Trek through the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge on Earth, to the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,800m. Apple orchards in Marpha, Thakali culture in Tukuche, and views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. 15 days, from USD 1,175.
The Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is a geological wonder. The river cuts 5,571 meters below the summit of Dhaulagiri on one side and 4,901 meters below Annapurna on the other. Daily afternoon winds funnel through the gorge at up to 50 km/h, a phenomenon locals call the "Kali Gandaki Express."
Marpha is Nepal's apple capital: cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and apple orchards producing cider, brandy, and dried fruit. The village is sheltered from the gorge winds and has some of the best lodges on the trail. Kagbeni, further north, looks like a Tibetan fortress village with flat-roofed mud houses and chorten-lined streets.
Muktinath at 3,800m is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South Asia. The 108 water spouts, the eternal flame burning beside a natural spring, and the Buddhist monastery create a spiritual atmosphere unlike anything on a typical trekking trail.
The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a 15-day route through the Kali Gandaki gorge to the sacred temple of Muktinath at 3,800 meters. The trail follows the deepest gorge on Earth, flanked by Dhaulagiri (8,167m) on the west and the Annapurna-Nilgiri massif on the east. The landscape shifts from subtropical forest near Tatopani to arid, Tibetan-influenced terrain above Kagbeni.
The route starts from Nayapul near Pokhara, climbs to Ghorepani and Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, then descends into the Kali Gandaki valley. The trail passes through Tatopani hot springs (1,190m), the apple orchards of Marpha, the Thakali trading town of Tukuche, and the medieval-looking village of Kagbeni before reaching Muktinath. The return can be via Jomsom flight or the same trail.
Muktinath is a temple complex sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindu shrine contains 108 water spouts and an eternal flame fed by natural gas. The Buddhist monastery is one of the 24 Tantric shrines. Pilgrims from across South Asia visit year-round.
Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory.
For the full circle around the Annapurna massif including Thorong La Pass, see the Annapurna Circuit Trek (20 days, USD 1,825). The Thorong La Pass Trek covers just the pass crossing section in 15 days. For the Poon Hill section as a standalone, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes 8 days.
15 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Pokhara (865 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek back to Marpha (2,610 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ghasa (1,970 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Tatopani (1,100 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ghorepani (2,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,365 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.
Sightseeing around Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
Flight fare from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara, including airport departure taxes.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.
Surface transfer from Kathmandu.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge and VAT.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.
Travel insurance (compulsory).
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Note: We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
The Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is the deepest gorge on Earth. Walking through it is a geological and visual experience unmatched on any other trek.
Muktinath is a genuine pilgrimage site, not a trekking destination repurposed for tourism. The sacred atmosphere is palpable.
Marpha's apple orchards, cobblestone streets, and apple brandy are a highlight that has nothing to do with mountains.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want cultural and spiritual depth alongside mountain scenery. Muktinath, Kagbeni, and Marpha deliver this.
You can walk 5 to 6 hours a day for 12 trekking days on well-maintained trails. Maximum altitude is 3,800m at Muktinath.
You prefer a moderate trek without extreme altitude. The trail stays below 4,000m throughout.
You enjoy varied landscapes: subtropical forest, river gorge, apple orchards, arid desert, and medieval villages in a single trek.
You are interested in Hindu or Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Muktinath is sacred to both traditions.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)
Daypack
Sleeping bag
Hiking pants
Full, sleeves shirt
Jumper or pile jacket
Waterproof jacket
T, shirts
Trekking boots
Camp shoes/Sandal
Light cotton socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than
spend the whole time washing socks)
Sun hat
Beanie
Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Medical & first aid kit
Flash light ( with spare batteries)
Walking stick. (company also provide or you can buy in Kathmandu)
Camera ( don’t forget to buy the spare film and batteries to go with it before you leave.)
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.
We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room. Why you’ll love Jomsom Muktinath Trek? You’ll walk through the KaliGandaki Holy River that cut the world’s deepest gorge at Dana. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who not only give you support but also will provide you the knowledge about the places and villages. Witness the magnificent sunrises and sunset above breathtaking views of Annapurna Range. Visit the villages and learn about their culture, traditions and their lifestyle. Is Jomsom Muktinath trek right for you? Even though this trek looks easy, we cannot underestimate our fitness. So, one has to have excellent fitness and mentality. All the travelers under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. There is a genuine risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as this trip includes one or more overnight stays over 3500meters. The lodges that we stay in during the trek are very simple with basic facilities. Hot water and electricity may not be available all the time. Jomsom Muktinath trek Equipment check list. Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper) Daypack Sleeping bag Hiking pants Full, sleeves shirt Jumper or pile jacket Waterproof jacket T, shirts Trekking boots Camp shoes/Sandal Light cotton socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks) Sun hat Beanie Gloves Sun block for lips Sun lotion Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare ) Water bottle Sewing kit Medical & first aid kit Flash light ( with spare batteries) Walking stick. (company also provide or you can buy in Kathmandu) Camera ( don’t forget to buy the spare film and batteries to go with it before you leave.) Personal towel Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please. Note:- Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
