Jomsom Muktinath Trek
- 15 Days
- Maximum Capacity: 20
Adult
Description
Jomsom spreads over the banks of Kali Gandaki River. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being district headquarter, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as Thakalis. A company of the Nepalese army is stationed here. Nearby is an airfield, from where flights operate regularly. However, due to the strong winds that buffet the area in the afternoons, the airfield is functional only in the forenoon.
The views from Jomsom are enchanting as the Nilgiri (7061m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) 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. Life here is a balance of hard work and ancient culture. Many visitors find their most lasting impression of Nepal comes not from the ancient temples in the urban valleys but from visits to places like Jomsom and its exhilarating spiritual environment. Jomsom area is not only the most popular trekking destination in Nepal but also the gateway to Upper Mustang Kingdom within the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal.
Muktinath is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists because of Jwala Mai (holy flame), a natural gas fed flame burning from a fissure in the rock. It is an oasis at 3811 meters amongst the barren hills leading up to the Thorong La (pass). ) It is a large Vishnu temple surrounded by 108 fountains in the shape of cow heads. The devout Hindu drinks from each spout in addition to his / her worship at the temple. Equally well known and a main reason for Muktinath’s holiness is the small Buddhist gumpa (monastery) nearby in which fire, water and earth appear to burn simultaneously, the sacred and pure “blue flame” of Vishnu to the Hindu, a manifestation of divine omnipotence to the Buddhists.
There are many different ethnic groups along the trail, but the predominant people in this area are the Gurungs. Together with the Thakali, Magar, and Chhetrie people, the Gurungs are famous as soldiers in the British Army, better known as Gurkhas.
Along the trail the views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas are magnificent. The winding trail passes through magnificent forests of oak and rhododendrons that line the southern foothills of the Himalaya. The terrain varies from sub-tropical valleys with banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges clad in thick rhododendron forests. You will visit the famous Poon Hill where you will hopefully be blessed with a fantastic sunrise and view of all the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range to the West. The views here are breathtaking as you sit and sip on a hot chocolate before heading down the main trail to Pokhara. Finally trek to Ghandrung following the EBC trail then to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara.
Duration
15 Days
Group Size
20
Trip Information
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Trek Type |
Tea House Lodge/Camping Trek |
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Trek Grade |
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Total Days |
15 Days |
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Trek Duration |
11 Days |
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Max. Altitude |
3800m (Muktinath) |
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Best Season |
Spring: Mar-Apr-May Autumn: Sept-Oct-Nov |
Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport
Arrival in Kathmandu airport and then transfer to the Hotel. You will have a nice clean room with attached bathroom and 24 hrs running hot water.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
The following morning of arrival you will be taken on Sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting surrounding sights of Kathmandu to show its back ground and history.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Pokhara
Drive in tourist bus for about 6 hrs to Pokhara, a beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trek. Your first day in Pokhara can be spent just relaxing or you may enjoy a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and David Falls.
Day 04: Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni
Fly to Jomsom & sightseeing around Jomsom. The Kaligandaki valley here is called the Thakkhola, after the native Thakalis, who are distantly related to the Tibetans. Gentle walk to Kagbeni, the checkpoint of entry to Upper Mustang.
Day 05: Kagbeni - Muktinath
We ascend steeply to a 3880m, at Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple in a grove of poplars. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists, who come here for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water inside a small but very holy temple.
Day 06: Muktinath - Jomsom
Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this area.
Day 07: Jomsom - Kalopani
Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old Thakali trading centre of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rain shadow end and open spaces make way for coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560m.) From here there are spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas high above.
Day 08: Kalopani - Tatopani
A beautiful walk, with another transition into sub-tropical vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias. The trail follows the river through a narrow gorge, and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall, before winding through the valley to Tatopani, the hot water springs.
Day 09: Tatopani - Ghorepani
Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.
Day 10: Ghorepani - Tadapani
A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Day 11: Tadapani - Ghandrung
Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung (1940m) and explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement.
Day 12: Ghandrung - Birethanti - Pokhara
A steady climb down past startlingly green cultivated terraces and picturesque, beautifully-preserved farms to the scurrying Modi River, which the trail follows back to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive Back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Rest Day
Join the farewell dinner in the evening most probably with cultural program.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport for Departure.
Maps
Included
- All land and air transfer as per itinerary.
- Arrival and departure transfers.
- Accommodation with attached bathroom in Kathmandu.
- While on the trek 3 meals, tea, coffee and boiled water provided.
- Fully escorted trek with English speaking guide and necessary porters. And also in need we provide other language speaking guide for trek.
- Entry permit and National Park Fees.
- Wages, equipment, insurance and other facilities to trekking staffs.
Excluded
- Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges.
- Bottled beverages, mineral water, dessert, items of personal nature, delay due to weather, equipment failure or situation beyond our control.
- Travel / medical Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking).
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency.
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Contact Information
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