Overview
The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short pilgrimage treks, combining dramatic Himalayan scenery with one of the country’s holiest sites. The route follows the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest river gorge, between the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, passing through the Thakali villages of Jomsom and Marpha before reaching the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,800 metres. The trek begins with a flight to Pokhara, followed by a short scenic flight to Jomsom and a walk up to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni the trail climbs through a dry, high-desert landscape to Muktinath, a site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for its 108 sacred waterspouts and eternal natural flame. Thousands of pilgrims visit each year to bathe in the icy streams, believed to wash away sins. The return route passes through Jharkot and back to Jomsom, with time to explore Marpha, known for its apple orchards, distilleries, and a small Buddhist monastery.
Highlights
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m), one of Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Trek through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest river gorge, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Explore Kagbeni, the gateway to the restricted region of Upper Mustang
- Visit Marpha, a charming Thakali village known for its apple orchards and small monastery
- Experience the sacred 108 waterspouts and eternal natural flame at Muktinath
- Encounter diverse ethnic communities including Thakali, Gurung, Magar, and Managi
