Jomsom and Muktinath Trekking - 11 Days

Naturally blessed with diverse geographical structures, cultures, religions, different ethnic groups, remote villages, etc within the territory of the Jomsom and Muktinath trekking offers a unique trek experience. Upper elevations are covered by the desert areas wherein lies monasteries, prayer flags, rocky stones, settlements of Tibetan tribes, and Buddhist religious practice whereas the low lands are captivated by rice farming, green forest and settled by Brahmins, Chhetri, Thakali, Gurung, Magar people and following the Hindu religion.

Discovery World Trekking provides you the opportunity to see mesmerizing panoramic close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091m) to the east and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to the west on the route to Jomsom and Muktinath Trekking. Walking along the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki carved/ formed by the Kaligandaki River and taking a bath in a natural hot spring makes our journey full of thrilling, adventures and excitement. You may even find sacred fossils rocks called Shaligram in Nepalese language on the Ridge of Kali Gandaki River where Hindus pray.

Trek to Jomsom and Muktinath heads to the lake city of Pokhara from the capital city of Kathmandu with a pre-determined Itinerary arranged by the Discovery World Trekking. After nearly about 6/7 hours of driving lead you to Pokhara. Then you will take a taxi to Nayapul. Nayapul is our first starting point of hiking then all our members gradually trek to reach Gorepani Poonhill where you can enjoy the sunrise and many mountains range views. This trail passes through the farming fields, forests, blooming red rhododendron flowers, Gurung and Mager villages, and natural hot springs.

Muktinath is the highest place of our trip package located at an elevation of 3,800m. This holy sacred temple for Buddhists and Hindus is renowned for its piousness. It has two small ponds in front of the temple, and an “Eternal flame” burns inside the temple. There are 108 holy taps in the temple premises. It is believed that taking a bath in the water or drinking water continually in these taps guarantees salvation after death. From Muktinath, you can choose to drive back or fly back to Pokhara.

1. day 1

   Drive to Pokhara (820 m/ 2,690 ft) 200 km west of the Kathmandu Valley - 6-7 hrs

   We start our scenic drive after an early morning breakfast, traveling by tourist bus out of the valley and along the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. The beautiful scenery along the way includes rivers, terraced fields, villages and sights of the snowy mountains, including Ganesh and Manaslu peaks. Pokhara is a lakeside tourist's paradise with many facilities for travelers.

   • Accommodation at Hotel near Lakeside.
   • Included meals: Breakfast
2. day 2

   Drive to Nayapul (1,050 m / 3,445 ft) 1½ hrs and trek to Tikhedunga(1,540 m / 5,050 ft) - 3-4 hrs

   After a nourishing breakfast meal, we enjoy a short drive through beautiful landscape on the way to Nayapul, our trek starting point. Here we inaugurate our first steps on the trail. The route follows a pleasantly through fertile jungle and terraced fields along a rushing river. We pass through several rural settlements and gradually reach Tikhedunga.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. day 3

   Trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m/ 9,385 ft) – 6-7 hrs

   This day involves a vigorous ascent as we climb a long, steep series of stone steps on our way to Ghorepani. After the challenging steps we journey through scenic villages and timberland. Although a difficult climb, along the way, we can take in astonishing views of the snowy peaks including the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli. Our destination is Ghorepani, a spectacular settlement located on a ridgeline.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. day 4

   Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/ 10,525 ft) ¾ hr, then trek to Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940 ft) 4 hrs

   Today we have an early start of the day as we begin before sunrise to ascend Poon Hill in time to view the sunrise on the Himalaya. The marvelous panoramic view from Poon Hill includes Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, the Annapurnas and much more. After enjoying the views, we return to our lodge for a hearty breakfast, and then follow a pleasant forest trail through rhododendron and villages with terraced farmland to eventually cross the Kali Gandaki river and arrive at Tatopani with nearby hot springs where we take a dip and savor the experience.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. day 5

   Trek to Ghasa (1,190 m/3,900 ft) – 5 hrs

   The pleasant route heads north as we follow upriver in the Kali GandakiValley. We take the chance to explore newly developed trails away from the motor road. We will pass through scenic farmland with rural villages surrounded by terraced fields. We are hiking up the world’s deepestgorge, with Dhaulagiri, world’s seventh highest peak on one side, and Annapurna I, the tenth highest on the other.We ascend to the peaceful village of Ghasa, mainly populated by Thakali people of this region.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. day 6

   Trek to Tukche(2,510 m/8,550 ft) – 5hrs

   Today we continue our journey up the Kali Gandaki. We pass through peaceful forests to the large settlements of Lete and Kalapani and as we continue the journey north , the territory becomes noticeably drier and the lush vegetation and forests give way to more desert like terrain. The culture, too, begins to change from the lowland Hindu style practices to a Buddhist lifestyle. Tukche is a scenicvillage with surrounding orchards and a monastery. The local brandy from Tukche is famous throughout Nepal and a hit with many trekkers.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. day 7

   Trek to Kagbeni (2,900 m/9,500 ft) - 5 hrs

   We pass through the scenic village of Marpha, famous as part of the Annapurna Circuit for its apple pies before road building dramatically decreased tourism. We enjoy thrilling views of the surrounding peaks and unforgettable landscape.Jomsom is the next town and district headquarters of Mustang. The route then follows a pleasantly up the arid valley of the Kali Gandaki Riverto the fort of Kagbeni, an ancient trade post with a Buddhist monastery, too. Kagbeni is just south of the restricted area of Upper Mustang.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. day 8

   Trek to Muktinath (3,855 m/12,635ft)- 4 hrs

   We will make an exciting journey up the valley in the direction of the legendary Thorung La pass. We are on the world-famous Annapurna Circuit but most people attempt the pass from the other direction. We make a scenic climb up the Jhong River valley with marvelous scenery along the way. The trail passes ancient villages on the way to Muktinath, a temple that has long been a pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple’s walled complex has a Buddhists monastery and Hindu shrines, 108 bathing spouts and even an ‘eternal flame’.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. day 9

   Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m/8,915 ft)-4 hrs

   We have reached our final day on the trekking trails. The journey heads down the valley as we lose elevation and gradually rejoin the Kali Gandaki River valley bottom and the trail back to Jomsom. Jomsom’s market area may seem like a big change from the serene trails and villages that we have visited. Rest and refresh at the lodge or explore Jomsom bazaar.

   • Overnight at Lodge.
   • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. day 10

    Early morning flight to Pokhara (820 m/ 2,690 ft) (and optional flight back to Kathmandu

    We say goodbye to Mustang today and will have an early morning flight back through the Kali Gandaki Valley’s southern section. The scenic flight returns us to Pokhara. (We can then connect with a flight back to the ancient city of Kathmandu, or take a day of exploration of Pokhara and tourist bus to Kathmandu the following day). The rest of the day is yours to explore the city and perhaps go souvenir shopping or just relax in the tourist haven.

    • Accommodation at Hotel near Lakeside
    • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. day 11

    Drive from Pokhara (820 m/ 2,690 ft) to Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,450 ft) - 6-7hrs

    Today is an early start as we depart by tourist bus for a return to Kathmandu. The 200 km route follows first along the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli Rive offering a good look at the natural scenery and farmland. The bus makes one last climb and we are back in the valley of the gods, Kathmandu.

    • Accommodation at selected Hotel in Kathmandu.
    • Included meals: Breakfast

• Both way transportation service between Kathmandu and Pokhara by Tourist bus.
• Private transport from Pokhara bus station to your hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.
• Two night’s accommodation in selected hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast.
• Private transportation service Pokhara and Nayapul (trek strat point)
• Tea House/ Lodge accommodation including meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trek.
• Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.
• Government License holder Discovery World Trekking experienced and qualified trek leader (guide), and porter to help trekkers luggage (2 trekkers: 1porter).
• Coverage of guides and porters meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation and other necessary equipment.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
• Catering extra dietary requirements
• All Government and Local Taxes.
• Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance).
• Discovery World Trekking appreciation of certificate after over the successfully trek.
• Farewell dinner.

• International Flight.
• Excess baggage charges.
• All accommodations and Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu and Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara.
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and pokhra due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (because of any reason) prior to the plan scheduled itinerary.
• Personal expense such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, bettery re-charge fee extra porters etc.
• Personal clothing and gear.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips for guide and porters (Recommended by the Culture)
• Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.