Ghorepani (Poon Hill) Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Trip Overview

Ghorepani Poonhill Jomsom Muktinath Trek is in the Mustang region that includes the world's deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, Jomsom Muktinath Trek. The trek reaches the maximum altitude of 3800m (12,464 ft) and can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness. 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). Explore the hundreds of years old monasteries, caves, local tribes, and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Make an adventure starting from the world's deepest gorge Kali Gandaki Region into the world's highest regions passing through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and downhill, and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and several other peaks.

The initial days of the trek through the Annapurna region ascend through rice terraces and villages inhabited by the indigenous people, mostly the Gurungs. The trek gets interesting in Tatopani where you will have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs! Then the trek passes through Jomsom and Kagbeni, the entry point of the upper Mustang Region. The grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier is on show a little further up along with the first glimpse of the windy Tibetan Plateau on the way to the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m/12,464 ft). The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble water flowing from taps and mysterious natural gas fires that boggle the mind. From here it is downhill to Jomsom village on the Tibetan Plateau where you can look around at the gateway to the "Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang", and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions still in practice. A flight the following day will bring you to Pokhara from where we make a few hours' drive through the green mountains to Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • Excellent views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchchhre and Himalchuli
  • Exploring the scenic and magnificent beauty of the rich Nature
  • Unique Thakali cultures to explore
  • Apple Garden
  • Religious Hindu Temple Muktinath
  • 108 water spouts

Trip Map

Jomsom Muktinath Trek Map

Short itinerary

DAY 01: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhendhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs

DAY 02: Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs

DAY 03: Ghorepani to Tatopani [1,190m/3,904ft]: 5-6 hrs

DAY 04: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs

DAY 05: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5 hrs

DAY 06: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs

DAY 07: Kagbeni to Muktinath [3,710m/12,170ft]: 5-6 hrs

DAY 08: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs

DAY 09: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight

Detail Itinerary

DAY 01: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Tikhendhunga [1,552m/5,090ft]: 4-5 hrs
Early morning flight or bus to Pokhara. If by flight, be sure to catch the right side of the airplane for the best views of the Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of the Annapurna range, and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara offer fishing, boating, and swimming, the city itself is popular as a city of lakes. After taking a rest for some time, drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We walk to the northern side of Bhurungdi Khola, the trail climbs through the sub-tropical valley forests, 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 Tikhendhunga.

DAY 02: Tikhedhunda to Ghorepani [2,750m/9,020ft]: 6-7 hrs
From Tikhendhunga the trail drops down and crosses the Burungdi Khola, then climbs all the way up to Ghorepani via very steeply up to village Ulleri. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of your stamina. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means "horse water" owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and crafts. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings.

DAY 03: 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 Ghorepani town which 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 & further descend to Ghar Khola Village. After crossing the suspension bridge it climbs up at Tatopani. Tatopani, meaning Hot Water in Nepali derives its name from the hot springs there. The hot springs are popular among trekkers to soothe their tired leg muscles.

DAY 04: Tatopani to Ghasa [2,110m/6,922ft]: 5-6 hrs
The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki River and flows under the deep gorge by 2200m in between two 8000m mountaintops that are only 38km apart. Continuing along to Dana, Rupse Chahara meaning beautiful waterfall, and Kopchepani, the trail further ascends to the Thakali village Ghasa. Ghasa is a paradise for bird watchers.

DAY 05: Ghasa to Marpha [2,680m/8,792ft]: 4-5hrs
A steep climb through the forest takes you to Lete Khola then reach to Lete. It further continues to the east side of the Kaligandaki reach you Larjung Village. From Larjung, we cross trail via Tukche at 2590m and apple farm projects which produce apple and vegetable for the whole region until you get to Marpha Village.

DAY 06: Marpha to Kagbeni [2,810/9,218ft]: 4-5 hrs
The trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom Village. Cross the Panga Khola to reach Ekle Bhatti meaning lonely pub. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon and the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching Ekley-Bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age-old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area.

DAY 07: 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 to Jarkot Village. A further climb reaches us to Muktinath.

DAY 08: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 5-6 hrs
Muktinath is one of the most important destinations for Hindu pilgrimage. It also holds an important place for the Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the 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. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religious harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom.

DAY 09: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
After morning breakfast we check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, the guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara Valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake in Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour's walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring the lakeside. Overnight at hotel.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes:

  • Airport pick up and drop. 
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS ).
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
  • Guide and porter’s salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging.
  • Private transport from Pokhara to Nayapul (trek starting point).
  • Private jeep or taxi from Nayapul to Pokhara (trek ending point). 
  • Full meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) of your choice. 
  • Water purifier for Safe Drinking water.
  • Accommodation (twin sharing a private room with share toilet). 
  • 2-star Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast for 1 night. 
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit.
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Trekking Route map printed T-Shirts. 

Cost Excludes:

  • Hot shower during the trek. 
  • Wi-Fi in the mountain.
  • Electronic device recharge in tea houses.
  • Hot and cold beverages.
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation. 
  • Tipping for guide and porter.
  • Service not mentioned above.

Date & Price

Date and price

Start Date End Date Availability Price  
Available US$ US$1100 Book Now

Useful Info

Useful Info

Price from US$1100 per perosn
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Trip Facts

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Best season: February, March, April, May, October, November
  • Per day walking: 6 hours in average
  • Type of trek: Tea house
  • General Duration: 09 days
  • Maximum Altitude: 3800m

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