Jomsom/ Muktinath Trek-12Days

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Equipment List
Usefull Information

Trip Overview

We offer classic lodge treks in the Mustang region including the Jomsom Muktinath trekking . The world’s deepest gorge along the Kali Gandaki River. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3800m and can be completed by anyone with a moderate level of fitness. Continuing along the Kali Gandaki river valley, one marvels at the majestic peaks of Annapurna-1 and Dhaulagiri, both of which reach heights of over 8000m .

Explore the natural beauty of hundreds of years old monasteries, caves, local tribes and diverse landscapes. Starting from the Kali Gandaki region, the world’s deepest gorge, embark on an adventure to the highest regions of the world. Pass through almost treeless barren landscapes. steep rocky paths up and down the mountains and panoramic views of the Nilgiris, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks.

The initial days of the trek through the Annapurna region consist of climbing through rice terraces . Villages inhabited by tribal tribes, mostly the Gurungs. As you trek to Tatopani you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs. The trek then proceeds through Jomsom and Kagbeni, the entry point to the Upper Mustang region. The majesty of the Dhaulagiri glacier is shown a few feet higher with the first glimpse of the breezy Tibetan Plateau en route to the sacred Hindu shrine of Muktinath (3800m). 108 fountains match the water flowing from the taps in the temple.

While a mysterious natural gas fire bewilders the mind. From here it’s downhill to the village of Jomsom .On the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around the entrance to the “Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang” .Catch a glimpse of ancient traditions still in practice. The next day a flight brings you to Pokhara .from where we travel a few hours through the green hills to Kathmandu.The most ideal seasons to do this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (mid September to mid December). These seasons will reward you with warm weather, sunny skies and gorgeous views. You can also trek in winter (December, January, February), the only problem is the cold weather with snow-fall at higher altitudes.

The Jomsom-Muktinath Trek in Nepal is a popular trekking route, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. The best time to undertake this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons.

Spring (March to May): This is the pre-monsoon season, and the weather is generally stable with mild temperatures. The rhododendron flowers are in full bloom during this time, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The days are warmer, and the skies are clear, providing excellent views of the mountains.

Autumn (September to November): This is the post-monsoon season, and it is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal. The weather is clear, the air is crisp, and the visibility is excellent. The temperatures are moderate, and the trekking trails are usually dry. This season offers breathtaking views of the mountains, and the overall trekking experience is enjoyable.

During these months, the chances of rain and snow are minimal, making the trekking conditions favorable. The temperatures are not too hot or too cold, and the skies are generally clear, providing stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.It’s important to note that during the winter months (December to February), the temperatures can drop significantly, and the higher-altitude areas may experience heavy snowfall, making the trek more challenging. Similarly, during the monsoon season (June to August), the region receives heavy rainfall, and the trails can be muddy and slippery, posing difficulties for trekking.

Always check the current weather conditions and consider factors like your trekking experience, fitness level, and preferences before planning your trip. Additionally, be aware of any travel restrictions or permit requirements that may be in place at the time of your visit.

Highlights
                        Scenic Landscapes:The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from subtropical valleys to high desert plateaus. You’ll witness lush greenery, terraced fields, and charming villages in the lower regions, while the upper reaches offer a more arid and dramatic environment.

Kali Gandaki Gorge:The trek follows the Kali Gandaki River, and you’ll walk through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is one of the deepest gorges in the world. The views of the surrounding peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, are stunning.

Jomsom Town:omsom is a major town in the region and serves as a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is known for its windy conditions and is a great place to experience the unique culture of the local Thakali people.

Muktinath Temple:Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vaishnavites). The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters and provides stunning views of the Himalayas.

Cultural Experience:Throughout the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local people, experiencing their culture and hospitality. The villages along the trail are often decorated with prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Excursion:Many trekkers choose to include a side trip to Poon Hill, which offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges during sunrise. The play of colors on the mountains is truly spectacular.

Natural Hot Springs:On the way down from Muktinath, you can relax in natural hot springs at Tatopani. It’s a refreshing experience after days of trekking.

Local Cuisine:Enjoy the local cuisine, which includes traditional Nepali dishes and Thakali specialties. Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice) is a staple, and you’ll find variations of it throughout the trek.

Tea Houses:Accommodations along the route are provided in tea houses, allowing you to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

Mountain Views:The trek offers stunning views of several peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and others. The scenery is especially breathtaking during the clear days of the trek.

Itinerary

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Arrive Kathmandu

When you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by Sawasdee Nepal representatives who will take you to your hotel as soon as you arrive at the airport. After checking in, you can take a rest or visit Sawasdee Nepal’s office. You may also stroll through the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Sawasdee Nepal. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast we will take a scenic bus drive of 7 hours to reach Pokhara. Walk around the lake side and explore Pokhara city on your own. Sitting at hotel balcony you can have a excellent view of the mountains as they are only 28 Kms away from Pokhara city, which lies at an altiatude of 850m.
Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri

After breakfast you will drive for 45 minutes to reach Nayapul and start the trek. We will continue walking uphill along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. We will follow the terraced farms up to Hille and Tikhedhunga then cross a stream beyond the village and then drop down to the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. Then we will climb about 3500 steeps to reach the village of Ulleri for the overnight stay.
Trek to Ghorepani

We start walking in the morning after breakfast along the path that leads to the rhodendrons forest and you can see the Annapurna South, hidden by a ridge smiling at you. We will walk past the villages of Banthanti and Nangathanti through the forest to reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a settlement of Poon Magars and has the biggest collection of rhododendron.
Trek to Tatopani

We will hike to Poonhill [3210m], early morning for 45 minutes for sunrise view over the Manaslu range, and after breakfast we will leave Ghorepani through the rhododendron forest amidst the magnificent natural vistas. We will walk through the stone paved trails for one hour and reach Sikha, a Magar village on a ridge. We will continue descending till Ghar Khola and climb for sometime afterwards to cross the Kali Gandaki River on a large suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge we will walk for half an hour to reach Tatopani for overnight stay.
Trek to Ghasa

We will follow the climb up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains and walk towards the village of Dana, famous for orange groves. If you happen to come in October you can see the locals selling orange in the bamboo baskets. You can taste some of them and you will find them very tasty. Walking further ahead we pass the hamlet of Rupse, a thundering waterfall cascades down beside the trail, after which the trail enters the narrowest segment of the gorge. After walking for couple of hours you will find yourself in the Thakali village of Ghasa where you can see the flat-roofed Tibetan style houses.
Trek to Larjung

We will start walking towards Larjung today. We will come across the forests of fir, cypress and juniper along the riverbank of Kali Gandaki after ascending for some time. We will walk for 4 hours to reach Larjung which is a small town where the major attractions are the houses built in traditional Tibetan style, narrow alleys and tunnels.
trek to jomsom

We will walk past the villages of Kobang and Tukuche through the under construction motorway. We will again witness the narrow stone paved alleys and enclosed houses which are built to protect the settlement from the strong wind in the kali Gandaki area. We will walk past stonewalled orchards until we come across the stone gate which is the entrance to the village of Marpha, famous for monasteries, life style, apples and brandy made of apples!!!! After lunch and brief exploration we will head towards Jomsom. You will reach Jomsom, the head quarter of Mustang district in 2 hours from Marpha.
Trek to Muktinath

We will start walking towards the Muktinath temple today and walk past Ekle Bhatti along the bank of the Kali Gandaki river, which is famous for the fossils which the locals especially Hindus worships as Saligram. We will continue walking up hill, leaving the small village of Kagbeni, the gate way to Upper Mustang on the left side. After walking 2 hours from Ekle Bhatti we will reach the Jharkot village where there are monasteries made in the 15th centuries. These monasteries are made in Tibetan style and families around the area send their second son/daughter to grow up as Monks/nuns. We will further walk uphill until we reach Muktinath. This temple is a very important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhist as Hindus worship the god as lord Vishnu and Buddhist worship Muktinath as one of the Avalokteshowrs.
Trek to Jomsom

After the short descend in the morning you will find yourself in Jharkot and Khingar, where there are beautiful monasteries which give you the opportunity to witness the interrelation and similarity of Tibet to this area. The view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri is splendid throughout the trail. We will walk past Kagbeni to reach Jomsom along the bank of kali Gandaki River. We can spend some time exploring the headquarter of the mustang district, Jomsom.
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Fly/Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

We will take an early morning flight of 20 minutes to Pokhara as the flights can’t take off in the afternoon. Upon reaching Pokhara we will either take a 30 minutes flight or 7 hours drive to Kathmandu.
Departure

Your adventure comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but exchange emails with travel companions and organize photos. A representative from SawasdeeNepal will escort you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On our way home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

What's Included

Included

Airport pick up and departure services.
Hotel accommodation in Kathamndu,pokhara and Trekking Area
full bards meals during Trekking(breakfast, lunch and Dinner)
Tourist bus /Private land transport for all programs during the package.
Professional and Authorize Trekking Guide
Trekking Permit,Tims and papers works
jomsom/pokhara by flight
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, kit bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion
First-aid service and Govt. tax, VAT etc...

Excluded

Nepal Visa fee(bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs )
Extra night accommodation and foods in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Travel/medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
Personal expenses such (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, WIFI etc)
Tips for guides and porters

Equipment List

Documents
Passport
Travel insurance
Air tickets
Few passport-sized photos
Map
Clothing and Accessories
Sunglasses
Hat
Scarf
Masks
Neck gaiter
Lightweight thermal gloves
Lightweight towel
Down Jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Thermals
Sleeping trousers
Shorts
T-Shirts (full/half sleeve)
Underwears
Footwear
Socks
Walking shoes or sandals
Hiking shoes
Sleeping bag
Food & water
Snacks ( Crackers, Chips, Biscuits, etc)
Protein bars
Chocolates
Candies
Dry fruits
Your favorite coffee or tea bags
Water bottle
Water purifier
Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
Hand sanitizer
Quick drying towel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Multipurpose soap
Deodorant
Nail clipper
Face wash
Body wash
Baby Wipes
Sunscreen with maximum SPF
Moisturizer
Small mirror
Feminine hygiene (Sanitary pads)
Other Essentials
Sleeping bag
Duffel bag
Backpack (45-60 litre)
Swiss knife
Trekking Pole or Stick
Portable charger / power bank
Books
A notebook and a pen is always useful
Binoculars
Alarm clock
Torch/Flashlight/Headlamp
Lighter
Insect repellent
Earplugs
Locks
Sewing kit
Card games (Uno, Skip Bo)
Board games (Ludo, Chess)

Usefull Information

Nepal Country Visa and Entry Procedure
Here are two ways to obtain a Nepalese visa. The first one is via the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in your country. As of the second way, you can easily obtain an On-Arrival visa at the entry/exit points stationed across the country. You can fill out an application form and provide the necessary documents to receive an On-Arrival Visa. Travellers can choose different visa types according to the length of their stay in Nepal.
The visa for 15 days costs USD 30, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Also if your visa is about to expire but you are not yet done exploring the country, you can get your visa extended for USD 3 per day and if your visa has already expired, it costs USD 5 per day. This information regarding updated Visa Fees is available at the official website of the Department of Immigration .
You can also head to the following link for more information regarding Tourist visas in Nepal.

How to reach Nepal?
International flights are only available through the only International airport i.e. the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you are planning on travelling to Nepal by air then TIA is your only option. Flights can be boarded from India, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur among many other destinations.
Travelling by land you have two options, via India and China. There is also a direct railway line connecting India and Nepal along with several bus facilities for travelling across the border from India.
Travelling by road through India is the most easily accessible. You can travel to Nepal through Sunauli- Bhairahawa, Raxaul – Birgunj, Siliguri- Kakarbhitta, Banbasa – Mahendranagar, or Bahraich- Nepalgunj. Kodari and Kerung are two entry/exit points stationed at the Nepal-Tibet border.

Popular Destinations to Visit
There are numerous travel destinations in Nepal; each with a unique identity and story of its own. Kathmandu is one of such destinations, with dozens of sightseeing to do, eateries to try out, and handicrafts to shop. Next up is Pokhara which enchants its visitors with its serene lakes and the enthralling views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Fishtail ranges. Similarly, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bandipur, and Palpa are a few other destinations which are ripe for tours and leisurely vacations. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are two of the most popular destinations for jungle safari and wildlife exploration.
As for adventure sports, Kathmandu and Pokhara offer plenty of choices including rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and paragliding. Likewise, the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions stand out as prominent destinations for treks, peak climbing trips, and expeditions.
Things to do in Nepal
The nation is considered to be a paradise for trekkers and grants an exciting number of choices. On these treks, you will witness the grand views of the Himalayas and the cultural prosperity of the ethnic communities along the trails. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are two of the most popular treks in Nepal.
For those who are not satisfied with just gazing up to the mountains, you can go for a mountaineering expedition and peak climbing. While expeditions take you to mountains above the height of 6,500 meters, the destinations of peak climbing trips are low-lying peaks which can be summited even by amateurs. Everest (8848m), Annapurna (8091m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) are popular expedition sites whereas Island Peak (6189m), Mera Peak (6476m), and Pisang Peak (6091m) are the notable peak climbing destinations.
Short tours and sightseeing in Nepal are also quite popular among travellers in Nepal. Likewise, adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking are also among the things that can be done in Nepal.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal
The country lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct climates: spring, summer (with monsoon), autumn, and winter. Normally, the best time to trek in Nepal is in March-May (spring) when the skies are clear, trails are filled with blooming flora, and the temperature is just right.
Another appropriate season is mid-September to November (autumn), during which the temperature is moderate, skies are clear, and mountain views are stunning. The summer season (June – August) is occupied by heavy rainfall increasing the chances of landslides in the hills, while the winter season brings in harsh weather conditions and extreme cold. However, there are treks which can be done during winter and monsoon as well.
Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang regions lie in the rain-shadow area so, they are ideal trek destinations during monsoon. Likewise, easy and low-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poonhill and Tamang Heritage Trek are perfect during the winter season.

Altitude Sickness
While trekking in Nepal is extremely satisfying, altitude sickness might get a better hold of you at times. The air pressure and oxygen concentration decrease the higher you travel.
As such, altitude sickness is an illness that the human body suffers from due to these reasons. The symptoms of the sickness include lack of appetite, nausea, weakness, lightheartedness, sleep disturbance, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms generally appear when moving upwards of the height of 2,400 meters from sea level.
You can adopt different measures to avoid altitude sickness like a walk at a slow and steady pace, avoiding smoking, and stopping at different stations to acclimatize. Before beginning your trek, make sure you have a first aid kit with ibuprofen or paracetamol and Diamox. If anyone falls victim to altitude sickness, it is necessary to inform the trip leader and descend to a lower altitude. In extreme cases, it might also be necessary to perform Heli rescue and emergency evacuations.

Travel Insurance
Accidents can happen anywhere so, it is recommended for all tourists to get travel insurance before visiting Nepal. Depending upon the insurance policy and the company, the insurance will look after tragic like theft, loss or accidental damage of gears and other belongings, baggage, and medical emergencies. Likewise, the insurance should also include helicopter evacuation and any kinds of mishaps that might occur during adventure sporting like bungee jumping, rafting, and zip-lining. No one is capable of foreseeing the accidents, but each individual can buy themselves an insurance policy to lessen the effects of the accident.

Meals and Accommodations
In major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu, you will get multiple options to choose from, from cheap lodges to extravagant 5 stars hotels. Likewise, you will also get to choose from a wide range of cuisines while in the major cities. However, once you move away from the cities, the options for meals and accommodations in Nepal will become limited. During the treks, the best accommodations available are lodges and teahouses. They provide basic facilities for dining and lodging. These places mostly serve traditional Nepali food “Daal Bhat Tarkari” (rice, pulses, and vegetables). Similarly, there are several other food varieties like Momo, Thukpa, and Thakali food available across Nepal.

Banking, ATMs, and Money in Nepal
Nepalese Rupees are the official currency of Nepal. The banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 whereas coins of 1 and 2 are available in Nepal.
While travelling to Nepal, banking and money exchange are not a huge deal in big cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. When you head to rural areas, the availability of banks, ATMs, and money exchange booths becomes fairly scarce. So, it is best to withdraw enough cash and exchange the currency in major cities. You can also exchange foreign currencies for Nepali Rupees at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You need to be updated about the exchange rates which are available at the official website of Nepal Rastra Bank

Internet and Communication
It is quite easy to access the Internet in Nepal. Using Wi-Fi is a widely used way to communicate and use the Internet. Wi-Fi is easily available in major cities and even in some remote destinations. When trekking to remote locations, Wi-Fi might not always be available; so, using cellular data is the best way to communicate over the Internet. You can buy a Sim-card in Nepal at a reasonable price which allows you to make an international call. Also, you can use mobile data while you are in the areas without Wi-Fi. Telephone, Fax, and newspapers are a few other forms of communication in Nepal.

Internal Flight Delays
Due to the geographical diversity and unpredictable climate in the Himalayas, internal flights are often delayed or cancelled. Weather conditions like heavy rainfall, storms, or fog can disrupt flights. So, it is wise to spare an extra day or two as buffer days, in case of flight delays and cancellations. Likewise, it is also necessary to note that the weather conditions are great during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. If you have enough time, you can also choose road transportation in such cases.

Health and Safety Including Traveling alone in Country
The country is very safe for all tourists and travellers. The country is not experiencing any armed conflicts, religious wars, or grave crimes. Travelling alone is also perfectly sage and you will find willing Nepalese to help you with your travel issues. We also advise solo travellers to inform their loved ones and authorities like local police about their travel destination and itinerary to remain on the safe side. However, there are many issues that you need to consider to trek alone. So, you should have ample knowledge and idea before going on a solo trek.
Likewise, there is a Tourist Police department in Nepal which looks after the welfare and safety of the travellers. You can learn more about them at the official website of the Nepal Tourism Board
In case of medical emergencies during your trek, you can visit the nearest health post which provides basic medical services. If the medical complication persists, you’ll have to head to the hospitals in towns and cities. Similarly, it is also necessary to follow a healthy and hygienic lifestyle when travelling in Nepal to stay fit and healthy.
Useful Nepali Phrases

English Nepali
Thank You Dhanyabad
How are you? Tapaii lai Kasto Chha?
I am fine. Malai Thick Cha
Have you eaten? (used often as an informal greeting) Khanna khan nu bhayo?
What is your name? Tapako Naam ke ho?
Pardon me/ Sorry Maaf garnu-hola
I don’t understand Maile bhujhina
I understand Maile bhujhe
See you again