This trek offers unique experiences for all fitness level of travelers. Low and high altitude walking holidays as well as short hikes can be done in the region. Our trips enhance the cultural and environmental diversity of this region, enriching the whole holiday experience by combining stunning natural beauty and a good trekking workout with a wholesome cross-cultural experience.
The best time for the trek is mid-Oct - end-Nov and the later half of February when the days are crisp and the scenery stunning. For those who prefer traveling at less populated times, any other dates between mid-September and mid-May does not reduce the experience by much. Jomsom - Muktinath trek starts with a 30 minute early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. We head north to Kagbeni, an ancient fortress settlement on the boarder of Upper Mustang trekking from Jomsom. Kagbeni has many things to offer to the visitors. Similarly, Muktinath temple is another attraction of this trek.
Highlights of the Trek
Deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal, Scenery and culture are top-notch, wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups
Facts of the Trip
Tour Region: Annapurna.
Best season: September to December & Feb to May.
Transportation: By tourist bus / private.
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort & tea house /camping
Grade: moderate
Trekking style: tea house / camping
Highest access of the trek: 3802m
Culture: Gurung, Magar, Thakali
Himalayan sights: Annapurna, fishtail Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri,
Attraction: Close Mountain View, Villages, local peoples
Travel Insurance
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Trekking. Insurance for the guide and supporters which we will arrange,
Note: - B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= dinner
Note : The departure schedule can be changed on any unavoidable circumstances such as weather hazards, trail slides, and avalanches.
Option - I
Day 01: Kathmandu drive to Pokhara about 7 hours then overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Pokhara drive to Nayapul (1 hrs) and trek to Tikedhunga (4 hrs) and overnight at lodge.
Day 03: Tikedhunga trek to Ghorepani (2800m) about 7 hours then overnight in teahouse.
Day 04: Ghorepani early morning hike to Poon Hill (3100m) about 1 hour then , back to Ghorepani and trek to Tatopani (2400m) about 7 hours then overnight at ldoge.
Day 05: Tatopani trek to Ghasa about 6 hours then overnight at lodge.
Day 06: Ghasa trek to Marpha about 7 hours then overnight at lodge.
Day 07: Marpha trek to Kagbeni about 5 hours then overnight at ldoge.
Day 08: Kagbeni trek to Muktinath about 4 hours then overnight in at lodge.
Day 09: Muktinath trek to Jomsom about 5hrs then overnight at lodge.
Day 10: Jomsom flight to Pokhara, End of trek
Option - II
Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu to Bahundanda via Besisahar
After morning breakfast in the hotel, the tour starts with the scenic view of beautiful hills, countryside lifestyle driving along the Trishuli River. Overnight at lodge.
Day 02: Pokhara flight to Jomsom.
Day 03: Trek from Jomsom to Muktinath Temple.
Day 04 : Trek from Muktinath to Marpha
A ‘gentle stroll’ as some guidebooks describe today’s walk. Our destination is Marpha, a lovely village surrounded by apple orchards and the sweet smell of cider. Several great bakeries produce apple strudel and apple cakes, which along with a rest day will be most welcome.
Day 05: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani
We gently make our way downhill to Kalopani, which means ‘black water’. About half way there, we reach Tukuche, which was at one time the most important village in the area. It was a staging area for Tibetan traders bringing goods to barter such as salt and yak hair Alpine Interface – your local expert in the Himalaya. Bilingual, certified guides only. Small groups. Customized trips possible, ask us. products. The views from our hotel are stunning, especially of the mighty Dhaulaguiri which rises to over 8000 meters.
Day 06 : Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani
We begin our hike today with a steep descent to the village of Lete and its flagstone-paved streets before following the Kali Gandaki Gorge and the last remnants of Tibetan influence in the valley. Our trail takes us through the villages of Ghasa and then Dana. Our evening’s accommodation will be in a delightful setting in the large village of Tatopani (meaning hot water in Nepalese).
Day 07: Trek from Tatopani to Chitre
After leaving the village of Tatopani a fork in the trail takes us away from the Kali
Ghandaki Gorge and towards the Gar Khola River. The scenery changes once again as large terraces appear, signaling the return of rice production. Overnight in Chitre at 2400 metres.
Day 08: Trek from Chitre to Gorepani
Today will be another uphill day. From Chitre we will be climbing many, many steps, until we finally see the blue roofs of Gorepani right above us. Gorepani has a strong Tibetan influence, and you will be able to purchase jewelry almost everywhere. This is a difficult day as the stairs are not evenly spaced and there are many of them.
Day 09: Trek from Gorepani to Ghandrung
A very early start (before sunrise) will allow us to reach the magical view point called Poon Hill. From here, we have unobstructed views of such giants as Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I. After photographs and hot tea, we head back to Gorepani and the trail to Ghandrung which winds through heavily forested areas of large rhododendron trees. Over night in Ghandrung.
Day 10: Trek from Ghandrung to Naya Pool, then drive to Pokhara
Today will be our last day of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, and as on the first day of our trek, rice paddies dominate the landscape. A half-day hike will bring us to Naya Pool, from where we take the local bus back to Pokhara.
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After half day sightseeing in Pokhara including Phewa lake, Barahi, Davis Falls, Gupteshwori we drive 6 hours from Pokhara. Enjoy the scenic countryside and the drive along the Trisuli River.
Team Membership
For the Jomsom Muktinath Trekking we will take minimum 2 trekkers and maximum of 20 trekkers.
Fitness and what to expect
We are travelling in high and remote terrain at moderately high altitudes. Members will best have a moderate level of fitness to enjoy the experience to its fullest. The trails are sometimes steep and a couple of the trek days quite long (about 6 hours). Weather can deteriorate and rain, strong winds and even some snow are possible. However we are travelling at a mild time of the year to best appreciate the surroundings.
Hotel
There are every category of accommodation facilities that range from the international standard star hotels to budget hotels and lodges; therefore the hotel reservation is not a difficult task. You can make reservation as per you budget. 'Himalayan Idol ' is ready to make any arrangement for you as per your wish, desire and budget.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
In the Jomsom Muktinath Trekking we will be dining in the Lodge.
Equipment List
Please read the list enclosed detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided by trek members. If you have any queries about items on the list please do ask.
Clothing and Equipment Check List
Body Wear
- Thermal underwear (long)
- Polarfleece jacket and pants
- Mid layer polar fleece top
- Down jacket (to –10°C)
- Gortex rain parka and overpants
- T shirt and shorts
- Underwear
- Casual wear for evenings
- Comfortable riding pants and jacket
Head Wear
- Fleece/wool warm hat
- Baseball hat or sun hat
- Snow glasses
- Riding helmet optional
Hand Wear
- Fleece gloves
- Riding gloves
Foot Wear
- Socks x 3 sets
- Trekking/riding boots
- Lightweight running shoes
Trek Gear
- Small rucksack/daypack
- Waterbottle
- Medium sized kit bag/duffel with full length zip and lockable
- Extendable ski poles (optional)
Camping Gear
- Down sleeping bag (to -10°C)
- Headlamp and batteries
Accessories
- Personal toiletries
- Personal first aid kit
- Small kit bag/duffel (to store gear in KTM) Pocket knife / leatherman
- Personal medication & personal first aid kit
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Moist towels for personal hygiene
- Camera and plenty of film
- Camping towel
How to join the trek
If you would like to join the Jomsom Muktinath Trekking, please fill out an Trekking Application Form and forward to us along with the deposit. If you require more information please contact us: