Muktinath-Jomsom Trek Itinerary

We start our hike in Nayapul. 15 minutes along on the bank of the Modi Khola River, the way brings us to Birethanti 1'025 m, a large village with shops and tea houses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the northern shore of Bhurungdi Khola. Then we climb steadily uphill to Hille 1‘475 m here comes now the challenging part of the day, the ascent to Ulleri.

After a rich breakfast we leave Ulleri and begin our climb to Ghorepani. The trail leads through oak and rhododendron forests to Banthanti 2‘250 m. From there we walk towards Nangethanti 2'460 m. After another hour we reach Ghorepani 2'874 m. Option: for those who want to enjoy the sunset on the Poon Hill.

Still in the dark, and those who did not oversleep, make the one-hour climb to Poon Hill 3'210 m. A great spectacle. This vantage point offers a wonderful view of the sunrise over the Himalayas. We spend about 40 minutes and enjoy the wonderful experience before we get back down to Ghorepani and relish our well-deserved breakfast.

After we had breakfast we head to Tatopani. The trail drops steeply to Chitre 2‘390 m. The area around Sikha is largely laid out in terraces. Sikha itself is a large village with shops and hotels on 1‘980 meters above sea level, from where the path goes after Ghara slightly downwards. After another descent of 500 m we cross the river by a suspension bridge and we arrive in Gar Khola. After a few minutes we reach the Kali Gandaki River which we cross before we finally turn north to Tatopani. Tatopani in Nepali means "hot water", the place worthy of the name, because the hot springs are lovely to relax after a day of trekking.

The route takes us through the Kali Gandaki gorge; it is considered the deepest in the world and is located between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (8'000er). From there it goes slightly uphill to Dana 1'400 m and Rukse Chhahara 1'630 m with its breathtaking waterfall. The route takes us steadily upward to Kopchepani, Ghasa 2'080 m and Lete 2'480 m. Just before we reach Kalopani 2'520 m, we have a fantastic view of the Nilgiri in the East.

Soon after we reached Larjung, the interesting village Khobang with its narrow streets appears. We will have lunch in the old "Thakali" village Tukuche. After crossing the gorge, the terrain is barren and the breeze is intense. We arrive in Marpha a Tibetan refuge place with a horticultural research centre. Marpha is a bigger village built in the Thakali architecture. The village with its typical architecture, narrow streets, flat roofs and whitewashed walls of houses and the Buddhist Gompa Nyingmapap waiting for your exploration.

First we hike to Jomsom 2'710 m, it is a large, lively settlement and the administrative centre of the region, with an airport, military camps, many hotels, shops, banks and government offices. Leaving Jomsom behind us, we walk towards Eklai Bhatti at 2‘740 m. From there we follow the river to Kagbeni. The village is located at a junction of two rivers the Jhong Kohla & the Kali Gandaki. From the Mustang area it is the most northern village which we are able to visit without an entry permit. Kagbeni is rich on Tibetan culture and unique hospitality.

It goes steeply up the Jhong Khola valley. Below Khingar 3‘200 m paths crosses, we follow the direct trail to Muktinath. Steadily we walk above the Jhong Khola to the impressive village Jharkot 3'550 m. It is worth taking the time for a little sightseeing. After our break we continue upwards to Ranipauwa where many shops and tea houses are. We finally arrive in our destination Muktina, where we will be rewarded with the actual religious site of Muktinath, because the area is free of hotel and camping sites. Muktinath is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus. We meet Tibetan traders as well as sadhus coming from far south of India. There is a sanctuary in a grove of trees including a Buddhist Gompa and the Vishnu Temple of Jwalamai. In the nearby ancient temple the famous eternal flame rises which has a high religious significance for Muktinath.

On the way to Jomsom we meet people who comes from the restricted area of Mustang, they come here to sell their handicrafts to the pilgrims. Among their products there are also mollusc fossils called Shaligram. We pass some ancient caves and having a stunning view to the White Mountain “Dhaulagiri”. After a while we arrive in Kagbeni the heart of the old Trans Himalayan Salt Route, where two Rivers flow together.