Jomsom Muktinath Trek - 13 Days

You will see our representative with a nameplate outside the terminal. They will help you collect your luggage then transfer to the hotel. Get a glimpse of Kathmandu city in 30 minutes drive. Since we have not planned any activities for today, check-in to your hotel and take a rest. However, if you arrive early and want to explore the local market, you can do so. Thamel is a colorful market filled with Nepali arts and crafts. Visit our office for a tour briefing. Overnight stay at a star hotel.

On this day, we will enjoy the cultural tour in Kathmandu. We will visit 4 cultural sites listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. After an early morning breakfast, we will set off to Basantapur Durbar Square.

Set on the heart of Kathmandu, Basantapur Durbar Square is decorated with exotic architecture, more than fifty temples, magnificent palaces, and ancient style courtyard built from 12th to 18th centuries. The temple’s exterior is carved beautifully. Kumari Bahal, Hanuman Dhoka Square, Taleju Temple, Shiva-Parvati have enhanced the beauty of this historic palace.

Swayambhunath, barely 30 minutes drive from Basantapur Durbar Square will take us to this holy place set on the hilltop. The plaza has maintained it’s original monuments and glamour till date. Chortens, shrine, statues, monuments, a prayer wheel, and beautiful garden make this place beautiful. There are multiple entrances, if you want to walk, you may choose the main entrance with 365 staircases but if you don’t want to walk much, you may enter the temple from another entrance. Explore the plaza, enjoy the view of Kathmandu valley below then head to Pashupatinath.

The holiest temple, built decades ago, set on the bank of the holy river, Pashupatinath still holds its original grandeur and glamour. The main temple is of Lord Shiva built in pagoda style. Other than that, there are numerous other temples, shrines, and status. The plaza is surrounded by sparsely populated forest housing monkeys and musk deer. The picturesque plaza offers multiple opportunities to click the pictures.

Bauddhanath, the holy land is a supreme pilgrimage for Buddhist and Tibetan. The plaza is surrounded by colorful monasteries, homes, and vendors. The main stupa is decorated with beautiful monuments, prayer wheels and prayer flags. We can hear monk chanting prayers. After a brief visit, we will have lunch then head to the hotel.

Post breakfast, a private vehicle will transfer you to the airport. Around 30 minutes of flight will take you to Pokhara. You will meet the rest of our crew member there then head to Tikhedhunga. Tikhedhunga is 42 km away from Pokhara. The trail crosses through Prithvi Chowk and Lumle village. On the way to Nayapul, we will see soaring Annapurna Range at distance. The trail passes by muddy roads dotted with shops and houses. Upon arriving Birethani checkpoint, we will get trek permit. Heading forward, we will come across a green valley featuring beautiful forest, terraced farm, and river. On the way, we will stop for lunch. Walk on the narrow rugged trail until we reach Tikhedhunga. If we arrive early, we will go to the nearby river and explore the place. Within 4 to 5 hours we will be in Tikhedhunga.

Today’s trek will be a little tricky as we will be hiking uphill most of the day. We will start by walking on an easy trail, cross a suspension bridge and within fifteen minutes, reach the foothill of the staircase. We will be accompanied by horses, beautiful green valleys and mountains. Continuing on the same trail we will come across rhododendron trees, water streams, bridges, and staircase. Walk across small settlements and scenic trail to reach Ghorepani. Check in to lodge, freshen up then head out to explore the village. From above we will have a beautiful view of the green valley. Lost in the view of the sun slipping behind the soaring Annapurna range then head back to the hotel, have dinner and calling it a night.

7 to 8 hours: Today, we will wake up before the dawn and head to Poon Hill to see the best sunrise ever. From Pooh Hill, we will see Annapurna I, II, III, Machhapuchhare, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri and Lamjung Himal. Head back to Ghorepani, have breakfast, take a brief rest then head to Tatopani. We will start by descending then walk on the mild hill followed by the steep uphill climb. After crossing Ghar Khola, the trail lead to Tatopani. We will walk through green valleys, rhododendron forest, and ancient villages. Upon reaching Tatopani, dip into the natural hot spring. It is believed that the spring heal multiple diseases and release your tiredness.

After fueling in the delicious breakfast, we will embark into our today’s journey. A scenic hike alongside raging Kali Gandaki and gradual uphill climb will take us to lovely villages and green valleys. We can see the river valley transiting into subtropical vegetation. The perk of trekking in the remote areas is the chill we get while navigating the trail encompassing gignatic hanging bridges over the raging river and the narrow gorge. After this exciting walk, we will follow the easy road leading to Ghasa. The village gives us the opportunity to immerse into the local culture and discover diverse flora and fauna. A delicious dinner followed by a good night sleep.

The distance between Ghasa and Marpha is around 22 km, so today we will walk for around 4 to 5 hours only. The journey starts with a walk alongside Kali Gandaki on a narrow gorge. The view of ancient Thakali villages, prayers flags, shrines and gombas will keep our mind away from our sore feet. On the way, we will come across red-roofed Taglung Gompa. Explore the gompa, snap pictures take brief rest before continuing our journey to Marpha, a small Thakali village. We can see apple orchids and wine making process as well. The alleys and passage are well paved and the village looks neat and clean. Spend a night at a hotel.

After a peaceful night in Marpha, our trek winds through historic monasteries, green hills, small and big settlements. We will walk beside a river until we reach Jomsom then the trail leads us to antique Tashi Lhankhang and Dechenling Monasteries. Explore these amazing monuments before marching to Kagbeni. On the way, we will have a picturesque view of Tukuche peaks, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

Kagbeni is a sparsely populated village with only 260 households. It has a very different landscape and houses few abandoned fortresses. The ancient houses are made with stones and mud by local craftsmen. Lost into the calm and tranquil ambiance.

We will begin our trek early as the weather get windy after 11 am. The trail climbs uphill to Muktinath. Walking alongside the river valley of Jhong Khola for a few miles will lead us to an old village Khingar and Jharkot. A gradual climb and walk on the relatively flat land will take us into beautiful villages including Ranipauwa. Within 5 to 6 hours we will reach Muktinath. Since we will reach Muktinath early, we will spend rest of the day exploring this holy place. The complex houses monastery, temple, prayer flags, prayer wheels, pool, and 108 water pouts.

Post breakfast, we will head to our today’s destination, Jomsom. Tracing our steps back to Kagbeeni, we will walk through Ranipauwa from where we can see Mt Dhaulagiri. Treading on the same trail, we will head to Jharkot then descend gradually. On the way, we will see beautiful shimmering pond and fruit trees. Walk through Khingar then hike alongside the Jhong Khola valley leading to Kagbeni. We can see the changes in the landscape; the arid valley slowly changes into green. Leaving this heavenly village behind, we will walk down Kali Gandaki River Valley leading to Eklebhatti. Walking through a dramatic landscape for a while, we will reach Jomsom.

The 15 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara will leave you awe-inspired. Upon reaching Pokhara we will explore the city a bit, go for boating in Few Tal, stroll in the colorful local market.

Post breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu. 6 to 7 hours drive on the smooth road alongside scenic villages, streams, farms and river will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest in your hotel.

After 12 days Nepal Trek, you will return your home today. We will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.