Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Several reasons can make you explore the beauty of Mustang if you are trekking to Nepal. The Mustang Ghorepani Trek is one of the great adventurous places, offering a mix of natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. Starting from Pokhara, the trail will take you through different landscapes. You will make your way through lush forests to dry valleys. The stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagari range throughout the journey add to the scenic trekking experience. Some of the remote yet most popular villages, such as Jomsom, Marpha, and Kagbeni, is another reason for you to make your trek to Jomsom.

Reaching Muktinath Temple can be the major highlight of the trek. It is a holy place worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Many people who follow this religion visit this place for spiritual reasons. Stopping by here, you will find a sense of relaxation. You can also experience the rich Thakala traditions and culture on your journey. This trek is perfect for something challenging yet relaxing, with amazing landscapes and mountain views. No matter what you seek from nature, culture, or spirituality, the Jomsom Muktinath Trek is the one-stop.

The trekking journey towards the 15-day Jomsom Muktinath takes you through diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. The starting point of our trip is from Kathmandu. We will take a scenic ride towards Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to our trekking journey. From there, we will take a short flight to Jomsom. Upon reaching Jomsom, our trekking journey towards the Muktinath starts. The first day of our trek led us to Kagbeni. It is a picturesque village on the edge of the Upper Mustang region. Our trail will take us to the arid landscape with a view of the Kali Gandaki River.

Continuing upwards, we will pass through villages like Marpha. It is famous for its apple orchards and Tukuche, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As we ascend, we will finally make our way up to Muktinath on about 7 to 10 days of trekking. Muktinath is the major highlight of our trekking journey.

After exploring this spiritual and religious significant site, we will finally return to Jomsom, following the different trekking trails. We will follow the Ghorapani trail and reach Ghandruk. From there, we will descend more towards Birethanti. From there, we will take a short ride to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will take a flight back to Kathmandu. The journey of our 15 days finally concludes when we get back to the hotel.

Muktinath Temple

The major attraction of this trekking trail is the Muktinath Trek. It is 3800 meters high and a sacred site reserved for Hindus and Buddhists. It is a hole to Vishnu God, and there are a total of 108 water spouts which are believed to cleanse your sins. You will also witness the beautiful panoramic snow-capped mountains and diverse landscapes upon reaching here.

Jomsom

As we reach Jomsom via flight, we will experience the unique charm of the village. Most of the people residing here follow the Tibetan culture. This is the perfect place to experience the local culture and their way of life. Also, Jomsom is famous for its apple farms and strong winds. You will also meet the people taking an Upper Mustang or Annapurna Circuit Trek here.

Kagbeni

This is the first village we pass by in our Muktinath Trekking Journey. Nestled at the entry of Upper Mustang, this place offers a glimpse into medieval Tibetan architecture and traditions. This is also the central point where you can get all the permits for your trekking journey. This place is famous for its strategic location and historical significance.

Marpha

Known as the ‘Apple Capital’ of Nepal, Marpha delights you with its extensive apple orchards and production of local apple products like cider and brandy. Stopping by this village, you will experience the traditional Thakali hospitality. Most of the people residing here are Thakali.

Ghorepani

Ghorepani is a picturesque village located at an altitude of 2,850 meters. It is famous for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The town is surrounded by lush rhododendron forests that bloom in spring, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. Ghorepani is a popular stop for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Muktinath Trek.

The best time for the Muktinath Trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In these months, the weather is usually stable with clear skies, making it perfect for enjoying the mountain views. During spring, you will experience mild temperatures and beautiful blooming rhododendrons. The trails are dry, and the weather is pleasant for trekking. Similarly, you will find stable weather in autumn with little to no rain. Also, trekking in August allows you to deeply understand the people’s culture and traditions, as Nepal’s major festival falls during this time.

Because of heavy rainfall, you should avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to August). The trails can become muddy and slippery, and landslides and poor visibility may make your trek difficult. Winter (December to February) can be very cold, with snowfall at higher altitudes, making it more challenging. However, the lower elevations can still be manageable. If you trek during the best seasons, you will have a great experience without many risks or difficulties.

The Jomsom to Muktinath and Ghorepani Trek are moderately challenging and suitable for you if you have some hiking experience. You will trek through different types of terrain, from flat sections along the Kali Gandaki River to steep climbs and descents. Since Muktinath is at 3,800 meters, you must take breaks to acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness.

The trail is well-marked and often follows jeep tracks, making it easier for you to navigate. This trek is easy compared to some remote destinations in Nepal. You should also be ready for varying weather conditions, from hot and dry in lower areas to cold and windy at higher altitudes. This trek is manageable if you have average fitness levels. But it would be best if you prepared both physically and mentally for the challenges of altitude and changing landscapes.

For the Jomsom Trek to Muktinath, trekkers need to obtain two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS Card.

ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

The ACAP permit is required as the trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, ensuring conservation efforts and supporting local communities. You can obtain the ACAP permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board or the ACAP office. The cost of the ACAP permit varies depending on nationality. For foreigners, it typically ranges from USD 20 to USD 30 per person.

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

The TIMS card helps monitor and ensure trekkers’ safety by providing their details and itinerary to authorities. You can get it in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the Nepal Tourism Board or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) at the time of the ACAP permit.  The price of the TIMS card depends on whether you are trekking independently or with a registered trekking agency. You can get it for around USD 10 per person if you are an individual trekker.

During the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek, you will find meals and accommodations in teahouses or lodges along the route. Teahouses offer simple accommodation with basic amenities like beds, blankets, pillows, and shared bathrooms. Rooms are usually twin-sharing or dormitory style. Some teahouses may have attached bathrooms at higher prices. Heating is available in common areas, but bringing a sleeping bag for extra warmth is good.

Meals are basic but hearty, typically consisting of Nepali and Tibetan dishes. You will also find some international options. Breakfast often includes eggs, pancakes, bread, and porridge. You can expect dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), noodles, pasta, rice dishes, and sometimes pizza or burgers in more developed areas for lunch and dinner. Meals are prepared fresh and provide energy for trekking. It’s recommended to carry snacks and refillable water bottles during the trek.

Travel insurance is very important if you go to the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek. It protects you in case of unexpected events. The insurance includes medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation if you get altitude sickness or injured, trip cancellations, and loss or theft of your belongings. Travel insurance lets you enjoy your trek without worrying about money problems.

When buying travel insurance, ensure it covers trekking up to the altitude you will reach (Muktinath is at 3,800 meters). Check that it includes emergency medical coverage, helicopter evacuation, and coverage for trip delays or cancellations. Understand any exclusions or limits in the policy. Always choose comprehensive travel insurance for trekking in Nepal and pick a trekking agency with good reviews.