Jomsom Muktinath Trek is an awesome combo of natural essence and divinity. It takes you to some holy places with fascinating views of mountains and mountainous terrain in the backdrop. You can experience the sacred vibes as you walk through the trail and pass some holy temples and holy monasteries on the route. “Muktinath” is the major attraction of this journey. Muktinath is a holy place located at an altitude of 3,710 meters in the Mustang region of Nepal. The place holds a high value amongst both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. It is a temple of Lord Vishnu and is also famous as Mukti Kshetra, which means the place to get freedom from the birth-death cycle. In Hindu mythology, the holy site is considered to be the place of liberation.
As per Hindu mythology, Muktinath temple is one of the108 Divya Desham that consists of 108 taps of sacred Pushkarini water. Another myth related to this place is described in the holy book – Swasthani Barta Katha. According to myth in the book, after the demise of Sati Devi (i.e., the first wife of Lord Shiva), Lord Shiva couldn’t bear the tragic of separation and hence carried the dead body of Sati Devi and wandered around the earth like an insane. While wandering, Sati’s body parts decomposed in different places, and those places were termed Sakti Peetha. Goddess Sati’s mouth (Mukh) decomposed in Muktinath; hence it was termed Muktinath. This place receives thousands of Hindu pilgrims yearly. The Hindu pilgrims visit Muktinath after completion of their “Char Dhaam” yatra in order to get salvation while the remaining people visit this place to get some spectacular views of mountains and other forms of mother nature.
Keeping the religious value apart, Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a splendid journey that offers incredible views of mountains along with stunning landscapes. From the lush landscape to the arid, wild, and Tibetan plateau-like landscape, you will be able to enjoy the diversity. Walking along Kaligandaki –the steepest gorge of the world with astonishing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal is a rejoicing experience. The journey starts with a drive to Pokhara, which is followed by a pleasant walk along the lush landscape to Ghorepani Poonhill. With astonishing views of mountains in the backdrop, the trail extends to Muktinath from where the trail drops down to Kaligandaki River and ends with a flight back to Pokhara from Jomsom, a charming Gurung village in that area.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance if any at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel at Kathmandu. The representative will shortly inform you about the plans ahead.
The second day is a day tour just to warm up prior to your trekking journey. Kathmandu is a city enriched with artistic palaces, beautiful monuments, ancient temples, and other constructions of historical and cultural importance. No wonder the city has seven out of ten UNESCO listed world heritage sites. Today, you will be guided to the UNESCO listed heritage sites in Kathmandu. These heritages are perfect examples of rich history, exceptional culture, and architectural treasures of Nepal. At first, you will be taken to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The art, crafts, and carvings in the palaces, temples, and other monuments of the durbar square are excellent. After that, you will be escorted to Swayambhunath stupa (Monkey temple), Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa respectively. (Inclusive of breakfast)
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara. Today, we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi highway for around six to seven hours to Pokhara. We pass through some amazing landscapes throughout the journey. In the first half portion, we will be able to get some stunning views of the Trishuli river along with hills and villages. In the second half, the countryside landscape and the greenery will keep you engaged. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a hotel in Pokhara. Check in to the hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, we can walk down lakeside and enjoy some fascinating views of lakes and mountains. Tonight, we stay at a hotel in Pokhara (inclusive of breakfast and lunch)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we take a short drive for around an hour to Nayapul. It is the actual start point of our trekking journey. From Nayapul, we start walking along a lush landscape to Birethanti. It is a prosperous town inhabited by people of an ethnic community. We follow the streets of Birenthanti and pass the forests of bamboo and waterfall on the way. We further walk towards Ranghai and ascend up the valley until we reach the village of Tikhedhunga. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodges in Tikhedhunga. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today, we cross a suspension bridge over a stream and ascend up through the stone-paved step stairs to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large village at an elevation of 2800 meters inhabited by the people of the Magar community. We climb up the village and cross the meadows to the campsite where we stop for lunch. We further continue through the trail, pass two streams, and climb up to Nagenthanti. From here, we hike up until we open up to the beautiful village of Ghorepani. As we reach the village, we will be able to witness some astonishing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Tukuche, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Hiunchuli, and many more. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodges in Ghorepani. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
We wake up early in order to catch the sunrise view from Poonhill, a popular viewpoint in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is known for sunrise/ sunset views and panoramic views of mountains in the Annapurna range. The shimmering glory of golden sun rays over the Annapurna massif from Poonhill looks simply amazing. The panoramic views of mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Tukuche peak, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Varaha Shikhar, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, etc. add to the glory of this place. After enjoying the views, we return back to Ghorepani and follow a trail that takes us to Tadapani. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodges in Tadapani. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Our day starts with a trek down to the Kali Gandaki valley. The valley is said to be the deepest gorge of the world, and it offers some fantastic views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. Our trail descends down steep to the river of Kaligandaki and ascends up slowly until we cross a long suspension bridge over the Bhalu river. We walk continuously until we reach Dana. Rupse Chahara, a beautiful waterfall, is just minutes away from here. Moving ahead with our journey, we follow the trail that takes us to Ghasa. It is a Thakali village dominated by people of the Tibetan Buddhist religion. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodges in Ghasa. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Leaving Ghasa, we follow a trail that goes along the Kali Gandaki gorge. We walk continuously until we arrive at the Thakali village of Tukuche. On the way, we pass some lush forests, rivers, bridges, and charming villages. We pass the village-like Lele, Kalipani, and Kokhetethati. Today, you can get some stunning glimpse of Dhaulagiri Himal as well. We continue through the trail until we reach the village of Tukuche. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodges in Tukuche. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
It’s a pleasing day today. We take an easy path along the village of Khobang. We pass the narrow alleyways that join the houses in the village. There is a monastery called Kanti gompa on the way. We visit the monastery and continue towards Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a beautiful village that lies in the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodges in Kagbeni. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today, we ascend up to Muktinath. Muktinath is a trendy spiritual hub of the Annapurna region. The place holds a high value amongst Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Many Hindu pilgrims visit this place early with high dedication and devotion. At first, we ascend up to Khingar and continue along with a fortress-like village to Jharkot. We further follow a trail that takes us to Muktinath. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Muktinath. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Early in the morning, we walk to Muktinath for amazing views of mountains in the Annapurna range. Fater appreciating the glories of the mountains, we descend down to Jomsom and complete our circuit walk around the Annapurna. Hence, we accomplish our walking journey of Annapurna Tilicho lake Trek. Tonight, enjoy your time in Jomsom with the warm hospitality of the local people. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today, we take an early flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy your time at the hotel in Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk to the lakeside and enjoy the serenity in the environment. (Inclusive of breakfast)
Concluding our trip, we drive back via the same route along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Tonight, we stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Inclusive of breakfast and lunch)
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International airport. (Inclusive of Breakfast)