Article Jomsom trek
Trek through the valley of Kali Gandaki
Jomsomtrek leading through the valley of KaliGandaki is basically a part of the trek Around Annapurnas walked from Tatopani to Jomsom or up to the pilgrimage Muktinahu (i.e. in the opposite direction of the traditional trek around Annapurnas), but which can be walked separately. Nowadays it is only rarely walked, because it leads practically all the time along the dusty road. Even so, it is worth to walk it instead of going in a bus or jeep, because there are beautiful views of glaciated massifs of Dhalagiri, Tukuche and Nilgri on the way. The trail described here is from Muktinah to Tatopani.
Through the landscape of Mustang to Jomsom
Behind the pass Thorong la changes the landscape again. The surrounding area is far more arid – you're on the edge of the former kingdom of Mustang. Here begins the part belonging to the Jomsom trek. If you have enough energy, there is no problem to walk from Muktinah to Jomsom during one day. But far better is to spend the night in a nice Buddhist village Kagbeni, which is the gateway to Upper Mustang, and get to Jomsom the next day. If you have more time, you can go from Jomsomu still a small round trip.
Hike Muktinath - Kagbeni
To the gateway of Upper Mustang
After a long crossing of Thorong la pass it is time for another „descent“ phase of the ever-expanding town of Ranipauwa (3680 m asl) (121 trek km) under the temples in Muktinah to the beautiful Tibetan village of Kagbeni (2850 m asl) (131 km trek), which is the last one in Lower Mustang. You can continue farther north to the Upper Mustang only with a special permit. Although the road is very dusty due to the passing jeeps mainly with indian pilgrims and tourists that finished the trek around Annapurnas already in Muktinah, there are many interesting views of a completely different landscape than you could see before the pass in Manang. continue reading
Hike Kagbeni - Jomsom
Through valley of Kali Gandaki
Ten-kilometer journey from Kagbeni (131 trek km) to Jomsom (141 trek km) leads in a wide, sometimes up to half a kilometer, valley of river Kali Gandaki. In the afternoon, the walk is particularly annoying because of strong headwinds. The most beautiful is the view back to the oasis of Kagbeni and to the massive top of Nilgri (7 061 m asl). Around in the middle of the walk there is a small village Ekle Bhatti ideal for a break with tea or lunch. continue reading
Hike in surroundings of Jomsom
To the village of Marpha and surrounding
Not many people stay in Jomsom longer than necessary. But if you have to stay here (for example because your flight was postponed), you can explore the surrounding countryside. One option is the hike to the village of Marpha (along the route of Annapurna trek) and return to Jomsom through northern foothills of Nilgiri. continue reading
Descent through the valley of Kali Gandaki
It will take you about three days to descend from Jomsom to Tatopani. This part is mainly marked by amazing views of the Dhaulagiri massif.
Hike Jomsom - Tukuche
Journey to the most beautiful village in
After leaving dusty Jomsom, the capital town in the Lower Mustang, the journey continues through interesting landscape with nice views mainly of the massif Nilgri. Snow-white spike of Dhaulagiri begins to peep out as the time passes. After six kilometers you reach the village of Marpha, which lies in the middle of this stage. From here you will follow Kali Gandaki valley to the beautiful and clean village Tukuche. continue reading
Hike Tukuche - Kalopani
Walk between Dhaulagiri and Nilgri
You will not meet many hikers during the hike from Tukuche to Kalopani. Most of them just zip around you in a bus or jeep, but they do a mistake. It is certainly worth to complete the trek around Annapurna despite the fact that there is already a road since the views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgri are awesome. continue reading
Hike Kalopani - Tatopani
Descent to lowlands through the canyon
Twenty-two kilometers long stage of the trek around Annapurnas from Kalopani (2 500 m asl) to Tatopani (1 250 m asl) leads practically all the time over the deep and wild canyon of Kali Gandaki. The river has here completely different character than you were used to in the earlier days of the trek. Along the way, you can enjoy not only several waterfalls, but also the views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgri. Due to significant drop in altitude you get back into hot and humid area. continue reading
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