Jomsom Cultural trek is an easier trek in Annapurna Circuit and is ideal for those with less time or for those who do not prefer to go at risky altitude. One of the most significant features of Jomsom Cultural trek is that it can be done throughout the year as it falls under the rain shadow area. Although the trek remains below 4000 meters, Cultural Trek to Jomsom is purely stimulating and possesses a true sense of adventure. This remarkable trek allows you to explore the Buddhist and Hindu cultures and how both religions coexisted harmoniously from hundreds of years. Some of the other attractions of the Cultural Trek to Jomsom are the spectacular mountain views, witnessing the deepest gorge in the world and Jomsom which is a stunning arid valley.
To begin Jomsom Cultural Trek, you will take short 20 minutes flights into the headquarters of the Mustang district; you will walk to one of the most beautiful ancient village, Kagbeni that separates lower Mustang with Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, you trek North-East to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath through arid landscape. Muktinath is also commonly popular as “MuktiKshetra” in Nepal and India which literally means place of liberation. It is believed that Muktinath originated more than 2000 years ago. On the other hand, Muktinath is Nepal’s most famous pilgrimage site with one hundred and eight stone taps and the marvelous temples. The journey then descends down following Kaligandaki River. Witnessing fascinating Hilltop vistas and the deepest Kaligandaki Gorge, you will finish your walking at Thakali and Gurung dominated Jomsom town. Thakali cuisines could grab your attention as their meals are quite popular in Nepal. Those who believe in Hinduism can visit Kaligandaki River to collect Saligrams, fossilized seashell stones.
Jomsom Cultural Trek is suitable for all seasons and for people of all age groups. However, trekking requires some sort of physical fitness such as ability to walk 4-5 hours a day. Contact us to book your next adventure trip and make memories that will last forever.
After an 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.
As soon as you land in Jomsom, you begin your trek towards Kagbeni along the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Kagbeni is ancient town inhabited by Thakali community known for their trading acumen. After a brief observation of Kagbeni you advance towards Muktinath (3795m). Muktinath or Chumig Gyatsa is one of the most sacred religious spots for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. The temple hosts a statue of Padmasambhava along with an eternal flame and 108 stone sprouts. Stay overnight at lodge.
You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, over a desert like arid landscape that gives an impression of Tibetan geography. Pass through Jharkot and Khingar villages full of Tibetan architecture, and continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Leave Marpha on a flat leveled path and soon you will enter Tukuche. Tukuche is another village inhabited by Thakali community where you can get a monastery, lodges along with panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Stay overnight at lodge.
After trekking along a rocky trail with some bushes at the bank of Kali Gandaki, you reach Larjung. Larjung is a perfect view point for Dhaulagiri glacier, Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri I among others. Also enjoy a tour of apple orchards in Larjung. The trail further crosses a suspension bridge and into a jungle. Stop by at Kokkethanti for lunch before continuing trek towards Kalopani. Kalopani is a magnificent village surrounded by verdant forests from where you can have a closer view of Annapurna I. Stay overnight at lodge.
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 peaks. This day you pass through jungle and villages as well as a Tibetan refugee camp situated nearby Marpha. The village of Marpha also features an apple orchard, distillery, an agriculture development farm all surrounded by beautiful hills. Stay overnight at lodge.
The flight is short and scenic one with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
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.
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.
Mike Gonzales & Carol Jenkins
We had a wonderful 7-day trek from Jomsom to Beni along the river valley in the Annapurna region. Our guide, Ang Dawa Sherpa, had a comprehensive knowledge of the region, it's history, travel routes a times, mountain characteristics, and alternative options. His English was also superb. The trek route was beautiful with a varied terrain & variety of vegetation, environment settings.
Mike Gonzales & Carol Jenkins
We had a wonderful 7-day trek from Jomsom to Beni along the river valley in the Annapurna region. Our guide, Ang Dawa Sherpa, had a comprehensive knowledge of the region, it's history, travel routes a times, mountain characteristics, and alternative options. His English was also superb. The trek route was beautiful with a varied terrain & variety of vegetation, environment settings.
