Jomsom-Muktinath trail makes up a classic trek that leads through world’s deepest river gorge – the Kali Gandaki gorge, passing through the villages of Marpha, Jomsom, Muktinath & Kagbeni. The trail is mostly a gentle and gradual uphill, crossing through local settlements and hanging bridges, passing through a wide and flat riverbed and following mostly a wide trail, which is also a local road. This is an easy trek with spectacular vistas of the valley, hills, raging mountain river, waterfalls, rugged landscapes and of course snow capped mountains.
Muktinath is the highest point of this trail at 3,710m /12,170ft and it is a place equally sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple in Muktinath is often called as Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of salvation”. The outer courtyard of the temple has 108 bull faced taps, where the devotees take sacred bath even in the freezing temperature. Our trek passes through Jomsom and Kagbeni, renowned as the entry point for Upper Mustang (restricted area).
As we reach the vicinity of Jomsom, a glance of Tibetan Plateau like landscapes around the gateway to the former Kingdom of Upper Mustang gives us a taste of the Tibetan culture and traditions. This is a Trans-Himalayan region, protected from the monsoon by the high passes and mountains to the south. There is a dramatic change in scenery as we trek north of the great Himalayan divide and we are now in the vicinity of Tibetan Plateau to witness a stark and rugged landscape and the culture here is predominantly Buddhist. We get to visit two Buddhist monasteries on this trail, one of which is a modern monastery in Marpha and one very old monastery from the 15th century, in Kagbeni. This very old monastery building was made by ancient method of building with rammed earth and this building has survived intact for centuries. The old village of Kagbeni is made up of mud houses along the banks of the Kali Ghandaki River.
Lower Mustang area is a land where 8,000m/26,250ft highmountains cast a shadow over the world’s deepest river gorge. The charm of this natural beauty is enhanced by the addition of picturesque stone villages dotted along the way, Buddhist monasteries and prayer walls. This trek provides many spectacular views of the two Himalayan giants –Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains with a flavor of the Tibetan like country side north from Jomsom.
| Trip Details |
| Best Season | : | Sep - Dec / March - May |
| Trekking Duration | : | 9 Days |
| Trekking Grade | : | I (Easy Trek) |
| Maximum Altitude | : | 3,710m / 12,170ft |
| Destination | : | Jomsom & Muktinath |
| Trip Region/Area | : | Annapurna |
| Trip Route | : | Pokhara - Tatopani - Ghassa - Marpha - Kagbeni - Muktinath - Jomsom - Pokhara |
| Trip Style | : | Lodge / Tea House |
| Group Size | : | Min. 2 People |
| Starting From | : | Kathmandu, Pokhara and Tatopani |
| Ending Point | : | Jomsom and Pokhara |
| Culture | : | Local communities with ethnic majority of Gurung, Chhetri & Tibetan |
| Mode of Trekking | : | Tea house style (lodge trek) |
| Himalayan Sights | : | Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Thorungtse, Yak Gawa, Dhampus Peak, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, Annapurnas |
| Highlight | : | Extremely Varied Landscapes, Mountain Desert, Worlds Deepest River Gorge, Rice-Terraces, River Valleys, Sunrise, Sunset, Water Falls, Local Flora & Fauna |
| Days | Destinations | Hours (hr) |
| 01 | Kathmandu - Pokhara | |
| Early morning tourist coach transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the drive you will already have stunning views over the mighty Himalaya massifs as well as green hills and dramatic river valleys. Preparation activities for the trek - detailed briefing, last minute shopping and packing. Overnight stay in Pokhara. | ||
| 02 | Pokhara – Tatopani 1,190m/3,900ft | 5-6hr drive |
| We start our trek with a drive to Tatopani which takes around 5-6 hrs. There is an option to go to the hot springs when we reach our destination. We spend the night at a teahouse. | ||
| 03 | Tatopani - Ghasa 2,010m/6,595ft | 7hr trek |
| After breakfast we start walking alongside Kali Gandaki river gorge which is the deepest river gorge in the world as counted from the top of the snowy peaks to the river’s lowest point. We follow a wide trail which is also a local road and we cross the river back and forth through several foot bridges and walk through the village of Dana, where we eat lunch. This is a day of a gentle uphill trek. Overnight at a teahouse. | ||
| 04 | Ghasa – Larjung | 6hr trek |
| The trail is easy following the same wide trail and local road, occasionally diverting through a forest or crossing the river through a foot bridge. We stop for lunch at Kalopani and we continue through the wide road to Larjung from then on, still following the river, which now changes and widens its riverbed significantly. We walk through green landscapes and there is an option to take a side trail through Kokethanti, this is a longer walk but away from the road. Overnight at a teahouse in Larjung. | ||
| 05 | Larjung - Marpha | 4hr trek |
| From Larjung we walk through the villages of Khobang and Thukuche before we reach Marpha. This is a short walking day as we get time to explore the village of Marpha and its monastery with great views over the valley. Marpha is famous for growing apples and it’s a charming stone village where you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There is an old monastery and many narrow stone paved streets to explore here and you can have the famous Marpha apple pie. Overnight at a teahouse. | ||
| 06 | Marpha to Kagbeni | 6-7hr trek |
| The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually up to Syang village, before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom. Syang is another small stone village with great views over the valley and a small monastery. We eat lunch at Jomsom and from Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon and the trek continues on the gradual path on the windswept Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3-4 hrs and finally reaching Kagbeni village. Kagbeni lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting old stone village situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. Kagbeni has some interesting ancient sights like the 15th century rammed earth monastery and the ancient sculpture of the village protector. The riverbed here is known for black stones, which contain ammonite fossils within them. Overnight at a teahouse. | ||
| 07 | Kagbeni – Muktinath | 6-7hr trek |
| We take the north side of the valley to enter Muktinath from northern direction and we pass through the windswept hillside of Upper Mustang and the village of Jhong – village built in Mustang style and part of the Sakya Buddhist tradition. We pass through some beautiful barren landscapes and sandy rock formations which are very characteristic to the region of Upper Mustang (restricted area which we cannot enter).We arrive in Muktinath in the afternoon and we visit the holy sites here or just stroll around the village with many local Tibetan sellers and splendid mountain views. Overnight at a teahouse. | ||
| 08 | Muktinath – Jomsom | 6hr trek |
| The trail from Muktinath to Jomsom goes downhill and you will find it quit easy to walk. On the way down to Jomsom you will get to see a village called Jharkot where you can visit one more old monastery and see some more ancient sculptures of a male and female village protectors. From here we can see the way to Thorung La pass and Thorung peak behind us. The walk offers some stunning landscapes in the valley. Overnight in teahouse in Jomsom. | ||
| 09 | Jomsom – Pokhara | 30min flight OR a 9hr drive |
| We take a morning flight back to Pokhara. In case that flight is cancelled due to bad weather, we have to drive down to Pokhara using local jeeps and buses (8-9hr drive). Overnight in Pokhara. |
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Note: Each day & trek is different, depending on a number of factors ranging from availability of some facilities and trail conditions to the general pace of the whole group. Exact timetable cannot always be followed and would in fact destroy the free and easy going atmosphere of the trek that you have come along to enjoy. Therefore the following schedule serves as a general guideline only.
On your request we can arrange an extension of your holiday and there are many activities you can choose from, depending on your personal preferences. Here is what we can help you arrange:
We have various residential yoga retreat programs available from 1-21 days in duration. Typical daily program includes meditation, two yoga classes, jala neti, sound immersion with singing bowls and gong, guided relaxation and daily wellness activities of foot bath, steam bath, mud bath or aromatherapy steam inhalation. Our food is organic and delicious, always cooked fresh by our skilled chef with accordance to ayurvedic principles. You can also learn to make a hand-crafted mandala, have a private sound healing session or get an ayurvedic massage during your stay on request.www.purnayoga.com.np
Seated high on the back of an elephant, gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan National Park which is a home to significant populations of one horned rhino, tigers, leopards, wild hogs, sloth bears, many species of deer, monkeys, langurs, Gharial crocodiles, Indian bisons and many beautiful peacocks. Packages start from 3 days/2 night and longer with a variety of activities including elephant jungle safari, river canoe trip, cultural performance of Tharu stick dance, elephant bathing, jeep safari and more.
Nepal is a home to many raging mountain rivers and streams originating from the Himalayas, which makes it a perfect destination for a river rafting adventure. The excursions start from a short half day rafting tour on Upper Seti river, 1 day for Trisuli river and 2 days for Lower Seti and Marshyangdi. A longer 3 day camping excursion is required for rafting on Kali Gandaki. There are rafting tours suitable for beginners as well as more experienced thrill seekers, grades from II to V, changeable with the seasons.
Pokhara is a paradise for paragliding, on one side towering snow-capped mountains, on the other side a stunning lake surrounded by hills and terraced fields. Such landscapes are sure to take your breath away as you glide through the air seamlessly like a bird in flight. Tandem flights are perfect for beginners, a 30min adventure that gives you a taste of thermal lifts and even some acrobatics if you’re keen. Cross country is the next step with a 60min flight that takes you higher and further. All flights start from Sarankot hill, nearby Pokhara.
There are two bungee jump locations in Nepal. Pokhara has a 70m vertical drop tower bungee, located just 20 minutes away from Lakeside. The jump site offers a spellbinding view of the Himalayas, the hills and the rivers that will take your breath away. The second bungee site is located on a suspension bridge hanging over a 160m deep Bhote Kosi river gorge, 100km east from Kathmandu. Both locations offer superb adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience.
Take this 1 day tour and journey through intimate passages of contorted rock and powerful blasts of water as experienced guides lead you climbing, abseiling, jumping, scrambling, sliding & swimming down steep canyon walls to pristine natural pools below. Jalberi Canyoning Zone, which is located half way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, features breath-taking scenery of untouched jungle, karst rock formations and multiple cascading waterfalls dropping one after the other into refreshing pools and rainbow gardens.
Pokhara has the world's longest, fastest and steepest zipline, which is over 1.8km long, with a 600 metre vertical drop and which can travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. The descent is only 2min long but it is sure to leave a lasting impression as you're flying over treetops, Pokhara Valley with Seti River below you and a vast space in front of you with beautiful mountain panorama in sight. Make the most of your trip, you can't zipline to such extreme anywhere else in the world.
Pokhara offers a range of ultralight flight experiences. The shortest flight is just 15min and it takes you around Pokhara Valley with a mountain panorama view. A 30min flight can take you around the valley and also bring you close and personal with the Fishtail Mountain.
The 60min flight takes you into the heart of the mountains, where you will fly in between the Himalayan mountain ranges for a once in a lifetime experience and an incredible vantage point to snap some stunning photos.
Mountain flights operate from Kathmandu airport and once you take off you don't have to wait long before you see spectacular mountain views beneath you. You get to fly over the highest mountain ranges in the world and you will also see what Mt Everest looks like from above. This is as close as you can get to the world's tallest mountain without trekking. This flight is operated in a 17 seater Beech aircraft and everyone gets a window seat, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Please note these Terms and Conditions contain important information. It is essential that you read them carefully and understand them prior to making your reservation with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please note that while booking a trip, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions as well as the cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. When making your booking with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd it is implied that you have read, understood and accepted all these terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.
1. Booking
To make your reservation you must fill out the booking form and make a booking deposit payment. Your reservation will be confirmed by email once we have received your booking deposit and a copy of your booking form duly filled out.
All treks require a booking deposit of 200 USD per person at the time of booking. Some longer treks like Everest Base Camp and Upper Mustang require a booking deposit of 500 USD per person at the time of booking.
2. Payment Methods
Booking deposit payment can be made by bank transfer, by Visa / MasterCard or by Western Union. The remaining balance can be cleared upon your arrival in Nepal by cash or credit card (credit card payment incurs a 4% charge).
a. Payment by Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa Only)
There is a 4% surcharge when you make your payment with a credit/debit card. Please download the credit card payment form and complete the necessary details in the form including your complete card details, signature (same as in your passport & credit card) and send a scan/photo of this filled form as well as a scan/photo of your passport and both sides of your card by email to info@nepalyogatrek.com
Your credit card will be charged by Alpine Travel Service (Credit Card Division) on behalf of Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please do not send the form details directly to Alpine Travel Services.
b. Payment by Wire/Bank Transfer
Please use the below details to complete a wire/bank transfer. Please note that Nepal banks do not operate the IBAN system, the below details are full and complete:
Beneficiary Name: PURNA YOGA & TREKS PVT.LTD
Beneficiary Address: TEKU, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Bank Name: MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED
Bank Address: KANTIPATH, KATHMANDU, NEPAL.
Bank Account No: 0010010103716
Bank Swift Code: MBNLNPKA
Please put down your own name as the transaction reference for easy recognition.
Please note that your transfer may be subject to an intermediary bank fee on the way to Nepal as well as your own bank's transfer fee. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any bank charges incurred at any stage of the transfer process.
c. Payment by Western Union or Moneygram
Send the payment option "pickup at location" to the following receiver details:
Company Name: Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
First Name: Manohar
Last Name: Shrestha
Address: Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Telephone Number: +977 9841436877
Note: After making the transfer please email us the receipt of your payment to info@nepalyogatrek.com We need the MTCN code, full sender name & address to receive the money in Western Union office.
Please note you can only send the payment in NPR (Nepali Rupee) to Nepal so we will use the current exchange rate NPR/USD to calculate the deposit amount received in USD
3. Cancellation
a. Cancellation by Guest
Written cancellation notice must be received and acknowledged by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Such notice commences from the day your cancellation note is received and cancellation shall be valid with acknowledgement from the company. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge would be deducted from the advance paid. Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.
The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CHARGE INCURRED |
| 60 days or more before departure | Loss of deposit |
| 59 - 21 days before departure | 50% of services booked |
| Less than 21 days before departure | 80% of services booked |
Please note no refunds will be made if you voluntarily or involuntarily leave the trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and any other services not utilized. Under no circumstance will there be a refund of any kind if you don't show up on the trip departure date or if you leave the trip after the trip has started for any reasons.
Guests have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary, Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd is not financially responsible to provide alternative accommodation after the guest has left the itinerary voluntarily or involuntarily. However we will do our best to assist if help is requested to make any alternative arrangements.
b. Cancellation by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
The tour once confirmed will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so due to circumstances outside of our control (force majeure) such as major natural disaster, major political unrest or war - only when it directly affects our operations, not due to singular localized events in any part of the country.
In the event of cancellation of the booked trip due to reasons out of our control, you are free to reschedule your trip or take an alternative trip of the same category. While rescheduling the trip, you will receive the full credit from your previously booked trip, and you will only pay the difference amount between old and new prices if the price increases for the rescheduled departure. Refunds are not possible in such circumstances but credit transfer is offered. toward an alternative trip within 24 months.
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as flight costs, insurance, accommodation and any other costs).
4. Change of itinerary due to reasons beyond our control
Travelling in Nepal requires a degree of flexibility, good humour and understanding as unforeseen changes to the itinerary, modes of transportation and accommodation can occur at any time. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, extreme weather, road blockage, political unrest, flight cancellation or delay, sickness or accident, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc) or any other circumstances beyond our control. The given itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation. No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. But we will always do our best to keep your itinerary unchanged as much as possible.
If a domestic flight is part of the itinerary at the end of the trip (ie Jomsom-Pokhara or Lukla-Kathmandu) and the flight becomes cancelled or delayed, the guest is responsible to bear all additional expenses incurred including food and accommodation costs. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as helicopter flight to avoid international flight delays, all additional cost would be your responsibility. Moreover, Purna Yoga & Treks does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights, but would assist to make alternative transport arrangements wherever possible.
5. Risk & Liabilities
Your safety is our number one priority and the tour leaders have an authority to make changes in the itinerary based on their risk assessment due to weather or trail conditions while the trek is in progress. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd will not be liable for any accident, injury, health problem, emotional distress or any other health condition suffered by the client during the trip. Our packages do not include any kind of personal insurance so it is guests' own responsibility to purchase travel insurance from their own country before their trip starts. Similarly Purna Yoga & Treks will not be liable for any loss or damage of property, lost or stolen valuables or luggage.
6. Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the prices quoted. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants at all time, it is a condition of booking that you take out a personal travel insurance policy. To protect against unforeseen circumstances it is advisable to take a comprehensive travel insurance cover from your own country and before your arrival to Nepal. Such insurance should cover personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation expenses, land and helicopter rescue from high altitude (up to the max altitude of your trek - please check this carefully with your insurance provider before booking).
We also recommend that the insurance cover includes trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
7. Privacy & Publicity
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd has to collect your personal information in order to obtain the necessary trekking permits and for records purposes. No private or personal information that you supply to us when making a booking will ever be used for any other purposes.
You agree that Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd may use images of you taken during the trip without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses.
