Trip Route
Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni - Muktinath temple - Marpha - Tatopani - Poon Hill
Trip Facts
1+ PAX
Moderate
Lodge/Guesthouse
3,800 M/12,464 FT
Full board meals on the trek
Flight/Jeep/Bus
September to June
Jomsom Muktinath Trek Highlights
- 20-min scenic flight across the western Himalayas to Jomsom
- Great trekking experience on semi-arid and lush and green valley
- Stand on the deepest gorge of the earth between Annapurna I (8091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8167 m)
- Trek thru medieval Thakali village Kagbeni and Marpha Dip into a sacred holy pond in Muktinath, get rid-off from bad karma also in Natural hot spring
- Climb-up to Poon Hill viewpoint to see stunning sunrise on Annapurna Himalayan range
- Witness to see polyandry cultural in Mustang
Jomsom Muktinath Trek, 6 days trek follow off the beaten route from Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath temple, deepest gorge, natural hot spring, and Poon Hill Viewpoint then drive back Pokhara. Jomsom Muktinath Trek, the easy and low altitude trek route with avoiding jeep track in lower Mustang area via Poon Hill viewpoint and natural hot spring. Mustang is windy arid ridges and hinterland of high Himalayas, The Mustang has divided in two-part as it has two-part this trek continues a lower Mustang, the trek provides you deep gorge in the world, a stunning waterfall, pristine scenery, fantastic wilderness, amazing Buddhist monasteries, and many other unique natural beauties. Trek on along the wind sweep Kali Gandaki valley passing the different style of villages and different ethnic groups regarding the high, superb sunrise view from Poon Hill. The trek starts on a foot of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range mountain along the Kali Gandaki river in a windy valley in a plateau. Passing through charming villages of Thakali and Gurung a Tibetan style villages again the wind and Monastery. We trek down to cross the world deepest gorge, terraced paddies field, waterfall arrive at Tatopani, rest and relaxed at hot spring which is just beside Kali Gandaki river.
Now trek continues on a sub-tropical valley and walks through dense rhododendron forest see multi-colorful birds and monkeys as you climb up to Ghorepani, giant Dhaulagiri will be seen with the valley. Poon hill is an awesome viewpoint to see the Himalayas on 270º degrees and sunrise and sunset on the mountain is spectacular. The picturesque peak of Machhapuchhare dominating the skyline.
Daily itinerary
Day 01: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni (2,900 m/9,512 Ft)
20-min flight then 4 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
We take an early morning short flight to Jomsom airport, which nestles between Nilgiri and Mount Dhaulagiri on the Kaligandaki valley. Also, Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district has a direct road connection from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sunauli (Border of India and Nepal). The mountain flight provides Ariel Mountain View of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, etc. On arrival at Jomsom airport certainly the scenery change into the mountainous and the arid valley. We then trek along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni village, the old-style mountain village with a flat roof. The route from Jomsom to Kagbeni village is pretty easy on the sandbank also enjoying the mountain culture and the mountain vista. We pass some local tea shop and apple orchid en route to Kagbeni and avoiding the jeep track and follow the trekking trail. The village set a few meters above the river where high chance to find the fossils. Kagbeni is the entrance of the Upper Mustang region and the village has beautiful Buddhist monasteries with numerous traditional Chorten.
Day 02: Kagbeni – Muktinath Temple (3,740 m/12,267 Ft)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
It is short trekking to Muktinath temple on the arid terrain. We follow the walking trail north from Kagbeni village and ascent up to a tiny ridge that offers a picturesque view of Kagbeni village and Nilgiri Peak with together Kali Gandaki valley. Our trek continues on the barren land, passing an animal graze and villages then we have our lunch at Jhong. Often we cross the suspension bridge over the stream reach to Muktinath temple. Muktinath temple has great value for both devotees Buddhist and Hindu. All the important sights are inside the white-walled, the sacred area is decorated with five-color Buddhist flags. You will be exploring 108 brass water tapes, the temple of Laxmi and Vishnu, Narsing Gumba, Jwala Mai, Sakyamuni Buddha Statue. Mostly all the pilgrimages take a bathe with deep in the holy pond on the lap of Muktinath temple and 108 brass water tapes. Now trek down to the lodge and evening short walk to Guru Rinpoche Viewpoint to see sunset on Mount Dhaulagiri.
Day 03: Muktinath – Lupra – Thini (3,000 m/9,840 Ft)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
After breakfast leave from Muktinath village with following trekking path on the large meadow that offers expansive mountain topography with an inspiring view of the high mountains. We strolling downhill on the stony path and then arriving Lupra village, a small hamlet with rich Bon culture. Then 2 hours trek to Jomsom after that 40-minute gentle climb through the apple farm to Thini village. If the time permits side trek to Leopard cave and Thini/Jomsom viewpoint tower.
Day 04: Thini – Marpha – Kalopani (2,535 m/8,314 Ft)
6/7 Hrs trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
We following the route east bank of the auspicious Kaligandaki River also get a close and striking view of the Dhumba Lake where we see an image of the snow-clad mountains. A trail passes through pine forest, apple orchid, villages also crossing several streams. The off the beaten route provides an amazing view of the villages Marpha, Tukche and meandering river on the bottom of Mount Dhaulagiri. It is slightly descending to Kalopani. Kalopani is a large village, you will have a breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Nilgiri plus Dhaulagiri Icefall.
Day 05: Kalopani – Tatopani (1,130 m/3,706 Ft)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
We trekking on the Kaliganddaki valley through the boulder gorge, rice terrace, picturesque villages and stunning waterfall to Tatopani also passes the deepest gorge of the world nestle between Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I. It is beautiful trekking to Tatopani with melodramatic scenery of the diverse landscapes. We fallowing downhill trail along the Kali Gandaki River into the pine forest and steamy lush green valley. A rich charming mix culture en route to Tatopani makes your day fabulous. Tatopani, natural hot spring is the highlights where possible to dip into and believe it help a lot to remove the many diseases and sure the muscle pain removed after Dipping.
Day 06: Tatopani – Shikha (2,340 m/7,675 Ft)
5 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
We have about 5 hours trekking to Sikha village, early part of the route following on the Kali Gandaki corridor to Ghar Khola. Then straight climbing up through cultivate landscapes and the villages. It provides breathtaking Mountain View of the Dhaulagiri also landscapes. We have a fantastic culture excursion in the villages where we meet different ethnic groups.
Day 07: Shikha – Ghorepani (2,870 m/9,413 Ft)
5 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
Our Jomsom Muktinath trek leads into the dense rhododendron forest beyond the Shikha village. It is a solid 5 hours climb to Ghorepani village, during the spring (March-April-May) the forest filled-up with red, pink, white color because of the blossom of rhododendron and other wildflowers. Also, spot the different species of the animals. The Ghorepani laying 2870 m above sea level on the ridge and it provides 270-degree Mountains view of Annapurna mountain range.
Day 08: Ghorepani – Ulleri Village - Pokhara (850 m/2,744 Ft)
6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
Today we have a one more great opportunity to watch the superb mountain views from Poon Hill. 1hrs steady climb up brings us at Poon Hill. We can see panoramic mountain in 270º degrees then retracing to Ghorepani. After delightful breakfast trek continues with descending into the dense rhododendron forest to Bhanthati then through the villages to Ulleri. On arrival Ulleri village catch jeep and drive back to Pokhara through terrace of rice field till Nayapul then drive onward to Pokhara.
What's included?
- International and domestic airport transfer
- Lower Mustang trek permits (Annapurna conservation are & TIMS card)
- 20-Minute scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Ulleri to Pokhara transfer by private jeep
- Three meals a day during the trek in the mountains (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with hot drinks)
- English Speaking licensed guide with their food, salary, accommodation and insurance
- Fresh fruits apple, banana and snacks
- First aid medical kit, oximeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
- Normal lodge/guesthouse base accommodation during trek in the mountain
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical Nepalese restaurant with live cultural dance
- Complementary trekking gears sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking pole on returning basic
What's not included?
- Travel and medical insurance
- Porter for carrying the luggage (1 Porter for 2 trekkers)
- Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expense hot shower, laundry, phone call, internet etc
- All drinks soft and hard
- Gratitude/Tips to guide and porter