Jomsom-Muktinath TrekkingAttractionsOverviewWhy we love itItineraryDates & PricesWhat’s includedImportant notesAttractionsOffers a great spiritual insight into ancient tradition and landscape.Great mountain views including Mount Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.An outstanding cultural experience.Pilgrimage location of Muktinath.OVERVIEWA Most Holy PlaceThe Jomsom Trek enjoys amazingly varied topography. As a “trekker’s paradise” this amazing experience encompasses numerous places of interest. Jomsom, the “windy valley”, is the capital of Mustang district. The Holy Kaligandaki River runs past. At 2800 meters above sea level it is known as the gateway to the “Upper Mustang Trek”. As it is a restricted area it requires a special permit to enter. The trek begins from either Jomsom (after a flight from Pokhara) or from Birethanti (a bus ride from Pokhara). On the way, one can also enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. Also you will be walking through the world’s deepest gorge at Dana. You can pause at a hot spring at Tatopani to wash away your sins in the purifying waters. Most of the trek is along the river of Kaligandaki, where one can find Shaligram (fossils), stones that reveal different patterns once broken open. The trek to Jomsom leads you to Muktinath (God of Salvation). Muktinath Temple is one of the premier Hindu temples in Nepal, featuring pagoda-style temples and Buddhist Gompas. There are 108 images around the temple and three natural fires (Jwalamai), which are easily viewable from inside the Gompas. This is the adventure of a lifetime, fusing interesting elements of Nepalese culture and beautiful nature.Why we love it ?Guest HouseMountain viewCampingHikingDiningItinerary Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1,300 m (4,265ft).Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva tours who will welcome you with Khada/garland (this is a welcoming Culture in Nepal). We will then drive you to your hotel and get you booked in so you can unwind from your travels, rest and relax. Later we will show you around the popular for tourist area that is the Thamel District where you will find all the services you require including restaurants, supermarkets ATM machines and money exchange facilities. In addition if you have forgotten anything you may need on the trip you will have an opportunity to buy it now.Once back at your overnight hotel we will have a chat about the upcoming tour and possible options, and you will get to meet our team and the guides who will accompany you throughout the tour. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 02: The Sights of Kathmandu. 4 hours walking.After breakfast you will be given a fascinating sightseeing tour where you will see many sites of interest, for example:The Boudhanath Stupa – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. It is over 328 ft (100m) diameter and wall-to-wall length is about the size of football pitch. Boudhanath is among the largest Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. The Stupa has 4 eyes which represent the all-seeing ability of the Buddha; they face four prime directions constantly looking out for virtuous behaviour and human success. The Stupa’s nose symbolizes Nirvana.The Pashupatinath Temple – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an Elegant and highly decorative Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple sits on the banks of Bagmati River and is noteworthy for its pagoda style of architecture and its gilded roof. The rafters feature members of Shiva’s family and its silver plated entrance doors are bordered by statues of deities. Entrance is restricted to Hindus but its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will see many holy men (Sadhus), and the river banks are a popular place for Hindu cremations. It is one of the most important Temples for Hindu devotees worldwide. During February or March, the day of Maha Shivaratri (an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva) is celebrated here.The Swayambhunath – is an ancient religious site; it is an important Temple for Buddhists and Hindus. It is home to many shrines. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises and may date back to 460 A.D. It is often simply referred to as the Monkey Temple as it is home to colonies of monkeys, and also perhaps because Swayambhunath is difficult to pronounce?We are flexible, the choices are yours.Your overnight stay is in a Hotel ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 03: Kathmandu toTatopani via Pokhara: 1,190m (3,900 ft)Flying Time: 25 min-Driving Time: 4½ Hrs. 60 miles (98 km)After breakfast we will drive to the airport in sufficient time for your flight to Pokhara. From there we will be drive you to Tatopani passing through places of importance such as Nayapul and Beni. Our journey gives us an opportunity to view a variety of local scenery as well as hillside and mountain views. Tatopani has a population of approximately 843 people with 182 households.One of the more interesting features of Tatopani is the hot spring which by tradition has purifying waters which will wash away the sins of those who bath in it.Our overnight stay will be in a local hotel or lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 04: Tatopani to Ghasa: 2,010 m (6,594ft).Walking Time: 5 Hrs.After breakfast we set off for about half an hour following a broad dust track. The route then heads downhill until we reach a bridge which crosses the Kali Gandaki River.The route now ascends towards the Narchyang village. As we progress we increasingly be amazed by breathtaking views the mountains of the of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche.We now continue downhill via Gadpar to Kopchepani. Now the trail widens as we continue past Pairithapla to Ghasa.Overnight in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 05: Ghasa – Titi: 2,705m (8,875ft).Walking Time: 5 Hrs.Our trail today is once again though magnificent, whilst somewhat different scenery. We will be strolling through Pine forests and distinctive villages. As we progress we will constantly be surrounded by spectacular views. Eventually we will begin a steadily climb and beyond Dhaiku we drop down to the LeteKhola and Chhoyo.One of the more interesting villages along the way is Kunjo where the local Thakali people are renowned as skilled cooks.The trail on to Titi is an easy path through pine woods.Overnight stay in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 06: Titi – Tukuche: 2,590 m (8,500ft).Walking Time: 6 Hrs.Early this morning we will climb the Nupsang hill. This is well worth the effort as we will be treated to stunning views of the sunrise over the mountains. We will see the Annapurna peaks along with pictorial views of the Nilgiri range, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche.Returning to our lodge we will take breakfast prior to setting off on our trek to Tukuche.We descend gradually to Kokhethanti and presently to the Kali Gandaki River valley. We now continue through Sirkung and ultimately over a wooden bridge to TukucheOvernight in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 07: Tukuche – Thini: 9,300ft (2,840m)Walking Time: 6 Hrs.Today is not a difficult route and after crossing the river the trail passes Chimar and Chhairo.We then pass Dhumbara and hike onwards to Thini which is noted for a small lake (Dhumbar Lake). We are now joined by trekkers travelling from Tilicho.The views here again are a wonderful reward for our efforts.Overnight in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 08: Thini – Kagbeni: 9,200ft (2,810m):Walking Time: 4 Hrs.Today we will make an early start to avoid the strong winds that tend to make walking less pleasant in the afternoon.The trail is nevertheless relatively easy as it follows the Kali Gandaki River valley and passes EkleBhatti.Finally we arrive at the beautiful village of Kagbeni which nestles on the banks of Kali Gandaki River.Overnight at a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 09: Kagbeni to Muktinath 3,830 m:(12,566ft).Walking Time: 5 Hrs.As we progress along the trail we will encounter a very different landscape which in many ways resembles Tibetan terrain. This unique landscape is dotted with intermittent green vegetation. We continue to Puthak and then to Jhong from where it is no exaggeration to say that the views are truly incredible. Nilgiri, Thorong peak and Dhaulagiri are clearly visible (weather permitting).The way now slowly descends to Muktinath itself.Muktinath temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a renowned pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is one of the world’s highest temples and is a perfect location for devotees to achieve spiritual cleansing.The architecture is traditional pagoda-styling and attracts people worldwide.Overnight in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 10: Muktinath – Jomsom: 8,924ft (2,720 m).Walking Time: 6 Hrs.Although the route to Jomsom is quite long it is in the main downhill and offers comparatively easy walking. The first part is a climb to Lubra Danda followed by a walk down to the pleasant Thakali village of Lubra.As we walk we will continue to enjoy magnificent views of nearby snow-capped mountains.The trail now follows the Kali Gandaki River valley to Jomsom.Overnight stay in a local lodge. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 11: Jomsom – Pokhara: 2,953ft (900 m).Flying Time: 25 min.It is now a short scenic mountain flight to Pokhara where we will check into our hotel.We now have sufficient free time to investigate many of the attractive features of Pokhara.Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is situated on the banks of the Phewa Lake which is the second largest lake of Nepal and the ideal place to take a peaceful stroll. The reflection of Mount Macchapucchre (Fishtail) can be seen on this lake. Beyond the World Peace Stupa in Pokhara you will find the Davis falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave which at 9,678 ft/2950 meters long is one of the longest in Nepal. The main cave comprises two chambers which house several shrines, the largest of which is dedicated to Shiva. Pokhara is also famous for boating, trekking, and extreme sports. Alternatively you can simply relax before spending a pleasant evening and an overnight stay in your hotel ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 12: Pokhara – Kathmandu: 4,265ft (1,300 m).Driving Time: 7 Hrs. 128 miles (206 km)We drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway which navigates through 128 miles (206km) of typical undulating countryside. Once we are settled into our hotel it is worth spending some time exploring Thamel and its many shops and restaurants. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 13 : DepartureIt is sadly now time to say goodbye to Nepal so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time (3 hours) to make your flight home and we will wish you a “bon voyage” but we sincerely hope to see you again in the not too distant future. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNALOur PriceAt Apoorva tours we recognise that not all of our visitors require a set and rigid experience, and there are many options based on the potential tours we have identified. We hope that these have whetted your appetite. Also we realise cost is a prime factor in choosing a tour so we wish to give you the best overall package to suit your needs. Please contact us with your requirements and we will tailor a package for you. No need to hesitate, it costs you nothing and you can always say no.Our overriding aim is to give you the best, and your satisfaction is our rewardWhat’s includedThings to see & doA great trek and an opportunity to visit a most holy wilderness temple.Keep fit in a majestic environment which will seem more like pleasure than hard work.Make keeping fit a pleasureVisit many holy places for a deep sense of spirituality.A spiritual experienceDon’t forget to capture the trek on camera for lifelong memories.Keep a photographic recordVisit Kathmandu’s many fun bars for culture or Karaoke whichever you prefer, or maybe both?.Great nights outHaggle with the street vendors or store owners in this popular tourist area of Kathmandu.Shopping in ThamelTake a bicycle rickshaw ride around Kathmandu.Take a rideImportant notesA Few reasons to choose our Tour packageIf your vacation involves any degree of risk or is subject to weather conditions our guides and tour leaders are instructed to make any essential changes to the itinerary that are required for your own health and safety. Your well being is important to us and we want your tour to be memorable for all the right reasons. However we will always make every effort to ensure that you are happy and that your hopes and expectations are realized.Your Key To SolaceTop Reasons to VisitHot Springs and deep GorgesBesides enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas you will walk through the world’s deepest gorge at Dana. The purifying hot spring waters at Tatopani are believed to wash away sins. Along the river of Kaligandaki you can find Shaligram, patterned stones.A Trekker’s Paradise Jomsom, known as “the windy valley” is the capital of Mustang district. The Holy Kaligandaki River runs past. At 2,800 meters above sea level it is the gateway to the “Upper Mustang Trek” and requires a special permit to enter. Religious SignificanceMuktinath is a celebrated pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and attracts people from all corners of the globe, many of whom are seeking spiritual renewal and tranquillity. In the temple houses 108 images and three natural fires (Jwalamai).
