Jomsom Muktinath Trekking Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Narba treks & Expedition will greet you in an arrival and transferred to your hotel; here you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
We start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square area holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous cremation site for the Hindus.The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu.The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among the foreigners as Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhendhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs
Early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna range and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara offer fishing, boating and swimming, the city itself is popular as city of lakes. After taking rest for some time,drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurungdi Khola, the trail climbs through the sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhendhunga.
Day 04: Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs
From Tikhendhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani via very steeply up to village Ulleri. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of your stamina. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means "horse-water" owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings.
Day 05: Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs
Ghorepani town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village & further descend to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing suspension bridge it climbs up at Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning Hot Water in Nepali derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among the trekker to sooth their tired leg muscles.
Day 06: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara meaning beautiful waterfall and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for the bird watchers.
Day 07: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs
A steep climb through forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki reach you Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross trail via Tukche at 2590m and apple farm projects which produces apple and vegetable for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village.
Day 08: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs
The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. Cross the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti meaning lonely pub. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon and the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area.
Day 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we will have scenic picturesque places to stop by. From Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village. A further climb reaches us to Muktinath.
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs
Muktinath is one of most important destination for Hindus pilgrimage. It also hold an important place for the Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra"or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. There is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Also enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom.
Day 11: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour's walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu
Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Himalayan Glacier Trekking staffs. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 13: Final departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Narba treks will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
