6 Best Routes to Jomsom and Muktinath Trek

Muktinath

Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is a classic and popular trek in the Mustang Region, North of Pokhara. It takes you through the gorgeous Gurung village, rhododendron forest, apple orchards, the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Gorge, and the Tibetan Plateau.

With the breath-taking views of Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) on the backdrop, explore the centuries-old monasteries, temples, and caves. With the maximum altitude of 3,800m, this trek can be carried out by anybody with moderate fitness.

Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is one of the sacred sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here, you get to encounter the natural eternal flame, the holy 108 water spouts, sadhus carrying a trident, and people selling Saligram, a black stone when broken open shows the fossilized remains of prehistoric ammonites.

Muktinath is the home of Lord Vishnu and a place to attain salvation for Hindus and the Buddhists. It is believed that Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

As you move along the trails, you will explore a fascinating village of Kagbeni that is the entryway to Upper Mustang.

For people with less time to spare but a desire to see explore the Himalayas closely, this trek is perfect for you to get the taste of majestic mountains with a blend of historical culture.

Main Highlights of the Trip

1. The holy Muktinath Temple:
Muktinath Temple lies in the Mustang Region of Nepal and is considered the sacred place for the Hindus. You can encounter the sacred temple with 108 water sprouts or ‘Mukti Dhara’. These water sprouts are considered to wash away one’s sin. Also, get fascinated with the eternal flame that lights up naturally.

2. Marpha Village:
Marpha is known as the apple capital of Nepal as it produces the highest number of Apple and apple products. The village has slated roofs and white washed houses that are amazing to watch. You can try on the local apple brandy, ciders and dried apples. This tourist hub has preserved its heritage along with embracing the modernity.

3. Stunning views of the peaks:
The trek takes you along the trails of Kali Gandaki with the amazing views of the peaks on the backdrop. With the stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Range, Tukuche, the landscape is unforgettable.

4. Saligram:
Saligram, also known as Shila, is a fossilized stone which is considered as the symbol of Lord Vishnu. These are black stones with or without chakra with hint of golden colors on the top. These are generally collected from the Kali Gandaki banks.

5. Kagbeni:
Kagbeni is a small settlement that fills the gap between upper and lower Mustang. When you pass through Kagbeni, it will take up to the old royal capital of Lo Manthang. You will be enticed with the prayer flags, chortens and immeasurable terrains of the Himalayas. The mysterious beauty that Kagbeni has to offer is filled with glory and irresistibility.

6. Traditional culture and cuisine:
The trails pass through the main villages of Ghorepani, Kagbeni, and Tatopani. All the villages have a certain culture and traditions. You will be delighted with the warm hospitality of the ethnic communities and can enjoy their home-cooked foods as you spend the nights in the villages.

7. Meditation:
Muktinath is considered to be the home of Lord Vishnu and a place to attain salvation for Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the sanctuary of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Also, it is believed that Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism mediated along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Thus, many people mediate along the river bank, at peace with praying flags flapping over them.

8. Deepest Gorge:
Kali Gandaki gorge is known to be the world’s deepest gorge. This allows you to stand between two peaks above 8,000m i.e. Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. The gorge which is 5571m lower than Annapurna I lets you experience the beauty and unforgettable landscape of Nepal.

9. The natural hot spring at Tatopani:
As you move forward, you will come across Tatopani which translates hot water in Nepali. You can soak up your body in the natural hot spring to relax. It is believed that the healing properties of the hot spring help with the body aches and skin problems.

Six Trek Routes to Jomsom and Muktinath

There are a wide variety of routes that will take you on Jomsom and Muktinath Trek. However, with your needed preferences of starting point, transportation means, time limit and budget, you can choose one of the following six best routes for Jomsom and Muktinath Trek.

1. Jomsom Muktinath Overland Tour from Pokhara – 3 Days

Trip Facts:

✅ Activities: Trekking & Hiking
✅ Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
✅ Maximum Altitude: 3,800m/12,464ft
✅ Start From: Kathmandu
✅ Finish At: Kathmandu

Jomsom Muktinath Overland tour from Pokhara is a short, classic, and exciting tour that takes to the sacred site of Nepal, Muktinath. This package has amazing landscapes and majestic peaks at the backdrop.

Encounter the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki gorge, Tibetan plateaus, and the warm welcome of the local people.

Take a scenic drive from Pokhara to Tatopani for a natural hot spring bath. Drive to Muktinath and worship in the gorgeous landscape. Later drive back to Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Drive from Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) to Tatopani Hot spring (1,190m/3,904ft)
Duration: 4-5 Hours (99 km) Drive
Day 2 Drive from Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft) to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
via Kagbeni Duration: 5-6 Hours (99 km) Drive
Day 3 Drive from Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft)
Duration: 9-10 Hours (173 km) Drive

2. Muktinath Yatra From Pokhara – 3 Days

Trip facts:

✅ Activities: Trekking & Hiking
✅ Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
✅ Maximum Altitude: 3,800m/12,464ft
✅ Start From: Pokhara
✅ Finish At: Pokhara

Muktinath Yatra from Pokhara is a short trip to the holy site of Muktinath. This place is believed to be the home of Lord Vishnu and a place to attain salvation.

The temple is enclosed with 108 water spouts, saligrams amidst the beautiful peaks. Likewise, this place is equally sacred for Buddhists and is home to Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion.

The journey starts from a scenic flight to Jomsom and a quick drive to Muktinath followed by a flight back to Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft)
Drive to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
via Kagbeni, Duration: 25 minutes flight, 2 hours’ drive
Day 2 Drive from Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft) to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft)
Duration: 2 hours’ drive
Day 3 Fly back to Pokhara (800m/2,635ft) & Pokhara sightseeing
Duration: 25 minutes flight

3. Muktinath and Manakamana Tour from Kathmandu – 5 Days

Trip Facts:

✅ Activities: Trekking & Hiking
✅ Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
✅ Maximum Altitude: 3,800m/12,464ft
✅ Start From: Kathmandu
✅ Finish At: Kathmandu

Muktinath and Manakamana Tour from Kathmandu offer you the opportunity to witness two Hindu Temples i.e Muktinath and Manakamana.

Muktinath temple is worshipped for Lord Vishnu and is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites. It is also the place where Tibetan Buddhism Guru Rinpoche mediated.

Likewise, Manakamana is the holy temple of Goddess Bhagawati and is believed to fulfill the wishes of the devotees who visit the temple.
The journey starts from a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Manakamana Temple. You will fly to Jomsom and visit Muktinath and fly back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft)
On the way visit Manakamana Temple Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive
Day 2 Early morning Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) then drive to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
via Kagbeni Duration: 25 minutes flight, 2 hours drive
Day 3 Visit Muktinath temple and around
Drive from Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft) to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft)
Duration: 2 hours drive
Day 4 Morning Fly back to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) and afternoon Pokhara sightseeing
Duration: 25 minutes flight
Day 5 Drive from Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive

4. Muktinath and Manakamana Overland Tour from Kathmandu – 5 Days

Trip Facts:

✅ Activities: Trekking & Hiking
✅ Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
✅ Maximum Altitude: 3,800m/12,464ft
✅ Start From: Kathmandu
✅ Finish At: Kathmandu

Muktinath and Manakamana Overland Tour from Kathmandu offer you to visit two holy temples of Nepal (Muktinath and Manakamana) in just 5 days. Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, is a place for salvation and home to Lord Vishnu and Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion.

It lies at the maximum altitude of 3800m and lets you experience the scenic landscape, majestic mountains, and deepest gorge in the world as you move along the trails.

Likewise, Manakamana is worshipped for Goddess Bhagawati and is believed that anybody who visits this temple will be granted what they wished for.

The trail takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Manakamana and to Tatopani and Muktinath temple and back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) Visit Manakamana Temple
Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive
Day 2 Drive from Pokhara to Tatopani Hot spring (1,190m/3,904ft)
Duration: 4-5 Hours (99 km) Drive
Day 3 Drive from Tatopani to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
via Kagbeni Duration: 5-6 Hours (99 km) Drive
Day 4 Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft)
Duration: 9-10 Hours (173 km) Drive
Day 5 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive

5. Jomsom Muktinath Trek from Pokhara – 6 Days

Trip facts:

✅ Activities: Trekking & Hiking
✅ Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
✅ Maximum Altitude: 3,800m/12,464ft
✅ Start From: Pokhara
✅ Finish At: Pokhara

Jomsom Muktinath Trek from Pokhara offers you the scenic landscape, sub-tropical rainforest, Tibetan Plateaus, sacred sites to the deepest gorge in the world.

Take on a spiritual journey to one of the sacred places for both Hindus and Buddhists and experience what nature has to offer.
The journey starts from a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and treks to Muktinath via Kagbeni.

You will experience the 108 water spouts, pilgrimage sites, natural gas flame, and the Tibetan plateaus. Drive to Tatopani to relax at natural hot spring and descend to Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Kimche before going back to Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,217ft)
Duration: 25 minutes flight, 3- 4 hours trek
Day 2 Trek to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
Walking distance: 3-4 hours trek
Day 3 Drive to Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft) hot spring
Duration: 4-5 hours (80 km) drive
Day 4 Trek to Ghorepani (2,874m/9,427ft)
Walking distance: 7-8 hours trek
Day 5 Trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) visit Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft)
Walking distance: 6-7 hours trek
Day 6 Trek to Kimche (1,610m/5,281ft) via Ghandruk Drive to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft)
Duration: 4-5 hours trek, 2:30 hours’ drive

6. Jomsom Muktinath Trek – 8 Days

Trip Facts:

✅ Activities: Trekking & Hiking
✅ Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
✅ Maximum Altitude: 3,800m/12,464ft
✅ Start From: Kathmandu
✅ Finish At: Kathmandu

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a popular trek that takes you on a journey to the sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

It takes you through the lush fields, rainforest, Tibetan plateaus, and to the deepest gorge in the world called Kali Gandaki gorge. You will encounter the beautiful views of the mountains above 8,000m, 108 holy water spouts, the warm hospitality of ethnic communities, and a refreshing bath at Tatopani.

This journey takes you through Jomsom, Muktinath, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Kimche, and back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Outline Itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/,2625ft)
Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive
Day 2 Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,217ft)
Duration: 25 minutes flight, 3-4 hours trek
Day 3 Trek to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
Walking distance: 3-4 hours trek
Day 4 Drive to Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft) Hot Spring
Duration: 4-5 hours (80 km) drive
Day 5 Trek to Ghorepani (2,874m/9,427ft)
Walking distance: 7-8 hours trek
Day 6 Trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) visit Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft)
Walking distance: 6-7 hours trek
Day 7 Trek to Kimche (1,610m/5,281ft) via Ghandruk, drive to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft)
Duration: 4-5 hours trek, 2:30 hours drive
Day 8 Drive from Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Duration: 6-Hours (200 km) Drive

Jomsom Muktinath Trek FAQs

1. What is a normal trekking day like?

A typical day’s walk will be from five to eight hours with an average of 5 hours walk per day. The organized trekking will have a planned timetable such as waking up at 6 am, packing the gear before the breakfast, start walking at 7, have lunch in the midday, and finish walking for the day at 3 pm. The dinner will be around 7 pm, followed by the briefing for the next day and it is time to go to sleep. The schedule may be adjusted as per the weather or any obstacles.

2. How fit should I be to carry on this trek?

Jomsom and Muktinath Trek is graded easy to moderate level. So, anybody with moderate fitness can do this trek and ascend and descend as per the trails.

3. Am I at the risk of getting Altitude sickness?

The maximum elevation of this trek will not exceed 3,800m. It is generally considered that trekking up to 3500m will not cause altitude sickness. However, the safety measure and precautions will be taken to acclimatize properly.

4. How is the Food and Accommodation in Jomsom and Muktinath Area?

The accommodation facilities depend on your budget. There are basic lodges/ guest houses to starred hotels in the area. So, as per your preferences, accommodation can be booked. Likewise, the food facilities also depend on your preferences and budget. The sort of accommodation you choose will be providing the food. It is not advisable to drink water from the taps or streams. Make sure you use a water purifier or liquid water purifier along the trails.

5. Are there any ATMs or credit card facilities in the area?

Jomsom and Muktinath area has gained popularity and has developed infrastructures for the locals and the tourists. While some local tea houses might not have credit card facilities, it is advisable to carry Nepalese rupees during the trek for any purchase.

6. Does the area provide electricity, good network and internet facilities?

Yes, the Jomsom and Muktinath Area have attracted visitors from all around the world. It has adopted the modern facilities such as continuous electricity and internet facilities in hotels and lodges. As you go up to the maximum altitude, the phone signal might get affected, but overall you will get a good range of communication networks.

7. Are people of different religion allowed inside the temple?

Yes. Nepal is a secular country and Muktinath temple is open for all visitors of all religion.

8. Is swimming custom needed for hot springs?

Yes, you can wear your customs. However, it is a small pond where you can sit and relax. Swimming is not allowed.

Best time to do Jomsom and Muktinath Trek

You can do the Jomsom and Muktinath Trek all around the year and is suitable at any seasons. Most trekkers prefer the spring season of March to May and the autumn season of September to November.

During the spring, you can encounter the rare and beautiful flora along with the breath-taking views and moderate climate. During the autumn, the temperature and weather are appropriate for the best trekking experience.

Jomsom and Muktinath Trek can be done during the winter. During the late December, the temperature drops and the climate become cold. This off season time lets you experience the trails without the crowd and gives you mesmerizing view of the peaks. With right information and planning, the trek can be easily done.

How to get to Jomsom and Muktinath Area?

There are roads built that have opened access to Jomsom and Muktinath Area. People who love enjoying the scenic view can travel via roadways. You can get a bus or jeep from Kathmandu or Pokhara or Beni to Jomsom.

Also, you can take a half-hour flight from Pokhara to Jomsom as the fastest means of transport.

Conclusion

Experience the plain and barren landscape of the Mustang region speckled with Tibetan Buddhist culture in Jomsom and Muktinath Trek. This popular trekking attracts a large number of tourists every year because of its classic trek routes, excellent infrastructure, historic and religious attractions. This short trek allows tourists with limited time to experience an unforgettable trekking experience.

Do not miss the lifetime opportunity of experiencing the deepest gorge in the world and standing tall against the majestic peaks.

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Naba Raj Amgai

Naba Raj Amgai, stepped into the world of travel and tourism in 1996.

Beginning his journey in the tourism industry as a humble Porter Guide to founding hospitality establishments and an adventure travel company, he has come a long way.

In a career spanning more than two decades he has achieved more than anybody dreams of achieving. Along with his professional achievements, his selfless contribution towards his community and society has won him a lot of accolades and praises.

Having dedicated more than two decades in the tourism and hospitality sector, he has amassed a wealth of experience.

After passing high school, he began helping out some trekking guides and was soon recruited as a porter guide at a reputed trekking agency. Within a short period of time he was individually guiding clients across the well-known trails of the Himalayas.

He went on to lead tour groups on multi-country tours to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. Being a part of mountain climbing expeditions familiarised him with expedition logistics and operations. Later on he went to become the Executive Director and took over the reins of Operations, Sales and Marketing departments. Spending several years in the tourism field has made Naba Raj Amgai a destination expert.

Travelling is his passion and he has been to many countries across the world – USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Holland, Germany, Austria and many parts of Asia.

His journeys to different parts of the world have enriched his travel experience and knowledge. This experience has been instrumental in planning and organising successful trips for several clients.

As of today many reputed trekking agencies, hotels and restaurants are under his leadership. A dynamic and proactive leader, he continues to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.

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    Alpha Annapurna

    Thank you for the informative post.

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