Highlights of Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Here are some of the highlights of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek:
- Muktinath Temple: Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex at Muktinath is one of the main highlights of the trek. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are also 108 water spouts around the temple, which are believed to cleanse the sins of those who bathe in them.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: The Kali Gandaki Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world. The trek takes you along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and offers stunning views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains.
- Natural hot springs: The trek passes through Tatopani, where you can take a dip in the natural hot springs. The hot springs are believed to have healing properties and are a great way to relax after a long day of trekking.
- Traditional villages: The trek takes you through traditional Thakali and Gurung villages, where you can experience the local culture and way of life. You can also sample the delicious local cuisine, which includes thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), and dal bhat (rice and lentils).
- Scenic mountain views: The Jomsom Muktinath Trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek takes you through the world's deepest gorge, and you'll get a chance to see some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
- Overall, the Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a great option for trekkers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without undertaking a more strenuous trek.
Overview of Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek takes you to Jomsom and Muktinath Temple in the Upper Mustang region. Jomsom, which is also called the Dzong-Sampa (New Fort), is the administrative headquarters of the Mustang district.
Located in the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki River Valley, it is famous for Shaligrams (black rocks or stones). The religious faith of the Hindus is connected with these stones that they regard as the holy form of deity.
Jomsom (2,743 m) is a beautiful Himalayan town situated in front of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m) on its backdrop. It also has an airport that connects the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang with the outer world.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek guides you through the deep valleys, and high hills surrounded by the Annapurna (8,091 m) Himalayan Range. This region is populated by diverse ethnic communities spread in a wide type of landscapes from subtropical to arid.
Although it lies in Nepal geographically, it is highly influenced by the Tibetan lifestyle, culture, and tradition. Even the landscapes of the Upper Mustang region resemble that of the Tibetan Plateaus.
Also known as the Lower Mustang Trek, it rewards you with the enthralling view of the apple gardens of Mustang. Making Jomsom Muktinath Trek in spring is a brilliant idea to have the beautiful coverage of colorful rhododendron flowers to this region.
The highest place of this trek is Muktinath Temple (3,800 m) which is a popular pilgrimage tour in Nepal. Thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims make this trip every year. The eternal flame that burns of the natural gas and the 108-water sprouts are the attractions of this shrine.
You will be walking past the ethnic villages of Thakali, Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, and Brahmin communities. Annapurna Sunrise View Trek is the most done trip to have the best sunrise view of the Annapurna (8091 m) region.
Jomsom Trek Itinerary
Jomsom Trek itinerary is always a subject that can be customized. It depends upon a few aspects like your holiday in Nepal any desire to make the trip. From Kathmandu, you can reach Jomsom in about 11 hours by bus.
You can fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu in 25 minutes and then fly again to Jomsom in 35 minutes as well. Having the aerial view of the entire Annapurna region, you land at the New Fort of the Northern Himalayas.
From here, you can trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to the Upper Mustang Trek. Spending a night here, you can trek to Muktinath Temple the following morning. After relishing the enchanting view of the Himalayas and making a pilgrimage to Muktinath, you can return to Kathmandu by bus.
It means the Jomsom Muktinath Trek itinerary ranges from 5 days to two weeks and even longer. You can extend this to the Upper Mustang trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek and Mardi Himal trek as well.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek Difficulty
Jomsom Muktinath Trek's difficulty depends upon whether you begin this from Nayapul, Pokhara, or Jomsom itself. If you start it from Nayapul, you will be gaining altitude gradually. You will have to ascend to the higher altitude.
Nevertheless, if you fly to Jomsom and begin the trekking, you will be walking at the same altitude. On the first day, you trek up to Kagbeni which is situated at almost the same altitude. This helps you to better adjust in higher altitudes.
The next day, you are going to reach the highest place on this trek. Muktinath Temple (3,800 m) is the highest place on this route. Then, you will descend gradually along the ethnic villages of the Annapurna region.
As the trails are in very good condition at all times of the year, it can be done by people of all ages. It is also a good package for family trekking in Nepal. As the trekking duration per day is not much longer, even children and senior citizens can also do this trek.
Although you have to spend a few nights above 2,500 m, there is not much threat of altitude sickness. It is so because you have enough rest while walking along the Kali Gandaki River Valley. However, you should follow the basic safety measures like drinking enough water, having enough rest and food as well as walking with slow paces.
Muktinath Trek Cost
The longer the trek; the higher the cost! Likewise, the quality of services you want during the trek also matters to fix the cost. This region has teahouses and lodges that provide quality services as well.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek itinerary could be minimized up to 5 days for your comfort. The cost of the 5-day package and that of 14 days differs from each other. Similarly, you have the option of mode of transportation.
You can fly from Kathmandu to Jomsom via Pokhara and return to Kathmandu by flight, too. Next, you can also directly drive to Jomsom via the Lake City Pokhara. The roadway to Jomsom goes past Beni, the gateway to the Guerrilla trek or even the Upper Dolpo trek.
The cost of flights is higher than that of roadway transportation. For example, a Kathmandu-Pokhara two-way flight ticket costs approximately USD 125. On the other hand, if you travel by local bus, the cost is nearly USD 5 and USD 25 in premium bus.
The cost of Jomsom Muktinath Trek could be fixed by talking to each other. You can contact us for more information.
Jomsom Trek Map
Jomsom Trek starts from either Nayapul, Pokhara, or Jomsom, Mustang. If you start it from Pokhara, you will fly to Pokhara from Jomsom after completing the trek. If you want, you get bus services to Pokhara from there as well.
You visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu and then travel to Pokhara. After strolling around the major attractions of the Lake City Pokhara, you fly to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you trek along the Kali Gandaki River Valley up to Kagbeni.
Next morning, you trek to Muktinath Temple and then, you travel to Marpha “the Apple Capital of Nepal.” Then, the route moves along Ghasa, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill-Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Pokhara via Nayapul.
To complete the route as given by the Jomsom Muktinath Trek map, it takes nearly 10 days. You will have wonderful experiences while staying at the stops. Like, you get to bathe with natural hot water and visit the Gurung Museum at Ghandruk.
