Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Pricing

Rates differ for Nepali citizens and international guests because foreign trekkers require TIMS and conservation-area permits. Final quotes depend on group size and dates.

Highlights

• ✓Thrilling 25-minute mountain flight Pokhara–Jomsom over the Kali Gandaki valley with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
• ✓Muktinath Temple (3,800 m) — one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, featuring 108 holy water spouts and an eternal flame
• ✓Kagbeni — a medieval walled village at the gateway to Upper Mustang, with Tibetan-style gompas and mud-brick architecture
• ✓World's deepest gorge: the Kali Gandaki Gorge between Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna (8,091 m)
• ✓Marpha village — Nepal's 'apple capital'; taste fresh apple pie, brandy, and cider
• ✓Unique Thakali culture, cuisine, and trans-Himalayan salt trade heritage
• ✓Saligram fossil hunting along the Kali Gandaki riverbed

Best season

March–May & September–November. The Mustang rain shadow means the region receives minimal monsoon rainfall — July–August treks are possible but morning flights can be delayed.

Itinerary

Outline below; we tailor rest days and pacing to your group.

1. 1

   Day 1: Pokhara → Jomsom flight → Kagbeni (2,810 m)

   Board an early morning Twin Otter or Dornier flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) — a thrilling 25-minute ride with some of the most dramatic mountain views in aviation. After arriving in Jomsom, have lunch and begin trekking north along the Kali Gandaki River to the ancient walled village of Kagbeni (4–5 hours). Explore narrow alleys, prayer wheels, and the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery. Overnight at Kagbeni.

2. 2

   Day 2: Kagbeni → Khangsar → Muktinath (3,800 m)

   Trek from Kagbeni, leaving the Kali Gandaki and ascending through the Jhong Khola valley toward Muktinath. Pass through small Tibetan-influenced villages and arrive at the sacred Muktinath Temple complex — home to the Vishnu shrine, 108 bull-head water spouts, two holy kunds (ponds), and the famous Jwala Mai nunnery where fire and water coexist. An immensely spiritual arrival. Overnight near Muktinath (Ranipauwa).

3. 3

   Day 3: Muktinath → Kagbeni → Marpha (2,670 m)

   Spend the morning exploring Muktinath temple grounds at your pace — many pilgrims bathe in the 108 spouts before dawn. Descend back to Kagbeni then continue south along the windswept Kali Gandaki to Marpha, famous for its whitewashed stone houses, drainage channels, and outstanding apple orchards. Try fresh apple pie and apple brandy. Overnight in Marpha.

4. 4

   Day 4: Marpha → Tukuche → Jomsom (2,720 m)

   Walk south through Tukuche village — once a major Thakali trading post on the ancient salt route between Nepal and Tibet — to Jomsom. Visit the ACAP Eco Museum and explore the district headquarters. The strong Kali Gandaki afternoon winds are a feature of life here. Overnight in Jomsom.

5. 5

   Day 5: Jomsom → morning flight back to Pokhara

   Flights depart early (before the afternoon winds strengthen). Board your return flight to Pokhara with spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna range. Arrive Pokhara by mid-morning — rest of the day free to relax by Phewa Lake. (Extended itineraries continue trekking south via Tatopani to Ghorepani, adding 4–5 days.)