Jomsom & Muktinath Trekking - Jomsom & Muktinath

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m.) (6 hours drive)
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m.) which takes about six hours. You depart for the six hours drive to Pokhara (820m,), 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Having pleasant weather, Pokhara is tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This drive will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty.

Day 02: Pokhara flight to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (2800m) (4 & half hours)
Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m.) and it takes about 25 minutes and trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2800m.) which takes about four hours. You take the early morning flight which again will give close-up views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and nearby satellites, 20 minutes flight in a small aircraft. Directly north of Jomsom is the pretty village of Kagbeni, There are about 80 families living here, most of them traders who are the link in the chain between modern Nepal and the Tibetan-type people of Mustang. Just out of Jomsom you cross a small hanging bridge and then walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This very easy, enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri (26,794ft), Tukuche (22,703ft) and in the west the awesome mountain above Kagbeni, Nilgiri (22,769ft). Over to the south and south-west can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. You are more than likely to meet Indian pilgrims on their way to and from Muktinath on this stretch, and other Europeans for an hour or two who will be on the world-famous Annapurna Circuit. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, what with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa. At the police check-post at the north end of the village there is a sign saying ‘Restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point.

Day 03: Kagbeni trek to Muktinath (3800m) (4 hours walks)
Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3800m.) which takes about 4 hours. The Trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred Meters. While gradually walking you can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, Caves, old Tibetan Style Villages, apple Garden, Yaks Herds, Sheep Herds and so on. You can look at Thorong La valley straight up to the Muktinath. You can enjoy delicious lunch at Jharkot and visit Monastery believed to be built in 15 century. Now you head towards Muktinath following steep ascent path for half an hour. You stay overnight at Muktinath village. From here you hike to Rani Pauwa (3700m.), an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Here you come across Natural flaming which really exhilarates you. At this point, you can see splendid view of Dhaulagiri (8165m), Nilgiri (7061m.) and others. Now you walk for fifteen minutes to reach Muktinath Temple, where you can enjoy a holy bath of 108 Taps. The people of Kagbeni, Jharkot and Muktinath are close to the life style, culture, religion and idea of Tibetan people.

Day 04: Muktinath trek to Marpha (2670m) (6 hours walks)
Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2670m.) and it takes about approximately six hours. You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here there are fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge and Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple brandy, apricot and peach rakshi (Nepali wine).

Day 05: Marpha trek to Ghasa (2010m) (6 hours walks)
Trek to Ghasa (2010 meters) 6 hours. We descend through the valley following the Kali Gandaki River to Ghasa. We walk along the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Ghasa is small town near the Kaligandaki River and popular for the bird Watching. The trail from Marpha to Ghasa taken as the deepest gorge in the world. Because the mountain Annapurna I 8091m and Dhaulagiri 8168 m. high on both Sides of the River making deep valley. The trail is interesting from Marpha to Ghasa because you pass the beautiful village Tukuche, Kobang, Larjung, Kokhethanti and Kalopani/Lete then you arrives in Ghasa.

Day 06: Ghasa trek to Tatopani (1200m) (5 hours Walks)
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1200m.) which takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to look at. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps to solve rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you physical and mental refreshment as well.

Day 07: Tatopani trek to Ghorepani (2870m) (7 hours walks)
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) and it takes about seven hours. Your trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste and agricultural land. The majority of the people here serve Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki River with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across the wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a small pass and the village of Deorali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Baraha Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you can see from here is probably the best view in the world. Not only this, Poon Hill is crowded by different visitors to enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped mountain.

Day 08: Visit Poon hill & trek to Tadapani (2590m) (5 & half, hours walks)
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) which takes about 5 and half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3210m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), baraha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2590m.). After walking for almost one and half hour you reach Gurung Hill which has the splendid mountain views as Poon Hill. From here you follow small forests with rhododendron, bamboos until you reach Deurali. The trail goes steeply down through deep forests all the way to Banthati. It takes one hour from here to reach Tadapanil After breakfast trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests which grants you a magnificent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Annapurna II and so on.

Day 09: Tadapani trek to Ghandruk (1950m) (3 and half, hours walks)
Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m.) and it takes about three & half hours. It is very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail when you are in Ghandruk please do not for get to visit Gurung museum.

Day 10: Ghandruk Trek to Pothana (1990m) (6 hours walks)
Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) which takes about six hours. First part of your trek is steeply down following stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.).

Day 11: Pothana trek to Dhampus Phedi & drive Pokhara (820m) (5 hours)
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi and it takes approximately four hours and drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara drive by taxi it takes 45 minutes. The trail is gently descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Dhampus Phedi also called surkhet phedi it highway for Beni and Baglung.

Day 12: Pokhara drive tourist bus to Kathmandu
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about six hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You are then directly taken to the hotel.

Fixed Departure Dates (Tailormade departures available on request)

January: 15th, 25th
February: 9th, 17th, 24th
March: 22th, 27th, 30th
April: 3rd, 8th, 12th, 16th, 18, 24th, 28th
May: 6th, 10th, 14th, 20th, 27th
June: 3rd, 9th, 17th, 25th
July: 7th, 19th
August: 4th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 27th
September: 4rd, 9th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 28th
October: 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 17th, 20th, 28th, 31st
November: 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 19th, 24th, 29th
December: 4th, 9th, 13th, 18th, 22nd, 28th

Nepal Trekking Fixed Departures 2010 - 2011

• Annapurna Circuit Trekking - 19 Days
• Annapurna Base Camp Trekking - 14 days
• Jomsom And Muktinath Trekking - 12 days
• Ghorepani - Poon Hill Trekking - 8 days
• Ghandruk Trekking - 5 days
• Everest Base camp and Kala Pattar Trekking - 12 days
• Everest View Trekking or Everest Panorama Trekking - 7 days
• Gokyo Lake/Gokyo Valley Trekking - 12 days
• Jiri Trek to Gokyo Lake- 19 days
• Jiri to Everest Base camp Trekking - 19 days
• Cho La Pass and Everest base camp Trekking - 16 days
• Jiri Trek to Cho La Pass - 23 days
• Langtang Valley Trekking - 9 days
• Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trekking - 13 days
• Gosainkund and Helambu Trekking - 10 days
• Helambu Valley Trekking - 8 days