Jomsom Muktinath Trek Overview
The Jomsom Muktinath trek is a unique and fascinating journey through the dry, barren landscape of the Mustang region. The medieval-era settlements and Buddhist culture are a highlight of the trek, as is the Kali Gandaki river gorge and the Muktinath temple.
The trek begins in Jomsom, a small town in the Kali Gandaki valley. From Jomsom, the trail winds its way up through the hills, passing through villages and monasteries. Along the way, you can take a detour to a secret cave where Guru Rinpoche used to meditate.
The Kali Gandaki river gorge is one of the deepest river gorges in the world. At the bank of the river, you can find people selling the ‘shaligram’, a black rock which is the fossilized remains of the prehistoric ammonites.
As you approach Muktinath, the land becomes more barren and you can see the Kali Gandaki valley from your ascend towards the Muktinath temple located at an elevation of 3710m.
The Muktinath temple is a simple pagoda style, dedicated to Lord Vishnu of Hindu mythology. At the back of the temple lies the 108 holy water sprouts where people take a shower and dip at a small pond at the front of the temple. The water here is directly from the Himalayas and extremely cold.
The Annapurna trekking region is a great place to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. There are many different trekking routes to choose from, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding trek, the Jomsom Muktinath trek is a great option.
Here are some other popular trekking routes in the Annapurna trekking region:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: This is the most popular trekking route in the Annapurna region. The trek takes you to the base of Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: This is a longer and more challenging trek than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trek takes you around the Annapurna massif, passing through stunning mountain scenery.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: This is a shorter and easier trek than the Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit Treks. The trek takes you to Ghorepani, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna massif.
No matter which trekking route you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in the Annapurna trekking region.