Nepal13 days
Jomsom, Muktinath & Poon Hill: Nepal's Annapurna and Mustang Foothills — 13 Days
Kathmandu to Pokhara via Ghorepani, Tatopani, and Muktinath (3,800m), with a Himalayan flight from Jomsom
This 13-day route connects two distinct trekking zones within the Annapurna region: the forested ridgelines above Pokhara, where Poon Hill (3,210m) offers a wide panorama of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges at sunrise, and the arid, wind-scoured upper Kali Gandaki valley, where the landscape shifts to a Tibetan plateau character around Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Muktinath. The highest point reached is the Muktinath temple complex at 3,800m — one of Nepal's most significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, with 108 stone waterspouts and a natural gas flame central to its religious identity. The route proceeds in two phases. The first follows the classic Ghorepani–Poon Hill circuit south of Pokhara, passing through Gurung and Magar villages, dense rhododendron and oak forest, and the natural hot springs at Tatopani. The second traverses the Kali Gandaki gorge northward through Thakali settlements — including the apple-growing village of Marpha — before ascending to the Tibetan-influenced communities of Kagbeni and Muktinath. The return from Jomsom to Pokhara is made by a short mountain flight of approximately 15 minutes, with Himalayan views throughout. The trek operates at a moderate grade overall, with the most demanding sections being the stone staircase ascent to Ulleri on day four and the early-morning climb to Poon Hill on day six. Accommodation throughout the trek is in locally operated teahouses and guesthouses. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, three-star category hotels are included. A professional English-speaking guide and a porter for baggage are part of the standard arrangement, along with all trekking permits, TIMS card, and three meals plus hot drinks per day during the trek itself.
Highlights
- Sunrise panorama from Poon Hill (3,210m) across the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna range
- Visit to Muktinath temple complex (3,800m) — the trek's highest point and a major Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage site with 108 stone waterspouts
- Natural hot spring bathing at Tatopani (1,190m) along the Kali Gandaki river
- 15-minute mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara with Himalayan aerial views
- Walking through the Thakali village of Marpha (2,670m), known for apple orchards and a hilltop monastery
- Exploration of Kagbeni (2,810m) — a walled, Tibetan-style village and the gateway to Upper Mustang
- Early-morning monastery visit at Jharkot en route to Muktinath
- UNESCO World Heritage Site sightseeing in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, and Bhaktapur palace
- Lakeside sightseeing in Pokhara including the International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, and Fewa Lake
- Exposure to three distinct cultural groups across the route: Tibetan-influenced communities near Muktinath, Thakalis around Jomsom and Marpha, and Magar and Brahmin villages in the Ghorepani area
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m) and Trek BriefingTribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu · the hotel
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, followed by a 20-minute transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day allows time to discuss the trekking itinerary, review equipment, and complete any outstanding preparations before the route begins.
2Kathmandu: UNESCO Heritage SightseeingPashupatinath · Boudhanath · Bhaktapur
A full day of sightseeing across Kathmandu Valley, covering three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, the large Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath, and the historic palace quarter of Bhaktapur. Transportation, a guide, and entrance fees are included.
3Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus (827m)Kathmandu to Pokhara · Phewa lakeside
A six-hour drive westward to Pokhara via the Prithvi Highway, which follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys through mountainous terrain. Arrival in Pokhara is typically mid-afternoon, leaving time for a walk along the Phewa lakeside before an overnight in the city. An optional 25-minute flight between the two cities is available as an alternative to the road journey.
4Nayapul to Ulleri by Foot (1,960m)Nayapul to Ulleri · Ulleri · Pokhara to Nayapul
A private vehicle transfers trekkers from Pokhara to Nayapul, where the walking begins. The initial section crosses flat ground through several local villages before the trail steepens considerably for the final uphill stretch to Ulleri. From this elevation, the first clear views of Annapurna South and Himchuli open to the north. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
5Ulleri to Ghorepani through Rhododendron Forest (2,860m)Ulleri to Ghorepani · Ghorepani · Banthati
The trail climbs through dense forest — predominantly rhododendron and oak — along the bank of a river, with a generally moderate uphill gradient. The small settlement of Banthati is passed en route before the trail reaches Ghorepani, where the mountain panorama expands to include the Dhaulagiri range, the Annapurna massif, and Gangapurna. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
6Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) then Descent to Tatopani (1,190m)Poon Hill · Tatopani · Poon Hill to Tatopani
An early departure from the lodge for the 90-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) before dawn. The viewpoint provides a wide-angle panorama that includes the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and the Gangapurna range, with the sunrise best viewed from Poonhill. After returning to the lodge, the day continues with a long descent — six to seven hours in total — through forest and terraced farmland to Tatopani (1,190m), where natural hot springs fed by geothermal activity are available for bathing. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
7Tatopani to Kalopani through the Kali Gandaki Gorge (2,530m)Kalopani · Kali Gandaki river · a bridge near a significant waterfall
The trail re-enters sub-tropical vegetation as it follows the Kali Gandaki river northward. Banyan trees, water buffalo, and stands of poinsettia mark the lower sections before the path enters a narrow gorge and crosses a bridge near a significant waterfall. Much of the day's walking runs alongside the local road. Both Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range are visible on arrival at Kalopani. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
8Kalopani to Marpha through the Kali Gandaki Valley (2,670m)Marpha · Kali Gandaki valley · monastery
The route continues north through the Kali Gandaki valley, passing through several Thakali settlements. Local shared transport is available as an option along part of this section. Marpha is a well-preserved Thakali village at 2,670m, notable for its whitewashed stone lanes, apple orchards, and a monastery situated above the main settlement. Time is available to walk through the village and visit the monastery before overnight at a local guesthouse.
9Marpha to Kagbeni via Jomsom (2,810m)Kagbeni · Jomsom · Kali Gandaki riverbank · Jomsom to Kagbeni
The morning begins with roughly two hours of walking along the Kali Gandaki riverbank to reach Jomsom (2,713m), where the district's small airport is located. From Jomsom, another two hours of trekking north leads to Kagbeni, a walled village with a distinctly Tibetan character: flat-roofed mud-brick houses, prayer flags, and a significant old monastery. Kagbeni also serves as the official entry point for the restricted Upper Mustang trekking area. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of the village and its monasteries. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
10Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,800m) via Jharkot MonasteryKagbeni to Muktinath · Muktinath · Jharkot · Muktinath temple complex
The day's trail ascends from Kagbeni to Muktinath over five to six hours, largely following a road through a series of villages worth pausing at along the way. At Jharkot, the route passes one of the area's oldest monasteries, where local students are typically in attendance — a stop commonly made during this section. Muktinath temple complex (3,800m) is reached by late afternoon. The main temple, dedicated to Vishnu and sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, along with its 108 stone waterspouts and the Jwala Mai natural flame shrine, can be visited on arrival if time allows, with additional time available the following morning. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
11Muktinath Temple Visit then Descent to Jomsom (2,713m)Jomsom · Muktinath complex · guesthouse close to the airport · Muktinath to Jomsom · monastery above Jomsom
The morning is devoted to a thorough visit of the Muktinath complex — the main Vishnu temple, the 108 stone waterspouts considered holy in Hindu tradition, and the Jwala Mai shrine where a natural gas flame has burned continuously. The descent to Jomsom follows the same trail, a five-to-six-hour walk during which the valley's characteristic afternoon winds typically pick up. Jomsom is reached in the early afternoon, allowing time to visit the monastery above the town and walk through the surrounding village. Flight seat confirmation for the following morning's Jomsom–Pokhara service is arranged, and accommodation for the night is at a guesthouse close to the airport.
12Jomsom to Pokhara by Mountain Flight and City Sightseeing (827m)Jomsom Airport · International Mountain Museum · Davis Falls · Gupteshwor Mahadev cave · Fewa Lake
An early-morning flight from Jomsom Airport to Pokhara — approximately 15 minutes — with Himalayan views throughout the approach and descent. After transfer to the hotel, the afternoon covers key Pokhara landmarks: the International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave, and Fewa Lake. Overnight at a three-star category hotel.
13Pokhara: Departure Transferairport
Transfer to the airport for onward departure.
Where you go
- 1Pashupatinath
- 2Ghorepani
- 3Kagbeni
- 4Jomsom
- 5Muktinath
- 6Jomsom
Included
- Included
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in 3-star category hotels on twin sharing
- Accommodation in Pokhara in 3-star category hotels on twin sharing
- Accommodation in a local tea house/ Guest house during the trek on twin sharing
- Every morning, breakfast in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu and in Pokhara with transportation, guide, and entrance fees
- Tourist bus driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu
- Private car to drop off at trekking starting point and pick up from there
- Local and shared transportation in the trekking area as per the itinerary
- Trekking permit and TIMS card
- English-speaking professional guide for trekking
- Supporter to carry your baggage
- Salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and equipment for the guide and supporter
- Three times food and hot drinks during trekking
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Emergency evacuation management
- First Aid kid box
- Warm jacket and a down sleeping bag are available on a returnable basis if you need
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- Personal equipment, Insurance, medical expenses, or emergency evacuation
- Upgrading your accommodation and mode of transportation
- Tipping to staffs
Activities: TREKING, HIKING