Jomsom is more correctly known as Dzongsam or the New Fort and it spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as the Thakalis. It has a wireless station, a police station, a bank, a hospital and a veterinary hospital. A company of the Nepalese Army is stationed here. Nearby is an airfield, from where flights operate on a regular basis, however, due to the strong winds that buffet the area in the afternoons, the airfield is functional only in the forenoon.
The Thakalis, living in the Jomsom region and in the nearby villages of Marpha and Tukuche, have been known for their trading skills. They occupy an important village on the traditional trade route between the Gangetic plains of India and Tibet.
The views from Jomsom are enchanting as the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges reflect the golden rays of the rising and the setting sun. The entire panorama is filled with a golden, glittering light, which forms a dramatic contrast to the barren, black and dry mountains of the surrounding Kali Gandaki valley.
The mountain views are spectacular and the route actually crosses over to the other side of the main Himalayan range for some unusual views of the northern flanks. The entire route remains below 3000 metres and even then, the trek is strenuous enough to be stimulating (see the Route Profile for the trek around Annapurna). This is a good trek if you wish to avoid high altitudes.
Muktinath, situated at a height of 3,660 m, is an important pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Buddhists. The most prominent shrine is a Vishnu temple where 108 spouts, fashioned in the shape of cows’ head, pours forth water that is considered to be holy. This water is channeled from a stream running above the temple. The temple is built in a Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, and Kali. There is another temple nearby where water gushes out of a rock and this water is considered to be even more holy. There is also a Buddhist Gompa (monastery) and a pagoda-type temple dedicated to Jwala Mayi (goddess of fire). In this temple, shielded by curtains, are the outlets for the natural gas that oozes from the rock and feeds the temple flame.
There is also a spring close by and these three elements, together, are considered to be an auspicious convergence of earth, fire and water.
There are two temples that can be noted: one is a dilapidated temple with the idols of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, and a Narsingh temple where rituals are performed according to both Hindu and Buddhist customs. Here, the two religions coexist together and in the two-storey structure, the lower storey is a Gompa while the upper storey is the temple.
Muktinath and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The climate and landscape is similar to that of the Tibetan Plateau since it is situated in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas. Flowing through the region, from north to south and forming deep gorges, is the Kali Gandaki River, which as its name implies is a black river- the black stones of the riverbed and black soil contributing to the effect.
| Starts from : | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara |
| Ends at : | Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
| Grade : | Moderate-Difficult |
| Highest Access of the Trek : | 3800m (Muktinath) |
| Communities: | Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis |
| Trekking type : | Teahouse |
| Best Season | February/March till May & October till December |
| Himalayan sights : | Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna range, Manaslu, Nilgiri etc |
| Attraction of the Trek | Close mountain views and Sherpa villages |
| Meal : | Breakfast, lunch, & dinner |
| Transportation : | Car/Van |
| Minimum Group Size : | 1 |
| Per day walking : | 5 to 7 hours |
| Itinerary type : | Fixed / Customized |
| Day 1 | Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport & Transfer to the Hotel. O/N Hotel Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Our local representative will meet and assist you at the airport and will also arrange for your transfer and check-in to your hotel. |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu- Durbar Square/Monkey temple/Boudhanath A half day sightseeing around Kathmandu and the Patan area will give you time to enjoy and marvel at the fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines that reflect the ancient local tradition and these are highlighted on our guided tours. There’s enough time to explore the city’s many charms on your own or take a rest while we finalize the trekking area permits. A delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner awaits you in the evening. O/N in Kathmandu. |
| Day 3 | Kathmandu - Pokhara Today we drive to Pokhara (200km) in a tourist bus. Pokhara is approximately 7 hours away and we will be arriving in Pokhara in the late afternoon around 2:00 p.m. Pokhara is an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. We can explore this scenic land on a bicycle, on foot or while boating in the Phewa Lake overlooking the region of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. In the evening, we prepare for the trek and spend the night in Pokhara. |
| Day 4 | Pokhara - Tikhe Dhunga (1491 m) After breakfast, we drive to Nayapul (48 km), which is about one and a half hour’s drive over the hilly ridges of Lumle/Kande and then walk for about 20 minutes to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town. Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches Sudami where we have lunch. After lunch, a steady climb up the side of the valley leads to Hile (1495m) near Tikhe Dhunga. Along the way, various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if reaching Ghorepani is the target for the next day, it is better to push upto Tikhe Dhunga. O/N at Tikhe Dhunga. |
| Day 5 | Tikhe Dhunga - Ghorepani (2848m) Breakfast is served in the morning at around 7:00 am and after breakfast we start our trek. From Tikhe Dhunga, the trail crosses a stream (Bhurungdi Khola) over a suspension bridge after which the long steep climb to the large Magar village of Ulleri (2070m) starts. Above the village, where the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields, there are magnificent rhododendron and oak forest. Our lunch spot for this day will be Nangethanti. Thanti is a Nepali word and means a ‘rest house’. During winter, the trail can be covered with snow. From Nangethanti, about an hour’s walk leads us to Ghorepani (2848m). We arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and camp there. O/N in Ghorepani. |
| Day 6 | Ghorepani - Tatopani (2855m.). Duration: 6.30 hrs Today, we walk on the long descent towards the Kali Gandaki canyon while enjoying the cool quiet of the forest as we descend steeply through Chitre, Shikha and Ghara- all of which offers refreshment and a chance to rest your knees. After about 6000 ft. of descent, we get to enjoy the first sight of the Kali Gandaki River, which we then cross to reach Tatopani. Tatopani consists of several clusters of building with excellent food, hot spring and nice view of Nilgiri mountain. Sipping beer as you enjoy your soak, drinking in the lovely atmosphere and surroundings of the riverside is one of the best experiences in the world. |
| Day 7 | Tatopani - Lete (1189-2855m). Duration: 6 hrs Today, we continue up the valley along the deepest gorge at Dana after which the trail becomes progressively steeper and narrow as the river becomes ‘younger’ when it meets the Rupse Chhahra. There is a spectacular waterfall and the geology over here changes. We will still continue north along the steep Cliffside to Kabre and then to Ghasa. Ghasa (2040m) is a sprawling flat-roofed village, which contains tea shops and hotels and it is the first Thakali village of the trek. It also marks the end of the subtropical vegetation and the beginning of the conifer forests. From Ghasa, the trail climbs steadily but not steeply, and it soon enters the pine forest, crosses a stream on a wooden bridge, and then climbs up about 15 minutes after which we reach Lete, a wonderful place for staying overnight. Sunset views from Lete are memorable. |
| Day 8 | Lete - Marpha (2438m - 2667m). Duration: 6 hrs The spread out village of Lete then combines into Kalopani. At Kalopani, we cross the river where it is narrow via a suspension bridge. We aim to reach the pretty village of Marpha today. The trail passes through the interesting Thakali village of Larjung, Khobang and Tukuche. There are lots of lodge to choose from over here. After walking for about one and a half hours from Tukuche, we finally reach the charming town of Marfa where we pass by the Marpha Agricultural farm, which has introduced new crops in the area. |
| Day 9 | Marpha - Kagbeni (2667m- 2800m) From this point northwards, a strong wind begins to blow from about 10.00 am onwards and because of this, we have to aim to set out early. The trail begins to enter the rain shadow caused by the mountains and the trees become smaller, fewer and grow far from each other and thus, scrubs take its place. As we approach Jomsom, the scenery changes again and becomes like a desert. Jomsom is the center of Mustang that contains several good hotels, bakery shops, army/ police check posts and government offices. After about three hours walk along the valley, we reach the Tibetan village of Kagbeni, which is very pretty. We will stay here for the night. |
| Day 10 | Kagbeni - Muktinath (2800m-3802m) and back to Kagbeni This morning, we head up east without our heavy packs. Away from the Kali Gandaki River there are views of Muktinath and Thorung Pass in the distance. We pass the traditional village of Jarkot where we stop for lunch and finally reach Muktinath. The Muktinath Temple is a point of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus where flame, water and air meet. Enjoy the views before returning to Kagbeni. |
| Day 11 | Kagbeni – Jomsom It takes only 3 hours to get back to Jomsom. After having lunch, we can stroll around Jomsom or hike up to the next village by crossing the Kali Gandaki village. Jomsom has an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) office and a museum. |
| Day 12 | Jomsom –Pokhara After breakfast, we take the flight to Pokhara and transfer to the guest house / hotel. |
| Day 13 | Pokhara We can spend the day relaxing in this lovely town with its wonderful lakeside setting. Overnight in a guest house / hotel in Pokhara. |
| Day 14 | Pokhara - Kathmandu We have to start early in order to take the tourist bus back to Kathmandu. Overnight is spent in a hotel in Kathmandu. |
| Day 15 | Departure with a warm Good Bye. Today, you will be free to relax until the departure time or you can also commence any additional trips or activities you may have booked. If departing, you will be transferred to the International Airport in time for your return flight. |
Our package cost includes the following services:
- Transfer to and from the International Airport and domestic airport/hotel/airport.
- Welcome dinner on the arrival day.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (veg/non veg) during the trek as per your preferred menu.
- Required number of experienced English speaking guides (license holders) and support staffs during the trek.
- All Government taxes and Annapurna Conservation fee
- Meal/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipments for all the Nepali crewmembers.
- All transportation during the trek in a private car/Jeep/Landcrusier/tourist bus/hiace depending on the group size.
- Accommodation in the best available lodges during the trek.
- Accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast, as per the scheduled itinerary.
- First aid medicine while traveling in Nepal.
- Sleeping bags, if necessary, during the trek.
- TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Good Bye dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant that serves Nepali food and showcases typical Nepali dances.
Our package cost excludes the following services:
- Meals in Kathmandu (Lunch and Dinner).
- Tourist entry visa that can be obtained from Nepal Embassy/Consulate or Mission offices abroad or at the following immigration offices in Nepal..
- 01. Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu 02. Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal) 03. Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal) 04. Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border) 05. Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal) 06. Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal) 07. Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal) 08. Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal).
- TOURIST VISA
Visa Duration Fees: Multiple entry for 15 days US $25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry for 30 days US $40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry for 90 days US $100 or equivalent convertible currency - TOURIST VISA EXTENSION
01: Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US $2 per day
02: Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January-December). - TRANSIT VISA
Transit visa, for one day, can be obtained from Nepal’s immigration offices at the various entry points upon showing a valid departure flight ticket via the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US$5 or equivalent convertible currency.
- Expenses of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, tips for your guide and support staffs etc. (Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory)
- Rescue charge, if needed our company can arrange it.
- Any kind of unforeseen expenses.
- Personal trekking equipments.
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