Overview
The Jomsom Valley trek follows the upper Kali Gandaki, the deepest river gorge in the world, sandwiched between the massive forms of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). The landscape is stark and windswept — dry riverbeds, barren cliffs, and Buddhist prayer walls mark the trail through this high-altitude desert valley. Jomsom itself is a small trading town at 2,720 meters that serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang, and the nearby village of Marpha is famous across Nepal for its apple brandy and orchards.
This moderate trek is culturally rich, passing through Thakali communities known for their hospitality and distinctive cuisine. The hot springs at Tatopani, the medieval town of Kagbeni at the entrance to the restricted Mustang area, and the constant presence of the two 8,000-meter giants flanking the valley make every day interesting. The Kali Gandaki valley has been a trade route between Tibet and India for centuries, and you can still feel that history in the trail.
Itinerary
Heartly welcome to Crown Himalaya Treks. Today you are driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You will find a beautiful land cafe, green forest and paddy field on the way to Pokhara. When you reach Pokhara, you can explore Pokhara lakeside where you will enjoy a guided walk around the lake side with a guide.
Overnight at Lodge in Pokhara
After having breakfast, you drive to Nayapul from Pokhara via private bus. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Nayapul. On the way to Nayapul, your way goes through Bamboo forests and a large waterfall. After reaching there, you will start your trek to Tikhedhunga. Birethanti also comes on your way. On the way, a large riverside village is located at the point of Modi and Bhurungdi stream. You will observe the beautiful farming lands. Finally you will reach Tikhedhunga
Overnight at hotel in Tikhedhunga
Early morning, after having breakfast you will trek to reach Ghorepani. You need to cross the metal’s suspension bridge and you will climb to the large Gurung village named Ulleri(2010m). Then you will ascend towards the beautiful rhododendron and oak forest. And then you will reach the small village named Banthanti(2250m). Walking slowly and steadily takes you to Ghorepani. The awesome views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna are seen from Upper Ghorepani(Deurali).
Overnight at hotel in Ghorepani
Early in the morning, you will start your hiking to Poon Hill for the fascinating sunrise views. You will make a pre-down 45 minutes hike through rhododendron forests. From this viewpoint, sunrise can be seen clearly which will beautify the start of your trek. The panoramic view includes Annapurna ranges i.e Annapurna 1(8091m), Annapurna 2(7935m), Annapurna 3(7575m), and Dhaulagiri range(8167m), Mt. Manaslu(8156m). After one hour on this spot, you will come down to Ghorepani and trek towards Tadapani where you reach Deurali in between. On the way to Tadapani, you can see a big group of energetic chinese hikers and other various nationalities.
Overnight at hotel in Tatopani
This day your destination is to reach Ghasa by driving in a local vehicle. in which your trail follows the Kaligandaki river that flows under the deep canyon. On your way, you can see south Nilgiri(above 7000m). You can also see the village Danaque. On your way you will see the biggest waterfall(Rupse Chhahara). Then you will reach Ghasa where there are some gurung villages. Now the way is steep. After walking sometimes your way leads you to Marpha. While travelling in the local bus you can also see the fascinating Nilgiri range and annapurna I(8091m) and also Dhaulagiri range(8167m) which are above 8000m range. After that you will reach your today destination. Marpa is really famous. At the time of afternoon the scene from there is awesome. You will explore the apple farms too.
Overnight at hotel in Marpha
On this day, you will trek with the extraordinary view to reach Kagbeni. You first need to cross the Jomsom(2720m) and Ekle Bhatti(2740m) to reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is one of the important villages of this trekking which is also the gateway for trekkers and tourists to go Upper Mustang Trekking. On the Jomsom there is the safe water drinking water station. There is also a museum where you can explore for sometime. After that you will head towards Kagbeni. You will visit some monasteries over there.
Overnight at hotel in Kagbeni
After walking almost for 4 hours through Kinga(3355m) and Jharkot(3550m) you will be reaching Muktinath. You can see a helipad at Muktinath where a single helicopter can take off and land. At the time of evening you can have the opportunity to visit the Muktinath temples where you will also see natural gas fire. Muktinath temple is the temple which is mostly sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is also one of the world's highest temples. At the same time you will also see other some Hindu monuments.
Overnight at hotel in Muktinath
Today morning you will visit a temple. You, along with your guide, also visit there and do a puja program. You will worship and pray god. After visiting the temple you will have breakfast on the return. You will start your trek to Jomsom. While returning you will return through the shortcut road of Ekle Bhatti. The way from Kagbeni village is a bit long so you will not trek from there. After some time you will reach Jomsom.
Overnight at hotel in Muktinath
Today you will drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. After reaching there you will have enough time for relaxing and visiting different places. You will visit places like Devi’s fall, Gupteshwor cave, International Mountain Museum, Bindabasini temple, White river(Seti Gorge), Regional Museum, Supermarket and Lakeside market. You will relish this day by sightseeing these famous places and rest for a while.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Today you will be driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. On your way, you will see more terrace farming and land capped. You can enjoy the beautiful scenes throughout the day. You will get a good memento in Kathmandu. After your arrival, you can take rest at your hotel or even explore Kathmandu.