16/03/2012
The Jomsom-Muktinath Trek – 12 days…when nature combines with God, its creator, to give its benefactors the trip of a lifetime…
SUBIN-JMT-AT-01
This is where Nepal's stunning diversity appears at its finest. The deep valleys and high mountains encircle the giant Annapurna Himal to embrace a wide range of peoples and terrain, from subtropical jungles to a high, dry landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. A several days walk beyond Jomsom takes you to the final destination, Muktinath, the holy temple. This trek allows access to the high mountains of the Himalayas within a reasonable timeframe and without ascending to extreme altitudes. You will then return to Pokhara by taking a flight from Jomsom.
This is the most popular trekking region on the planet, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30.000 annually). It's also among the tamest areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes. It’s the kind of holidays that combine adventure with the holy to create an explosive holiday of a lifetime. I will go the length & breadth OF THIS TRIP to ensure that you make the most of this pilgrimage & adventure that will probably assist in discovering a new ‘YOU’…SUBINDRA….
TRIP FACTS:
Trip duration: 12 Days
Grade: Soft Adventure trek
Activity: Sightseeing and trekking
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Trek type: FOT/TH/GAP
Accommodation: Hotel and Lodge (tea house)
Transportation: Flights & private car
Maximum altitude: 3710m
OUTLINE ITINERARY:
Day 01-Arrival Kathmandu
Day 02 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03 - Fly Pokhara and drive to Nayapul. Trek to Ulleri [2000m]
Day 04 - Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
Day 05 - Trek to Tatopani [1190]
Day 06 - Trek to Ghasa [2000m]
Day 07 - Trek to Larjung [2560m]
Day 08 - Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
Day 09 - Trek to Muktinath [3710m]
Day 10 - Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
Day 11 - Flight to Pokhara and fly/drive to Kathmandu.
Day 12 – Depart Kathmandu
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
you will just find it wonderful flying into Kathmandu on a day that’s crystal clear. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole connection of memorable experiences that stay with you for a real long time. An es**rt and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and es**rt you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your reserved hotel. At the hotel, you will be oriented about your daily activities. It’s your first overnight in the city of temples, the most in the world.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the historical heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to outsiders. The city presents a wonderful combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. you will be given a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.
Day 3 we hop a flight to Pokhara and drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri [2000m] it takes around 30 minutes to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
While flying to Pokhara, you can enjoy the wonderful views of glistening mountain ranges and stunning landscapes below you. You will be met at Pokhara airport by your trekking crew. A short drive of about 45 minutes brings you to a trailhead at Birethanti, a bustling village of lodges, shops and houses. You commence your trek with a gradual ascent along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. You then move away from the river and follow a trail along the upper edge of terraced fields through Hille to Tikedungha. After this, you cross a stream beyond the village and then drop down to the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. Then you climb a long, steep and seemingly endless stone staircase, which eventually leads you to the village of Ulleri. At this scenic village, there are fine views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Day 4 Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
on ascending along a route that brings you to a forest, you will find Annapurna South, hidden by a ridge. Beyond Banthanti, there are magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron. After crossing several crystal-clear mountain streams, you arrive at the village of Nangathanti. After a few hours of trekking through the forest, you enter Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a popular watering spot for mules, which have plied this route for centuries from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. A short hike takes you to a small pass and further to the village of Deurali. To get you acclimatized with your surroundings, you rest at Ghorepani.
Day 5 Trek to Tatopani [1190m]
the views of the sunrise is ideal from the point of P**n Hill. After breakfast, you descend to Tatopani through the rhododendron forest amidst magnificent natural vistas. As you near Chitre, you experience breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri range. The path then leads through terraced fields to Sikha, a Magar village clustered on a ridge. You continue descending, gradually at first and then more steeply to cross the Ghar Khola. After a short climb, you hike across the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge and from here onwards, it is only a short distance upstream to Tatopani. Tatopani derives its name from the hot springs near the river below the village.
Day 6 Trek to Ghasa [2000m]
you now go by the trail that ascends gently up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, towards the village of Dana, which is surrounded by beautiful orange groves. En route, you see the local folks selling baskets of oranges. Further down the road is the small hamlet of Rupse, where a thundering waterfall cascades down beside the trail, exposing its naked beauty. Further-a-foot, the trail enters the steepest and narrowest section of the gorge. You will come across a layered stone path well-constructed and wide. As the rock cliff ends, you head towards Ghasa, an old-world Thakali village. You can see several flat-roofed Tibetan style houses in Ghasa. [Walk approx 5-6 hours]
Day 7 Trek to Larjung [2560m]
after breakfast you trek from Ghasa towards Larjung. Few hours of descents soon follow other rock-strewn ascents through forests of fir, cypress and juniper along the riverbanks of the Kali Gandaki. As soon as you reach Larjung, you cannot but literally marvel at the architectural grandeur of this small town; tunnels, narrow alleyways and houses built in traditional style presents an interesting sight for snapshots of this unique village on the mountains.
Day 8 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
From Larjung, the trail follows the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki, passing through Khobang and Tukuche. As we hike the walks, we keep seeing narrow alleyways and houses built around enclosed courtyards as a buffer against the unpredictable winds of the Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail further meanders through stonewalled orchards. Soon, you come across a stone gate that marks the entrance to Marpha. You also spot several white-walled houses. Marpha has a well-maintained drainage system and is highly popular for its local apple brandy. After a lunch in Marpha, you now hit the trail towards Jomsom. As you approach your destination, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and eye-catching with its mixture of browns, yellows and grays that contrast with the white snowcapped peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri.
Day 9 Trek to Muktinath [3710m]
after breakfast; you continue your trek along a path that is a vast gravel riverbed of the Kali Gandaki. You come across a stream and fertile vegetation. On crossing a small ridge to Chhancha Lhumba at 2730 meters, you continue heading towards Muktinath with Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri attracting your sights as you ascend to Khingar (3200 meters). More meadows, streams and lush vegetation can be seen along the trail as it paves your way to Jharkot (3500 meters). You encounter the ruins of the Dzong and the serene villages of Purang and Changur. As you trek past mule stables and steep barren hillside, you enter Ranipauwa. Pilgrims & hikers have, for years, been using Ranipauwa as an ideal haven for rest. On trekking further, you finally enter Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are some of the major attractions of this holy site. Pilgrims flock to the Buddhist gompa and pagoda-style temple of Lord Vishnu. Muktinath is a prime pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 10 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
as you leave Muktinath behind, you start retracing your steps to Jomsom glimpsing once again at the majestic views of Nilgiri. You bunk out for the night in Jomsom. At eventide, you celebrate the completion of your trek with your hardworking crew, whom you have come to know so well over the last 9 days.
Day 11 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Fly/Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
you catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From Pokhara you can either fly or drive to Kathmandu. The flight is for about 30 minutes and the drive takes approx 6-7 hours.
Day 12 Depart Kathmandu
On reaching Kathmandu, Your day is free to do some souvenir shopping, sightseeing or any other personal activities that suit your conveniences; until your departure. I will personally transfer you to the airport for your flight home. This will be a trip that you will remember for some time to come. ‘My name is Subindra’ & I present you with unique vacations that happen only once in a lifetime…Holidays that gratify the Heart!!! Thank you so much for visiting Nepal!
It was wonderful knowing you. I sincerely hope the relationship we built up over the weeks will last for a long, long time to come. Au revoir & Take care, SUBINDRA.
www.subindra.com
