Jomsom Muktinath Trek 12 days Itinerary

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek follows the beautiful (THAK KHOLA) Kali Gandaki valley and the isolated caste indigenous peoples of the Thakali tribes and is one of the most important sites for fossilized ammonites in Nepal. On our way to Jomsom Muktinath, we will walk through the Annapurna region, passing through paddy fields, and mostly passing through small villages that are inhabited by residents from the Gurung and Thakali tribes. As soon as one reaches the Tatopani, one can enjoy the natural hot springs. A trip to the Upper Mustang region can be made through Jomsom and Kagbeni, which are the gateways to the region. We will explore the sacred Buddhist area similar to the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath after visiting the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The area has 108 water taps. Then we will descend to Jomsom where you will be able to see the entrance to the ‘Forbidden State of Mustangs’. During your vacation in Nepal, you will have a wonderful time hiking in the Jomsom Muktinath area. 

Jomsom and Muktinath are two popular destinations located in the Mustang region of Nepal. Jomsom is a town located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and is a popular starting point for treks in the Mustang region, while Muktinath is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters.

Muktinath Trek or Jomsom Muktinath Trek is also known as the Lower Mustang Trek because the valley is connected to the Upper Mustang Trek and the trails are separated at the Kagbeni village Checkpost. Despite the fact that the area is within or near Mustang District, it is traditionally referred to as Lower Mustang Trek from Muktinath, Kagbeni to Ghasa village, and Upper Mustang Trek from Kagbeni. It is possible to go through the lower parts of the trek with ACAP and TIMS permits, but the upper part of the Mustang requires a Restricted Area Permit.  

History and Culture

Furthermore, the history of the tribal caste Thakali heritage culture, the Buddhism followers, Thakalis origin from the Thak Khola – Kali Gandaki valley, but the oral history In ancient times, the indigenous Thakali people migrated from Tibet, in addition, beauty is a sacred shrine of Buddhist monasteries and spinning prayer wheels, traditional Thakali lifestyle, harmony is a Mustang classified area.

Beauty of the Jomsom Miktinath trek

The Jomsom Muktinath trek lies in the Gharpajhong Rural Municipality ward no 4, also known as Dzongsam. Gharapjhong is the center of the rural municipality in the Mustang District and a former independent village development committee located at an altitude of 2,700 meters (8,900ft) in the Gandaki Province of western Nepal. The majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri serve as a backdrop in this town that straddles the Kali Gandaki River, which flows directly through the center of Jomsom.

There is a large concentration of black fossilized stones known as Shaligrams along the banks of the Kali Gandaki in the Hindu culture, which are considered an icon and symbols of the god Vishnu. Such stones are believed to exist only in the Kali Gandaki and are holy to the Hindus. The Kaligandaki River originates in the Mustang district. This is what makes the Kaligandaki River the second-deepest gorge in Nepal. Mustang’s rocky soil and highlands are drained by the river flowing to the south of the country. It is yet another attraction of Mustang Nepal that can not be missed. Located in the heart of Jomsom, the district headquarters, the city is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local residents of the region, the Thakalis. Furthermore, the town is also the main gateway for onward journeys to Upper Mustang and Muktinath. There is a company of the Nepalese Army stationed here. There are regular flights from Jomsom Airport to Pokhara. The airport is also capable of handling aircraft from the Nepalese Army Air Service.

The scenery

While the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, you are able to see many white peaks, such as Nill Giri, Thorong Peak, Thampu’s Peak, Tukuche Peak, and one of the seven highest mountains in the world, the Dhaulagiri Himal 8,167 meters. On this trek, one will have the opportunity to hike through the deepest gorge in the world, the Kaligandaki River Gorge. This trek is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness. Continue along the Kaligandaki River Gorge and marvel at the breathtaking views of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri peaks. As well as the breathtaking scenery, we will visit a centuries-old monastery, local tribes, and caves during this tour. Some of the other mountains that we will be able to see include Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and many more.

Jomsom Bazaar

Located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki river, Jomsom is a beautiful and peaceful town, which hosts the Mustang district headquarters offices. There is a small tiny airport in the town, fancy tea houses, hospitals, and a medical pharmacy. There are local markets for the area, high schools, and bus stations.

Muktithan

Muktinath is located 3,710 meters above sea level, which is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trails leading to Muktinath from the Thorong La pass via the Annapurna Circuit Trek begin in Manang on the Manang side of the Himalayas.

Jomsom Muktinath trek Itinerary

Kathmandu Valley- Pokhara- Nayapul – Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani Poon Hill – Tatopani – Kali Gandaki River – Ghasa – Tukuche – Jomsom -Kagbeni – Muktinath Tempel – and back to Jomsom.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek Highlights:

• You are going to the city of Lakes Pokhara in order to watch the sunset over Phewa Lake, which is known as the city of lakes.
• A waterfall on Ghorepani Poon Hill, rice terraces, and the white mountains change their colors during sunset.
• Three of the ten highest mountains in the world will be passed by the route: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Everest.
• In the heart of the Himalayas is the Kali Gandaki Riverwalk, where water winds through the mountains with an idyllic view of the white peaks, where some people believe that bathing in the hot springs (Tatopani) guarantees salvation after death.
• According to Buddhist belief, Guru Rinpoche meditated in the area of Kaligandaki, as well as, to all, it is the source of fossilized ammonite fossils.
• Culture of the isolated Thakali ethnic group 
• It is known that they have different thicker dresses called “Bakhu”, which are worn in colder regions, especially on top of the mountains.
• Moreover, I would add that this trip brings peace and happiness to the soul and mind thanks to the remarkable and unique Annapurna region.

Note:

On top of that, the Nepal Wilderness Trekking agency provides the most valuable price for the Jomsom Muktinath Treks =$970 per person + $100 for single supplements. our expert Guide and porters are familiar with this trekking region, peoples, cultures, trails, and history.  

Jomsom Muktinath trekking can also be done in 5 days, so to do the Jomsom Muktinath trek in 5 days is called the lower mustang trek, the trek starts from Jomsom. Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom in 25 minutes, and trek to Kagbeni at 2800 meters in 3 hours. Trek to Muktinath 3900m 5 hours, sight-seeing around Muktinath 6 hours, return to Jomsom 6 hours, fly back to Pokhara. This is the best way to do 5 day Jomsom Muktinath trek too if you have a short time.

Overall, the Jomsom Muktinath trek is a great option for those who want to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Mustang region of Nepal.