The Jomsom Trek

The highest altitude involved on this moderate to hard trek is about 3200m, but for most of the time there are a number of 7000 + m peaks almost within touching distance, a spectacular introduction to the Himalaya.  There are three packages detailed below, the Standard Package includes a flight past the Himalaya.

Part of this trek takes us through forest, which provides the opportunity to see exotic flora, fauna, in particular birds and monkeys as we hike.  The trail takes us throughout the inhabited area that is part of the famous Annapurna Sanctuary trek. Staying in the lodges run by the Gurung and other local people - you will get to know them well. 

You can do this trek with Sonam (a Tibetan who is paid a salary by Muir's Tours) as your guide, but book early as he is in demand.  If Sonam is not available, we can provide an alternative guide, such as Buddy an ex-Gurkha or a Sherpa.

Time is also spent sightseeing and relaxing in Pokhara and for additional culture a Tibetan settlement.  

The lodges in this trekking area are much better than most other areas, although they are also more expensive (estimated total food and accommodation cost per day is GBP10 - 12 / USD18 - 22. 

The Options
We offer this trek as a tea house version or as a group camping experience, so you can choose how it's done. More Detail  You can choose a female or male guide.

When to go
This trek can be done at any time of year, the best periods are October and November, plus April and May.  April, May and June are when it is best for flowers in bloom.  October, November and December are best for clear skies, which contributes to great pictures of the mountains. During July to September the Monsoon rains fall and although some people like the fact that there are fewer hikers, it can be dangerous in areas that are prone to landslides, such as parts of this route.

                                                                           Travel Advice

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu having departed from Europe / USA the previous day.  Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2  Kathmandu to Pokhara  After an early breakfast at your hotel, take a tourist class bus (budget package) to Pokhara (6 - 7 hours) or fly (standard package) (1 hour with views of the Himalaya from the air). You will be transferred by taxi to the guest house at Tarshi Palkhiel Tibetan refugee camp. The guest house is clean, great value and provides an insight of Tibetan life. 

Day 3  Tarshi Palkhiel -  Dhampus or  Landruk  After a light breakfast go straight to the monastery where you will be ushered inside to observe the daily puja (prayers) at 6 am.  Afterwards, if you are hungry you can take a second breakfast at the restaurant.  Tibetan food is quite basic, but the quality here is excellent and great value. Depart by taxi for a short ride to Phedi where your trek begins. 

Starting off very slowly (to warm your muscles) you climb a set of stone steps (2 hours) to reach Dhampus to be greeted by a stunning panorama of the southern end of the Annapurna massif.  After lunch if you are willing and able continue to Landruk.   Stay overnight in Dhampus or in Landruk. 

Day 4  Dhampus / Landruk - Ghandruk  We have been following the Modi Khola at a high level and today we drop down to the river and back up the other side to get to Ghandruk.  Take lunch here and wander round the small town for a few hours.  There are two small museums with displays about the local culture.  You should visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) headquarters for the very detailed information about local geology and also the conservation work. 

Day 5  Ghandruk - Tadapani  From Ghandruk we take the high route to Tadapani, heading north first then west on reaching Khumrong Danda.  Through the forest where you will see monkeys and exotic birds on your way to Tadapani, where you spend the night. 

Day 6  Tadapani - Ghorepani (2,750m / 9,022ft)  The day starts with a wonderful wooded walk down to a small river and on towards the village of Banthanti.  We then follow another small river, with little in the way of views, but exciting as it is so different to the airy trails of the last few days.  Continue on with a break for lunch at any of the frequently found lodges towards Deurali (means village at a mountain pass - there are many villages with the same name around the country). 

Day 7  Ghorepani northwards  From Ghorepani the trail continues downhill towards the Kali Gandaki River.  Stop at a lodge in the mid afternoon - rest and relax the day away. Overnight at the lodge most suitable to you.

Day 8  Onwards to Tatopani   A long afternoon on the trail and you will reach Tatopani for a well deserved rest in the hot springs.  Sipping your beer as you enjoy your soak, drinking in the lovely atmosphere and surroundings of the riverside.

Day 9  Tatopani - Ghasa  Continue north up the trail to Dana, the old capital of Mustang District.  Then continue on to Rupse Chhahara and see the waterfall (during or just after the monsoon is best). Cross the new district boundary line just after Kopche Pani and you are now in the ancient Kingdom of Mustang.  The housing and religous items from here north reflect the Buddhist history of the area.  Continue on for another hour to arrive at Ghasa.

Day 10  Ghasa - Tukuche  Leaving Ghasa we trek for about 2.5 hours and arrive in the village of Lete and its time for a chai break.  At Kalopani there are great views of Annapurna 1 (8091m / 26,545ft), the best view being from 40 minutes above the school.  If the water levels are low you can then take the shorter east bank trail to Larjung.  Below Larjung where the river bends is the lowest point of the world's deepest valley.  A short way from Larjung you come across the small village of Khobang.  You will only see part of the village as there is a tunnel for the trail to go underneath some of the houses.  The area around here is arid and there are fierce winds that howl down the valley, and then next day go up the valley.  Keep wrapped up well against these winds. Tukuche was once an important trading town with Tibet and the ruins tell of a once wealthy and prosperous area.

Day 11  Tukuche - Jomsom  The arid scenery continues with the occaisional sage and also juniper bush to break the almost barren ground.  The next stop on he trail is at Marpha, what must win the title "cleanest, most efficiently run village" in the whole of Nepal.  The big prayer wheel outside the temple was a present from the Dalai Lama over a 100 years ago.  One village often overlooked on the way to Jomsom is Syang and the main attraction is that it is very quiet, with few trekkers dropping in there.  Jomsom is a busy modern town and the reason for going there is the airport.  However, you may find the Mustang Eco Museum at the southern end of town worth a visit.  Overnight at a lodge.

Day 12  Jomsom - Pokhara  After breakfast take the flight to Pokhara and transfer to your guest house / hotel.

Days 13 & 14  Pokhara  Spend the days relaxing in this lovely town, with it’s wonderful lakeside setting. Overnight in your guest house / hotel.

Day 15  Pokhara - Kathmandu  An early start to take the tourist bus back to Kathmandu. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 16  Free time till you need to transfer to the Airport for your international flight to home.

                                                                        Travel Advice

Price Indication per person:

Budget Version GBP325 - GBP 380 / USD610 - 1 or 2 people - Tea House Trekking basis.

Ref: FFT+JSM-B         Email for current price

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Standard GBP380 - GBP 411 / US790 - 1 or 2 people - Tea House Trekking basis. 

Ref: FFT+JSM-S        Email for current price

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Less 10% if 3 or 4 people book together - Tea House Trekking basis. 

Ref: FFT+JSM-Group (B or S)

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Tented Camping Basis

GBP565 - GBP700 / USD990 - for 6 – 10 people on a Tented Camping basis. 

Ref: FFT+JSM-TC (B or S)        Email for current price

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Optional Extras (Tea House Basis)

Mountain Porter - GBP90 / GBP100  / USD175 for each porter (max load is 20 kg).

Sightseeing by private car with English speaking guide in Kathmandu. GBP10 / USD21 pp / half day.

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What is included - Budget Package
The above price covers the cost of the guide including his / her food and lodgings.  Private transport to the start of the trekking route from Pokhara.  Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist class bus.  Budget class hotel accommodation on a sharing basis with breakfast (7 nights), plus 1 night at the Tibetan Refugee Camp Guest House.  Flight Jomsom to Pokhara. Guide with insurance. Local conservation fees and other permits applicable while trekking in this area.

The additional services – Standard Package
As per the Budget Package plus... The hotel in Pokhara (3 nights) is the Fewa or similar, the Fewa has a wonderful lakeside position. De Luxe room at the Excelsior Hotel or similar in Kathmandu (4 nights).  Mountain view flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. 

The additional services – Tented Camping Package
As per the Budget Package or Standard Package plus... group camping equipment, a porter for each trekker and a cook to provide a full service expedition type experience.  All meals while trekking are included. 

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Kathmandu and does not include international airfare and departure taxes.  The guide is not paid to carry your pack (porters are available, at extra cost).  Trekking Permits and National Park / Protected area fees / local taxes. Lunch and evening meals while in Kathmandu or Pokhara.  Personal food and accommodation whilst trekking (allow about GB£9 - GB£12 / US$14 - US$19 per day) except for Tented Campers (all inclusive).  Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Airfare (From the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be £400 - £480 (low season – June till September Inc.) and about £550 - £650 (high season – March, April and October, November) for economy class.