Jomsom-Muktinath Trek also popularly known as Muktinath Trek is one of the pristine short easy-going treks into the Himalayas of Nepal. This Muktinath Trek which lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal is popular for a salvation journey into one of the famous temples of Lord Vishnu in the Himalayas.
The region Annapurna itself carries numerously hidden and a fascinating record-breaking spot to explore, ranging from the highest pass of Thorong La Pass (5416m), the highest existing lake of Tilicho Lake (4949m), the deepest river gorge of Kaligandaki river, and the only river to find fossil/ammonite, and the region is also rich with natural resources called Uranium which is one of the largest volumes found in Nepal. These are only some to mention, Annapurna still is a region to invent and discover.
Apart from the beauties of the Annapurna region trekking areas, Muktinath Trek or Jomsom-Muktinath Trek offers a blend of culture and nature. This is a short Muktinath trek of 5 days taking us to the highest elevation of 3800 meters, which is the holy shrine for both Hindu and Buddhist followers.
Trek to Muktinath can be started from both Pokhara and Kathmandu but the starting point and the ending point of this Muktinath trek in Pokhara. You will be flying from Pokhara airport to Jomsom airport which lies at 2720 meters, this will be an early morning flight. Further, you will be trekking for around 4-5 hours to reach Kagbeni (2800m) for the first overnight stay.
As we land Jomsom which is a small domestic airport on the bank of the snow-melted river Kaligandaki, which is also the deepest river gorge and the river is famous for the fossil. We trek crossing the river through suspension bridge, passing by army high altitude training camp. Half the trail will be through the bank of the river Kaligandaki, with a pristine view of the high Himalayas and bare dry mountains.
Upon reaching Kagbeni, which is one of the popular religious sites as well for Pinda-Dan ( a religious procession done by Hindu pilgrimage for the memory of their beloved ones). It is a religious belief that conducting Pinda-Dan in Kagbeni on the bank of the river Kaligandaki will bless the departed soul with salvation. Throughout the year devotees and family members gather to offer Pinda-Dan.
Kagbeni is an old Sherpa settlement village, with typical buildings and monasteries around. Travelers can explore the village and moreover, Kagbeni is also the entry point towards Lomanthang with is the upper mustang region of Nepal and also the restricted zone bordering Tibet. A special permit is required to conduct Upper Mustang Trekking.
On the very next day, you will be trekking all the way to Muktinath which takes around 6 hours. Upon reaching Muktinath, you can explore the holy shrine of Lord Vishnu and some Buddhist monasteries as well. Any travelers can visit temples and monasteries, as there is no restriction for foreigners. As Muktinath is a place to attain salvation you will be welcomed. Devotees take a dip into 108 water tape which is to the opposite side of the temple. Overnight you will be staying in your hotel.
The very next day after our breakfast, we hike down towards Jomsom which will be around a 5-hour hike. Upon reaching Jomsom, your guide will escort you towards the bank of Kaligandaki river to find some ammonite, further, you can visit a biological museum to explore the flora and fauna of the high mountains and or you can hike towards Marpha which is a popular village for apple production.
On the last day, you will take an early morning flight to Pokhara and then a flight to Kathmandu or you can spend a day in Pokhara. This Muktinath trek can be conducted within a short span of time and is flexible for any age group and gender.
Itineraries can be customized according to your time limitation and interest, please feel free to contact Discover Altitude or if you are interested in other trekking routes to the Muktinath please visit Annapurna Circuit Trek 17-Days; Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, or Muktinath Helicopter Tour
