Jomsom Muktinath Trek - 13 Days - 13 Days

Join Alpine Club of Himalaya’s trekking expedition to the Mustang region that includes the world’s deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, Jomsom Muktinath Trek at a maximum altitude of 3800m (12,464 ft). Continuing along the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, marvel at the splendid peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri both of which reach heights in excess of 8000m (26,240 ft). Jomsom Muktinath Trek helps you to explore the hundreds of years old monastery, caves, local tribes, and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. The best seasons for doing this trek are Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to mid-December). During these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with a clear sky and outstanding views. You can trek during winter (Dec, Jan, Feb), however, cold weather with snow-fall at higher elevations may cause delays.

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft)
You will be welcomed by an amazing view of The Himalayas as you approach Kathmandu. At the airport, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Alpine Club of Himalaya. In the evening, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals- Welcome Dinner.

Sightseeing in Kathmandu
We depart in the morning to the Pashupatinath temple, a famous 5th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of the Bagmati River. We then tour Boudhanath, one of the holiest and largest Buddhist stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet. We will visit the Patan Darbar square that has heritage buildings representing the four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur) in Nepal, which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next, we visit Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, with the best-preserved palace courtyards in Nepal, and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal, and stone artwork. Prominent structures are the Nyata-Pola Temple, a 5-story pagoda erected by Nepali King Bhupatindra Malla during a 5-month period from late 1701 into 1702, the world-famous Golden Gate, cited as “the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom; it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings”, and the 55 Window Palace that has a balcony of fifty-five windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving, built during the reign of King Yaksha Malla in 1427 AD. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals- Breakfast.

Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhedhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs
We take a flight to Pokhara; the right side of the plane will offer the best views of The Himalayas.
Representatives of Alpine Club of Himalaya will pick you up at the Pokhara airport. Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal located 200 km west of Kathmandu, also known as The Lake City owing to a large number of lakes in the city, offers spectacular views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna and others.
We take a 1 hour and 20-minute drive to Nayapul, and walk to the northern side of Burundi Khola, through subtropical forests, and sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. We cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs
From Tikhedhunga we trek downhill and cross the Burundi Khola river. From there we brave through thousands of steps and boulders up to the Ulleri Hill and further up to the Ghorepani village via stone stairs, while admiring the spectacular view of Annapurna South, through waterfalls, tiny villages, and several tea-houses before reaching Ghorepani that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and the Nilgiri mountains. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs
Ghorepani town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. On the way to Tatopani, we descend steeply to Sikha, a large village, then descend further to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing a suspension bridge we climb up to Tatopani. Overnight in Tatopani.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki river that flows under a deep gorge by 2200m, in between two 8000m mountaintops that are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, the beautiful Rupse Chahara waterfall, and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village in Ghasa, a paradise for bird watchers. Overnight in Ghasa.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs
We make a steep climb through forests to Lete Khola and then Lete, and further to the east of the Kaligandaki, reaching the Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross the trail via Tukche at 2590m and apple farms that produce apple and vegetable for the entire region, until we reach Marpha Village. Overnight in Marpha.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs
We continue along the valley, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. Cross the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti meaning lonely pub. From Jomsom, we continue on a gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs until the Ekley-Bhatti village. After a good stop, we take an hour of easy walk to Kagbeni, an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Overnight in Kagbeni.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the walk, we will have scenic picturesque places to stop by. From Kagbeni the path climbs steeply to re-join the direct trail leading to Khingar at 3200m. The trail climbs through a desert landscape till Jarkot Village. A further climb reaches us to Muktinath.Overnight in Muktinath.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs
Muktinath is one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus and Buddhists. We will visit the Muktinath Temple of Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a “Muktikhsetra” or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. There is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Also, enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
Representatives of Alpine Club of Himalaya will transport you to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, providing views of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
In Pokhara, we tour the city; Davis Falls is a unique waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal, The Shiva Cave houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. We also do some boating in Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara, and visit the Bindyabasini Temple located at the center of the Lake. From the lake, and possibly even from your hotel bed, you can enjoy a clear view of the snow-capped mountains, just twenty or so kilometers away. Then we visit the famous International Mountain Museum (IMM) that records, documents, and chronicles the past and present development of mountaineering activities in the world and the Himalayas in particular. Overnight in Pokhara.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Kathmandu
We take a 200-kilometer drive back to Kathmandu while enjoying the marvelous scenery.
In Kathmandu, you may spend the day exploring more of Kathmandu, shop for souvenirs, lovely pashminas, or intricate artwork. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate your successful trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals- Breakfast.

Final Departure Departure- Home Sweet Home
Representatives of Alpine Club of Himalaya will transport you to the airport.
Meals- Breakfast.

Cost Include

All airport/hotel transfers
3-star Hotels in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. (Both on a B&B basis)
Teahouse during the trek with all meals
Welcome and farewell dinners
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees
Kathmandu to Pokhara flight, Jomsom to Pokhara flight
Pokhara to Kathmandu transportation in tourist bus
An experienced English speaking trek leader (trekking guide) assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porters) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Alpine Club of Himalaya duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, Trekking permit)
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
Excess baggage charges
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
International and domestic flights (Pokhara to Kathmandu-$108)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
Tips for guides and porters