Jomsom Muktinath trek in the Annapurna region takes you to path of salvation, allowing to visit both Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Progressing through the world’s deepest gorge formed by Kali Gandaki River, Jomsom Mukthinath trekking trail is absolutely worth experiencing. This trek rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri including cultural villages, lush forests and valleys.
Jomsom Muktinath trek 10-day itinerary proposed by Orbit Alpine Adventure follows one of the most frequented and well-defined routes. Throughout the journey, trekkers have a fabulous opportunity to get lost in appreciation of the constantly changing landscapes along with altitude. The age-old monasteries, caves, temples, local culture, and natural hot springs are the factors inviting thousands of trekkers every year.
Jomsom Muktinath trek begins from Jomsom after a domestic flight from Pokhara which offers you the aerial view of Annapurna region. You have the scenery of the lush valleys, wonderful landscapes and snowy peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and distant view of Manaslu region. The Apple orchards of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang trekkingand Marpha are really amazing to observe at.
You visit the religious landmark equally significant for both Hindus and Buddhas, Muktinath Temple at an elevation of 3,802m. You see Bishnu Temple, gompas, 108 waterspouts and a natural flame that never goes out at the temple premises. After exploring the natural sites of Mustang region, you walk down towards some ethnic villages recognized for their culture and tradition. You go past Ghasa, Tatopani (hot water), Ghorepani, Tadapani, Ghadruk and Birethanti to reach the lake city Pokhara.
All these are the Gurung villages famous for clean surrounding and keeping their culture, tradition and lifestyle intact since centuries ago. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal for sunrise view of the Annapurna region. Ghandruk trek offers you a golden opportunity to be familiar with Gurung socio-cultural practices through Gurung Museum located here.
For the lastfew days, you will be walking through fertile terraced farmlands and lush green forests in Annapurna region. Besides excellent views of the Himalayas, Jomsom Muktinath trek helps us witness deeper understanding of the cooperation among the Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. The instance of religious tolerance is remarkably found during trekking around Annapurna region where Hindus and Buddhists respect each other.
In the most acclaimed tourist hub of Nepal, Pokhara, you can visit many touristic places to make the trekking in Nepal more memorable. You can experience boating in Phewa Lake, sightseeing of Devi’s fall and Tal Barahi Temple for lifelong memory. To return Kathmandu from Pokhara, you can either drive along the Prithvi Highway for about 6 hours or fly back.
Why Jomsom Muktinath trek?
Jomsom Muktinath trek is the journey towards Annapurna region for a lifetime experience of the Nepalese Himalayas. The dry and arid landscapes in the desert- region and the lovely mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are other attractions. It takes you from sub-tropical region having dense forests to alpine region with low or no vegetation at all. Ethnic villages reflecting their typical lifestyle, culture and tradition maintaining cleanliness of the surrounding are other things to attract tourists there.
There are many reasons for one to choose trekking to Jomsom and Muktinath ranging from natural to cultural to historical. You can learn about the historical facts about the formation and continuation of the Last Forbidden Kingdomof Lo Manthang. The sacred religious site Muktinath Temple having 108-waterspouts continuously flowing water and the flame burning all day night is another attraction. Every year,thousands of tourists flock to Muktinath Temple which is equally holy for both Hindus and Buddhists to pay homage.
Thakali Cultural Heritage tour is also anther plus point of Jomsom trekking as there are many cultural Thakali villages. Mustang Eco Museum situated in Jomsom is the best reliable source to let you know about Thakali culture, tradition, lifestyle and food items. Thakali Dish, a typical Nepal food: Dal, Bhat, Tarkari plus fermented vegetable pickle is the identity of people of Jomsom. You can find hundreds of Thakali Kitchens in Nepal and you can find it even in the major countries where Nepalese people have reached.
Detour to Kagbeni and Marpha has equally important flavor during Muktinath trek. Kagbeni is situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River and the Jhong Khola and the gateway to Upper Mustang trekking. Similarly, Marpha is a Thakali village which is famous for apple orchards full of tasty apples during August-Septebmber-Octobor. You can relish different edible items made up of organic apples of Mustang including ‘Marpha’, a local brand of liquor. You can even interact with the local people to know about their traditional lifestyle, food items and cultural parts.
Highlights
- Scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Apple orchards of Kagbeni and the ‘Apple Capital of Nepal’ Marpha
- Muktinath Temple, the shrine equally for Hindus and Buddhists
- Exploration of ethnic villages like Ghasa, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk
- Natural hot waterfalls of Tatopani
- Gurung Museum of Ghandruk village
- Sightseeing around the lake city Pokhara
- Drive along the Prithvi Highway