Jomsom Muktinath Trek 13 Days

Facts of the trip

Trip Code: JPT
Trip Duration: 12 days
Max. Altitude: 3862M
Grade: Strenuous
Program Type: Holy Trekking
Trek Start Point: Jomsom
Trek End Point: Jomsom
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner
Mode of Travel: Trekking
Transportation: Air/Bus/Car
Minimum Pax: 5
Best season: March/April or September/October

Overview: Jomosom Muktinath 13-days Trek

Introduction

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the most popular and spiritually significant treks in Nepal. This 13-day journey takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Mustang region, weaving together breathtaking mountain vistas, rich cultural experiences, and sacred religious sites. The trek culminates at the revered Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Whether you are a seasoned trekker, a cultural enthusiast, or a spiritual traveler, this trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, traditional lifestyles, and profound spirituality.

About the Trek

Spanning roughly 13 days, the Jomsom Muktinath Trek combines two classic routes: the scenic and cultural route from Pokhara to Jomsom, and the pilgrimage route to Muktinath. The trek is moderately challenging, with altitudes ranging from around 2,700 meters in Jomsom to about 3,800 meters near Muktinath. Along the way, trekkers cross rugged gorges, desert-like landscapes, and lush green valleys.

This trek is known for its relative accessibility—Jomsom can be reached by a short flight from Pokhara, which adds convenience and reduces trekking time. However, trekking the entire route on foot allows for deeper exploration of local culture and nature. The path passes through a variety of villages, each with its own traditions, architecture, and customs.

Location

The trek is situated in the western region of Nepal, primarily within the Mustang District of the Gandaki Province. Starting from Pokhara, the route follows the Kali Gandaki River valley northwards, passing through the district headquarters, Jomsom. From Jomsom, the trail ascends to the sacred site of Muktinath, located at the foot of the Thorong La pass.

This region lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area, which preserves the unique ecology and cultural heritage of the Mustang and Annapurna regions. Geographically, the trail is notable for the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, flanked by towering peaks like Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m).

People

The communities along the Jomsom Muktinath route are culturally diverse. The primary ethnic groups include Thakalis, Gurungs, Brahmins, and Tibetans, each contributing to the region’s rich cultural tapestry. The Thakali people, known for their distinct cuisine and hospitality, dominate the lower Kali Gandaki valley, especially around Jomsom.

Further north, the Tibetan-influenced culture becomes prominent, especially near Muktinath and Mustang. These communities follow a traditional lifestyle that blends Tibetan Buddhism with Hindu beliefs. The people are warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to their spiritual traditions.

Religious Significance

One of the main draws of the trek is the Muktinath Temple, a sacred site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is believed to grant liberation (mukti) from the cycle of life and death. Pilgrims visit from all over Nepal, India, and beyond to worship here.

Along the route, you will encounter several monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags that showcase Tibetan Buddhist influence. The region’s religious atmosphere is further enhanced by rituals, festivals, and local legends tied to the landscape, offering trekkers a spiritual dimension alongside physical adventure.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle of the people in this region reflects a blend of traditional farming, animal husbandry, and trade. Villages are typically built from stone with flat roofs designed to withstand harsh weather. The residents grow barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, often relying on irrigation from mountain streams.

Animal husbandry, including yaks, sheep, and goats, plays an essential role in daily life and the local economy. In addition, the region has long been a hub for trade between Nepal and Tibet, influencing local crafts, dress, and cuisine.

Life here is simple but deeply tied to the environment and spirituality. Hospitality is a key value, and trekkers often find themselves invited for tea or meals, gaining insight into local customs and stories.

Flora and Fauna

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek offers diverse ecological zones due to the range of altitude and climate. Lower areas near Jomsom are dry and desert-like, resembling the Tibetan plateau, with sparse vegetation such as juniper and hardy shrubs.

Higher up near Muktinath, the environment becomes alpine, supporting rhododendrons, alpine grasses, and medicinal herbs. Birdlife is abundant and includes species such as the Himalayan griffon vulture, golden eagle, and snow pigeon.

Wildlife in the region includes blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan thar, and the elusive snow leopard, although sightings are rare. The region’s biodiversity is protected under the Annapurna Conservation Area, which promotes sustainable tourism and conservation.

Vegetation

Vegetation varies markedly along the trek. At lower elevations (around 2,700m), the landscape features dry forests with scrub and thorny bushes adapted to the arid climate. Moving upward, forests become denser with pine, oak, and rhododendron trees.

Near Muktinath, vegetation transitions to alpine meadows and sparse shrubs adapted to the cold, windy environment. Medicinal plants such as rhododendron flowers, edelweiss, and various herbs grow here, some used by locals for traditional medicine.

The contrast between barren lower lands and lush upper slopes adds to the trek’s visual diversity and ecological interest.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere along the Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a unique blend of rugged wilderness and deep spirituality. The dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks sets a thrilling backdrop for the journey.

The trail is often quiet, especially beyond Jomsom, allowing trekkers to experience the profound silence and vastness of the region. The blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences creates a contemplative mood, especially near Muktinath, where pilgrims and locals gather for ceremonies and worship.

Evenings in the villages are peaceful, with warm fires, local music, and star-filled skies, offering moments of connection and reflection.

Company and Nepal Freelance Guide Services

At The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd., we provide comprehensive services for the Jomsom Muktinath Trek. From the initial planning and permit arrangements to transportation, accommodation, and guiding, we ensure a seamless and enriching trekking experience.

We collaborate closely with experienced Nepal freelance guides, many of whom are locals from the Mustang region or surrounding areas. These guides bring intimate knowledge of the terrain, culture, and spiritual significance of the sites along the trail. Hiring a freelance guide not only supports the local economy but also enriches your journey with authentic insights.

Whether you prefer a group tour or a private customized trek, our team prioritizes safety, comfort, and cultural respect. We also emphasize responsible tourism practices that protect the natural and cultural heritage of this fragile region.

Conclusion

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is much more than a physical journey; it is an exploration of culture, spirituality, and natural wonders. Over the course of 13 days, trekkers traverse dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient rivers and mountain giants, encounter diverse communities preserving timeless traditions, and visit one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.

This trek offers a rare chance to witness the harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, experience traditional lifestyles untouched by rapid modernization, and enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world. Moreover, the accessibility of Jomsom and the availability of quality guide services make this trek suitable for a wide range of adventurers.

Partnering with The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd. and knowledgeable Nepal freelance guides guarantees an authentic, safe, and unforgettable experience. Step onto this remarkable path and uncover the spiritual heart of the Himalayas—where every step is a story, every village a new friendship, and every mountain a timeless guardian.


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu international (TIA) Transfer to the hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara: Kathmandu to pokhara by drives or flight.

Day 03: Pokhara to Kagbeni (2858m.): Take a morning flight to Jomsom,

Day 04: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3817m.) about 5hrs.

Day 05: Muktinath to Jomsom (2709m): The trail desends to the valley for over 1525 m about 6 hrs.

Day 06: Jomsom to Larjung(2522m) about 5/6-hrs.

Day 07: Larjung to Ghasa (1970m) About 6 hrs.

Day 08: Ghasa to Tatopani (1189m): about 5/6 hrs.

Day 09: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2855m.): about 6/7 hrs.

Day 10: Ghorepani to Tirkhedhunga (1577m.): Descending to Tirkhedhunga, Mules loaded with goods can be seen enroute (5/6-hrs. walk).

Day 11: Tirkhedhunga to Pokhara (915m.): Walk up to Nayapul ( New Bridge ) and drive to Pokhara for 5 hrs.

Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1350m): Drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Day 13:- Final departure own your destination

Day 01:- Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuban international airport (1,300m/4,264ft): then pick you up and take a short drive from the airport to the hotel check in the hotel and rest for few hrs then we meet again with guide and barging about the trek what we need the equipment for then trek and what time we live from Kathmandu details.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft): 6-7 hours:-We can enjoy the beautifully terraced farms, little shops by the side of the road and the raging Trishuli River on our drive to Pokhara also referred to as the ‘City of Lakes.’ From the city, we get great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna. Pokhara is also a tourist destination, so we take some time out in the evening and enjoy! Stay overnight hotel in Pokhara.

Day 03. Pokhara to Kagbeni (2858m.): Take a morning flight to Jomsom, the Head quarters of Mustang district. Reach to Jomsom village after crossing the Kaligandaki River Bridge then trek about 3 hrs. Through the bank of Kaligandaki and reach to Ekley Bhatti village; trek one hour more to reach Kagbeni which lies at the band of two rivers, Kaligandaki (flows from Muktinath) and Nilgiri (flows from Mt. Nilgiri). There is good current of wind that blows 10 A.M. to 5. P.M. through out the trail. (4/5 hrs. walk).

Day 04. Kagbeni to Muktinath (3817m.): Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists with a Gompa and pagoda style. Pagoda is dedicated to Lord bishnu. The most interesting and importance of the area however is the spot with burning natural gas (3/4 hrs. walk).

Day 05. Muktinath to Jomsom (2709m): The trail desend to the valley for over 1525 m. below and there is a dramatic arid landscape, which continues upto Jomsom. On the Kaligandaki trading route, it is a major and almost busy village.

Day 06. Jomsom to Larjung(2522m):The valley is dominated by Thakalis interestingly related to Gurung and Magars of the Lutheran slopes (5/6-hrs. walk).

Day 07. Larjung to Ghasa (1970m) A dramatic change of vegetation from dry arid desert to pine and Confer forest can be found while palling between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna region. Passing through Kalopani, magnificent views of Annapurna range can be seen; overnight rest at Ghasa (5/6hrs.walk ).

Day 08. Ghasa to Tatopani (1189m): Gradually going down to Tatopani, treks enter valleys and fields; the beautiful Rupse chhahara (waterfall) leaves behind while reaching Dana village for lunch. Then 3 hrs. easy walk to Tatopani through the bank of Kaligandaki river for overnight rest.(5/6 hrs. walk).

Day 09. Tatopani to Ghorepani (2855m.): Steadily climbs all day up to Ghorepani. After lunch at Sikha village, the trail passes through thick forest of Rhododendron and reaches to Ghorepani. The best view of sun set over Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna can be seen from here. (6/7 hrs.walk).

Day 10. Ghorepani to Tirkhedhunga (1577m.): Descending to Tirkhedhunga, Mules loaded with goods can be seen enroute (5/6-hrs. walk).

Day 11. Tirkhedhunga to Pokhara (915m.): Walk up to Nayapul ( New Bridge ) and drive to Pokhara for 5 hrs.

Day 12. Pokhara to Kathmandu (1350m): Drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Day 13: Final Departure:- Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We will drop International airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. Your own way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Start Date End Date Price In US Dollar($) AVAILABILITY Booking
A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail info@nepalfreelanceguide.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 12 days Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.

Cost Include

Cost Is Included

• 2 Night accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B basie plan
• Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer by bus or Car
• 1 Night accommodation in Pokhra with B/B basic plan
• All airport and hotel transfers
• National permit & TIMS permit ( Trekking Information Management System)
• Accommodation, food and Tea/coffee during the trek
• Guide:- including salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• Porter:- including salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
• For guest:-Down jacket, Good sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)

Cost Exclude

Cost Is Not Included

Air ticket from KTM-PKR-JUM-PKR-KTM

.Food in Kathmandu (Lunch & Dinner)
• Food in Pokhara (Lunch & Dinner)
• Bakery item during the trek. When you eat in the bakery, you need to pay by yourself
• Nepal Visa fee
• International airfare from your country to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance if guests get mountain sickness and need to rescue helicopter.
• Personal expenses example (phone calls, laundry service , bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Tips for guide and porters

 

 

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our testimonials

  • Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…

    Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group  Australia
    • Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group Australia
  • Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…

    Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Australia
  • Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…

    Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Japan
  • I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…

    Philip Pomeroy  Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • Philip Pomeroy Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • British
  • My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…

    Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie  South Australia
    • Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie South Australia
    • Australia
view all testimonials
  • Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience. Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account. Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built. Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults. Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary. Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter. As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp. He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.
    Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group  Australia
    • Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group Australia
  • Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region. www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse. On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important. I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
    Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Australia
  • Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group.  Because he has more over 10 years experience of  trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him. I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese. so you can get satisfaction for a great guide. Very Thanks,
    Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Japan
  • I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas. Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide. I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
    Philip Pomeroy  Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • Philip Pomeroy Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • British
  • My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.

    Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie  South Australia
    • Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie South Australia
    • Australia
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