Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Jomsom - Muktinath trek follows one of the most ancient traditional route in the Trans Himalayan Trade Route or Salt Trade Route, which used to be major trading route linking Tibet and India. This trail passes through many interesting villages, local people and traders, donkeys and mule trains. Deep valleys and high mountains encompassing the giant Annapurna Mountain range embrace a wide range of people and terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, arid landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. Nepals spectacular diversity appears at its finest in this trek. Jomsom-Muktinath trek is exceptional in view that reaching the maximum altitude of 3800m, it can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness.

This trek starts from Nayapul after about one and half hours scenic drive from pokhara. Walking up slowly through Ghorepani we marvel at colorful rhododendrons and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders - Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m).  Early morning short hike from Ghorepani will bring us to Poon Hill (3210m) – one of the best viewpoints in Nepal, offering magnificent sunrise view over the Himalayas.  Along the route, opportunity of exploring and comparing the culture and lifestyles of several ethnic groups like Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Bhrahmin, Chhetri, etc., will keep us enchanted day after day. The rice terraces really add a unique composition to the landscape.

The trek gets exciting in Tatopani where we have the opportunity to relax in natural hot spring! The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m). Here, the natural elements are displayed in miraculous form- flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burn on water, stone and earth in an offering said to have been first lighted by Brahma, the creator of the Universe – according to the Hindu epic. The sound of chilling 108 water-spouts refreshes the thoughts while the mysterious natural gas flame unwinds the mind. 

Trip Highlights