Salt Trade Route Trek (Jomsom / Muktinath)

Salt Trade Route Trek (Jomsom / Muktinath)

Nepal


One of the most popular treks in Nepal. The Jomsom trek from Pokhara to Muktinath, offers the greatest cultural diversity of anywhere in Nepal. Along this scenic route you will pass through villages inhabited by different ethnic groups such as Thakali, Gurung, and Magar and in higher elevation the Tibetan culture is predominant. Here you may visit several authentic Tibetan Monasteries. The trail follows up the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world, between the soaring peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Finally emerges to the north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry, desert like Tibetan Plateau. The high point of the trek is at the holy temple of Muktinath 3800m which is worshiped by both Hindu and Buddhist people . It is also possible to finish the trek at Jomsom, elevation 2,800m. The walking trail is a gentle slope making this a relatively easy trek that can be completed all year round. The average time is 14 days although a flight one way or the other not only offers incredible views but enables you to do this trek in approximately 8 – 10 days.

Tour Package Overview

Ascent/Descent : 546m ascent Kms : 42kms drive 7kms walk Duration : 1.5 hrs drive 4 hrs walk

A 1.5 hr drive takes us to our starting point, Nayapul. The beginning of our trek follows the banks of the Modi Khola river and slowly we ascend through local villages and rice fields until we reach Hille (1475m).

Ascent/Descent : Ascent 1430m Kms : 7 kms walk Duration : 6 hrs walk

We start off with a steep climb that offers our first views of Annapurna South. We catch our breath in Ulleri (1960m) and then continue our trail which climbs gently through the rhododendron forests. After 5 hours walk we reach our destination, Ghorepani(2855m).

Ascent/Descent : 30 m Descent Kms : 6 kms walk Duration : 3 hrs walk

We begin our day with an early climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3210 m) to watch the sun rise across a spectacular Himalayan panorama. After breakfast back at the lodge we begin our trek. Rhododendron and Magnolia forests give way to the terraced fields of Shika. (1935m). Hiking hours: 4

Ascent/Descent : 1240 m Descent Kms : 7 kms walk Duration : 4 hrs walk

We descend through the terrace fields and cross the Kali Gandaki river. Tatopani (1189 m), on the banks of the river, is famous for its hot springs. Here we can spend the afternoon relaxing in the springs. Hiking hours: 3

Ascent/Descent : 1340 m Ascent Kms : 18 kms walk Duration : 6 hrs walk

We have a gentle walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river until we reach the magnificent falls of Rupse Chhahara (1630m). We then pass through the deepest gorge in the world and climb up to Ghasa. (2010m), this is a paradise for bird watchers. Today’s destination, Kalopani (2530m) is reached after a 2-hour walk and offers great mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We take a side trip from here and spend the rest of the day exploring Titi lake and viewing the Dhaulagiri glacier. Hiking hours: 6

Ascent/Descent : 140 m Ascent Kms : 11 km walk Duration : 6 hrs walk

Marpha (2665m) – famous for its apple brandy and apple pie – is reached after a 5-hour walk. In the afternoon we can visit an old Tibetan monastery.

Ascent/Descent : 130 m Ascent Kms : 12.5 kms walk Duration : 5 hrs walk

We follow along the riverbed to Jomsom (2713m), the hubbub of Mustang. We then continue our hike to Kagbeni (2895 m). This ancient Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by a patchwork of fields and fruit trees will take you back in time. Hiking hours: 5

Ascent/Descent : 960 m Ascent Kms : 9.5 kms walk Duration : 4 hrs walk

After a 4-hour hike through a desert-like landscape we reach Jharkot (3500 m) In the afternoon we visit Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Buddhists and highest point of our trek (3800 m). Hiking hours: 6

Ascent/Descent : 1040 m Descent Kms : 15 kms walk Duration : 5 hrs walk

We return via a different trail to Jomsom where we spend the remainder of the day visiting the local museum, enjoying the sites of the town or recuperating at the hotel. Hiking hours: 5

Ascent/Descent : 1836 m Descent Kms : 106 kms flight Duration : 30 min flight

Today we take an early morning flight back to Pokhara were we can spend a wonderful day relaxing and recuperating with soothing views of Fewa lake and our tales of the high mountains. Dinner is served in the evening at the Three Sisters Guesthouse and our trekking staff will join in for an evening of laughs, music, dancing.


Price Includes:

  • Total of two nights’ accommodation in Pokhara (before and after the trek) at 3 Sisters GH
  • Guide
  • Assistants, (maximum weight to carry is 12 kg for female assistant and 15 kg for male assistant).
  • 3 meals per day, afternoon tea & snacks,
  • Accommodation for the duration of the trek (2 persons per room). However, during high season one room per two clients may not always be available. If this should happen, we request our clients to be flexible and share a triple or room with four beds.
  • Annapurna Park entry, TIMS fees 
  • Staff insurance,
  • Transport to and from the trailhead, 
  • 13% Tax
  • Supply a 75/80 liters backpack for the main trekking stuff, sleeping bag


 Please know only groups of two or more trekkers are eligible for the trek.

 

Trek Price does not include:

  • Mineral water
  • Beverages– soft and hard
  • Extra dessert
  • Souvenirs
  • Tipping to staff
  • Any entry fee during cultural (monastery/temple heritage visit)
  • Clients’ insurance


  • Cultural diversity - Thakali, Gurung, Magar and Tibetan ethnic groups.
  • Deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki river
  • Pilgrimage site of Muktinath
  • Spectacular moonscape scenery

Other Related Package

The Sunset Village Trek (Astam-Dhampus)

Astam and Dhampus are traditional mountain villages offering a taste of Nepali Village life and excellent mountain vi...

Duration 1 - 3 Days
Details

Himalayan Sunrise Trek (Ghorepani - Ghandruk)

Sunrise and panoramic mountain views. This is one of the most scenic teahouse treks in the Annapurna region. From Gho...

Duration 3 - 6 Days
Details

Happy Feet (Panchase trek)

For travelers who don't have time and wanting an authentic Himalayan trekking experience with panoramic mountain...

Duration 3 - 4 Days
Details

Holy Himalaya Trek (ABC)

This trek ascends through picturesque villages to the center of the Annapurna range, offering dramatic mountain scene...

Duration 7 - 10 Days
Details

Machhapuchhare Kiss Trek (Mardi Himal)

The Mardi Himal trek is a highly recommended trekking route in the Annapurna Himalayan region. It is located east of...

Duration 4 - 8 Days
Details
Package Highlight

Salt Trade Route Trek (Jomsom / Muktinath)

Difficulty level : moderate

 The Jomsom Muktinath tour is considered as one of the most unforgettable trips in Nepal. The tour not only provides a view of diverse landscapes with mountains, cultures and rural habitat of Nepalese people but also peace of mind and spiritual happiness. 

Blog

Need Help?

+977-61-452066

Sunday to Saturday 9.00am - 6.00pm





lovely Planet Rought Guides trip Advisor  Out Door Annapurna Eco Tourism  Travel Life  Nepal Routard Nepal TBA TAAN  NMA