Jomsom Muktinath
Jomsom is a great place to start trekkking. The diverse landscapes and cultures to be found along the trekking routes give marvelous insight into the way of life of rural Nepali people.
A highlight is trekking through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in the Tibetan plateau to eventually flow into the Ganges in India.
Not to far from Johnson you find Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that bathing in the waters here guarantees salvation after death.
The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that burn at Muktinath.
To Buddhists, Muktinath is a place where the great sage guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to meditate.
The area is a perfect place to find fossilized ammonites, known locally as Shaligram, which are found all along the upper reaches of Kali Gandaki.
This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom and people with obvious Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up to Mustang.
Their customs and attire are distinct and this trek is ideal for observing the diversity among the people and their customs. Hinduism dominates the lower parts while as one climbs further up, Tibetan Buddhism predominates.
If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking.
Most of the route along the Jomsom trek has been described as part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothill treks. The usual starting point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and from there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of the Kali Gandaki.
Between Tatopani and Lete Khola, there is a dramatic change of scenery. Pine forests crowd in on the trail and the villages take on a quite different appearance.
The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are unique to this area. The houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from the late morning onwards.
These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom.
The stone flagged streets with efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley.
Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex.
An alternative to Jomsom as a base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni which lies a further two-hour walk up the valley. Kagbeni is not as commercialized as Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is the furthest trekkers are allowed to go towards Upper Mustang without a special permit and an accompanying Environmental Officer.
For details see the description of Upper Mustang treks. From Kagbeni to Muktinath is a three to four hour trek and trekkers can choose to do this as a day trip or stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath.
Trekking to Jomsom – Muktinath can be started from Pokhara or fly to Jomsom and trek to Muktinath then walk down to Pokhara or fly out from Jomsom; either one is possible. Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists and you encounter ascetic sadhus carring trident and more than a blanket on the way. We see people selling saligram along the way to Kali Gandaki, a black stone that, when broken opens reveals the fossilized remains of prehistoric ammonites that lived here more than 140 million years ago,
It is believed that ‘Visnu in Stone’ as a legend god Visnu turned into stone by the beautiful and virtuous Vrinda he seduced her. We trek down to Tatopani through beautiful Thakali village of Marpha(2680m), the place of trekkers favorite, impressive kanis . And there is big Samtenling Gompa at Marpha. You can take healing bathe in the pond of natural hot spring in Tatopani which is 60 degree Celsius hot. You will walk through the Kali Gandaki Valley which was centuries before the primary trade route between the Tibet and India. This trek guarantees visitors for a wonderful landscape of natural beauties, great Himalayan scenery and unique tribal culture. No words to describe the beautiful panorama from Poon Hill/3210m.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara (823m) and trek to Ulleri (2000m) 5 hours
Day 03: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2750m) 7 hours
Day 04: Trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani (1190m) 6 hours
Day 05: Trek from Tatopani to Ghasa (2110) 6 hours
Day 06: Trek from Ghasa to Marpha (2680m) 5 hours
Day 07: Trek from Marpha to Kagbeni (2810m) 5 hours
Day 08: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3710m) 6 hours
Day 09: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2710m) 6 hours
Day 10: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 12: Final Departure