Jomsom Muktinath Adventure
Jomsom Muktinath Adventure – 22 days
Venture into the “Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang” on this classic lodge trek, awash with astounding natural beauty and unforgettable culture. Deep caves, local tribes and ancient monasteries are just some of the things you’ll explore. The Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath is another highlight, with its ancient temple, 108 waterfalls and mysterious fires sustained by natural gas. Other sights include:
- Splendid peaks of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri, both over 8,000m high
- Grand Dhaulagiri Glacier
- Jomsom Village on the Tibetan Plateau
- The world’s deepest gorge at Kali Gandaki
- Naturally hot springs at Tatopani
- Cultural Heritage sights on Kathmandu
This 22-day adventure is designed for travellers with a moderate level of fitness. If you’re short on time, the 16-day Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure may suit you better. Or if you’re hoping for a more vigorous trek, check out our 21-day Annapurna Circuit Adventure.
Jomsom Muktinath Adventure – 13 days
DAY 01 Kathmandu Arrival (1,300m/4264ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (visa, etc), collect your luggage and look for our representative with a Himalayan Adventures display board at the arrival gate.
You will then be transferred to the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar category. After checking in, you can take a rest, wander round the city or visit our office – whatever you feel like doing. In the evening we will organise a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we will enjoy a Nepalese cultural programme as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(D)
DAY 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
We start a guided tour to four of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. The Durbar Square area holds the palaces of the medieval kings who ruled over the then kingdom of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingam, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati river is a famous cremation site for Hindus.
The Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhanath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning ‘the self-existent’ is popular among the foreigners as Monkey Temple, owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Overnight in Kathmandu. Breakfast (B)
DAY 03 Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara (823m/2,700ft) – Tikhendhunga (1,552m/5,090ft): 4–5 hrs
Early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to sit on the right-hand side of the aeroplane for the best views of the Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of the Annapurna range and others. The numerous lakes of Pokhara offer fishing, boating and swimming: the city itself is popular as a city of lakes.
After resting for a while, we drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurungdi Khola and climb through subtropical valley forests; in some places, the trail is cut into the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola river via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhendhunga. Overnight in Tikkendhunga.
(B, L, D)
DAY 04 Tikhedhunda – Ghorepani (2,750m/9,020ft): 6–7 hrs
From Tikhendhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is Nepali for ‘horse-water’ owing to its role as an important halting point for traders before it became a trekkers’ stop.
The stretch up to the village of Ulleri is particularly steep, with thousands of steps and boulders – the climb will really test your stamina. Ghorepani is an interesting place, with small shops and stalls selling local products and crafts. Since Ghorepani lies considerably higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings. Overnight in Ghorepani.
(B, L, D)
DAY 05 Ghorepani – Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft): 5–6 hrs
The town of Ghorepani has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the upper part of the town, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South and the Nilgiri mountains.
On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village, and then further down to the village of Ghar Khola. The trail crosses a suspension bridge and climbs to Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning ‘hot water’ in Nepali, derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among trekkers to soothe their tired leg muscles. Overnight in Tatopani.
(B, L, D)
DAY 06 Tatopani – Ghasa [(2,110m/6,922ft): 5–6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river, which flows at the bottom of a deep gorge at an altitude of 2,200m/7,216ft between two 8,000m/26,240ft mountain peaks only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara (which means ‘beautiful waterfall’) and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village of Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for birdwatchers. Overnight at Ghasa.
(B, L, D)
DAY 07 Ghasa – Marpha (2,680m/8,792ft): 4–5hrs
A steep climb through forest takes us to Lete Khola then on to Lete. The trail continues to the east side of the Kali Gandaki, bringing us to the village of Larjung. From Larjung, it runs through Tukche (2,590m/8,495ft), past apple farm projects, which produce apples and vegetables for the whole region, before arriving at the village of Marpha. Overnight at Marpha.
(B, L, D)
DAY 08 Marpha – Kagbeni (2,810/9,218ft): 4–5 hrs
The trail continues along the side of the valley, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to the village of Jomsom. We cross the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti (meaning ‘lonely pub’). From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon
A 3-hour trek along the Kali Gandaki river bed brings us to Ekle Bhatti village. After a good rest here, an hour of easy walking takes us to Kagbeni, which lies beside two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village, situated on the main age-old trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area. Overnight at Kagbeni.
(B, L, D)
DAY 09 Kagbeni – Muktinath (3,710m/12,170ft): 5–6 hrs
Our day’s journey starts with a special permit-check before following the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki upstream. During the walk we will have picturesque vantage points to stop and admire the scenery. From Kagbeni, the path climbs steeply to rejoin the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3,200m/10,500ft. The trail climbs through a desert landscape to the village of Jarkot. A further climb brings us to Muktinath. Overnight at Muktinath.
(B, L, D)
DAY 10 Muktinath – Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft): 5–6 hrs
Muktinath is one of most important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. It is also an important place for Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For Hindus, the region is a ‘Muktikhsetra’ – a pace of liberation or salvation.
Behind the temple are water spouts channelled from the nearby stream – devout pilgrims bathe in these. There is also a Buddhist monastery nearby. We can also enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue to Jomsom. Overnight at Jomsom.
(B, L, D)
DAY 11 Flight: Jomsom – Pokhara
After breakfast we check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a dramatic, 30-min flight to Pokhara along the gorge of two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, the guide will transfer us to our lakeside hotel. We will spend a leisurely afternoon discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley.
As we walk along the shore of Lake Phewa, the second biggest lake in Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the reflection of Fish Tail Mountain. We can also take a boat around Lake Phewa or just take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. We spend the evening exploring the lakeside. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara. (B)
DAY 12 Drive to Kathmandu
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200-kilometre drive back to Kathmandu. Sitting on the left-hand side of the vehicle will give you the best view of the scenery en route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. All that’s left is to exchange email addresses with your travelling companions and organise your photos. You can spend a leisurely evening, perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping and enjoy a celebration dinner with Himalayan Adventures staff. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B, D)
DAY 13 Final departure
You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalayas again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
What we’ve included
- All airport/hotel transfers
- Three nights in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of similar standard) and 1 night in 2–3 star hotel in Pokhara (both on a B&B basis)
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temple/monument entrance fees.
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- Kathmandu – Pokhara flight
- Pokhara – Kathmandu transportation in tourist bus
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leaders (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter), including their wages, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- Down jacket, 4 seasons sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
- All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, trekking permit)
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes.
What isn’t included
- Nepal visa fee (bring the correct money in US$ and two passport photographs )
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of earlier arrival, later departure, or earlier return from the mountains (for whatever reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of earlier return from the mountains than the scheduled itinerary)
- International and domestic flights (Pokhara – Kathmandu: $98)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
- Tips for guides and porters
The trekking group
For the Jomsom Muktinath Adventure, there will be one leader, assistant leaders (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). This arrangement ensures that, should anybody in the group become unwell, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Jomsom Muktinath Adventure for groups of any size, but generally have a maximum of 12 people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum number for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than 12 people, we can arrange this too.
Fitness and experience
Our 13-day Jomsom Muktinath Adventure offers moderate trekking suitable for passionate walkers who are able to walk for at least 5–7 hours a day with a light day pack. On some days, you might need to walk for even longer. Walking at higher altitudes is physically more demanding than walking at the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health, with average physical fitness, positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination, you can complete the Jomsom Muktinath Adventure successfully.
Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital that you consult your doctor before you commit to the Jomsom Muktinath Adventure. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform Himalayan Adventures before booking the trek.
Accommodation
All accommodation for the Jomsom Muktinath Adventure is in shared twin rooms and costs are calculated on this basis. Accommodation is chosen on the basis of standards of hygiene, service and food, location, etc. Two styles of accommodation are used during the trek. You will spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel (the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar category) in Kathmandu and one night in a 2–3 star hotel in Pokhara.
During your trek, you will spend 8 nights in standard teahouse/lodge/hotels, which have unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. En suite rooms are provided in some places. Elsewhere, teahouses/lodges only have shared washing and toilet facilities.
If you are a solo traveller, you will share a room with someone else of the same sex from your group. If you would prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying a single supplement of US$290. We can offer single rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara and at lower altitudes during the trek, but in some remote places single rooms are not always possible, even with a single supplement.
Meals
All meals will be provided during trekking in the mountains. Three meals a day will be provided from the teahouse/lodge menus but the meals on this particular route are usually great. Each day, dinner and breakfast are taken in the lodge where you spend the night. Lunch will be taken en route in a tea shop. Breakfasts are provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Acclimatisation and AMS
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a medical condition caused by going up to high altitudes too fast – and it can prove fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. The Jomsom Muktinath Adventure is considered an easy and non-risky trek in terms of AMS as the trek only takes us to 3,710m. However, sensible planning and a good itinerary are required to minimise the risk – if any – of AMS.
Himalayan Adventures does it’s best to minimise the risk of AMS through an acclimatisation-focused itinerary. It is important to remember that some people can be more vulnerable to AMS than others, so we advise guests with known heart, lung or blood conditions to consult their doctor before travelling.
Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Read more about it in “Altitude Illness” by Dr Jim Duff.
Your guides
The most significant element that makes your Jomsom Muktinath Adventure successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members who make your days in the mountain run smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trek leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.
Himalayan Adventures aims to sustain local communities and only employs Nepalese staff who are knowledgeable about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Our trek leaders also receive training in potential medical problems that may arise during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:
- Intensive wilderness first aid
- Trekking guide training
- Eco trekking workshop & adventure meet
- English language
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering (for expedition leaders)
What to pack
For trekking over suspension bridges, climbing along mountain ridges and chilling out at thousands of metres high – check out our list of essential gear.
When to go
The best seasons for doing this trek are Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to mid-December). In these seasons you will be rewarded by good weather, sunny and warm, with clear skies and outstanding views. You can trek in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) also, only the issue is cold weather with snowfall at higher altitudes.
