Jomsom Muktinath Trek – 17 days

The Jomsom Muktinath trek is more of a pilgrimage trek along with being a trek which offers the opportunity to intermingle with the ethnic populations residing in the Annapurna and Mustang Region. Jomsom is known as Dzongsam, meaning New Fort marks the end of the trek. The trail offering alluring views of mountains like the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre etc, Kali Gandaki the deepest gorge in the world, the pilgrimage site of Muktinath and the natural source of hot springs in Tatopani is absolutely worth trying.

A flight to Pokhara followed by a short walk to Tikhedhunga marks the beginning of this trek. It includes views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Macchapuchhre mountains and some sub tropical valley forests. Tikhedhunga to Burugundi Khola requires a descend, while a further extremely tiring, upward trek brings Ulleri and finally Ghorepani. Ghorepani is home to welcoming ethnic inhabitants with their distinct culture and traditions.

Descending via the villages like Sikha and Ghar Khola brings the Tatopani which is home to hot soothing springs with medicinal values which can be used to soothe aching muscles. The trail passes through Dana, Rupse, Chahara, Kopchepani to reach Ghasa, along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Trekkers then trek through Marpha into Kagbeni, which lies in the Jomsom region and requires a good physique and stamina. This hard trek is certainly worth it when beautiful, windy, coniferous forests can be passed along the way. A steep climb upwards brings the Jarkot viallge and finally the sacred place of Muktinath. Muktinath depicts the perfect harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims that visit here. A region of salvation, it also rewards trekkers with exquisite views of the Dhaulagiri peak. This is followed by a trek back to Jomsom and a flight back to Pokhara which marks the end of the trek. This trek will surely leave trekkers happy and contented with the exquisite sights and the chance to mix up with Nepali ethnic inhabitants.