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  Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Image of Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Route
Pokhara-Ghorepani-Tatopani-Ghasa-Tukuche-Jomsom-Muktinath-Jomsom and flight to Pokhara/Kathmandu
The Jomsom-Muktinath Trek is a classical trek, essentially the final third of the Annapurna Circuit, following the gorges of Kali Gandaki Valley between the soaring peak of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. It emerges to the north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry, desert- like Tibetan Plateau. A few days walk beyond Jomsom, takes you the final destination, Muktinath, one of the holiest Hindu Temple of Nepal. This trek allows access to the high mountains of the Himalayas within a reasonable timeframe and without ascending to extreme altitude. You get 2 alternatives to return to Pokhara, you can either be made by retracing your steps down the Kali Gandaki Valley or by have flight from Jomsom to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
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    Itinerary
 

Day 01: Pokhara - Lumle - Tikhe Dhunga (1,491m)
We drive to the large village of Lumle and the hamlet of Chandrakot. From here the trail descends steeply to Birethanti on the banks of the Modi Khola. We follow the east bank of the Bhurungi with some detours to avoid cliffs. Along the way, various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if Ghorepani is the objective for the next day it is better to push on to Tikhe Dhunga.

Day 02: Tikhe Dhunga - Ghorepani (2,774m)
The trail ascends a steep stone staircase to Ulleri village then more pleasantly through rhododendron forest. There is a hut with water and a small camp site about 1 hr. above Ulleri, and further, on the stream is followed, providing water for a meal stop. Arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and Camp there.

Day 03: Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,190m). 5 hours
Early in the morning, hike up to Poon Hill (3,100m) for more panoramic views of the mountains and out to the river plain before thermals bring the steamy clouds up from the jungle below. Back down to your hotel for breakfast and then begin the long descend to Tatopani which lies between two 8,000 meter peaks, Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m). It is situated at the bottom of the Kali Gandaki gorge which is considered to be the deepest in the world using the two peaks on either side as reference points. The hot springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good scrub and relaxing tired muscles. The food and hospitality is amazing.

Day 04: Tatopani to Ghasa (2,120m). About 5½ hours
As the canyon narrows the trail is forced high up the cliff, at one point passing through a tunnel carved into the rock. The trek passes by a most beautiful Rukse Chhahara (waterfall) before reaching Ghasa, the first Tibetan- style village of the upper Kali Gandaki where the stone houses are characterized by the flat roof and narrow covered always.
 

Day 05: Ghasa to Tukuche (2, 714m.) 5 hours walk
The Kaligandaki now opens up into a wide gravel bed as the trail travels through coniferous forests past Kalopani to Tukche. During the day, there are good views of the Dhaulagiri Icefalls to the west. On a hill above Larjung an interesting Gompa with many old paintings. Over night at Tukche.

Day 06: Tukuche to Jomsom (2,760m) 6 hours walk
Today, you will pass through few beautiful Thakali villages, Marpha being the prominent one. Marpha is a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields, famous for its apple brandy and jam. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It is quite wonderful to wander its streets and shops ? entirely different from towns in the west and still without automobiles. After this a gentle walk takes us to beautiful city area called Jomsom, the administrative headquarters for the region, straddling both sides of the Kali Gandaki. Convection winds grow stronger in the afternoon and exhilaratingly, we walk with the wind assisting us northward. The major inhabitants of Jomsom are government officials, army and merchants engaged in distribution of the goods brought in by plane and pony caravans.

Day 07: Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,840m)
After breakfast in the morning, our trek begins by 8:30 a.m. crossing the Kali Gandaki river by bridge then trek about three hours to reach Eaklibatti village; another hour brings us to Kagbeni which lies at the bank of two rivers-Kali Gandaki (flows from Muktinath) and Nilgiri (flows from Mt. Nilgiri). There are good current of wind that blows 10 am to 5 pm through the trail. This village is picturesque with old fortress ruins, deserted landscapes and daily activities of the villagers.

Day 08: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,817m) 4 hours walk
The trail rises up out of the valley to a high desert bench overlooking the river below. We walk onwards to Muktinath ? an important pilgrimage destination for Hinduism and Buddhism with a Gompa and Pagoda style temples. The most interesting importance of the area however is the spot with burning natural gas.

Day 09: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,760m) 5 hours walk.
The trail descends to the valley 1,525m below as we retrace our steps to Jomsom through the beautiful arid landscapes. The new perspectives upon the mountains and ease of descending make this a great final day of trekking.

Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara/Kathmandu by flight.
Take breakfast early in the morning, then short walk to airport and fly back to Pokhara or further connect to Kathmandu.

 

 
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Trip Facts
 
Duration:
09 Nights/10 Days
Accommodation:
local lodges, camping option available
Activities:
Hiking, village visit, optional pony rides
Trip Type:
--
Group Size:
01-10 pax
Best Season:
March to May, September to November
 
Tour Cost
 
US$ 430 including internal airfare
 
Optional Activity
 
Sightseeing of Pokhara, 2-3 days rafting in Trishuli or Marshyangdi or Kali Gandaki River, Paragliding etc. Chitwan National Park for jungle safari is recommended as pre-trip or post trip.
 
Inclusive
 
Trekking permits
Guesthouse accommodation
Transportation to trail head and return transportation from finish point
3 meals a day
English speaking licensed Trekking Guide
1 porter
On camping option, all camping gears, kitchen utensils, food supplies, pack animals, Sherpas are included.
 
Exclusive
 
Accommodation in Pokhara
Transportation to and return from Pokhara
Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature
Extra expenses caused due to nature and unforeseen events
Travel Insurance
 
 
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