Jomsom and Muktinath are located in the mid northern part of Nepal and is famous for trekking and religious values. The trek is also a part of the Annapurna circuit trek. Diverse landscape and culture along this trek will provide amazing insight into Nepali people lifestyle in the Himalayan region and different ethnic groups. This is a beautiful trek exploring hundred years old caves, local tribes and magnificent landscapes.
Trekking
The duration for the trek is approximately 5 days. And its a pretty easy trek. Costs you about $700 NZD.
The trek begins with the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
Jomsom
Located at the height of 2800m, it is the district headquarters of the Muktinath disctrict. The trek starts with a walk on the river bank with magnificent view of Tukuche and Nilgiri peaks. The destination of the trek is to reach Muktinath. After few kilometers you will reach a Tibetian village( Kagbeni) where you can find a unique culture and lifestyle there. And to reach Muktinath from kagbeni it will take about a day due to the inclined landscape from Kagbeni to Muktinath, people with breathing problems can’t continue the trek. Even I felt little uncomfortable while breathing after few minutes of walk. But the trek was perfect all around.
If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known in “Yartung Mela” .This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious fun.
During the trek you can find country’s diverse geographical landscapes, culture and terrains. The terrain you will discover are: subtropical forest, high but deserted landscape.
After reaching Kagbeni, trekkers often prefer a day trip to Muktinath, but staying at one of the Teahouses for a night in the route is another option.
Muktinath
The another major attraction of this trek includes a famous and sacred pilgrimage site also Known as “place of salvation”.
Muktinath is a sacred temple for both Buddhists and Hindus. According to tradition, Guru Rinpoche, who founded the Tibetan faith, stopped here to worship the Dakinis or sky dancing goddesses, on his way to Tibet. For the Hindus, the importance of the shrine is a bit different. Hindu Vashanavites consider the Muktinath shrine to be one of the eight most sacred shrines on earth. They consider the Muktinath to be one of the 108 holy places where a person should worship lord Vishnu. The desert beauty of Mustang will steal your heart, and it is mesmerizing.
Trip Facts
Day 01 :Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 02 :Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,713m) (30 min) and trek to Kagbeni(2,810m) – 2.5 hrs
Day 03 :Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,800m) – 5 hrs
Day 04 :Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,713m) – 5 hrs
Day 05 :Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (30 min)
Duration: 5 Days
Grade: Easy
Price: $500 USD
Destination: Pokhara, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath
Accommodation: Tea House
Average Hiking: 5-6 Hrs/Day
Best Season: September, October, November, March, April, May
Starting Point: Pokhara
Ending Point: Pokhara
Geography: Countryside, Glaciers, Mid Hills, Cold Places, Mountains, Unique Culture, Rivers, Towns, Villages
Max. Altitude: 3,800m
Min. Altitude: 850m
Min. Group Size: 1
Program Type: Guided Short Trekking
Jomsom Muktinath Trekking Highlights
Mt.Dhaulagiri 8167m, Mt. Annapurna I 8091m, Mt.Nilgiri 7040m, Mt. Annapurna south 7219m, Mt. Annapurna II 7937m, Annapurna III 7555m, Mt. Annapurna IV 7525m, Mt. Hiunchuli 6441m, Mt. Fishtail/ Machhapuchhare 6998m, Tukuche peak, Lamjung Himal 6586m and many more, gateway to the Upper Mustang, the Tibetan border, Poon Hill (3210m), Muktinath temple “Place of Salvation”.– source: NepalEcoAdventure
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