Mustang · 8 Days

Jomsom Muktinath Trek - 8 Days

· Easy · Max altitude 3,750m (12,303 ft) at Muktinath Temple · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

8 Days

Max Altitude

3,750m (12,303 ft)

at Muktinath Temple

Grade

Easy

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is the classic introduction to Lower Mustang - the dry, Tibetan-flavoured valley north of the main Annapurna range. Over 8 days you fly into Jomsom (2,720m), walk to the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,750m (one of the most important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal), visit the apple-growing village of Marpha and the unique Bon-religion village of Lupra, and return via the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley - the deepest gorge in the world between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

This trek is lodge-based throughout, never tops 3,750m, and sits in the rain shadow of the main Himalaya - making it one of the few Nepal treks that runs reliably in summer (June-August) when monsoon rain washes out the other regions. Perfect for time-limited travellers, families, and trekkers who want Tibetan-Buddhist culture without the cost or commitment of an Upper Mustang expedition.

Highlights

Visit Muktinath Temple (3,750m) - 108 sacred water spouts, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site
Walk through Lupra - the only Bon religion village in lower Mustang
See the apple orchards and Tibetan-influenced architecture of Marpha
Photograph the world's deepest gorge between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I
Visit Dumba Lake - sacred turquoise pool above Jomsom
Walk inside the Annapurna Conservation Area
Lodge-based with hot showers throughout
Rain-shadow trek - runs all year except deep winter
Cultural exposure to Thakali, Bon and Tibetan-Buddhist traditions
Short enough for a one-week holiday window

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m)

⏱ 6-7 hours bus ↔ 200 km 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Tourist bus to Pokhara. Evening at Phewa Lake.

Day 2

Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m), trek to Lupra (2,900m)

⏱ 20-min flight + 2 hours ↔ 6 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spectacular morning flight up the Kali Gandaki gorge. Easy walk to the Bon village of Lupra - one of the few remaining Bon religion communities in Mustang.

Day 3

Lupra to Muktinath (3,710m)

⏱ 4-5 hours ↔ 10 km ▲ 3,710m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to the sacred Muktinath Temple. Visit the 108 water spouts, the eternal flame and the surrounding monasteries.

Day 4

Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,810m), trek to Jomsom

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 15 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend via Jharkot to Kagbeni - the medieval village at the entry to restricted Upper Mustang. Walk down the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom.

Day 5

Jomsom to Marpha (2,670m) via Thini and Dhumba Lake

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 12 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Side trip to Dhumba Lake (sacred turquoise pool), then walk to the apple-growing village of Marpha. Visit the monastery and the apple brandy distillery.

Day 6

Drive Marpha to Pokhara (via Beni)

⏱ 9-10 hours ↔ 165 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long jeep drive down the Kali Gandaki valley through Tatopani hot springs and Beni.

Day 7

Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus or flight

⏱ 6-7 hours bus or 30-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Return to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.

Day 8

Departure

🍽 Breakfast

Airport transfer.

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What's included

Included

Tourist bus Kathmandu-Pokhara return
Pokhara-Jomsom return flights
2 nights' Pokhara accommodation (3-star, BB plan)
All airport pickups and drops
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
Senior English-speaking guide
1 porter for every 2 trekkers (max 20 kg load)
Twin/double sharing teahouse accommodation on the trek
Three meals a day during the trek
All applicable government taxes

Not included

Nepal visa fee
International airfare
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Hotel and meals in Kathmandu outside BB plan
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for guide and porter

Trek guide

The Sacred Pilgrimage Trail

Muktinath Temple is one of the eight sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu (Char Dham of Vaishnavites) and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism. The Buddhists know it as Chumig Gyatsa ("Hundred Holy Waters") and consider it one of the 24 tantric sites of Guru Padmasambhava. The 108 water spouts behind the main temple are believed to wash away all sins.

The pilgrimage trail from Jomsom to Muktinath has been walked for over 2,000 years. The jeep road built in 2008 now reaches the temple, but walking remains the spiritually appropriate way to arrive.

Lower vs Upper Mustang

	Lower Mustang	Upper Mustang
Duration	7-10 days	16-19 days
Max altitude	3,750m	3,840m
Permits	ACAP + TIMS (~USD 37)	+ Restricted USD 500
Culture	Tibetan-influenced	Pure Tibetan
Trekker traffic	Moderate	Quiet
Lo Manthang?	No	Yes

This trek covers only Lower Mustang. Upper Mustang requires a separate restricted-area permit and a longer itinerary.

Acclimatisation

Not really needed. Maximum altitude 3,750m for a few hours at Muktinath. Maximum sleeping 2,720m at Jomsom. Standard trekking pace handles this comfortably.

Permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - USD 30
TIMS Card - NPR 2,000

Best Season

Spring (March-May): Stable, warmer at altitude
Monsoon (June-August): Rain shadow makes this possible - quieter than ever
Autumn (September-November): Clearest visibility

Winter (December-February) is possible but Jomsom flights can cancel.

Fitness

Easy to moderate. 3-5 hours walking daily, mostly flat or gentle climbs. The Lupra-Muktinath section is the only sustained climb. Suitable for active adults with one month of cardio preparation.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -5C, fleece, waterproof shell, 2 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layer, 4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, lightweight gloves

Footwear: Trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 30L daypack, 50L duffel for porter, -5C sleeping bag (optional), trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 1.5L water, purification, power bank

Documents: Passport, visa, insurance, 4 passport photos

Medical: Painkillers, blister care, sunscreen, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive instead of fly to Jomsom?

Yes - 9-hour jeep drive from Pokhara. We use this on Day 6 of our itinerary. Some operators drive both ways to save the flight cost (adds 2 days).

Is altitude sickness a risk?

Very low. Maximum altitude 3,750m for a few hours at Muktinath. Most people experience no symptoms.

Can families do this trek?

Excellent for families. Children 8+ with some hiking experience do well. The cultural sites are interesting for kids.

When is the best month?

September-November for clear views. March-May for warm weather. June-August for almost no crowds.

Are the Pokhara-Jomsom flights reliable?

Weather-dependent but more reliable than Lukla. Cancellations happen 10-15% of the time. We build a buffer day.

Can I add Upper Mustang?

Yes - speak to our office about the 17-day Lower + Upper Mustang trek with a restricted-area permit.

What is the food like in Marpha?

Famously good - Marpha is the foodie capital of Mustang. Apple pie, fresh apple brandy, Thakali dal bhat are all worth trying.

Is Muktinath really one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism?

Yes - one of the eight sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu. Hindus consider visiting Muktinath equivalent to one Char Dham pilgrimage.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes in Jomsom, Marpha and Kagbeni (paid). Patchy in Muktinath and Lupra.

Can I do this trek in monsoon?

Yes - rain-shadow location means very little rain in July-August. Excellent off-season option.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $895

per person

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