Jomsom Muktinath Trekking
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Nepal Alternative Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Jomsom Trekking is situated on north of Pokhara, Nepal's stunning diversity appears at its finest. The deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. This is the most popular trekking region, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30.000 annually). It's also among the tamest areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes.The scenery and culture are top-notch, and you can avoid the peak-season crush and still get fine weather and views. The views of the mountains are spectacular, and the route actually crosses to the other side of the main Himalayan range for some curious views of the northern flanks.After reaching Pokhara, you will fly to Jomsom early morning. You will enjoy spectacular view of Dhualgiri on left hand side and Annapurna range on right hand side of your plane. After landing at Jomsom, the trek walk gradual on the ridge of Kaligandai river and open desert to Gate of Upper mustang ( Kagbeni). Ascending next day, you will have the chance to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,800m/12540ft) and wonder at the presence of 108 holy taps and mysterious natural gas fires. Descending down, You will visit "the capital of Apple" Marpha village.You shouldn't forget to test the different varieties of foods, juice and alcohol(for alcoholic people) from apple as apple fritter, apple pie, apple crumble, apple juice, apple brandy and apple cider which is probably the cheapest and best in the world. You will descend further down into the deepest gorge in the world on the Kali Gandeki River, all the way to Tatopani and its natural hot springs, where you can relax with a bathe in one of them. An early morning hike will lead you to Poon Hill (3,210m/10593ft) to see the most wonderful sunrise on earth, lighting up the picture-perfect Annapurna range. The trail leads you to another gorgeous site of Annapurna through beautiful walk in rhododendron forest. You will enjoy the closer and panoramic view of Himchuli, Annapurna south and Machhapuchre( Fish tail) including many more snowcapped mountains.Descending further down to Ghandruk village,it will be time to start bidding farewell to the wonderful mountains as you descend down to NayaPul to make your way back to civilization and Pokhara.
The memorable moments
25 minutes scenic mountain flight Pokhara/Jomsom. Beautiful panorama of Mt. Annapurna1(8091), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Mt. Nilgiri (7061m) Amazing Kaligandaki river and fossils are found on its bank Landscape looks like Tibetan plateau Muktinath temple, the pilgrimage center of Hindus as well as Buddhist Unique culture, lifestyles of Thakali, the indigenous group of northwestern part Nepal Traditional agriculture system of local people. The best sun rise and himalaya view from Poon hill Explore Gurung /Magar cultural museum, life style and typical villages
Journey at a glance
Day 1: Pokhara-Jomsom fly- Eklebhatti-Kagbeni (2810m./9273ft.) 3 hrs walk — Fly early morning to Jomsom. You will have wonderful flight to Jomsom as Annapurna and Fishtail will be on right hand side and Dhaulagiri and other snowcapped mountains will be on your left hand side. After landing at Jomsom, walk gradual on the ridge of Kaligandai river and open desert to entry Gate of Upper mustang ( Kagbeni). Today is easy walk for digesting the altitude then stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Kagbeni-Muktinath ( 3798m./12560ft.) 4 hrs. walk — Ascend to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will Visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Stay overnight there at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Muktinath-Jomsom-Marpha ( 2670m./8811) 6 hrs. walk — The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles. Stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Marpha-Ghasa-Tatopani ( 1100m./3630 ft.) 4 hrs. driving — Driving through Kali Gandaki valley. There is a 360* panorama of peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. Emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. You will see more villages in this area; enjoy observing the everyday lives of the local village people. Stay there overnight at lodge . Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Tatopani-Ghara-Sikha-Ghorepani ( 2800m./9240 ft.) 6 hrs. walk — After a long downhill from Muktinath ,You walk up again long way, you will stay at Ghorepani in order to make the climb to Poon Hill early in the morning. From this point you receive spectacular views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri massif. Stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Early morning Poon hill-Deurali-Banthanti-Tadapani ( 2650m./8745ft.) 5 hrs. walk — Early morning climb Poon Hill after morning tea/coffee with well equipped (3,210m. /10593ft) 45 minutes from where you will see a spectacular sunrise over the whole Himalayan range and surrounding terraces (a photographer's paradise!). Then climb down to Ghorepani and trek to Tadapani after breakfast. Stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7: Tadapani - Ghandruk by trek - Drive to Pokhara ( 1400m./4620ft.) — The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk for 3 hours.From the trail you will see panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Also a possibility to see monkeys. Explore the village, visit temple, Gurung museum during afternoon after lunch. It is second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. Drive to Pokhara by overland and transfer to your hotel. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Pokhara-Jomsom fly- Eklebhatti-Kagbeni (2810m./9273ft.) 3 hrs walk — Fly early morning to Jomsom. You will have wonderful flight to Jomsom as Annapurna and Fishtail will be on right hand side and Dhaulagiri and other snowcapped mountains will be on your left hand side. After landing at Jomsom, walk gradual on the ridge of Kaligandai river and open desert to entry Gate of Upper mustang ( Kagbeni). Today is easy walk for digesting the altitude then stay there overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Kagbeni-Muktinath ( 3798m./12560ft.) 4 hrs. walk — Ascend to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will Visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3Muktinath-Jomsom-Marpha ( 2670m./8811) 6 hrs. walk — The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4Marpha-Ghasa-Tatopani ( 1100m./3630 ft.) 4 hrs. driving — Driving through Kali Gandaki valley. There is a 360* panorama of peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5Tatopani-Ghara-Sikha-Ghorepani ( 2800m./9240 ft.) 6 hrs. walk — After a long downhill from Muktinath ,You walk up again long way, you will stay at Ghorepani in order to make the climb to Poon Hill early in the morning. From this point you receive spectacular views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri massif. Stay overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6Early morning Poon hill-Deurali-Banthanti-Tadapani ( 2650m./8745ft.) 5 hrs. walk — Early morning climb Poon Hill after morning tea/coffee with well equipped (3,210m. /10593ft) 45 minutes from where you will see a spectacular sunrise over the whole Himalayan range and surrounding terraces (a photographer's paradise!). Then climb down to Ghorepani and trek to Tadapani after breakfast. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 7Tadapani - Ghandruk by trek - Drive to Pokhara ( 1400m./4620ft.) — The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk for 3 hours.From the trail you will see panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Also a possibility to see monkeys. Explore the village, visit temple, Gurung museum during afternoon after lunch. It is second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. Drive to Pokhara by overland and transfer to your hotel.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport transfer ( Airport + Hotel + Airport ).
- Lodge ( Twin share basis ) accommodation during the trekking.
- All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek.
- One experienced, educated, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide and required porters (one porter for two clients).
- Guide/ Porter's food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipments.
- Pokhara-Jomsom flight tickets .
- Annapurna conservation area project ( ACAP) and TIMS (Trekker's information management system) card.
- Transportation as per mentioned itinerary .
- Trekking map, duffle bag, company t-shirt, first aid kit box and trekking completion certificate etc.
Not included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, laundry, phone bill, hot shower, hot water, bar bill etc.
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porter.( Highly suggested).
Essential trip information
Before you go
Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) ACAP permit is mandatory for Jomsom Trekking. The provision of ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions. It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Jomsom Muktinath Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees or equivalent ) in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. It is included in our package. Trekker's information Management System ( TIMS) TIMS is compulsory for Jomsom Trekking. The main aim of TIMS has come into implementation from Jan.2008. Trekking agency's association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal tour tourism board (NTB) has jointly recording the trekker's detail and issuing TIMS for trekkers. TIMS can be applied through Government registered trekking agency as Nepal alternative treks. TIMS fees are Rs. 2000 for individual trekkers and Rs. 1000 for organized trekker. Individual TIMS has to be obtained at NTB in Kathmandu and Pokhara yourself . You are required passport copy, one passport size photograph and the amount Rs 2000 for individual TIMS. You have to applied by Trekking agency if you are joined trekking agency and the amount is Rs. 1000 for company joined in cash. It is included in our package. Travel insurance It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 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Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Muktinath which is elevated at 3900 meter, you have very little chance of AMS. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. How do we know if I get AMS ? Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below: Difficulty sleeping Dizziness or light-headedness Tiredness Headache Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Rapid pulse (heart rate) shortness of breath with exertion Cannot walk in a straight line Treatment Rest, Rest , Rest Go down, down, down Diamox Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude. Prevention and pre-cautious Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include: Climb the mountain gradually and slowly Sleep at a lower altitude when possible Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day Avoid alcohol Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates Sleep well Be well equipped First aid Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case. Accommodation We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet. Meals During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU . Physical Condition & Experience Requirements Jomsom Muktinath is moderate level of trek, suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will get the highest elevation 3990 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.
Accommodation
We leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will be various choices. We provide twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Pokhara
What to bring
- Clothing equipment for Jomsom Muktinath Trekking
- When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants
- T-shirts.
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion.
- Small daypack - 25 liters.
- Wind proof jacket and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack.
- Small towels
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
- A pair of gloves
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