Jomsom Muktinath Trek

After a satisfactory breakfast in your hotel, you will embark for a guided tour to some of the most historical and spiritual attractions of the city that are listed under the UNESCO world heritage sites. A visit to the highly venerated Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the high-flying monkey temple at Swayambbhunath, Bouddhanath – a Buddhist shrine and one of the largest stupas in the world, and the charismatic Basantapur Durbar Square leaves impressive reminiscences at the back of your head for a considerable period of time. Later in the afternoon, you will visit our office where you will meet your trip manager, other trekkers, and crew members. Your trip leader will brief you shortly about your upcoming trip in the Annapurna region, check your equipment and interact for any unclear thoughts in your head before you go back to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After early breakfast in Kathmandu hotel, you will board on a domestic flight to Pokhara that offers fantastic views of the Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. On arrival at Pokhara, you will drive along a snaky road leading to Naya Pul, the starting point of most of the Annapurna region treks. Walking through sub-tropical forests, you will reach a riverside village of Birethanti which is situated at the convergence of the Modi and Bhurungdi Rivers. After crossing Bhurungdi River, you will ascend up to Sudame and make another gradual climb to Tikhedhunga village. Then you will cross a suspension bridge before making a dead steep ascent along thousands of tiring staircase up to the large Magar village of Ulleri. This village offers terrific views of the landscape of the valley floor that you just walked, along with stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli mountain. Overnight in Ulleri.

Leaving behind the village of Ulleri after breakfast, you will commence the climb towards Ghorepani which is a scenic journey. Ascending with gentle pace through beautiful oak, rhododendron and magnolia forests, you will reach Banthanti. After a short walk from this small village, you will arrive another tiny hamlet of Nangethanti. You will be revitalized with the much-needed energy with the most panoramic views during your uphill ascent. After hiking for about an hour, you will arrive at Ghorepani, a fascinating stop with small shops and stalls that sell local products and crafts. The charming village offers outstanding views of the Annapurna South and Nilgiri Mountain peaks. It is here that you will begin to feel the chilled weather, as this village rests at a much higher altitude. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Kicking off with a pre-dawn hike up to Poon Hill which is more or less an hour of ascent through rhododendron forests is a rewarding moment. It is ascertained that Poon Hill is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal, especially in the Annapurna region owing to its offerings of the awe-inspiring views of Mustang, Pokhara and over 20 of the highest mountain peaks including close-up views of Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar, Lamjung Himal, and Mt. Manaslu. The most compelling instant for you today would be the unhindered and elucidated views of the sunrise over the exceptional Himalayas and far western ranges of the Dolpo region. No one would ever return from Poon Hill without ample photo shoot sessions and a hot beverage. Descending down to Ghorepani, you will have your breakfast and then begin hiking towards Tatopani (which in Nepali means ‘Hot Water’). Traversing all the way along the Kali Gandaki Valley, you will come across villages like Chhetra and Sikha before reaching Ghar Khola Village. A brief saunter through the regular road crossing a suspension bridge, your hiking trails winds up reaching the Tatopani village. As the name suggests, here you may immerse in hot water in the natural hot water springs to ease away your sore body and feet. Overnight in Tatopani.

After breakfast at Tatopani today, you will start walking a gradual uphill trail on the Kali Gandaki gorge towards a tiny village Dana. This village is engrossed by orange orchard farms and you may be able to see local villagers selling oranges in baskets on the way. After crossing a suspension bridge, you will ramble through the Rupse village beyond which you will encounter a deafening waterfall cascading adjacent to the trail and is known popularly by the name of the village, the Rupse Chhahara. Crossing the gorgeous waterfall, you will enter the most precipitous and the most slender segment of the gorge from the village to begin walking on a layered stone path which is well built and wide enough. You will now ascend to a quaint village Ghasa, located at the lower section of the Kali Gandaki Valley. The convivial and appealing Thakali village is quite popular amongst bird-watchers. Overnight in Ghasa.

The route outlet from Ghasa after breakfast this morning puts forward some far-fetched spectacles of the snow-clad mountains soaring high above. You will mount on an upright track leading to Lete Khola through rock-strewn path and forests of fir, cypress, and juniper by the side of the riverbank of Kali Gandaki. Hiking further and traversing on the eastern side of the river beyond Kalopani, you will arrive at Larjung village through a soggy section. At this village, you will be able to observe the fabulous architectural magnificence, tunnels, tapered lanes and houses raised in a customary manner. Overnight in Larjung.

Today, you will depart from Larjung village after breakfast along the track chasing the expansive valley of Kali Gandaki traversing through Khobang and Tukuche. The trail rambles in the course of stone-walled orchards leading across a gate that marks the entry of Marpha village. This village is also popularly known as the apple capital of Nepal and consists of very hard working people. Plenty of white-walled houses and well-retained drainage arrangement is an impressive exhibition here in Marpha. You will carry on hiking after lunch at Marpha and head towards Jomsom, the district headquarters of Manang. As you near Jomsom, the landscape begins to transform significantly becoming barren and remarkable with a blend of brown, yellow and grey colors in contrast to the white snow-clad Tilicho and Nilgiri mountain peaks. Overnight in Jomsom.

Walking through the graveled riverbed of Kali Gandaki after breakfast at Jomsom, your hiking recommences leaving the valley floor and rambling past the picturesque village of Kagbeni with beautiful meadows, streams, rivulets and apple orchards. You will then cross a small ridge valley to climb up to Khingar village, and more fields, streams and lush vegetation can be sighted as you hike towards Jharkot village with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks throughout the trip today. You will then enter the village of Ranipauwa walking past other small villages like Purang and Changur encountering mule stables and steep barren hillside. From Ranipauwa, it is not more than an hour’s walk to reach Muktinath, which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.

You will have ample time this morning in Muktinath to ramble around as hiking from Muktinath to Jomsom, after a grueling and a languid spell of trekking, is relatively very easy and barely a few hours walk. And yes! This is your last trekking day. There are plenty of Hindu temples as well as Buddhist monasteries which you would want to visit before leaving Muktinath. Your initial trail from Muktinath will lead to Ranipauwa village from where you will descend down the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley passing the tiny picturesque villages of Jharkot and Khingar. These petite villages are adorned with idiosyncratic Tibetan structural drawings. There is a notable monastery and plenty of Buddhist caves in Jharkot if you wish to have a brief peek before continuing your trek. Walking past gorgeous paddocks, streams, rivulets and fruit gardens, and a breathtaking village of Kagbeni, you will reach the district headquarters of Mustang that is Jomsom, following the valley floor. Throughout the entire walk today, you can savor the incredible and astounding views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. Overnight in Jomsom.

After breakfast at your hotel in Jomsom, you will get on board for an early morning exquisite flight to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki Valley with mind-blowing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains. On arrival at Pokhara airport, you will be connected with another flight scheduled to depart to Kathmandu. However, if you have a late afternoon connecting flight to Kathmandu, you may quickly browse the hotspots of the lake city, take a stroll at the lakeside for a scrumptious lunch, take pleasure of a boat ride at Phewa Lake and then return to the airport. Picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains will accompany you as you fly to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel room. In the evening, you are free to catch up on some last minute shopping or simply stroll around the bustling streets of Thamel or sit down in an upbeat pub enjoying every sip of your favorite Nepali beer and live musical bands performing your favorite songs. Overnight in Kathmandu.

You will be dropped off at the airport well ahead of your scheduled flight time by one of our representatives. If you have an evening flight, you may wish to visit certain heritage sites of Kathmandu on your own. However, if you wish to extend your holidays in Nepal, then Royal Holidays are ever ready to create another wonderful trip in the Himalayas.