Jomsom Muktinath Trekking

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, the warm and welcoming team from Good Vibes Adventure will be ready to receive you. They will escort you to your hotel and provide a thorough briefing, offering essential information and guidelines for your trek. Ensuring your safety and comfort is our top priority, and we are committed to providing you with the knowledge needed for a positive and enjoyable trekking experience.

Embarking on our adventure, we commence with a 6-7 hour scenic drive or a 25-minute flight to the Pokhara Valley, home to the picturesque Phewa Tal (lake). Upon arrival, we check into a hotel conveniently located near Phewa Tal. The Lakeside area offers a myriad of attractions, including charming shops, vibrant bars, and diverse restaurants. Take in the beauty of the surroundings, explore the lakeside delights, and indulge in the many offerings that make Pokhara a captivating starting point for our journey.

Our journey continues with a scenic 1 hour and 25-minute drive from Pokhara, passing through the charming Lumle village nestled on the mountainside, eventually reaching Nayapul (1050m). The Poon Hill trek officially begins at Nayapul, and after a delightful 30-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola (river), we arrive at Birethanti. Here, you'll be required to present your tourist permit at the checkpoint.

Embarking on the trail, we traverse the enchanting rhododendron forest, following the course of the Modi River. Along the way, we pause at a teahouse for a refreshing break, and after a 3 to 4-hour trek, we arrive at the lush green village of Tikhedhunga. This marks the beginning of our journey into the heart of the Poon Hill region, where natural beauty and cultural richness await.

Our trek today commences with a 2-hour ascent, characterized by a fairly steep climb to Ulleri (2070m), a charming Magar village. The trail then leads to Banthanti, providing us with magical views of prominent peaks such as Mt. Machapuchare (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Annapurna South (7219m). The panoramic vistas are a captivating reward for our uphill journey.

Continuing through a lush, pink-flowering rhododendron forest, we cross a small bridge and eventually arrive at the village of Ghorepani. Here, against the backdrop of towering peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna, we are treated to an awe-inspiring spectacle. Ghorepani proves to be a fantastic vantage point, offering the perfect setting to sit, relax, and immerse ourselves in the exquisite mountain views that surround us.

Poon Hill has rightfully earned its fame for providing unparalleled views of the Annapurna Ranges, especially during sunrise and sunset. An early start on this day ensures that we reach the Poon Hill viewpoint, where we can witness the enchanting play of colors reflecting off the majestic mountains. The panorama includes prominent peaks like Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7855m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (729m), Nilgiri (6940m), Tukuche (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), and Lamjung Himal (6931m). As your camera works overtime to capture these breathtaking moments, we'll return for a well-deserved breakfast at Ghorepani.

Following breakfast, we embark on our journey to Tatopani Village via a scenic trail that passes through Deurali (meaning a ridge in Nepali) and teahouses. This picturesque route leads us to Tatopani, where we will spend the night at a teahouse. The day promises not only stunning mountain views but also a rewarding trek through the diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region.

The trail on this day leads us up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, a natural wonder believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. This awe-inspiring landscape is sandwiched between the colossal peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, each towering at an impressive 800 meters. As we trek, the trail steadily ascends to Dana at 1400 meters, and further to Rupse Chhahara at 1550 meters, where a mesmerizing waterfall gracefully cascades into the river.

Continuing our journey, we cross to the eastern bank of the river and follow the trail until we reach a suspension bridge. Crossing the bridge takes us to Kopche Pani, a small Magar village renowned for its hilltop temple at an elevation of 2121 meters. A short climb brings us to Ghasa, where we will spend the night. This day's trek not only provides stunning views but also takes us through diverse landscapes and cultural experiences along the Kali Gandaki Gorge. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included.

Leaving Tukuche behind, our trek today follows the edge of the valley, leading us to Jomsom at an elevation of 2743 meters. Jomsom stands as a significant settlement and administrative center in the Mustang region, equipped with essential facilities including an airport, army camp, hotels, shops, banks, and government offices. As we continue our trek, we cross to the eastern side of the river, following the trail until we reach Eklai Bhatti (2730m), where the trail forks eastward towards Muktinath and the Thorong La Pass (5416m). Opting for the trail along the river, we proceed to Kagbeni (2810m), situated at the confluence of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki rivers.

Kagbeni is a captivating village, offering a glimpse into Tibetan culture and featuring incredibly friendly villagers with warm, welcoming smiles. Tonight, we rest in Kagbeni, immersing ourselves in the unique cultural atmosphere of this remarkable village. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included, ensuring trekkers are well-fed and ready for the experiences that lie ahead.

The trek on this day kicks off with a relatively steep ascent up the Jhong Khola valley, leading us to a crossroads. From here, we follow the trail to Muktinath, situated just below Khingar at an altitude of 3374 meters. Continuing along the higher banks of the Jhong Khola river, we reach the intriguing village of Jharkot (3500m), where it's worthwhile to take some time to explore and enjoy lunch.

Leaving Jharkot behind, our journey continues to Muktinath. We first arrive at Ranipauwa, a thriving small village with numerous teahouses and shops situated not far from Muktinath. Further along the trail, we reach Muktinath (Tibetan - Chumig Gyatsa), renowned for its Vishnu temple. This sacred site holds significance for both Hindus and Buddhists and is located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass. Claimed to be one of the world's highest temples, Muktinath attracts pilgrims, including Buddhists, Hindus, and sadhus (holy men) from India. It is believed that taking a bath in the 108 waterspouts and two ponds here brings salvation. Tonight, we stay in Muktinath, surrounded by the spiritual aura of this revered pilgrimage site. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included.

Leaving Muktinath behind, our trail meanders through lush meadows, orchards adorned with fruit trees, and the delightful sound of babbling streams. As we journey through Kagbeni, we find ourselves back in Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki valley. Today's trek includes a short detour to the Bon Punt monastery in Lubra. Bon-Po, considered an older form of Buddhism, is practiced in Lubra, a village with just 14 families and one of the few Bonpo villages in Nepal.

This day's trek is estimated to take around 6 hours, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration. Kagbeni is renowned for its horticulture industry, and the trek provides a chance to appreciate the local landscape and traditions.

Today marks our final day as we make our way to the small airport terminal at Jomsom. From there, we embark on a short 15 to 20-minute flight to Pokhara. During this brief aerial journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, providing a fitting conclusion to your trekking adventure.

Once airborne, the flight offers a spectacular panorama of the majestic mountain ranges. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can unwind, relax, and reflect on the incredible experiences of your Annapurna Conservation Area trek. This evening presents an opportunity to stroll along Lakeside, the scenic area surrounding Phewa Tal (lake).

Pokhara boasts various attractions, and you may choose to explore sites such as the World Peace Pagoda (visible across Phewa Tal), Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum, and Devi's Falls. Enjoy a drink or two, relishing the memories of your remarkable adventure through the Annapurna Conservation Area.

On this day, we bid farewell to the Annapurna region, and your journey concludes with either a 6 to 7-hour scenic drive or a short 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. As you travel, you carry with you the countless memories of Nepal, its rich culture, and diverse geography. These experiences are etched in your memory, creating a lasting connection to the unique beauty of this remarkable country. The adventures and moments shared in Nepal will be cherished, serving as a treasure trove of memories that will endure a lifetime.

As your journey with Good Vibes Adventure concludes, the staff will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. The epic trek you've experienced is sure to be firmly ingrained in your memory, leaving you with lasting impressions of the beautiful landscapes and warm hospitality of Nepal. Good Vibes Adventure hopes that this adventure has been truly memorable for you and looks forward to the possibility of welcoming you back for your next trek in the future! Safe travels!