The Himalayas info - Jomsom Trek

Jomsom Trek

The Jomsom trek, as it is generally called, takes you from Pokhara through the valley of the Kali Gandaki River to the pilgrim site of Muktinath.

It's a part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which takes you over the more than 5400m high Thorung La. The Jomsom trek is relatively easy, as it does not go any higher than 3800m. It takes you through a beautifully diverse area starting at an elevation of 900m in Pokhara. Gradually climbing from sub-tropical jungle and fertile fields to alpine country and beyond Jomsom to a desert-like landscape. As you travel further north Tibetan and Buddhist influences become more obvious. Whereas the Nepali in the foothills adhere to the Hindu faith, the highland people are closer, culturally, to the people of Tibet. Famous for their hospitality are the Thakali people who inhabit large areas of the Kali Gandaki valley. All the way on this trek you can enjoy staying in comfortable lodges; a great way to get to know trekking in Nepal.

Dhaulagiri from Pun Hill


In Ghorepani which lies at an elevation of 2775m. you'll find the head office of ACAP is here; the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The Project was established in 1986 by the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. Over 25.000 trekkers visit the Annapurna region each year making use of the same environment which supports over 40.000 local people. The project has a wide range of activities including community development, improvement of water supply, health clinic construction, family planning, forest conservation, overgrazing and erosion control. Every trekker has to pay a contribution of 650rs (approximately $13,-) when applying for a trekking permit. From nearby Pun Hill you'll get a great Panorama of tthe surrounding peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

The furthest place north on this trek is Kagbeni which is closely linked with the Mustang Region. You can only enter Mustang with a special permit which is quite costly. In Muktinath you'll find a small temple where many pilgrims gather, both Hindu and Buddhist, to take a ritual bath in the icecold water. I hope to get back to Nepal in the near future and complete the Annaurna Circuit and visit Mustang.

Another trekking option in this region is the Annapurna Sanctuary offering great mountain views from closeby.

The Kali Gandaki Valley


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text and photo's by Willem Proos - the Netherlands ©

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