| Duration: | 24 Day(s) - 23 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking |
Jomsom Trekking (Jomsom & Muktinath Trekking)
Jomsom Trekking, also known as Jomsom & Muktinath Trekking or the Kali Gandaki Valley Trek, is located in the Annapurna region north of Pokhara. Jomsom Trekking offers some of the most dramatic close-up views of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world.
The classic Jomsom Trek starts with a long climb and descends to the world’s deepest gorge on the Kali Gandaki River, passing through rhododendron forests and leading to the Tibetan-influenced Trans-Himalayan plateau. Jomsom & Muktinath Trekking also offers a chance to encounter unique ethnic cultures that still practice ancient traditions.
The Jomsom & Muktinath Trekking is famous for the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m), an important pilgrimage destination for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Pilgrims bathe in the 108 holy water spouts—even during December—to cleanse their past karma.
The temple’s eternal flame, “Jwala Mai,” which burns naturally through water, is a major attraction. Another highlight is the sacred “Saligram” fossils found along the Kali Gandaki River, believed by Hindus to represent Lord Vishnu and to bring wealth, forgiveness, health, and happiness.
This trip also includes the natural hot spring of Tatopani, significant both religiously and scientifically. The iconic viewpoint Ghorepani Poon Hill offers magnificent sunrise and sunset views over the entire Annapurna range.
The roaring Dhaulagiri Icefall and the mighty Kali Gandaki River have carved a dramatic deep gorge at Dana (1450m) between the peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). During sunrise and sunset, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, Tukuche, and many other peaks appear breathtakingly magical. The trail slowly climbs through rhododendron forests until the majestic Annapurna range reveals itself near Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Most trekkers choose to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek down to Nayapul, Beni, or Phedi, visit Annapurna Base Camp, and then return to Pokhara before heading back to Kathmandu. If you are worried about altitude sickness, you may also begin the trek from Phedi, Nayapul, or Beni, although in our experience, no trekkers have had issues even when flying to Jomsom.
The traditional Thakali salt traders are famous for their hospitality and Nepali cuisine. Their homes—clean, charming, and traditionally built—have been converted into excellent lodges. Mustang is often called “Mini Tibet,” one of the region’s greatest attractions.
TRIP FACTS:
Activities: Trekking & Walking, Sightseeing, Cultural Tour
Difficulty: Easy & Moderate
Max Elevation: 4,130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
Trek/Tour Style: Teahouse
Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu / Lodge on Trek
Best Season: Sept–Nov & Mar–May
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the international airport, you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (1350m)
Our team leader will guide you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. You will explore several historical and spiritual attractions, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, the House of the Living Goddess Kumari, Kasthamandap Temple (built from a single tree in the 16th century), Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.
If time permits, we will visit Patan Durbar Square and, optionally, Bhaktapur, known as the Living Museum. After the tour, return to the hotel for trek preparation. Please check your travel insurance details and carry a copy with you.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (950m) – 6 to 7 hours
Our team leader will pick you up at 6:00 AM. The scenic drive offers beautiful views of mountains, green hills, rivers, and countryside settlements. Pokhara is a beautiful valley with stunning views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2713m) – 25 minutes; Trek to Kagbeni (2897m) – 3 to 4 hours
Early morning flight to Jomsom with spectacular mountain views. After breakfast, start trekking along the wide Kali Gandaki Valley toward Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Explore the village in the afternoon.
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3800m) – 4 to 5 hours
The trail ascends gently across a stunning desert landscape, caves, Tibetan-style villages, apple orchards, yak herds, sheep herds, and views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Visit the ancient Jharkot village and monastery before ascending to Muktinath Temple—an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 06: Trek Muktinath via Jhong to Kagbeni (2800m) – 5 to 6 hours
Explore Muktinath Village before heading to the historical non-touristic village of Jhong. The trail descends through desert landscapes and the windy Kali Gandaki Valley, where Saligram fossils are found. Return to Kagbeni for the night.
Day 07: Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m) – 4 to 5 hours
A pleasant trek along the flat valley of the Kali Gandaki. Pass Jomsom and continue to Marpha, famous for apple orchards and apple brandy.
Day 08: Trek Marpha to Ghasa (2010m) – 5 to 6 hours
Continue down the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing Tukuche and Larjung. Cross a high suspension bridge and walk through pine, juniper, and cypress forests toward Kalopani. Reach Ghasa for overnight.
Day 09: Trek Ghasa to Tatopani (1190m) – 4 to 5 hours
Walk through the world’s deepest gorge. Pass Rupse Waterfall and continue to Tatopani, famous for hot springs. Enjoy a relaxing bath.
Day 10: Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani (2834m) – 6 to 7 hours
Ascend through villages like Ghara and Shikha. Walk through rhododendron and magnolia forests before reaching Ghorepani with stunning Himalayan scenery.
Day 11: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m) – 45 minutes; Trek to Tadapani (2520m) – 4 to 5 hours
Early morning hike for sunrise views over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and more. After breakfast, trek to Tadapani through forests, waterfalls, and scenic ridges.
Day 12: Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2140m) – 4 to 5 hours
Descend to Kimrong Khola, cross the suspension bridge, and ascend to Gurjung Village. Continue gradually to Chhomrong with great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
Day 13: Trek Chhomrong to Dovan (2500m) – 5 to 6 hours
Descend to Chhomrong Khola, climb to Sinuwa, and walk through dense forests to Bamboo. Continue to Dovan for overnight.
Day 14: Trek Dovan to Deurali (3200m) – 4 to 5 hours
Short day due to altitude. Walk through forests and past Hinko Cave before reaching avalanche-prone areas near Deurali.
Day 15: Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) – 4 to 5 hours
Ascend through a windy, snow-prone valley. Pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continue to Annapurna Base Camp for stunning 360° mountain views.
Day 16: Trek ABC to Bamboo (2345m) – 5 to 6 hours
Enjoy sunrise views before descending the same trail to Bamboo. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 17: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m) – 4 to 5 hours
Retrace the trail to Chhomrong, then descend steeply to Jhinu Hot Spring. Enjoy natural hot baths 20 minutes from the lodge.
Day 18: Trek Jhinu Danda to Tolka (1790m) – 4 to 5 hours
Descend to Komrong Khola, cross a new suspension bridge, and continue through Landruk to reach Tolka. Explore the village.
Day 19: Trek to Tolka to Dhampus (1580m) – 3 to 4 hours
Walk through forests, cross a stream, and ascend to Deurali with excellent views. Then hike down to Dhampus via Pothana.
Day 20: Trek Dhampus to Phedi (1080m) – 1 hour 45 minutes; Drive to Pokhara – 40 minutes
Descend through forests and villages to Phedi, then drive to Pokhara for lunch. Free time afterwards.
Day 21: Explore Pokhara Valley
Visit Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Devi’s Waterfall, World Peace Stupa, International Mountain Museum, Tibetan refugee camp, and Gupteshwor Cave. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 22: Drive Back to Kathmandu – 6 to 7 hours
Start early and drive through rivers, hills, and villages. An optional flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu can be arranged.
Day 23: Farewell Day in Kathmandu (1350m)
Enjoy leisure time. In the evening, we host a farewell Nepali dinner and hand over your trek certificates, permits, and TIMS Card.
Day 24: Final Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight. Take with you beautiful memories of Nepal.
