Jomsom/Muktinath Trek

Jomsom/Muktinath trek:

This popular trek follows the old trade route along the Kali Gandaki River, part of the Circuit trek. The fact this has been a trade route for hundreds of years means that the system of tea house is well developed. The friendly Thakali people who inhabit the area in the northern half of this trek are renowned for being accommodating hosts, ready to turn their hands to anything to satisfy the culinary desires of their guests. Jomsom has an airfield with daily flights by plane or helicopter to Pokhara and Kathmandu so you can cut several days off this track and save backtracking. Be prepared for delays, though flights don't operate when it is cloundy and windy.

Jomsom is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as the Thakalis. It has a wireless station, a police station, a bank, a hospital and a veterinary hospital. A company of the Nepalese Army is stationed here.

The Thakalis living in the Jomsom region and in the nearby villages of Marpha and Tukuche have been known for their trading skills. They occupy an important village on the traditional trade route between the Gangetic plains of India and Tibet.

Pros and con

The cultural diversity, good views, excellent tea-house accomodation and the fact that, apart from the climb up to Ghorepani, this is an easy trek all contribute to the popularity of this route. Its main drawback is that it can be very crowded in October, November, March and April.

Trip Informaton

Activities:	Trekking and Hiking
Departure:	Any day during season
Max Altitudes:	3800m (Muktinath)
Trip Duration:	15 days
Trip Grade:	Moderate
Accommodation:	Hotel in city, teahouse on trek
Meals:	Full board on trek, breakfast in city
Transportation:	Tourist bus/private car/local bus/private jeep
Best Season:	September-November & March-May
Walking hours:	4-6hrs per day

Day 01	Arrive in Kathmandu Airport & Transfer to Hotel Welcome dinner in the evening.
Day 02	Sightseeing/Free day in Kathmandu-For sightseeing, we will be visiting three of the World heritage sites in Kathmandu by private vehicle. Swayambunath Stupa:You will first visit the Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. The painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha.It is situated to the west of the city on a hill which is 77 meters above the valley. Boudhanath Stupa:Boudhanath Stupa is another important Buddhist pilgrims site. This ancient Stupa is considered one of the biggest stupa in the World. Every morning and evening, many Buddhist devotees come here to pray and circumambulate enabling the visitors to observe local religious practices. Pashupatinath Temple:The sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath is considered the holiest cremation ground, and people bath in the Bagmati River with a faith of cleansing themselves spiritually. Many Sadhus or Hindu Ascetics live here. During religious festivals, Hindus come to make offerings, and it get more then a million during festivals . Drive back to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at you own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03	Kathmandu - Pokhara by Toursit Bus A beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trek. Your first day in Pokhara can be spent just relaxing or you may enjoy a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Devi Falls. The remainder of the time is yours to enjoy either doing last minute shopping for the trek or packing your kitty bag for the following day's departure Overnight at Hotel on B&B basis.
Day 04	Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni Fly to Jomsom & sightseeing around Jomsom. The Kaligandaki valley here is called the Thakkhola, after the native Thakalis, who are distantly related to the Tibetans. The day we walk to Kagbeni, the checkpoint of entry to Upper Mustang. The altitudes of this trek vary between about 915m at Pokhara to approx.3880m at Muktinath; going up and down will test the best pair of knees. The secret is, take it SLOWLY!
Day 05	Kagbeni - Muktinath We ascend steeply to a 3880m, at Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple in a grove of poplars. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists, who come here for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water inside a small but very holy temple.
Day 06	Muktinath - Jomsom Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this area.
Day 07	Jomsom -Kalopani Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old Thakali trading center of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rain shadow end and open spaces make way for coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560m.) From here there are spectacular 360-degree views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna high above.
Day 08	Kalopani - Tatopani A beautiful walk, with another transition into sub-tropical vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias. The trail follows the river through a narrow gorge, and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall, before winding through the valley to Tatopani. The hot water springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good 'scrub.
Day 09	Tatopani - Ghorepani Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.
Day 10	Ghorepani – Tadapani Early morning, you will visit the famous Poon Hill where you will hopefully be blessed with a fantastic sunrise and 360 deg view of all the Annapurna Range including Annapurna South (7272m) Annapurna I (8091m) with imposing views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8157m) and the Dhaulagiri Range to the West. The views here are breath taking as you sit and sip on a hot chocolate before heading down the main trail to Pokhara. Here you will be able to see how things have changed over the years since western man started visiting the Himalayas. One of the added advantages of lodge trekking is being able to sit and chat to the Sougi (Inn Keeper), whilst he spins you yarns about life in Nepal. A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna, and all the way south to the plains of India. Trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 11	Tadapani - Ghandruk Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandruk (1940m) and explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement.
Day 12	Ghandruk - Birethanti - Pokhara A steady climb down past startlingly green cultivated terraces and picturesque, beautifully-preserved farms to the scurrying Modi River, which the trail follows back to Birethanti. Drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13	Drive Back to Kathmandu
Day 14	Free day in Kathmandunu
Day 15	Departure

Cost Includes:

• All airport/hotel transfers
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All accommodation and meals during the trek
• All Ground Transportation according to the Itinerary.
• An experienced English-speaking trek guide, assistant trek guide and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging of Guide,Assi. Guide & Porter
• Duffel bag (if needed)
• All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes.

Cost Excludes:

• Nepal Visa fee
• Airport departure tax
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Beverage( soft drink and other hard drink)
• Tips for guides and porters

Pre Departure Planning

Trekking in Nepal is a unique experience. So, to get maximum enjoyment you should be physically and mentally prepared. During the trek, you might have to hike approximately 5-6 hours almost everyday or 500-600m uphill or downhill. So, preparation should commence months before-walking, jogging, hiking and physical training would be very helpful. To learn more about trekking pre fitness consult our trekking fitness expertise http://www.trekprepfitness.com.au/

Food and accommodation

Meals will be provided by NEAT during the whole trek as per your service besides mentioned in city. We offer open and the choice menu in the tea house where you can select the food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our guide will recommend or take you to the guest houses which serve the hygienic and nutritious food and best accomodation. Snacks, bottle drinks including mineral water and alcohol are not included in price.

Trekking group

It would be easy for you if you have your own group if not also we can arrange a group trek according to your request. You would be joining the group in Kathmandu. If you want to have a solo trip then we are always ready to help you again with single supplement charge. We try our best to make your comfortable holiday in the beauty of Jomsom/Muktinath Region.

Trekking guide and porters

Trekking guide are very responsible person who will assist you in your whole trek. They have a very broad knowledge about geography, Flora, Fauna, culture, himalayas and trails. Trekking guide will assist and brief all your questions and confusion during trek. The company will provide you the best and authorized guide to make your holiday. Potters are very strong and poor Nepali people who will carry all your baggage where ever you go. Don’t Forget to tip them for their service .

Acclimatization

When NEAT plan your itinerary, we take everything into consideration about the altitude and other factors to minimize the chance of getting AMS.

Altitude gains-your trek is designed to gain around 600 meters (vertical) altitude daily.

Acclimatization - rest days are included in itinerary to help body adjust to new altitude.

Each trekker must accept responsibility and trek slowly - observe the steps at which the porters and guide walks. There are no worthwhile prizes for getting to destination in record time - generally AMS.

Treatment: Mild symptoms - staying at same altitude may resolve symptoms. If there is no improvement, descend to lower level.

Severe (HAPE + HACE) - descend immediately, as failure to do so could result in death. If symptoms persist you may need to be carried to nearest medical facility or evacuated by helicopter.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance.

Climate and Weather of Nepal

Climate in Nepal is diversified depends on season. From the low level to highest point of the World, it start from hot to cold region from South to North. You can travel Nepal in any season but the best time to visit in Jomsom/Muktinath Region is autumn & spring. If you are in autumn the weather is perfect and sky is crystal clear but in spring the weather seem little cloudy but the full blossoming Rhododendrons are awesome. In Summer visibility is poor and there is less chances to see the himalayas and in winter it is very cold in mountain but still possible to do this trip.

Nepalese Visa Requirements And Process

Before you travel to Nepal please check your passport and validity date. Passports must have at least 6 months validity after finish date of your trek. During booking, it is necessary to send us the passport copy. To travel in Nepal, you will require a visa which you can obtained from Nepalese Embassy at your country or you can get on arrival visa at the TIA airport in Kathmandu.

Here is general list of Nepalese visa fee as below and for more detail visit http://immi.gov.np/

Cost to be levied while issuing tourist visa by the Mission or entry point:

• US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visa.
• US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days multiple entry visa.
• US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.
Notwithstanding anything written in above, no visa fee shall be applicable to the passport holder of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 30 days.

Trekking Permits and Entry Charge

While you travel Jomsom/Muktinath Region, you need to obtain the entry permits and TIMS permit. All the applicable permits and entry fees are including on the given cost except personal contribution and donations. In case of extra charge and payment, the agency will inform you.

Trekkers health and medical information

Trekkers health is very important for the tour operator as we should know your health condition before making reservation with us. To do this trek, the trekkers should have good fitness and require great stamina and good health. All our Trekking guide and potter are insurance before trekking. For the medical information you should contact your medical consult before planning your trip to Nepal.

Narphu valley Trekking is probably the best trek of Annapurna region and for those who want to explore hidden valley and trek off the beaten crossing through Challenging high passes like Masokanto La (5099m), Kangla pass (5200m) & Tilicho Pass (5230m) .....

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DURATION: 27 Days

DESTINATION: Nepal

GRADE: Moderate

MAX. ALTITUDE: 5230m

TRIP PHOTOS

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Jomsom
Jomsom
Kalopani
Muktinathtemple

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