The Muktinath temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites of Nepal. Tucked in the middle of the Himalayas, it is the holiest temple mostly visited by Buddhist and Hindu travelers and pilgrims but it is open to people related to everyone regardless of religion, age, gender, or beliefs. This trek is not only for physical and mental relief but also very popular for the spiritual growth of oneself. The temple of Muktinath is believed to be the “Temple of Salvation”. It is believed once you step your foot in the premises of this holy region you are to follow the traditional bathing regulations. It is considered that anyone who takes a bath from the sacredly built 108 stone faucets and 2 water pools will be given salvation after death by the gods. This is a century-long belief that reflects the cultural diversity that this place spreads. This place mostly attracts people who are researching about the Tibetan, Buddhist, and Hindu culture along with scientists and geologists due to its remarkable one of a kind landscapes.
Overview
Starting Trek point: Jomsom
Ending Trek point: Jomsom
Highest altitude to gain: Muktinath (3855 m)
Difficulty: 2.5 out of 5
Seasons to avoid trekking here: None (Can be travelled any time of the year)
Itinerary
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m)
Your arrival will be awaited by our representatives at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). You will be transferred to the hotel rooms in the city along with your luggage. There is no specific activity designated for this day. You will meet the rest of the trekking team and representatives and you will have all the freedom to prepare yourself for the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m), Pokhara (822m)
We leave the bustling city of Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara. The flight experience guarantees unforgettable panoramic mountain scenery and an aerial view of Pokhara also popularly known as “The city of lakes”.
We can shop for gears and other essential items in Pokhara for final preparation.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Pokhara (822 m), Jomsom (2740 m)
We leave Pokhara on a magical flight to the gateway of the upper mustang, Jomsom. It will take us about 22 minutes to reach Jomsom but with a beautiful aerial view of the Annapurna range and Mt. Dhaulagiri, the flight duration will feel like a minute trip.
After finally entering the mustang district we will firstly check in to our lodge. You will immediately see the vast difference in the landscape as we enjoy and cherish the barren beauty of Jomsom. Apples of mustang are the biggest attraction in this region. We can go apple shopping in Jomsom, we can also taste apple pies in the bakeries which are highly recommended. We can also hike to Dhumba Lake to see Leopard cave or we can visit the Jomsom view tower which provides a picturesque view of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho peak.
Overnight in Jomsom
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Jomsom (2740 m), Kagbeni (2830 m)
It will take us about 3 hours to reach Kagbeni from Jomsom. The hike today is easy and short. Once we reach Kagbeni we will explore the area and the Red Monastery. Kagbeni is situated at the junction of Kali Gandaki River and Jhong Khola. Kali Gandaki is known as the deepest gorge of Nepal and the river flowing through this gorge is a sight to behold. We can visit the 100 room King’s palace in Kagbeni. The last village in the Lower Mustang is also home to an 800-year-old Red Sakya Gompa. The settlement of Kagbeni is one of a kind. The alleys created by the settlement, the rocky barren landscape, the mysterious history of the village, and the diverse culture makes this place worth a visit. Kagbeni is the gateway to the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Overnight in Kagbeni
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kagbeni (2830 m), Muktinath (3855 m)
We will start our day with an authentic breakfast and head to the holy Temple of Muktinath.
Muktinath is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites of Nepal. Mainly Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims manage to flock to this part of the Himalayas at least once in their life. This temple is also known as the “Temple of Salvation''. It is considered that anyone who takes a bath from the sacredly built 108 stone faucets and 2 water pools will be given salvation after death by the gods. We will also visit the temple of Jwala Mai near the Muktinath temple. Muktinath also lies just below the route of Thorang La Pass, the highest pass of Nepal.
Overnight in Muktinath
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Manang (3500 m), Ghusang (3700), Yak Kharka (4050 m)
We will walk from Muktinath early in the morning and reach Kagbeni. 2 more hours of the walk will bring us to the village of Jomsom. We can also return in a jeep if you are looking for an alternative method.
Overnight in Jomsom
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Manang (3500 m), Besisahahr (830 m)
This will be one of the most thrilling flights of your life. Hold on to your seats as we will cut through the hills of the Annapurna region and head to the urban city of Pokhara to celebrate our success.
Pokhara city is one of the most popular tourist hubs in Nepal. There are ancient caves, historic waterfalls, temples, and numerous vibrant lakes for everyone to enjoy along with boating, paragliding, cycling, and many more. It is also host to some of the most historic places like Gupteshwor Mahadev cave, Davis falls, Begnas Lake, Phewa Lake, Mahendra Lake, Mahendra cave, lakeside, Mountaineering Museum, and many more. If you are too tired, spending some quiet time at the lakeside is a perfect painkiller after a long trek.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Thorung Phedi (4530 m), High Camp (4850 m), Thorang La (5416 m), Muktinath (3800 m)
We can return to Kathmandu by bus, minivan, or airplane. The return to the capital denotes an end to our memorable journey.
FAQs
This is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. There are little to no risks while trekking to this region and there are no days where you are forced to make any massive gain of altitude.
Accommodation in Kagbeni and Jomsom is very spacious and comfortable but after Kagbeni accommodations get less facilitated. Since we will not be traveling to the upper Mustang region we will be spending our nights in very comfortable lodges.
People of all ages and all fitness levels can complete this trek comfortably. Preparing physically through cardio workouts, lower body workouts, and core strengthening exercises are recommended. No special training or physical fitness is required but if you can maintain a certain level of fitness before starting this trek it will be a bonus point.
Yes! When you gain altitude oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases but with a healthy diet, hydration, and slow-maintained walking pace it will not be a problem. Whenever you are traveling in the mountainous region altitude sickness is always a possibility. If you see any signs of altitude sickness our guides and porter will guide you to a lower altitude for recovery.
