Jomsom Muktinath Trek with Poon Hill

5/5 from 2 reviews

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a beautiful journey that encompasses the natural and cultural quintessence of the area. Escape Himalaya provides the absolute best and expertly superior services to customers.

Trip Fact

  • DestinationNepal
  • Durations9 Days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate
  • ActivitiesTrekking
  • AccommodationHotels / Teahouses
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Mx.altitude3800m.
  • VehicleCar / Flight / Tourist Bus
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax

Jomsom Muktinath Trek with Poon Hill Highlights

  • Watch an amazing sunrise from Poon Hill with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains
  • Visit the holy Muktinath temple, where Hindu and Buddhist people come to pray regularly
  • Meet the Thakali people in mountain villages and learn about their old way of life
  • Walk through the Kali Gandaki gorge which is the deepest canyon in the world today
  • See red, pink, white rhododendron flowers blooming in forests during springtime months
  • Stay in family guesthouses where local people welcome trekkers with warm friendly service
  • See land change from green forests to desert areas as you walk higher
  • Follow old trading paths that connected Tibet and India many centuries ago.
  • Relax tired muscles in natural hot water springs at Tatopani village after walking
  • Enjoy mountain views of Nepal famous peaks like Annapurna throughout the whole trek

Overview

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek with poonhill in the Annapurna region is enthralling and is sure to allure you with its prepossessing aura of the world's deepest gorge- the Kali Gandaki. Along with its cultural glory and the inclusion of visiting the holy temple of Muktinath, the trek also lets you trudge through verdant rhododendron forests that present a fluorescent canopy of gossamer petals of colors red, white, and pink. Journeying through the lush acreage of forests and passing by rocky cliffs, you would be experiencing the arid environment of the Annapurna Region. You will have the opportunity to encounter the cultural aspects along your trek, where you shall discover the blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures.

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek via poonhill begins with a drive to Pokhara, a short journey filled with vibrant environments of rich hills enveloped in the jade of the forest. Driving to Nayapul, you would walk through magnificent blossoms of rhododendrons and foxgloves, the terrain adorned with blooms of poppies and blue hydrangea. Oak and Birch trees grow tall and robust, contributing to the mysticism of the land. You will drift by stony steps and boulders to reach Ghorepani, where you can feel the chill in the mountain weather. Hiking to Poon Hill (3210m), you would be subjected to glorious sights of the rising Sun from amidst the magnificent Himalayas, changing the color of the peaks from ivory to burning saffron. The striking view of the Annapurna Mountain Range from the vantage point at Poon Hill is breathtaking!

Moving further in the poonhill Jomsom Muktinath Trek, you would pass settlements like Ghasa, occupied by the Thakali people. You will visit lovely villages like Lete, Kokethanti, and Tukuche until you reach the dainty village of Kagbeni, a charming settlement on the old trans-Himalayan business trail. Most importantly, the trek takes you to the holy temple of Muktinath and several other monasteries within the Muktinath area. The religious temples and monasteries are devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Buddha. Their intricately decorated quiddities are beautiful, the colorful prayer flags swaying gently in the crisp wind. Walking on the pristine and isolated landscapes, you will finally be trekking on your trails to Jomsom.

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek with poonhill is a beautiful journey that encompasses the natural and cultural quintessence of the area. Escape Himalaya provides the absolute best and expertly superior services to customers. Our Jomsom Muktinath poonhill Trek package includes all the exquisite sublimity of the destinations within its parameters. Trekking in the remote landscape ornamented by rocky trails encompassing panoramic views of magnificent mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many more astronomical peaks, you would be experiencing an utterly stunning picturesque divinity of the area with us!

We also have alternate packages for trekking in the Annapurna Region, like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which lets you trek to the foot of the summit of Mount Annapurna. Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit Trek allows you to explore the Annapurna region's verdancy in the most appealing ways. And if you are short on time, you can opt for our  Annapurna Poon Hill Trek. You can also have the itinerary customized to suit your needs. So join us in this exciting adventure of exploring the Annapurna Region!

Jomsom Muktinath Route via Poon Hill Trek

This route takes you to three amazing places in one trip. First, you drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This takes about 6 hours by road. Then you drive to Nayapul or Hile where the walking starts. From here, you walk through villages where Gurung people live. You also walk through forests full of colorful trees.

The first stop is Ghorepani village. You sleep here one night. Very early next morning, you climb to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise. This place gives you great views of many big mountains. After watching the sunrise, you walk down to Tatopani. This place has hot water springs where you can relax your tired body.

From Tatopani, you follow the Kali Gandaki river. You pass through villages where Thakali people live. These include Ghasa, Lete and Tukuche. As you walk higher, the green forests change to dry land that looks like a desert. Finally you reach the Muktinath temple. This is a holy place for Hindu and Buddhist people. The whole route shows you different types of land, cultures and mountain views.

How Difficult is the Jomsom Muktinath Trek Poon Hill

This trek is not too challenging. Many beginners can do it without problems. You walk for about 5 to 6 hours each day. The highest place you reach is the Muktinath temple at 3,800 meters. This is much easier than going to Everest Base Camp.

The trail ascends slowly through forests with red flowers known as rhododendrons. You pass through small villages where mountain people live. Some parts have stone steps. Other parts are rocky. Sometimes you walk on dusty roads where jeeps drive. You don't need to be very strong or have prior trekking experience.

After you visit the Muktinath temple, most of the walking goes downhill. This makes it easier for your legs. The hardest part is climbing to Poon Hill early in the morning. This viewpoint is located at an elevation of 3,210 meters. But when you see the sunrise over the mountains, you forget how tired you are. The weather is usually good during most months. Families with children and people traveling alone can do this trek. You just need to be in good health and want to see beautiful mountains.

When is the Best Time for the Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Two times of the year work best for this trek. The first is autumn, from September to November. The second is spring, from March to May. During these months, the sky stays clear most days. The weather is not too hot or cold. You can see the mountains clearly.

Autumn comes after the rainy season ends. The air is fresh and clean. There is very little rain. The trails are dry and easy to walk on. You get perfect views of big mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. In spring time, the forest becomes colorful. Red, pink and white flowers bloom on rhododendron trees. The temperature during the day is around 10 to 20 degrees. This feels comfortable for walking.

This area gets less rain than other parts of Nepal. Winter months like December, January, and February are cold but still possible for trekking. You need warm clothes because snow can fall. Summer brings more rain from June to August. The trails become muddy but many people still trek. The dry weather here means you don't have to worry too much about bad weather stopping your plans.

Can I Go to Upper Mustang from Jomsom Muktinath

Yes, you can go to Upper Mustang after finishing the Muktinath trek. Jomsom is the starting point for Upper Mustang trips. From Jomsom, you can either walk or take a jeep to reach Upper Mustang. This makes Jomsom a good place to continue your mountain adventure.

Most people fly to Jomsom first, then go to Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang used to be the capital of the old Mustang kingdom. You need special permits to enter Upper Mustang. It costs more money because the government limits how many people can visit. You can choose to walk for 7 to 10 days. Or you can take a jeep tour that takes 4 to 6 days.

The road goes through Kagbeni first. This village is like the entrance door to Upper Mustang. Then you continue to old places like Charang and Lo Manthang. Upper Mustang looks very different from other parts of Nepal. It has Tibetan culture, old monasteries and land that looks like a desert. You need to book in advance and get special permits. You also need a guide who has permission to take people there. Many trekkers do both treks together to see the whole Mustang area.

Visit to Two Best Places, Poon Hill and Muktinath Temple

This trek takes you to two of the best places in Nepal. Poon Hill is one of the world's best spots to watch the sunrise. From here you can see more than 20 big mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. You climb to 3,210 meters early in the morning. The sunrise turns the white snow mountains into beautiful orange and pink colors.

Muktinath temple is one of the most holy places in the Himalayas. Both Hindu and Buddhist people come here to pray. The temple sits at 3,710 meters high. It has 108 water taps and fires that never go out. These fires have been burning for hundreds of years. The spiritual feeling at this place is very strong. The mountain views behind the temple make it even more special.

These two places give you completely different experiences. Poon Hill shows you the natural beauty of the mountains. Muktinath shows you the religious and cultural side of the region. Both places are connected by beautiful walking trails. You walk through different types of land and see how local people live. Poon Hill teaches you about mountain sunrise viewing. Muktinath teaches you about local beliefs and traditions.

Detail Itinerary

Expand all +

If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.

Cost Details

Jomsom Muktinath Trek with Poon Hill Route Map

Jomsom Muktinath Trek with Poon Hill Map

Good to Know

Poonhill 3 Days Hike Then Drive to Muktinath Temple

Your first three days take you hiking through some of Nepal's most beautiful forests. Rhododendron trees line the trails, and if you're trekking in spring, you'll walk under a canopy of red, pink, and white flowers that seem to glow in the sunlight. Small Gurung villages appear along the way, tucked into the hillsides with their terraced fields stretching below.

But the real magic happens at Poonhill. You'll wake up before dawn and climb to 3,210 meters just as the first light hits the mountains. More than twenty peaks spread across the horizon, and watching the sunrise here is something special. The snow-covered mountains shift from pale white to warm orange and pink as the sun rises. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri dominate the view, while Machhapuchhre's distinctive fish-tail peak cuts sharp against the sky.

After hiking down to Tatopani, your journey shifts completely. You'll drive through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest in the world, and watch the landscape transform. Green forests fade away and rocky desert terrain takes over. Massive cliffs tower on both sides of the road.

At 3,710 meters, Muktinath Temple waits in this barren, beautiful setting. The brown mountains circle the temple, the sky stretches endlessly blue, and there's a stillness here that makes the place feel truly sacred.

 

Private Jeep Drive from Tato Pani to Muktinath Back to Pokhara

After relaxing in Tatopani's hot springs, you'll hop into a private jeep for what might be the most interesting drive you've done. The road hugs the Kali Gandaki River as it cuts through the deepest gorge on earth. Cliffs shoot up on both sides, and you'll drive through small Thakali villages like Ghasa, Lete, and Tukuche where people still live the traditional mountain way.

The higher you go, the weirder the landscape gets. Those thick green forests? Gone. Now it's all dry, rocky terrain that looks like you're on another planet. Prayer flags whip around in the wind, and you can feel the air getting thinner. The jeep takes you straight to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 meters, which means you save your legs for actually walking around the temple.

Coming back to Pokhara is the same road but somehow different. Watching the brown desert slowly turn back into green hills and forests makes you realize just how much the landscape can change in one region.

 

Explore Tato Pani, Marpha, Ghasa, Village Jomsom Kagbeni

Each village along this route has its own character. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs where you can soak your feet after days of walking. The warm water comes straight from underground, and sitting there with mountains all around feels pretty great.

Ghasa sits lower down and belongs to the Thakali people. Walk through the narrow stone streets and you'll see how these communities have lived for generations. Marpha is different, known for its apple orchards and the apple brandy locals make. The white-washed houses here look spotless, and the village feels almost too clean compared to everywhere else.

Jomsom works as the main hub of the region. It's windier than you'd expect, with strong gusts blowing through most afternoons. From here, Kagbeni is just a short trip away. This old village sits right at the entrance to Upper Mustang, and walking its ancient alleys feels like stepping back in time. The gompa overlooks the village, prayer wheels line the walls, and the whole place has this timeless quality that makes you want to stay longer.

Jwala Mai Temple Inside Muktinath Temple

nside the Muktinath complex, you'll find the Jwala Mai Temple, and it's honestly one of the strangest things you'll see in the mountains. Natural flames burn from water, soil, and rock without any fuel. These fires have been going for centuries, just burning on their own.

For Hindus, this represents the goddess Jwala Mai. For Buddhists, it connects to their own sacred beliefs. What makes it special is that both religions share this space without any conflict. You'll see Hindu pilgrims and Buddhist monks visiting the same spot, which doesn't happen everywhere.

The flames flicker behind a metal grill, protected but visible. Water trickles nearby while fire burns from the earth itself. Scientists say it's natural gas seeping through cracks in the rock, but standing there watching fire and water exist together feels pretty miraculous regardless of the explanation.

Most people spend time here after visiting the main Muktinath temple with its 108 water spouts. The whole area sits at 3,710 meters, so you're already high up and the thin air makes everything feel a bit more surreal anyway.

Pokhara to Pokhara 5 Days Option: Skip Kathmandu, Start Your Trek Faster

Already in Pokhara or flying there directly? The 5-day Pokhara to Pokhara option cuts out Kathmandu completely and gets you into the mountains faster. This package works perfectly for travelers with limited time or anyone who wants to skip the capital's chaos and head straight for the trails and temple visits.

The route follows the same path but starts and ends in Pokhara. Day one begins with a morning drive from your Pokhara hotel to Hile, then you trek through rhododendron forests to Ulleri. Day two climbs to Ghorepani where you'll sleep before the early Poon Hill sunrise. Day three brings that famous dawn view from 3,210 meters, then you drive through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 meters, passing through authentic Thakali villages along the way.

Day four lets you explore Muktinath's sacred temples, the 108 water spouts, and the natural flames at Jwala Mai Temple before driving back to Pokhara. You'll return to lakeside by evening, which means hot showers, restaurant meals, and a comfortable bed after mountain nights. Day five stays flexible for your departure or extending your time around Fewa Lake.

This option includes all ground transportation by private jeep from Pokhara, lodge accommodation during trekking nights, full meals on the trail with tea and coffee, an experienced guide and porter, all permits and fees, and a first aid kit. What's not included are Pokhara hotel nights, drinks beyond basic tea, personal gear, tips, and travel insurance. The package saves you two days of driving between Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus the cost of domestic flights, making it both faster and more budget-friendly for anyone already based in Pokhara.

Travellers‘ Reviews

  • Elizabeth N

    10th Apr 2025

    Must visit Nepal again

    We had the most amazing trip to Nepal. Every aspect of the trip was taken care off, from being met at the airport, to being returned. All the hotels, food etc were all taken care of. Our guide Raj and his team seen to our every wish and need. It was our first trip to Nepal and we did the Annupurna trek. The views were breathtaking, the trek was challenging at times but Raj was always there to encourage and help. Thank you Raj and your team for making this one of the most memorable trips I've been on (and I've been on a few).

    Read more +
  • Jada Flitzgerald

    10th Apr 2019

    Delightful Short Trek to Namche!

    Thank You Escape Himalaya for arranging me a beautiful trekking journey in the Everest region. I did the Short Everest Trek with Escape Himalaya this past March and it was one of the best short treks in the Everest region. There was not much elevation gain, except trekking to Namche…

    Read more +

FAQS

Expand All (13)