Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Overview

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short pilgrimage treks, combining dramatic Himalayan scenery with one of the country’s holiest sites. The route follows the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest river gorge, between the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, passing through the Thakali villages of Jomsom and Marpha before reaching the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,800 metres.

The trek begins with a flight to Pokhara, followed by a short scenic flight to Jomsom and a walk up to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni the trail climbs through a dry, high-desert landscape to Muktinath, a site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for its 108 sacred waterspouts and eternal natural flame. Thousands of pilgrims visit each year to bathe in the icy streams, believed to wash away sins. The return route passes through Jharkot and back to Jomsom, with time to explore Marpha, known for its apple orchards, distilleries, and a small Buddhist monastery.

What makes this trek especially appealing is how much it delivers in such a short time. Because Mustang sits in a rain shadow, the trail stays walkable for much of the year, and the short flight to Jomsom means trekkers can reach a genuinely sacred, high-altitude destination without weeks of walking.

The route also offers a gentle introduction to trekking in Nepal, suitable for families and first-timers, while still delivering deep religious significance, striking high-desert scenery, and traditional Thakali culture along the way.

Permits for this trek are issued under Nepal’s Department of Immigration Trekking Permit system, alongside the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

If you have more time, consider extending into the deeper Upper Mustang Trek and for another short, accessible pilgrimage trek, see our Gosaikunda Lake Trek.”