Nepal2 days

Pokhara to Muktinath by Overland Jeep — 2 Days

219-kilometer jeep route from Pokhara to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 meters, following the Kaligandaki River through the Mustang region

The overland route from Pokhara to Muktinath Temple covers 219 kilometers by private jeep, reaching the temple at an altitude of 3,710 meters. The first 100 kilometers to Beni follow a sealed road along the Kaligandaki River; beyond Beni, the remaining 119 kilometers transition to unpaved mountain road, climbing through Jomsom at 2,700 meters before the final push to Muktinath. The full drive typically takes eight to nine hours. Along the route, the road passes through villages associated with the Upper Mustang trekking corridor and the Annapurna Circuit, with apple orchards and natural hot springs marking the mid-section. Muktinath Temple holds significance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions and sits at the foot of the Thorong La pass — the high crossing used by Annapurna Circuit trekkers. For travelers sensitive to altitude gain, an overnight stop at Jomsom before continuing to Muktinath is a practical option. An alternative approach is a 15-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, followed by three hours of road travel to the temple.

Highlights

Jeep ascent along the Kaligandaki River from Pokhara to Beni (approximately 900 m elevation, 100 km on sealed road), then continuing on rough mountain road through the Mustang region with an elevation gain of over 1,800 metres to Jomsom (2,700 m) on Day 1
Standard itinerary includes an overnight stop at Jomsom for acclimatization; travellers continuing directly to Muktinath on Day 1 without stopping is not recommended due to altitude gain and road conditions
Day 2 departs Jomsom for Muktinath (3,710 m), a drive of approximately 3 hours on unsealed mountain road, subject to seasonal conditions — road access is generally reliable from March to November but may be disrupted by snow or monsoon landslides
Visit to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 metres, a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist peoples, with surrounding shrines at the foot of Thorong La mountain pass.
Route passes through villages along the Upper Mustang and Annapurna Circuit trekking corridors, including Marpha, known for its apple orchards and local distilleries, and Jharkot; natural hot springs are accessible at Tatopani near Beni
Optional alternative: 15-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom airport, followed by a 3-hour jeep transfer to Muktinath — flight schedules are weather-dependent and subject to cancellation, particularly in afternoon hours

Day by day

1Pokhara to Muktinath by Jeep: Kaligandaki Valley Ascent to 3,710 MetersPokhara · Kaligandaki River valley · Beni · Jomsom · Mustang region · Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang trekking trails · Muktinath Temple

The drive departs Pokhara after breakfast and follows the Kaligandaki River valley westward. The initial 100 kilometers to Beni (900 m) are on sealed road and take approximately three hours. At Beni, the road surface changes to unpaved track and the elevation begins to rise steadily. Four hours of driving from Beni reaches Jomsom at 2,700 meters — a gain of roughly 1,800 meters through the Mustang region. The route passes through villages associated with the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang trekking trails, with apple orchards and natural hot springs visible from the road. From Jomsom, a further two hours of driving and approximately 1,000 meters of additional ascent leads to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 meters. Travelers who prefer a staged ascent have the option to overnight at Jomsom and continue to the temple the following morning.

2Muktinath Temple Visit and Return to PokharaMuktinath Temple · Jomsom · Muktinath Temple to Pokhara

Travelers who overnighted at Jomsom continue by jeep to Muktinath Temple in the early morning. After visiting the temple — a site of significance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, set at the foot of Thorong La pass — the route returns to Pokhara by the same road. Those wishing to extend their time in the area can arrange additional nights around Jomsom or Muktinath. A direct helicopter flight from Pokhara or Kathmandu to the area is a further alternative for travelers prioritizing speed over the overland experience.

Where you go

Map: Pokhara to Muktinath by Overland Jeep — 2 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Pokhara
2Jomsom
3Muktinath Temple
4Jomsom

Included

Included
Accommodation in Twin sharing based at Hotel and Guest House
All veg foods during tour
Entrance fees of Muktinath
Private traportation in wntire trip
A Guide

Not included

Excluded
Personal expenses, Extra activities

Activities: TREKING, HIKING