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Jomsom Muktinath Trek

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Jomsom Muktinath Trek 12 Days, Moderate

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking trips in Nepal, which starts simply from outside the Pokhara valley, the place is Nayapul; which is one of the main gateways to the Annapurna Region. 

Trip Facts

Physical Grading: Moderate

A moderate trek that demands trekkers/travelers to have a good level of physical and mental fitness to trek for long hours at high altitudes.

Max Elevation: Muktinath Temple (3,800 m)

A vantage point to see a sunrise view over the snow-covered Annapurna and Dhauligiri range

Accommodation: Hotel, Teahouse

Basic and comfortable accommodation with basic services during the trek and a standard hotel in a city.

Meals: Full Board

3-course Healthy and Hygienic meals during the trek, and only breakfast in a city.

Best Season: Autumn & Spring

Clear views and comfortable trekking trails due to stable weather and temperature.

Trip Route:

Pokhara- Ghorepani- Tatopani- Marpha- Jomsom- Muktinath- Jomsom- Pokhara

Trip Highlights

  • Deepest Kaligandaki Gorge
  • Holy Muktinath Temple (3,800 m)
  • Stunning dry landscapes
  • Traverse through beautiful villages (Ghorepani, Marpha, Kagbeni)
  • Immerse yourself in the Himalayan lifestyle and culture of locals
  • Panoramic views of mountain ranges and peaks (Annapurna, Lamjung, Himchuli, and more.)

Trip Overview

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking trips in Nepal, which starts simply from outside the Pokhara valley, the place is Nayapul; which is one of the main gateways to the Annapurna Region. The itinerary will suit all types of trekkers. It includes not more than 5-7 hours of walking per day and resting at the perfect locations like Ghorepani, Tatopani, Ghasa, Kagbeni, Marpha, Jomsom, and Muktinath. Evenings are in local teahouses. In teahouses, you can think or study about the ways of life of the simple but kind Nepalese villagers.

On your way back to Pokhara, you will get an energizing local departure from Jomsom Airport. One of the real attractions of the place is, obviously, Muktinath. Muktinath is a sacred journey goal for both Hindus and Buddhists. Jomsom is also the headquarters of the Mustang districts.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek covers a portion of the unbelievable Annapurna Circuit Trek. The place like Ghorepani and Poon Hill lie on one side of Thorang La Pass and Jomsom and Muktinath are on the opposite side. In any case, the course keeps away from the intersection of Thorang La Pass and changes to the opposite side through Dana. Dana is the deepest gorge in the world cut by the Kaligandaki River amongst Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks.

Trip Outline

Day 01: Arrival, transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu- Pokhara (820m)
Day 03: Pokhara- Tikhedhunga (1540m)
Day 04: Tikhedhunga- Ghorepani (2874)
Day 05: Ghorepani-Poon Hill (3210m)- Tatopani 1190m)
Day 06: Tatopani- Ghasa (2007m)
Day 07: Ghasa- Marpha (2670m)
Day 08: Marpha- Kagbeni (2810m)
Day 09: Kagbeni- Muktinath (3800m)
Day 10: Muktinath-Jomsom (2720m)
Day 11: Jomsom- Pokhara
Day 12: Pokhara- Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival, transfer to Hotel

30 mins

Your arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, Tribhuvansentative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel in Thamel. After refreshment, if time permits, you can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square or Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Meet with your guide and make the discussion about your plans and receive the documents. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Kathmandu- Pokhara (820m)

7-8 hrs

Your trek guide will accompany you to the Tourist Bus Station at Kantipath from where the tourist coach to Pokhara leaves at 7:00 AM. Right after exiting Kathmandu valley at Thankot, the highway descends and winds, side by side with Trishuli. Two stops are made for tea and breakfast on the way. Upon arrival at Pokhara’s Tourist Bus Park, you are transferred to your hotel. Have lunch, get some rest and take a walk in the Lakeside area in the evening. Sleep well for you will start trekking the following day.

Day 03 Pokhara- Tikhedhunga (1540m)

5-7 hrs

The actual trekking begins from Nayapul (1050 m), which lies at a driving distance of 2 hours. Take your private ride or Catch the bus departing at 8:00 AM, the starting point of your trek. From Nayapul, walk to Birethanti and from then follow the ascending path to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m), where you stop for the night.

Day 04 Tikhedhunga- Ghorepani (2874)

6-7 hrs

Begin trekking after breakfast and follow a terraced ascending path to Ulleri where you stop to enjoy views of Annapurna South, Machhapucchre and Himchuli peaks. Later, resume your trek and from Banthanti, follow the path through a thick forest. Stop for the night at Ghorepani (2874 m), a typical settlement of Pun people. Under a clear sky, you can see a large section of Annapurna Range from your room.

Day 05 Ghorepani-Poon Hill (3210m)- Tatopani 1190m)

5-6 hrs

Wake up early and walk to Poon Hill to make it on time for one of the most beautiful sunrises you could have ever imagined. Obviously, the weather plays a significant role invisibility and if it is fine, you can see the Annapurna Region glow with golden luster as the rising sun illuminates the peaks. You cannot afford to have forgotten your camera. When you are done, walk back to Ghorepani and have breakfast there. Afterward, you resume walking, go through the villages of Sekha and Ghara (where Pun and Brahmin ethnics live in harmony) and finally stop at Tatopani (1190 m).

Day 06 Tatopani- Ghasa (2007m)

7 hrs

Today’s trek is about 7 hours long and your trail passes through the village of Dana, situated in one of the deepest valleys of the world. This village is home to socially discriminated people of the Biswokarma caste. The next village on your way is Kopchepani and your trail ascends towards Ghasa (2,007 m) from there. Spend the night at a local teahouse.

Day 07 Ghasa- Marpha (2670m)

6-7 hrs

Resume trekking from Ghasa and head to Marpha. The initial portion of the 6-7 hours trek involves uphill climbing, as far as Kalopani. Then you follow an easier path, enjoying views of Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri hill. Kobang, Larjung and Tukuche are three major settlements of Thakali ethnics that you pass through on your way to Marpha.

Day 08 Marpha- Kagbeni (2810m)

6 hrs

The trek from Marpha to Kagbeni (2800m) is fairly easy and completes in less than 6 hours. The domestic airport of Jomsom lies in your way. After arriving in Kagbeni, you can visit one of the oldest monasteries in the evening where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced even today.

Day 09 Kagbeni- Muktinath (3800m)

5-6 hrs

Muktinath (3,800 m), your next stopover, lies at a walking distance of some 5-6 hours from Kagbeni. The initial quarter may be a bit difficult because of the ascending path that crosses Kinghar village. You can view Nilgiri hill on your way. Later, you can explore an ancient Hindu temple of Muktinath as well as a monastery.

Day 10 Muktinath-Jomsom (2720m)

4-5 hrs

Walk for 4-5 hours to reach Jomsom and have lunch there. Afterward, explore the locality and spend the night in a local teahouse. Make sure you go to bed on time so that you can wake up early enough to board the flight back to Pokhara next morning.

Day 11 Jomsom- Pokhara

45 min

Fly back to Pokhara on a short but exciting domestic flight. After checking in at your hotel and having lunch, you can enjoy a complimentary sightseeing tour of Pokhara valley.

Day 12 Pokhara- Kathmandu

7 hrs

Take a tourist coach back to Kathmandu or request for an open ticket to be issued for the same route if you wish to extend your stay in Pokhara for a few more days.

STANDARD SERVICE INCLUSION

  • Accommodation: Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek (Toilet and bathroom will be outside of the room); Deluxe accommodation for 2 nights in Kathmandu (either at Hotel Friends Home or Hotel Mums Home or similar);  2 nights in Pokhara (Hotel Viewpoint or family home) on twin sharing basis
  • Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner, which you can choose from the menu) during the trek; breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  •  Transportation: Airport – hotel – airport transfers by car, Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus. Private transport from Pokhara to Nayapul. Jomsom-Pokhara flight tickets.
  • Documentation: Trekking permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project entry permit) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • Equipment/Accessories: If required, we are happy to provide down jacket, sleeping bags, first-aid kit, water purifying solution (iodine-based), which should be refunded after the trek.
  • Human resource: A professional and experienced trekking guide (English-speaking); a porter per two trekkers (carrying up to 25 kg); all the expenses for the guide and porter(s) are covered (wages, accommodation, meals, transportation, Flight tickets, insurance, etc.)
  • Tax/Service Charge: All applicable taxes, service charges or fees. We hereby guarantee you of no ‘hidden charges’ afterward.
  • Complimentary: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (authentic Nepalese cuisines with a live cultural show)
  • Emergency Rescue Service: Should an emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. However, you must be already insured for such emergencies, and your insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation. Moreover, you should provide your policy details and authorize us to deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf.

What's not included?

  • Beverage (cold drinks, bottled mineral water, tea/coffee, etc.)
  • Any other expenses of a personal nature (extra meals, battery charging fees, photography charges, Hot Shower, etc.)
  • Tips or donations
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal Visa.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek FAQs

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek typically takes around 8-12 days to complete, depending on your speed and the number of acclimatization days you take.

The most favorable period to do the Jomsom Muktinath Trek is during the Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons when the weather is generally clear and the views are spectacular.

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. However, proper physical fitness and acclimatization are important for a successful trek.

Yes, you need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card to trek in the Jomsom Muktinath region.

The highest point reached during the Jomsom Muktinath Trek is around 3,800 m at Muktinath.

Yes, there are several teahouses and guesthouses available along the Jomsom Muktinath Trek route, providing basic accommodation and meals for trekkers.

The weather during the Jomsom Muktinath Trek can vary. In the lower regions, you can expect warmer temperatures, while higher up, it can get colder, especially during the nights. It’s important to pack and dress accordingly.

Yes, there are alternative routes to reach Muktinath, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek that offer different landscapes and experiences.

The primary scenic and cultural attractions of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek include the superb mountain views, the unique landscapes of the Mustang region, the sacred Muktinath temple, and the cultural experiences with local communities.

 There are no specific age limitations for the Jomsom Muktinath Trek. However, it is recommended to be in good physical health and consult with your doctor before undertaking any strenuous activity.

Some common risks and challenges of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek include altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, rough terrain, and basic facilities along the trekking route. Proper preparation and acclimatization can help mitigate these challenges.

Yes, you can hire porters in Jomsom to carry your backpack and lighten your load during the trek. This can be arranged through trekking agencies or independently. Also, remember a licensed guide is compulsory for the trek.

Yes, you can find bottled water and purified water at teahouses and lodges along the Jomsom Muktinath Trek route. It is advisable to carry water purification tablets or a water filter as well.

There are basic medical facilities available at some teahouses and lodges along the Jomsom Muktinath Trek route. However, it is always recommended to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary personal medications.

Yes, you can extend the Jomsom Muktinath Trek by combining it with other popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Upper Mustang Trek, depending on your time and preference.

Some essential items to pack for the Jomsom Muktinath Trek include trekking boots, warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, a backpack, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a camera.

There are a few ATM facilities available in Jomsom, but it is advisable to carry enough cash for your trekking expenses.