But we don’t cross the pass in Jomsom to Muktinath Trek. So, for those who can’t take the challenge of crossing the pass, Muktinath to Jomsom Trekking can be an ideal trip that combines spiritual significance with natural fascination.

The scenic trail of Jomsom to Muktinath Trek 

First, Muktinath to Jomsom Trip starts from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We will have a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. The tour covers major UNESCO-listed heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. Then we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara city. During the drive, one can rejoice in the picturesque views of the countryside of Nepal. The rivers, hills, greenery, and traditional villages, everything looks outstanding. After a wonderful night in Pokhara, we fly to Jomsom, which is the actual commencement point of the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek.

From Jomsom, we follow a trail towards the Kaligandaki gorge. We climb up via some interesting villages like Kagbeni and Marpha to Muktinath. The Jomsom to Muktinath trail covers diverse terrain that extends from Jomsom’s dry landscapes to high altitude mountainous terrain of Muktinath, then to sub-tropical fields and rice paddies in Ghorepani at the end of the journey. With the local people, diverse terrain, an old monastery, temple, and caves, the region is full of magnificent landscapes. After visiting Muktinath, the trail drops to Marpha and diverse from Ghorepani to Tatopani. Throughout the Muktinath trek, you will get to see the magnificence of mountains in abundance. Besides, one can enjoy a hot water bath in the natural hot water springs of Tatopani.

We also hike to Poonhill, a beautiful viewpoint that offers glorious views of sunrise and sunset amidst the mountains in the Annapurna range. The trail from Ghorepani to Pokhara is full of liveliness. The traditional villages, farmlands, lush hills, forests, and appealing terrain. Nothing could have been a better option. Finally, the Jomsom to Muktinath trekking concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara city.

Cultural significance of pious Muktinath temple

Muktinath temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that holds a chief value among Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Lying in Thorong La pass’s foothills, the temple has its name amongst the highest altitude temples in the world. Each year, thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this pious site. As per Hinduism, it is popular as Mukti Kshetra, where Mukti means liberation, and Kshetra means place. Therefore, Mukti Kshetra is regarded as the place of liberation. We consider the temple being 106th amongst the 108 Divya Desams temples in the world. We believe it to be the same place where Lord Vishnu had led his life as a stone after receiving a curve from Brinda (a lady loyal to her husband, Jalandhar).

Buddhists consider this place as Chumig Gyatsa, a Tibetan word that translates as Hundred Waters in English. For Buddhist pilgrims, Muktinath is an important place for dakinis, the Goddess of Sky Dancers. It is also one of the 24 Tantric places, as per Buddhism.

Muktinath is a temple of Lord Vishnu and is in pagoda style. The temple is small, and the statue of Lord Vishnu inside the temple is of gold. There are 108 bull faced waterspouts in the temple’s periphery. People believe holy water flows from these 108 taps. Therefore, people take baths in these taps, even in the freezing temple. It is said that a bath in those taps liberates a person from various sins caused by him/ her during their lifetime. Read more about Muktinath Temple on Wikipedia.

Tidy Himalaya for Jomsom Muktinath Trek

If you are ready for a wonderful venture to Muktinath, then do not miss an opportunity to be a part of this trek with Tidy Himalaya. We organize the trip to Muktinath throughout the year. If you want to explore more of the Mustang region, we also have other trip packages like Upper Mustang Trek, Mustang Jeep Tour, and Mustang Tiji festival Trek on the list. With us, you are in the hand of professionals. Just lay back and enjoy your trip. Leave the rest upon us!

Itinerary

A representative from Tidy Himalaya will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel for rest. You could also visit our office if you are interested. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted to introduce you to the Nepalese delicacies.

The day starts with a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu that are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (literally meaning “self-existent”) – The Monkey Temple.

Soon after breakfast, the group will set off on a long scenic drive to Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal. After checking in to the hotel and taking rest, leisure boating on the picturesque Fewa Lake will be arranged for making the evening pleasant.

After a quick breakfast, we will take a 42km drive to Naya Pul via Lumle village from where a walk of about 20 minutes will proceed up to Birethanti. From here, the trail traversing through bamboo forests, large waterfall and swimming hole takes us to Ramghai where lunch will be served. After the relaxing lunch, a gradual climb along the trail up on the side of the valley is followed which takes us to Tikhe Dhunga

The trail from Tikhedhunga drops down crossing the Burungdi Khola from where it climbs all the way up to Ghorepani through the steeply up to village Ulleri. Ghorepani, which meaning “horse-water” in Nepali, used to be an important campsite for traders before becoming a trekkers’ stop. The place has small shops and stalls for selling local products and also lies at the higher altitude in comparison to the previous stop.

There are two parts of Ghorepani, one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower and it is at the first part that we stop to observe the enchanting views of surrounding mountains. Descending steeply to Sikha, a large village, we go down further to Ghar Khola Village gradually crossing suspension bridge it climbs up at Tatopani. The term Tatopani means “hot water” in Nepali. The place got its name from the natural hot springs located there.

Driving along the george of Kali Gandaki River we will be crossing several places namely Ghasa, Lete,,Kopchepani Dana and several small villages.You will see a big waterfall named Rupse Chahara (meaning a beautiful waterfall) Ghasa is even considered as a paradise for bird watchers.From here, crossing the trail through Tukche at 2,590m and apple farm projects, you arrive at Marpha village.Marpha called as the apple garden of Nepal is a nice village to spend a night.

Continuing the trail along the valley side rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom, we begin the trek from Marpha. Crossing the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti, meaning “lonely pub”, we move forward on the gradual path to the Kali Gandaki river bed for about three hours before reaching Ekle Bhatti village. Stopping here for a while, we walk an easy trail for about one hour to arrive at Kagbeni which lies at the bank of two rivers and is an interesting windswept village on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area.

The trek starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kali Gandaki up stream climbing steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3,200m passing through a desert landscape till we arrive at Jarkot village from where further ascend will take us to Muktinath.

One of the most popular destinations for Hindus and Buddhists pilgrimage, Muktinath is also considered as “Muktikshetra” by the Hindus, meaning the “place of liberation or salvation”. The water spouts channeled for the stream are considered sacred and the pilgrims make sure to bathe under each one of these spouts. Also, nearby the temple is a Buddhist monastery. After the temple visit and exploration of the area, the trek from Muktinath to Jomsom begins.

The early morning flight from Jomsom will bring us to Pokhara just after breakfast, accompanied with the views of the gorge between two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Resting for a while in a comfortable hotel room in Lakeside, we shall utilize the afternoon exploring the beautiful Pokhara valley strolling along the banks of Fewa Lake or spending some quality time into one of the clubs with live music playing. Also, boating could be done on the lake or an hour’s walk could be taken to the World Peace Pagoda.

After breakfast, 200 km drive to Kathmandu will be taken through the highway with scenic mountains, rivers, farmlands, hills and small villages. As we arrive in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel for rest. Shopping for souvenir could be done or the rest of the evening could be spent leisurely resting or strolling around the area. In the evening, farewell dinner will be hosted by Tidy Himalaya to congratulate you on the successful completion of your vacation.

On this last day, you can trade emails and photos with other participants before being accompanied to the airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight.

Cost Includes

  • Airport transfers – pick up and drop
  • All ground transportation
  • Your accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with a breakfast plan
  • Your accommodation in the best guesthouses available (on twin sharing basis) during the trek with breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trekking journey
  • All paper works
  • National park and heritage sites entry tickets
  • Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) and trekking permits
  • A licensed, English speaking, experienced and professional trekking guide, climbing guide along with a porter (1 for two clients)
  • All the costs of guide and porter including accidental insurance
  • Duffel bag, sleeping bags (to be returned to us after the trek)
  • Tidy Himalaya T-shirts, route map, and a travel completion certificate
  • All applicable government taxes and service charges.
  • First aid kit

Cost Excludes

  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • International airfare
  • Visa costs
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal refreshment items like cold drinks, snacks, etc.
  • Personal utility items like laundry, telephone expenses, electricity charges, etc.
  • Personal trekking gears
  • Tips for guides and porters

Cost and Date

Start Dates are your arrival date in Nepal and End Dates are the returning date from Nepal.
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Currently we have No Fix Departure for this trip