Jomsom and Muktinath Overland Tour

Up the deepest gorge on earth to a sacred temple at 3,800 m.

Muktinath is one of the most sacred sites in Nepal, a temple at 3,800 m where pilgrims bathe under 108 water spouts, set against the dry peaks of Mustang. The drive there follows the Kali Gandaki through the deepest gorge on the planet.

It is the most accessible way into the high country beyond the Annapurnas, by road rather than on foot, through Marpha's apple orchards and the windswept town of Jomsom.

Highlights

Muktinath temple at 3,800 m
The Kali Gandaki gorge and Jomsom
Marpha and its apple orchards

A typical 3-day shape

One of several ways to do it. We tailor the days, pace, and stops to you, nothing here is fixed.

Day 1By mountain road
Pokhara to Jomsom
A full day up the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge on earth, to the windswept town of Jomsom.
Time
8–9 hours drive
Elevation
2,720 m
Stay
Lodge, Jomsom
Day 2By mountain road + On foot
Jomsom to Muktinath, back to Marpha
Up to the temple at Muktinath, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike, then back down to the apple village of Marpha.
Time
5–6 hours drive
Elevation
3,800 m, then 2,670 m
Stay
Lodge, Marpha
Day 3By mountain road
Marpha to Pokhara
A taste of Marpha's orchards and distillery, then the long drive back down the gorge to the lake.
Time
8–9 hours drive
Elevation
820 m
Stay
Back in Pokhara

Getting there

The whole route is by private vehicle with an experienced mountain driver. The road up the gorge is unpaved and slow, which is exactly why a solid vehicle and a driver who knows it matter.