Jomsom, also known as Dzong-Sampa (New Fort), is a picturesque town in the Mustang District of Nepal. It is nestled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.
The tranquil Jomsom town is situated at 2734 metres above sea level. Located against the magnificent backdrop of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Mountains, it is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers looking to explore the challenging yet majestic terrain. Jomsom is the gateway to the hiking trails of Upper Mustang and Muktinath. Jomsom in Nepal also holds cultural and religious importance for Hindus as you will observe that “Shaligram ” an iconic black fossilised stone that is considered a form of the Hindu God Vishnu, can be found in the pristine Kali Gandaki River. The beautiful town of Jomsom in Nepal offers a perfect combination of adventure, spiritualism, and culture.
Things To Do In Jomsom In Nepal
Besides being known for its excellent and scenic hiking trails, Jomsom in Nepal is famous for captivating tourists with various places and exciting and thrilling activities.
1. Mustang Eco Museum
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The Mustang Eco Museum is ideally situated about 7.8 km from Jomsom Town and is a renowned museum showcasing exhibits about the day-to-day local lifestyle and culture. From learning about the region’s diverse flora and fauna to gaining an insight into the customs of the people of this region, the museum is undoubtedly a treasure trove of hidden gems. An extensive selection of ancient fossils, Tibetan artefacts and medicinal herbs found only in this region. The distinctive and attractive displays at the museum take you through an exciting journey of unravelling the historical and cultural gems unique to this Himalayan region.
Timings: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Entry fee: INR 100
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2. Trek To Kagbeni
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Located 10 kilometres from Jomsom, Kagbeni is famous among tourists for its trekking trails for its mesmerising beauty. Kagbeni connects the lower and upper Mustang Valley. On the way, you will come across rugged and strikingly magnificent views and villages steeped in the mediaeval ages and unique culture and customs typical of this region. The trekking trails of Kagbeni lead up to the royal capital of Lo Mathang. On your way through Lo Mathang, you will find many Buddhist Chorten on your right. Once you reach the top of the summit, you will be enthralled by the serene view of the surroundings.
Trek level: Moderate
Starting point: Jomsom
Endpoint: Kagbeni
3. Day Hike to Dhumba Lake
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Set against the Nilgiri Mountains, Dhumba Lake is a hidden gem of Jomsom and deciding to trek up to this holy and pristine lake promises to be an unforgettable experience. With the snow-capped mountain ranges looming in the background, the shimmering turquoise waters invite you to enjoy the moment and the breathtaking surroundings. This enchanting lake is perfect for tourists seeking tranquillity amid nature. The Dhumba Lake is easily accessible to tourists as it is only 3 kilometres from Jomsom. On the way, you will surely come across traditional Thakali villages, striking mountain views and lush green landscapes.
Trek level: Easy
Starting point: Jomsom
Endpoint: Dhumba Lake
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4. Mountain Biking And Rock Climbing
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If you love adventure sports and are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, mountain biking and rock climbing in the Mustang region should be included in your itinerary. Rock climbers can find cliffs offering different levels of difficulty near Jomsom, while mountain bikers can navigate through rugged trails winding through charming villages, valleys and green meadows. On your next trip to Nepal, immerse yourself in these adventurous activities that will make your trip memorable.
Starting point: Jomsom
Endpoint: Marpha
Distance: 13.2 kilometres
Jomsom Trek: An Enchanting Journey Through The Himalayas
Jomsom Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The trek leads up to Muktinath Temple, passing through scenic routes and the world’s deepest lake, Kali Gandaki Lake. Along with the picturesque landscapes, exotic flora, and fauna, the Jomsom Trek would be one of the most memorable treks of your life. Here is a detailed Jomsom Trek itinerary:
Day 1: Trek From Jomsom to Kagbeni
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The adventurous Jomsom Trek starts from Jomsom. The trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni is a part of the Upper Mustang Trek, the trail goes through a high-altitude desert and corroded cliffs. The trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni allows tourists to explore small Tibetan villages, Tibetan monasteries and museums that display the authenticity of Tibetan culture. The Jomsom Trek is perfect for tourists exploring scenic landscapes, as the trail will take tourists through the serene Kali Gandaki River.
Max Altitude: 2904 metres
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
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Day 2: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath
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The second day of the Jomsom Trek starts from Kagbeni. The Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath includes crossing the holy Kali Gandaki River, and the trail stretches through the deserted land and rugged cliffs; the Jomsom trek is worth an experience, as the trek itself is filled with adventure, along with the scenic vistas of the Himalayas. The trek ends at the sacred Muktinath Temple where many pilgrims offer their prayers, tourists must visit this religious temple as it provides a tranquil atmosphere, especially near the temple’s pond.
Max Altitude: 3750 metres
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 3: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha
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The Jomsom Trek becomes more enthralling on the third day of the trek when it progresses from Muktinath and reaches Marpha. The trekking path between Muktinath and Marpha is hugely scenic, providing picture postcard vistas of lush green meadows and beautiful mountains. The trail might get challenging at times, yet the trek is worth every penny as you enter into Marpha and are greeted by beautiful apple orchards and white-stoned houses with fluttering flags, creating a spell-binding atmosphere.
Max Altitude: 2750 metres
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
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Day 4: Marpha To Kalopani
The fourth day of the trek starts early in the morning from Marpha and ends at Kalopani. This is quite a popular trail that passes through the charming Gandaki Valley, which is known for its stunning landscapes and scenic natural splendour. Along this picturesque trail, you will pass by captivating villages such as Kobang, Tukuche, Dhampu, Latrjung and Kokethanti. On reaching Kalopani village, you can experience the unique and exciting culture and tradition of the Thakali people, an ethnic group from Tibet and marvel at the breathtaking mountain views, clean air and peaceful surroundings.
Max Altitude: 2430 metres
Trek Distance: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani:
After spending the night at Kalopani village, the fifth day of the Jomsom Trek continues. The trekking trail starts to descend and passes through small and quaint villages, including Lete, Haiku, Ghasa, Rupse Chhahara, Dana, and Guithe Village. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy this trail as the trail will pass through the lush green forests filled with various local floras. The trail is more fascinating because of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, considered one of the deepest gorges in the world. Tourists will be fascinated by Tatopani, a small hamlet in the Annapurna circuit, famous for its natural hot springs, picturesque views of the mountains, and captivating atmosphere.
Max Altitude: 1200 metres
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
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Day 6: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
After a rejuvenating night at Tatopani, the Jomsom Trek continues towards the beautiful Ghorepani village. This trail to Ghorepani is considered one of the most accessible trails of the entire Jomsom trek. It is easy to navigate, as tourists will find many signboards leading to Ghorepani. The trail will pass through beautiful villages in Nepal, including Gharkhola, Ghara, Sikha, Phalante, and Chitre. The trail lets tourists enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and Gurja Himal Mountain peaks.
Max Altitude: 2874 metres
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 7: Trek from Ghorepani to Poonhill, Poonhill to Nayapul:
The adventurous Jomsom Trek comes to an end on the seventh day. The trek starts early towards Poon Hill to witness the picturesque sunrise. The sun rising between the snow-clad mountains will make the trek more remarkable. The trek to Poonhill is roughly 45 minutes. The sunrise makes the whole Jomsom trek noteworthy. After enjoying the scenic vistas, the trek continues toward Nayapul, passing through the captivating rhododendron forests, and the trail ends at Nayapul.
Max Altitude: 3210 metres
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
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Jomsom in Nepal is a must-visit destination on your next trip to Nepal. The splendid view of the Himalayas and its cultural heritage will enchant your vacation. The Jomsom trek is an ideal getaway to experience the thrilling, adventurous trails and immerse yourself in the tranquil environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jomsom In Nepal
What is the history of Jomsom in Nepal?
The Jomsom, Nepal history is connected with the three-eyed king known as Thang Mig Chen who built the Fort “Dzong Sampa” to monitor the movement of north-south trade. The Jomsom, Nepal got its name from the Dzong Sampa.
How is the condition of the road from Jomsom in Nepal to Muktinath?
The road from Jomsom to Muktinath is surrounded by hills. It will roughly take 1.5 hours to reach Muktinath through the banks of the pristine Kali Gandaki River.
Which mountains can be seen from Jomsom in Nepal?
You can see a range of Himalaya mountain peaks from Jomsom Town such as Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Yak Kawa, and Mesokanto La and many more Himalayan mountains.
Do you need a permit for Jomsom in Nepal?
If you are planning to travel to Jomsom by road, having a special permit is necessary for all travellers. There are 3 essential Upper Mustang Trekking permits to explore the Upper Mustang district.
What is the best time to visit Jomsom, Nepal?
Jomsom can be visited throughout the year, but if you want clear weather and easy hikes with these stunning Himalayan mountain views then plan your trip during the spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov).
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