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A Journey to Jomsom & Muktinath |
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Jomsom and Muktinath are two major destinations within the Annapurna Region, situated North of Pokhara and popular because of their eminent beauty, biodiversity, cultural diversity, religious value and historical connections. It is no wonder that thousands of tourists and pilgrims are desperate to visit these areas every year, following Trans-Himalayan route that was used in ancient times for trading of salt and other commodities between Nepal and Tibet.
This fabulous journey begins just outside the valley of Pokhara, from the place called Nayapul, one of the main gateways to the Annapurna Region. The itinerary is designed to suit from novice to expert trekkers, involving not more than 5-7 hours of walking per day and resting at perfect locations like Ghorepani, Tatopani, Ghasa, Kagbeni, Marpha, Jomsom and Muktinath. Nights are spent in local teahouses where you can study the lifestyles of the simple but warmhearted Nepalese villagers. On your way back to Pokhara, you will be boarding an exciting domestic flight from Jomsom airport. |
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Trip Summary:
| Starting Point: |
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Nayapul |
| End Point: |
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Pokhara |
| Lowest Point: |
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900 m at Pokhara |
| Highest Point: |
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3800 m at Muktinath |
| Duration: |
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11 Days |
| Difficulty Level: |
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Easy |
| Accommodation: |
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Hotel, Lodge, Teahouse |
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Day 1: |
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Your tour guide will accompany you to the Tourist Bus Station at Kantipath from where the tourist coach to Pokhara leaves at 7:00 AM. Right after exiting Kathmandu valley at Thankot, the highway descends and winds, side by side with Trishuli. Two stops are made for tea and breakfast on the way. Upon arrival at Pokhara’s Tourist Bus Park, you are transferred to your hotel. Have lunch, get some rest and take a walk in the Lakeside area in the evening. Sleep well for you will start trekking the following day. |
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Day 2: |
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The actual trekking begins from Nayapul (1050 m), which lies at a driving distance of 2 hours. Catch the bus departing at 8:00 AM, the starting point of your trek. From Nayapul, walk to Birethanti and from then follow the ascending path to Tikhedhunga (1,577 m), where you stop for the night. |
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Day 3: |
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Begin trekking after breakfast and follow a terraced ascending path to Ulleri where you stop to enjoy views of Annapurna South, Machhapucchre and Himchuli peaks. Later, resume your trek and from Banthanti, follow the path through a thick forest. Stop for the night at Ghorepani (2875 m), a typical settlement of Pun people. Under a clear sky, you can see a large section of Annapurna Range from your room. |
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Day 4: |
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Wake up early and walk to Poon Hill to make it on time for one of the most beautiful sunrises you could have ever imagined. Obviously, the weather plays a significant role in visibility and if it is fine, you can see the Annapurna Region glow with golden lustre as the rising sun illuminates the peaks. You can not afford to have forgotten your camera. When you are done, walk back to Ghorepani and have breakfast there. Afterwards, you resume walking, go through the villages of Sekha and Ghara (where Pun and Brahmin ethnics live in harmony) and finally stop at Tatopani (1189 m). |
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Day 5: |
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Today’s trek is about 7 hours long and your trail passes through the village of Dana, situated in one of the deepest valleys of the world. This village is home to socially discriminated people of the Biswokarma caste. The next village on your way is Kopchepani and your trail ascends towards Ghasa (2,007 m) from there. Spend the night at a local teahouse. |
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Day 6: |
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Resume trekking from Ghasa and head to Marpha. The initial portion of the 6-7 hours trek involves uphill climbing, as far as Kalopani. Then you follow an easier path, enjoying views of Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri hill. Kobang, Larjung and Tukuche are three major settlements of Thakali ethnics that you pass through on your way to Marpha. |
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Day 7: |
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The trek from Marpha to Kagbeni (2800m) is fairly easy and completes in less than 6 hours. The domestic airport of Jomsom lies on your way. After arriving in Kabeni, you can visit one of the oldest monasteries in the evening where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced even today. |
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Day 8: |
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Muktinath (3,800 m), your next stopover, lies at a walking distance of some 5-6 hours from Kagbeni. The initial quarter may be a bit difficult because of the ascending path that crosses Kinghar village. You can view Nilgiri hill on your way. Later, you can explore an ancient Hindu temple of Muktinath as well as a monastery. |
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Day 9: |
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Walk for 4-5 hours to reach Jomsom and have lunch there. Afterwards, explore the locality and spend the night in a local teahouse. Make sure you go to bed on time so that you can wake up early enough to board the flight back to Pokhara next morning. |
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Day 10: |
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Fly back to Pokhara on a short but exciting domestic flight. After checking in at your hotel and having lunch, you can enjoy a complimentary sightseeing tour of Pokhara valley. |
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Day 11: |
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Take a tourist coach back to Kathmandu or request for an open ticket to be issued for the same route if you wish to extend your stay in Pokhara for a few more days. |
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1. |
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Three meals per day - Breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can choose food from the menu. Basic standard accommodation with a shared bathroom. |
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2. |
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All transport to the trekking starting point by tourist bus and back to Kathmandu by coach Pokhara to Nayapul (trekking starting point) by car. |
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3. |
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An experience English speaking guide. |
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Needed porters ( one porter for two member) |
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Wage, accommodation, food and travel expenses for guide and porters. |
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6. |
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Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) |
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Trekkers information management system [TIMS] |
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Monastery fee. |
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Staying in a nice hotel in Pokhara for the last night of the trek. |
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Jomsom to Pokhara air ticket. |
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Airport Tax. |
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12. |
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First two night’s stander hotel in Kathmandu. |
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13. |
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Kathmandu and pokhara valley sightseeing by car. |
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Airport pick up and transfer as well. |
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In cases of emergency, we will arrange for an helicopter rescue, medical treatment and after care for on your behalf. This will be paid for by your own travel insurance company. (Please ensure that you are adequately covered for this eventuality). |
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Insurance for guide and porter(s). |
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We will also inform your Embassy that you are doing trekking under our care. |
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In cases of emergency, we will contact your family or friend and make them aware of the situation. |
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19. |
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A method for water purification, e.g. iodine or chlorine solution. |
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For your convenience we offer you pick up and airport transfer service as well. |
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Cost does not include:
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All kinds of drinks (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, juice, chocolate tea and coffee). |
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Personal expenses. |
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Tips and donations. |
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara. |
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