Jomsom to Muktinath Trek is one of the spiritual treks amidst the glory of mountains and mountainous landscapes. The trek takes you to Muktinath, which is a popular sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Each year, we can see a flock of individuals heading towards Muktinath. Some people opt for this trip because of its religious value, while others get lured by the region’s wilderness. The fascinating views of the mountains in the Annapurna region are another factor that attracts many travelers to this trek. The panoramic views of mountains in Annapurna Range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche peak, Lamjung Himal, etc. can see during the trek is amazing.
This trek is a part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. In Annapurna Circuit Trek, after crossing Thorong La pass, the trail runs from Muktinath to Jomsom. But we don’t cross the pass in Jomsom to Muktinath Trek. So, for those who can’t take the challenge of crossing the pass, Muktinath to Jomsom Trekking can be an ideal trip that combines spiritual significance with natural fascination.
The scenic trail of Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
First, Muktinath to Jomsom Trip starts from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We will have a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. The tour covers major UNESCO-listed heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. Then we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara city. During the drive, one can rejoice in the picturesque views of the countryside of Nepal. The rivers, hills, greenery, and traditional villages, everything looks outstanding. After a wonderful night in Pokhara, we fly to Jomsom, which is the actual commencement point of the Jomsom to Muktinath Trek.
From Jomsom, we follow a trail towards the Kaligandaki gorge. We climb up via some interesting villages like Kagbeni and Marpha to Muktinath. The Jomsom to Muktinath trail covers diverse terrain that extends from Jomsom’s dry landscapes to high altitude mountainous terrain of Muktinath, then to sub-tropical fields and rice paddies in Ghorepani at the end of the journey. With the local people, diverse terrain, an old monastery, temple, and caves, the region is full of magnificent landscapes. After visiting Muktinath, the trail drops to Marpha and diverse from Ghorepani to Tatopani. Throughout the Muktinath trek, you will get to see the magnificence of mountains in abundance. Besides, one can enjoy a hot water bath in the natural hot water springs of Tatopani.
We also hike to Poonhill, a beautiful viewpoint that offers glorious views of sunrise and sunset amidst the mountains in the Annapurna range. The trail from Ghorepani to Pokhara is full of liveliness. The traditional villages, farmlands, lush hills, forests, and appealing terrain. Nothing could have been a better option. Finally, the Jomsom to Muktinath trekking concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara city.
Cultural significance of pious Muktinath temple
Muktinath temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that holds a chief value among Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Lying in Thorong La pass’s foothills, the temple has its name amongst the highest altitude temples in the world. Each year, thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this pious site. As per Hinduism, it is popular as Mukti Kshetra, where Mukti means liberation, and Kshetra means place. Therefore, Mukti Kshetra is regarded as the place of liberation. We consider the temple being 106th amongst the 108 Divya Desams temples in the world. We believe it to be the same place where Lord Vishnu had led his life as a stone after receiving a curve from Brinda (a lady loyal to her husband, Jalandhar).
Buddhists consider this place as Chumig Gyatsa, a Tibetan word that translates as Hundred Waters in English. For Buddhist pilgrims, Muktinath is an important place for dakinis, the Goddess of Sky Dancers. It is also one of the 24 Tantric places, as per Buddhism.
Muktinath is a temple of Lord Vishnu and is in pagoda style. The temple is small, and the statue of Lord Vishnu inside the temple is of gold. There are 108 bull faced waterspouts in the temple’s periphery. People believe holy water flows from these 108 taps. Therefore, people take baths in these taps, even in the freezing temple. It is said that a bath in those taps liberates a person from various sins caused by him/ her during their lifetime. Read more about Muktinath Temple on Wikipedia.
Heaven Himalaya for Jomsom Muktinath Trek
If you are ready for a wonderful venture to Muktinath, then do not miss an opportunity to be a part of this trek with Heaven Himalaya. We organize the trip to Muktinath throughout the year. If you want to explore more of the Mustang region, we also have other trip packages like Upper Mustang Trek, Mustang Jeep Tour, and Mustang Tiji festival Trek on the list. With us, you are in the hand of professionals. Just lay back and enjoy your trip. Leave the rest upon us!
