Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Lodge Trek

Grade

Moderate

Altitude

3795 m.

Transportation

Tourist Bus and Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara by flight

Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Duration

8 Days

Best price guaranteed
Book now, pay later

Request Cost Make Inquiry

Jomsom Muktinath Cultural Trek

Cultural trek to Jomsom - Muktinath takes you to the town of Jomsom in the Annapurna region which is famous for Thakali hospitality and Himalayan biodiversity. This trek begins with a short mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom though travel by land is also possible. Located at an altitude of 2713m, Jomsom is the administrative center of Mustang district and is home to Thakali people. Here you will be able to appreciate the Thakali culture and hospitality. A day’s walk from Jomsom will reach Kagbeni, another historical town that seperates Lower and Upper Mustang.

After speding a night in Kagbeni, the next day you will head towards Muktinath (3795m.), a sacred site of both Buddhists and Hindus. Muktinath literally means ‘god of salvation’. It is believed that taking a bath in its 108 water sprouts will rinse one of all sins. Muktinath houses a statute of Avalokiteshwara below which sits the eternal flame. Along the trekking route you will cherish the spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulgairi mountain ranges. You will then return to Jomsom via the villages of Tukuche and Kalopani through arid landscape. Your journey to Tukuche and Muktinath follows Kaligandaki river bank.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours.

Food

Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

914

After early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. Enjoy scenic views of mountains, hills, villages, and rivers along the highway. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 2 : Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m.) takes about 35 minutes and trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2810 m.) takes another four hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2895

You take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. It is also very picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 3 : Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3795 m.) takes about 4 hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3795

The trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred meters. You can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, caves, old Tibetan style villages, apple garden, yaks herds, sheep herds and so on. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : The trek from Muktinath to Tukuche (2550m.) takes about five and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2550

You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. You continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Leaving Marpha, you begin your journey to Tukuche trekking along a flat leveled path at the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Tukuche, a beautiful Thakali village, is well known for its monastery, panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and excellent lodges that provide quality service to the guests. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : The trek from Tukuche to Kalopani (2500m.) takes about five and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2500

After trekking along a rocky trail with some bushes at the bank of Kali Gandaki, you reach Larjung. This is the view point for Dhaulagiri glacier, Tukuche peak, Dhaulgiri I and many others. You find apple orchards in and around Larjung. After trekking along a flat leveled path you cross a suspension bridge and after passing through the jungle you reach at Kokkethanti where you can enjoy lunch. There are good lodges lying at the bank of Kali Gandaki river. Finally you have to trek along a flat leveled path passing a few villages, lodges and cross a suspension bridge to reach Kalopani. This is a magnificent village surrounded by verdant forests from where you can have a closer view of Annapurna I. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : The trek from Kalopani to Jomsom (2713 m.) takes about six hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2713

While trekking along the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you will be mesmerized by the views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak and many other unnamed mountains and peaks. This day you pass through jungle and villages along rocky trail from one place to another. To reach Jomsom from Tukuche, you trek along a flat trail at the bank of Kali Gandaki River. While trekking, you pass through a Tibetan refugee camp situated nearby Marpha, an apple orchard, distillery, an agriculture development farm and beautiful hills. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7 : Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 35 minutes. Flights are available in the morning time.

Food

Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

914

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 35 minutes. The flight is short and scenic one with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 8 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about seven hours.

Food

Breakfast

Elevation

1400

After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you pass through Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and finally Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. Leaving Kurintar you head towards Thankot via Naubise. Thankot is the entry point to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmand to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.

What Is Included ?

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
2 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
Trekking guide/s
One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Trekking equipments: Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, trekking poles, etc.
Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area (ACAP)
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
All land transportation: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by deluxe A/C tourist bus
Flight tickets from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara
Insurance and equipments for all guides and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenir

What Is Excluded?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance
Tips for involved staffs
Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Cultural Trek to Jomsom - Muktinath Altitude Profile

FAQs

Typically, the trek lasts 7 to 10 days, depending on the itinerary and starting point. Some trekkers begin from Nayapul or Tatopani and trek through Ghorepani, while others may fly or drive directly to Jomsom and start walking from there. The most popular version includes visiting Kagbeni and Muktinath, with cultural stops along the way, offering a rewarding yet manageable trek.

Muktinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Nepal. For Hindus, it is believed to be where Lord Vishnu attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death. For Buddhists, it's associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple complex features 108 water spouts, eternal flames, and a peaceful atmosphere that draws thousands of pilgrims each year. Visiting Muktinath is often described as a spiritually cleansing experience, regardless of one’s religion.

The region is a melting pot of cultures. You'll walk through Thakali villages with beautifully decorated houses, experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions, visit ancient gompas (monasteries), observe prayer wheels and mani walls, and taste authentic Thakali cuisine. Towns like Kagbeni and Marpha are especially rich in culture, with narrow alleys, chortens, and historic architecture that transport you back in time.

Yes, the Jomsom-Muktinath trek is one of Nepal’s most family-friendly and beginner-suitable treks. The trails are well-marked, the altitude gains are gradual, and the availability of lodges and transport options make it convenient. With its gentle pace, rich culture, and moderate elevation (the highest point is around 3,800m at Muktinath), it’s a great choice for families, older trekkers, or those new to trekking.

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the mountain views are stunning. Interestingly, this region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, so it’s also one of the few treks in Nepal that can be done during the monsoon (June to August). Winters are cold, especially around Muktinath, but still doable for experienced trekkers.

Yes! One of the convenient features of this trek is the road access and airport at Jomsom. You can fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (weather permitting) or drive via the off-road track from Beni. Many trekkers fly in one way and trek the other, allowing flexibility based on time and preference.

You’ll need the following permits:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

If you’re trekking beyond Kagbeni into Upper Mustang, a restricted area permit is also required, but for the Jomsom-Muktinath route alone, ACAP and TIMS are sufficient.

Marpha is a charming Thakali village known for its whitewashed houses, stone-paved lanes, apple orchards, and monasteries. It’s often referred to as the “apple capital of Nepal” and has a quiet, spiritual feel.

Kagbeni, located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, marks the gateway to Upper Mustang. Its Tibetan-influenced culture, medieval alleys, red gompas, and views of windswept cliffs make it a highlight for trekkers and photographers alike.

Absolutely. The Jomsom-Muktinath trek is part of the Annapurna Circuit, so you can extend it to include Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Tilicho Lake, or even head toward Upper Mustang if you have a special permit. It also connects easily with Trekking from Tatopani, where you can enjoy natural hot springs.

If you’re looking for a trek that combines cultural immersion, sacred heritage, and stunning Himalayan landscapes, without the extreme altitude or crowd levels of Everest and ABC, then the Jomsom-Muktinath Cultural Trek is a perfect fit. It’s easier on the body, rich in spiritual and historical landmarks, and offers unique desert-like landscapes rarely found in other parts of Nepal. Plus, the option to fly or drive adds convenience for those short on time.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Cultural trek to Jomsom Muktinath. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items:

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff

Sun-worn Items:

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),

Liquid/Snacks:

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:

First Aid Kit

Optional:

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek:

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.