Jomsom Muktinath Trek Overview
Trekking to Jomsom Muktinath is an exciting trek within the Annapurna and Mustang regions of Nepal. It’s one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trek guarantees visitors an exquisite landscape of natural beauty, great Himalayan scenery, and unique tribal culture.
On the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, you will have the chance to stroll around the apple orchards in Marpha village and taste the special wine and apple products. During the Muktinath pilgrimage, you can also meditate at monasteries and gompas, with the flapping prayer flags overhead.
Muktinath lies about 18 km northeast of Jomsom within the Mustang district of Nepal at an elevation of 3,749 meters. As part of the trek, you will walk along the Kaligandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge on earth. The trek takes you through agricultural areas, showcasing an authentic picture of real Nepal.
We begin our 13-day tour in Kathmandu, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Bauddhanath Stupa, Swayambunath Temple, and Patan City. The next day, we head to Pokhara by bus and then proceed to the Muktinath pilgrimage trek, blending local culture with delightful trekking adventure in Nepal.
We will make your trekking adventure in Nepal even better than you have imagined. We hope to see you soon!
Route to Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Your adventure begins upon arrival in Kathmandu, where our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, we take a day to explore the vibrant city, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. The next day, we embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes approximately 6-7 hours, offering beautiful views of the countryside along the way.
From Pokhara, we catch a flight to Jomsom, a town nestled in the Kali Gandaki Valley, and trek to Kagbeni, a traditional village that offers a glimpse of local culture. The following day, we continue our trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site with spiritual significance.
Next, we trek to Marpha, a peaceful village known for its apple orchards and charming stone houses. After Marpha, we descend to Ghasa, followed by a trek to Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs, where we can relax and rejuvenate.
From Tatopani, we continue our trek to Ghorepani, a picturesque village surrounded by stunning mountain views. Finally, we descend from Ghorepani to Nayapul, where we take a drive back to Pokhara to relax and unwind after a remarkable adventure.
Accommodation during Jomsom Muktinath Trek
- Kathmandu and Pokhara: We provide comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis.
- During the Trek: Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis in tea houses and lodges, offering simple facilities with stunning views of Everest, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging are available for an extra fee.
Required Permits for the Jomsom Muktinath Trek
The Government of Nepal requires certain permits to protect the natural beauty of the Annapurna region and ensure the safety of trekkers. If you’re planning to trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), obtaining these permits in advance is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Cost: NPR 3,000 per person
- This permit is mandatory for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. It can be obtained either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- Cost: NPR 1,000 per person
- The TIMS card is required for all trekkers to help the authorities track trekkers’ movements for safety and emergency purposes. It can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Acclimatizing During the Jomsom Muktinath Trek
As you begin your trek from Pokhara (900m), you’ll gradually ascend, passing through Jomsom (2,700m) and Kagbeni (2,800m). As you gain altitude, you may experience mild altitude effects, and our experienced guides will monitor your health closely to ensure your safety.
To help prevent altitude sickness, we incorporate acclimatization strategies, such as short hikes to higher elevations followed by descents to lower altitudes for overnight stays. This approach helps your body adjust to the higher altitudes while giving you the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views and cultural experiences along the way.
Emergency Procedures for AMS
AMS is a common risk on high-altitude treks. Early detection of symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness is key to prevention.
What to Do if You Experience AMS Symptoms?
- Stop Ascending: Rest at your current altitude to let your body acclimatize.
- Hydrate and Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and consume energy-rich foods.
- Take Medication: Use over-the-counter meds like acetazolamide (Diamox) to ease symptoms, but consult your doctor before the trek.
- Descend if Necessary: If symptoms continue or worsen, immediately descend to a lower altitude.
- Seek Medical Help: In severe cases like HAPE or HACE, seek urgent medical care. Tools like portable oxygen and Gamow bags can be lifesaving.
What to Expect for Breakfast on the Jomsom Muktinath Trek?
During the Trek, breakfast at the teahouses offers a variety of hearty options to start your day. You can enjoy a warm bowl of porridge, or opt for eggs with toast. For a more filling meal, pancakes or Tibetan bread are available, giving you a taste of local flavors. If you’re craving something savory, rice and noodle dishes are also offered. To complete your meal, enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee, the perfect way to energize yourself for the trek ahead
What’s for Lunch on the Jomsom Muktinath Trek?
For lunch on the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, you’ll enjoy hearty options like Thukpa (Tibetan soup), Nepali Dal Bhat (vegetable curry and rice), fried rice, and noodles. Momos (steamed dumplings) are a popular choice, along with pasta and chicken or buff dishes
What’s for Dinner at Your Overnight Teahouse on Jomsom Muktinath Trek?
For dinner on the Trek, you’ll enjoy hearty options like Thukpa (Tibetan soup), Nepali Dal Bhat (vegetable curry and rice), fried rice, and noodles. Momos (steamed dumplings) are a popular choice, along with pasta and chicken or buff dishes. For dessert, you can treat yourself to apple pie, rice pudding, or custard pudding.
Are There Hot Showers and Electricity on the Jomsom Muktinath Trek?
Yes, there are hot showers and electricity available along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, hot showers may come with an additional fee, and availability can vary depending on the teahouse and location. While most teahouses offer electricity for charging devices, it may be limited to certain hours, and there could be a small charge for usage.
Important Notes for Jomsom Muktinath Trek
- The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by road takes about 7 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes and costs approximately USD 90.
- This itinerary includes travel by local bus to Pokhara. If you prefer to travel in a private jeep, feel free to inquire about the additional cost
- The flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas, is included in the trek package.
- Porters can carry up to 20kg, but we recommend packing under 10kg since we provide one porter per two trekkers. A duffle bag for your gear will be provided.
- Meals are included on the trek, but extra charges apply for hot showers and charging devices at teahouses/lodges
- Meals are not included in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Drones are not allowed without prior permission, which is difficult to obtain. Unless you’re a professional with time for paperwork, it’s best not to bring one.
