Jomsom Muktinath Trek - 8 Days

You will leave Kathmandu early in the morning on the Prithvi Highway, and you will pass through some nice towns, river valleys, and rolling green hills. After you have been driving for 6-7 hours, you will reach Pokhara. Pokhara is a place in Nepal where people go for adventure. You will check into your hotel near Phewa Lake, which is a place to relax in the evening. You can see the Annapurna range from your hotel.

You will be transferred early to Pokhara Airport for a thrilling 20-minute mountain flight to Jomsom, passing Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna massif. Explore Jomsom town briefly, then walk south along the Kali Gandaki River to Marpha — a charming Thakali village of whitewashed stone houses, apple orchards, and Buddhist monuments. You will spend the night in the Marpha hotel.

Head north through Jomsom and follow the windswept Kali Gandaki River valley. Pass Ekle Bhatti, the ancient crossroads of trade routes, and continue on a gradual path to Kagbeni — the dramatic medieval-style village that marks the entrance to Upper Mustang. Its red-walled gompa, narrow lanes, and Tibetan cultural feel make it one of the most atmospheric stops on the trek.

From Kagbeni, the trail climbs steeply with views of Nilgiri peak and dramatic eroded canyon walls. Pass through the old hilltop village of Jharkot before the final ascent to Ranipauwa — the settlement of guesthouses near the Muktinath Temple. The afternoon is free to rest and explore, with sweeping views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche, and Nilgiri.

You will have a full day to explore the sacred Muktinath Temple — the central point of this trek. Visit the main pagoda dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Lord Muktinath), ritually bathe at the 108 holy water spouts, and witness the natural underground blue flame where fire and water coexist — a miracle revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Also visit Jal Devi Temple, the nearby monastery, and enjoy panoramic mountain views. An optional local hike reveals even wider Himalayan panoramas.

Descend from Muktinath via Jharkot, then take the traveled trail east to Lupra village. It is a traditional village with strong Bon-sect Buddhist heritage, which is one of the few remaining in Nepal. Visit the ancient Bon monastery and observe farming life and stone architecture nestled beneath Nilgiri's cliffs. Very few trekkers venture here, making it one of the trek's most rewarding discoveries.

Return to Jomsom via the Kali Gandaki riverbank trail, descending slowly through the valley. After that, you will arrive in Jomsom by midday and check into the guesthouse. In the afternoon, you can visit the Thakali Museum to learn about the ancient history of the salt trade route, local culture & food, and the indigenous Thakali people of Lower Mustang.

Board the early morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara, flying over the Kali Gandaki valley with final aerial views of the Himalayas. Transfer to your lakeside hotel. The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara — boat on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, stroll the lively lakeside promenade, or try paragliding over the valley. Your Jomsom Muktinath Trek ends today.