Destination: | Jomsom Muktinath Trek |
---|---|
Group Size: | 2-14 pax |
Arrival on: | Kathmandu |
Depature From: | Kathmandu |
Max-Altitude: | 3800 meters |
Meals: | Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All meals during the trek. |
Accomodations: | 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and lodges during the trek |
Trip Indroduction
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is always a good idea for your vacation in Nepal because it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. Jomsom Muktinath trek is one of the treks that have easy access to the hidden valleys of Nepal. There is both roadways as well as the flight from Pokhara available till Jomsom. This is a short trek that takes you through the popular apple farms in Jomsom, barren extraterrestrial landscapes, and deep river gorge of Kali Gandaki to the sacred Muktinath temple revered by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
Jomsom Muktinath trek in the Mustang region is unique with its distinctive feature of dry, barren land and hills with few shrubs and bushes growing here and there. The medieval era like settlement around this area is a fascinating sight here. Every house has firewood stacked over their roofs, probably stocked for winter. The people of the Mustang region including Jomsom and Muktinath are mostly from Thakali ethnic group who follow Buddhism, which is reflected by the chortens, stupas, and monasteries along the trails. We can also take a detour to a secret cave where the infamous and well respected Guru Rinpoche used to meditate. We also pass through the Kali Gandaki river gorge which is the deepest river gorge in the world. At the bank of the river, you can find people selling the ‘shaligram’, a black rock which is the fossilized remains of the prehistoric ammonites. As you approach Muktinath, the land becomes more barren and you can see the Kali Gandaki valley from your ascend towards the Muktinath temple located at an elevation of 3710m. The temple is a simple pagoda style, dedicated to Lord Vishnu of Hindu mythology. At the back of the temple lies the 108 holy water sprouts where people take a shower and dip at a small pond at the front of the temple. The water here is directly from the Himalayas and extremely cold.
From Jomsom Muktinath trek you can fly back to Pokhara or drive by bus through Tukuche, Ghasa, and Beni to reach Pokhara. If the cold water of Muktinath is not for you then you can try the natural hot water springs at Tatopani near Beni. In addition to this Short & Easy Trek in Lower Mustang, you can also visit the Upper Mustang, an ancient forbidden kingdom in an incredible geographical location at the foothills of the Himalayas. Remember Himalayan Monk Travels & Treks for detail information on Jomsom Muktinath Trek and Upper Mustang Trek done in Mustang Region.
Included in the Cost
- Transportation as per the itinerary
- 2 nights at Pokhara hotel on B/B
- 2 nights at Kathmandu hotel on B/B
- Trek in full board in the lodge
- English speaking guide
- 1 Porter for 2 people, carrying baggage up to 13 kg/person during the trek
- National park fees (ACAP & TIMS)
- Staff’s insurance
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 hrs)
Day 3: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2766m; 3-4 hrs)
Day 4: Trek to Muktinath (3800m; 5 hrs)
Day 5: Trek to Marpha (2670m; 5 hrs)Day 6: Trek to Ghasa (2084m; 6 hrs)
Day 7: Trek to Tatopani (1190m; 5 hrs)
Day 8: Drive to Beni and back to Pokhara.
Day 9: Return to Kathmandu
Day 10: Departure at the airport.
Accomodation
You will stay in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per B/B. The rooms are clean, spacious and simple with a comfortable bed along with modern attached bathroom and toilet. The rooms are usually double bedrooms, but it can be supplemented with single bedrooms.
Whereas, accommodation during the Jomsom-Muktinath trekking includes lodging in guest houses and tea houses with basic furnished rooms and bedding on sharing basis. Most of the tea houses at lower elevations have the western type sitting toilets, but as you elevate through the trek, the houses are more traditional types with squatting toilets, mostly placed outside the room. Drinking water is scarce in the Mustang region, so we need to be considerate in using it.
Meals
We have the traditional Thakali dish across the Mustang area, consisting of Dal-Bhat, cooked rice with lentil soup, along with freshly cooked vegetables and dried pickles along with ghee. You can have other dishes and drinks as per the menu of the hotel/lodge. Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara include only breakfast. You are free to choose where to eat and what to eat in the city.
Travel season
Weather during the hot season rises only up to 18 degree Celsius and during winter season decreases up to minus 10 degree Celsius. Winter is very harsh here as there is heavy snowfall and the path is very slippery. Though Mustang is known as the rain-shadowed area, the lower parts of the Mustang region receives rain very well causing flood and landslides through the trail. Spring and autumn seasons are the best times for travelling to this region. You can schedule to travel between February to early June, and October to December. The region also has high wind speed in the afternoons which needs to be considered while travelling.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m)
A Himalayan monk representative will pick you up at the Tribhuwan International airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to a hotel on B/B basis. After some refreshment in the hotel, you can visit our office to discuss our tour and trekking plans, required items and equipment to take on the trek and so on. We also introduce you to our trek leaders/guides. We also have a welcome dinner for you and you can further inquire about the trip, if any.
Day 2 Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m; 6 hrs)
We will drive for about 6 hrs to reach Pokhara, a beautiful city filled with natural amenities. We will require a whole separate day to tour to know the wonders of Pokhara city. This day, we just take a stroll around the magnificent Phewa Lake in the evening and enjoy the lakeside ambiance. We can also discuss further the travel and clear if you have any queries. You stay the night at a hotel on B/B basis.
Day 3: Pokhara to Jomsom-Kagbeni (2766m; 3-4 hrs)
We fly to Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang district and the market junction of the region with the airport, government offices, hotels shops, banks and army camp. Jomsom has a beautiful view of Nilgiri peak seen through the dip of the mountains. We trek towards Kagbeni, a small town settled by people of Tibetan origin along the Kali Gandaki River. We stay the night in a lodge in Kagbeni.
Day 4: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3800m; 5 hrs)
After breakfast in Kagbeni, we trek a steep uphill to Muktinath. We pass through Jhong Khola and the Jharkot village just below the Khingar at 3200m. Further climbing up, we reach the holy destination, Muktinath, worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. You can choose to ride a mule through the market or take the stairs to reach the shrine. The temple is also known as the ‘temple of salvation’. You can walk/run through the cold water flowing sprouts and take a dip in the icy lake which is said to get rid of your sins. You can also visit a monastery nearby which holds an ever-burning natural flame. The Muktinath area is clear of any other buildings or shops nearby. You need to descend towards the market in Ranipauwa if you need anything or need to rest at a lodge.
Day 5: Muktinath to Marpha (2670m; 5 hrs)
We move from Muktinath to trek to the wonderful Marpha village famous for apples and drinks. We can look around the apple farms and factories. The apples of Marpha are red, small, soft and sweet. We also visit the oldest monasteries of Marpha village. They have an ancient aura to them with a smell of holiness. Later you have dinner at the local lodge and stay the night there.
Day 6: Marpha to Ghasa (2084m; 6 hrs)
We leave the unique Marpha village and start our trek to Ghasa, a countryside village filled with greenery. The trek is pleasant as well as adventurous at times through the high mountains. You also come across a tall waterfall that flows heavily during the monsoon season and overflows the river basin below. You stay at a lodge in Ghasa to rest for the night.
Day 7: Ghasa to Tatopani (1190m; 5 hrs)
We move from Ghasa after breakfast and continue our trek to Tatopani, a place to relax in the hot water springs. Relax your sore muscles in the hot water and enjoy the view of the river and mountains. You stay the night at a lodge around the hot water spring.
Day 8: Tatopani to Pokhara
We drive to Beni from Tatopani. On the way, we come across a Hindu temple build on a huge piece of single rock. We tour the temple premise to view the wonderful temples and be bewildered by the size of the rock below our feet. We have lunch in Beni and then drive back to Pokhara passing through interesting fields and lush green valley with river basins. We can stroll around Pokhara city in the Lakeside or take a calm row on a boat if we arrive early. Later, have dinner of your choice and stay the night at a hotel on B/B basis.
Day 9: Pokhara to Kathmandu
We return to Kathmandu by bus, through the highway with scenic views of the mountains, rivers, and terraced rice fields. In the evening, you can walk around Thamel to buy some souvenirs or just stroll around for sightseeing. Stay the night at a hotel on B/B basis.
Day 10: Departure at the airport
We bid you farewell on your final day in Nepal. A Himalayan monk representative will drop you at the airport and you depart from Nepal. We hope you have enjoyed your stay and will come soon to visit other interesting places as well.
The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.
Included in the cost
- Transportation as per the itinerary
- 2 nights at Pokhara hotel on B/B
- 2 nights at Kathmandu hotel on B/B
- Trek in full board in the lodge
- English speaking guide
- 1 Porter for 2 people, carrying baggage up to 13 kg/person during the trek
- National park fees (ACAP & TIMS)
- Staff’s insurance
Excluded in the cost
- Clients’ insurance
- Visa for Nepal (Visa fee for 30 days: $ 40)
- Personal expenses (tips, hot shower, sleeping bag, drinks, recharging of batteries, etc)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Rescue if needed
Supplement:
- Flight from Pokhara-Jomsom
- Single room if needed
Accomodation
You will stay in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per B/B. The rooms are clean, spacious and simple with a comfortable bed along with modern attached bathroom and toilet. The rooms are usually double bedrooms, but it can be supplemented with single bedrooms.
Whereas, accommodation during the Jomsom-Muktinath trekking includes lodging in guest houses and tea houses with basic furnished rooms and bedding on sharing basis. Most of the tea houses at lower elevations have the western type sitting toilets, but as you elevate through the trek, the houses are more traditional types with squatting toilets, mostly placed outside the room. Drinking water is scarce in the Mustang region, so we need to be considerate in using it.
Meals
We have the traditional Thakali dish across the Mustang area, consisting of Dal-Bhat, cooked rice with lentil soup, along with freshly cooked vegetables and dried pickles along with ghee. You can have other dishes and drinks as per the menu of the hotel/lodge. Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara include only breakfast. You are free to choose where to eat and what to eat in the city.
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