Jomsom Muktinath Trek - 9 Days

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek 9 Days commences with pleasant driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where the travelers cover almost 200 km within the duration of 6 to 7 hours. The Prithvi Highway passes through wonderful terraced fields and thick forests to reach the rapids of river Trishuli. There are several towns, Mugling and Dumre through which travelers can pass during their journey.

This highway condition is in good shape; however, sometimes, traffic and road work may make one hold up for a little while. The drive opens out the long vistas of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. Upon arriving at Pokhara, sitting at a height of 820 meters above sea level, you will be mesmerized by the soft mirroring surface of Phewa Lake, which is dominated by the towering presence of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain.

Pokhara’s atmosphere is peaceful-the combination forms it as a special place for trekkers and travelers alike. From backpacker guesthouses to five-star hotels, Pokhara has accommodation to ensure that all people can find something within their budget. Particularly the Lakeside area, where guests often book a stay, is bustling with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops-at least for now. The evening can also be spent walking along the lakeside, tasting local delicacies, or preparing for a trekking adventure to come.

The second day marks the start of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, taking the first flight in the morning from Pokhara to Jomsom, for just 20 minutes. During the flight, your eyes will capture the aerial views of the mighty stretches of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The airplane takes you through one of the world’s deepest gorges, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, to give you a fantastic view of the lofty peaks and the river below. After landing at Jomsom (2,743m), you begin trekking to Kagbeni.

The trail to Kagbeni measures about 10 km and takes around 3 to 4 hours to go through. The trail is pretty flat, leading to the stream of the Kali Gandaki River. You will pass through the village of Ekle Bhatti, commonly visited and offering refreshments for the traveler. The place looks more like a desert, though, adding the view of Nilgiri and Tukuche Peaks as a backdrop.

 Kagbeni (2,804m) is a medieval village featuring mud-brick houses and a very large red Gompa (monastery) that bear testimony to the vibrant Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Situated at the junction of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers, Kagbeni acts as the gateway to Upper Mustang. The village architecture and the spiritual ambience are some of the things that you will experience today. Overnight stay at a tea house in Kagbeni.

Today, we will depart Kagbeni and catch a trail that grows steep toward Muktinath, covering a distance of about 10 kilometers over 5 to 6 hours. The trail itself is steady, providing a view of the Mustang Valley and the snow-capped peaks surrounding it. As you continue, you will pass through Jharkot, an old fort and the traditional center of Tibetan medicine, all offering excellent insight into local cultures and traditions.

As you reach higher, the weather gets damper, and the vegetation becomes sparse. As you reach closer to Muktinath (3800m), the path passes through the rugged terrains, offering you views of the snow-capped peaks from the backdrop of the Thorong La Pass. Muktinath is a hub of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, adding more spiritual ambiance to the trek.

Muktinath Temple is well known for its 108 water spouts and the ever-burning flame that spontaneously burns, representing the two elements of fire and water. Pilgrims consider that bathing under these spouts will purify their souls and cleanse their sins. The temple’s calm atmosphere, along with spectacular mountain views, becomes soothing and meditative for such visitors. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

The hike from Muktinath and Marpha takes six to seven hours to complete on the fourth day of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek. You will hike through the settlement at Jharkot, where you will relate to its ancient monastery and a traditional Tibetan center for medicine. After that you will proceed downhill to Ekle Bhatti and further to Jomsom, where you’ll find the district headquarters of Mustang.

The path westward from Jomsom follows Kali Gandaki River until Marpha. Nicknamed the “Apple Capital,” this is the town holding 2670m in height and possessing thousands of apple trees producing, among other products, apple brandy and dried apple slices. The village features whitewashed houses, narrowly set paved stone lanes, and also the well set out Nyingma monastery.

What is more about Marpha is just how it brings to awareness the different dwellings making up this beautiful place, rich in traditions and cultures. You will have an opportunity to visit the monastery, encounter warm, friendly villagers, and savor a variety of apple delicacies. Overnight stay at Marpha.

The distance between Marpha and Kalopani is 20 kilometers, and it takes nearly 6 to 7 hours. On the fifth day, the trail further leads along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River which passes through Tukuche and Kobang villages. Tukuche is famous mostly because it is a significant Thakali trading center. Traditional houses, as well as a distillery for producing the local liquors, are found within it.

This very scenic path gives views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, whilst the typical landscapes include terraced fields and pine forests. As you approach Kalopani (2,530m), the landscapes become greener, featuring lots of vegetation and flowing streams. Kalopani, which means “Black Water,” is a beautiful village, quite essentially embedded in the panorama of peaks all around.

Kalopani provides a peaceful atmosphere mingled with the happy presence of its people. Its closeness to the river combined with the very traditional culture of Thakali people’s customs lend some insight into the lifestyle being adopted locally.

Today, we will wake up early in the morning and set on a journey from Kalopani to Tatopani, which is roughly 15 km in distance and takes anywhere from 6 to 7 hours. The trail gradually descends along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River whilst passing through dense forests of rhododendrons and pine trees with terraced farmlands. This all makes for a peaceful travel ambiance with the sounds of the river and chirping birds along the way. 

The trek passes through scenic villages such as Ghasa, which has lively bird life and stone houses. The path narrows and becomes steeply up and down in parts, with enough adventure added to the scenic beauty it offers. You experience a lovely suspension bridge, waterfalls, and occasionally several trekking experiences. 

When you reach Tatopani (1,190m), you come across the most famous of all attractions in the region: natural hot water springs. Tatopani is also known for its bustling village atmosphere that has warm lodges and serves traditional Thakali food. Overnight stay at Tatopani.

On the seventh day of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, we will hike from Tatopani to Ghorepani, which takes around 7 to 8 hours. You will catch a trail that comes with a steep climb through terraced farmlands and then ups into dense forests. Along the way, delightful and appealing rhododendron trees welcome you with bright colors during spring. Looking up, it will be worth all the views from up there that are so wide of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

You will then pass through some beautiful villages, such as Sikha and Chitre, that come along the way. These settlements feature stone houses forming almost all of their structures along terraced fields reflecting the lifestyle of the region’s rural people. As you reach Ghorepani (2874m), you will find yourself looking at beautiful mountain scenery as a reward for the effort involved in coming there.

This village is the gateway to Poon Hill, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the Annapurna Trail. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is complete, and it’s time to return now. We will wake up early in the morning in Ghorepani and then follow up with an adventurous hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). You will be involved in the sightseeing activities as Poon Hill offers you 360 Degree views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. This place is also famous for its sunrise over the snow-peaked mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. 

Later, you will return to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and follow a descending trail toward Nayapul. The many streams and dense forests, with the sight of villages such as Ulleri and Hille through its path, make this trek look more appealing.

After you reach Nayapul, you will take a short journey to return to Pokhara. As you reach Pokhara, you can relax by Phewa Lake’s calm waters, take a boat ride, or enjoy some local cuisine before wrapping up this beautiful trek.

Finally, the last day of the Jomsom Muktinath Trek is here. Today, you will return to Kathmandu, retracing the Prithvi Highway. The trip of 6 to 7 hours delivers memories from diverse landscapes of Nepal which includes rolling hills and river valleys, and bustling roadside towns. 

After reaching Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and rest. Or you can explore cultural sites like Durbar Square. In the evening, Mountain Treks Nepal will organize a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant to celebrate your adventure. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.