Jomsom Muktinath Jeep Tour
Muktinath Jeep Tour is a spiritual and religious tour as well as a famous tour to know the diverse landscapes of Nepal with different ethnic groups in a short period of time. Passing through deepest gorge of the world Kali Gandaki Valley, a sacred Kali Gandaki River originates from Tibet and progressively joins the Ganga in India, turns a tour in an amazing experience in Nepal.
Highlights of Muktinath Jeep Tour
Muktinath Temple
Kagbeni
Jomsom
Marpha Village
Muktinath Temple (3800m)
Just 25 km away from Jomsom, there is a 3 storey pagoda-style temple of God of Salvation "Muktinath". This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, One of the 3 major Hindus god, god of preservation. Both Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims come to worship this temple so that there is two priests in the temple. Inside the temple,
there are 3 human size statues of Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi (wealth) and goddess
Saraswoti (knowledge).
Behind the temple, there are 108 water spouts in the safe of cow-headed, Hindus, as well as Buddhist pilgrimage, take bath to purify their body and soul before processing to worship the temple. It is believed that taking bath in the waters makes sure salvation after death. It is believed that Hindu god Bhrama, the god of the creator have lit the eternal flames in the Jawala Mai Temple nearby Muktinath Temple.
For Tibetan Buddhists, this temple is considered as one of the 24 Tantric places in
the Tibetan Buddhist faith. According to tradition, great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava),
who founded the Tibetan Buddhism, stopped here to meditate on his way to Tibet.
Situated
at an elevation of 3800m above the sea level, Muktinath offers a stunning view
of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), 6th highest mountain in the world with
barren landscapes of Mustang region of Nepal.
Kagbeni (2800m)
Kagbeni is made by two words "KAG" and "BENI". In the past, Kag is used as "Ghag", which means centre and Beni means confluence of two rivers. This is the center place of Jomsom village to the south and Ranipauwa, Muktinath to the east. And it lies on the bank of the confluence of two rivers, Kali Gandaki River and Jhong River. This is an ancient salt trade route between Tibet and Nepal and gateway to the Upper Mustang Region of Nepal. Medieval mud houses with rooftop flattering Buddhist flags, imposing Chhortens, Mhanes (Buddhist praying wheels) fascinate all the visitors.
Kali
Gandaki River is a sacred river for Hindus which originates from Tibet and eventually
flows to Ganga in India. This river is also famous to find fossilized
ammonites, locally called SALIGRAM, which is a symbol of the incarnation of Hindu
god Vishnu (preserver). Hindus pilgrims perform death rituals in the memories
of their ancestors here, believing that their ancestors will get salvation
before heading to Muktinath Temple.
There is also a very important 15 century Shakya Pa Lineage monastery locally called Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Gompa which means “a monastery to stop and develop concentration on Buddha’s teaching”. Visitors have to pay a certain fee to enter. Inside ancient bronze icons of Shakyamuni Buddha, Tibetan painting, different divinities, woodwork can be seen.
Bon Community Homestay at Lupra Village
Just
7km away from Jomsom on the way to Kagbeni, hidden inside giant stone hills,
there is a Lupra Village who follow Bon Religion, an ancient Buddhist religion.
There are 11 households as Bon Community Homestay. They serve delicious
Himalayan food with smiling face.
We
can see the shapes of snakes engraved in those giant hills around. That's why
this village is called Ludak "Lu" means snake, and "Dak"
means stone. Also called Lupra Village. People in this village still follow The
Bon Religion, which is a very ancient Buddhist religion and has been practiced
for thousands of years.
They used to worship nature and their surroundings before. Their religion got more importance after they started to follow Buddhism. Lupra village is one of the few communities that follow Bon Religion in Nepal.
Long
time ago, a lama came here, and then he recited some holy prayers to get rid of
demons. It is believed that the lama with his power converted a needle into a
giant walnut tree which helped the villagers get rid of those demons.
That walnut is still there and saves the village from the demons around. Ludak village was founded by Tashi Gyaltsen who cultivated the walnut tree. They are the 5th generation who are living in this village. There are 12-14 monks in this village. Bon came first to Ludak, there is one in Jomsom, in Thini and also in the village of Naurikot.
Jomsom (2750m)
Jomsom is a district headquarter of Mustang of Nepal. This is a central business point for the traders of Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang. There is also an airport which has regular flights from Pokhara- Jomsom-Pokhara in the morning. After 11 o’clock flight chance is very low due to the strong air of Jomsom. This place is also well known for strong wind in the afternoon.
Dhumba Lake (2830m)
Just
5 km away from Jomsom, Dhumba Lake has
historical and religious significance with Kuchep Terenga Monastery. It is a
beautiful, clear lake situated at the base of Mount Nilgiri. It is a sacred
Buddhist lake. According to Legends lake water once was red, after long devoted
religious ceremonies by Buddhist monks that the water returned to its natural
color. So it’s been considered a sacred lake since then. The fish from the lake
is never consumed. Some locals claim to come here in order to pray for some
sort of change in their lives and prosperity. The lakeside is perfect for
spending afternoon among picturesque snowy peaks and spectacular views of the valley,
with small pond and Mt. Dhaulagiri in the background.
Kuchhap Terenga Monastery (3000m)
The monastery is located above the Dhumba Lake at an elevation of 3000m. It takes 15 minutes’ walk from Dhumba Lake to reach the Monastery. It is a Nyingma-Pa sect monastery of Buddhism founded by Lama Lhungjing Urgen Palsang during the 17th century in order to spread Buddhism and maintain peace and harmony in Dhumba village. So, this monastery is one of the sacred and religious place of Mustang. Inside the monastery, there are statues of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava), Hopang Me, Chengresi, and Phapa Jhempal as well as beautiful wall paintings. In October/November the visitor might encounter the Dhekep, a masked dance ceremony performed by Lamas.
Thini community homestay
A small ancient village where there are 3 homes with delicious cheap Thakali food and shelter,
because this is the first community homestay run by Thakali Community in Nepal who are famous for their delicious cuisine and hospitality.
Yharu-Zho viewpoint (3750m)
This viewpoint offers an incredible view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri Himal, Syange Himal, Tilicho Peak and Tukuche peak along with bird watching view of different villages such as Jomsom, Marpha, Phalyak, Kagbeni, Kali Gandaki valley, and Nepal-Tibet KORALA border. This is a rewarding short day hike about 5-6 hours total to enjoy around Jomsom.
Marpha Village (2650M)
This is one of the fascinating villages in Mustang district, in the Kali Gandaki Valley of the Annapurna Conservation Project Area of Nepal. It is inhabited by Thakalis, one of
the ethnic groups of Nepal who are famous as industrious and for excellent
cuisine and hospitality. Before 1959, most of the locals were in the salt
trading business, dealing with China and Tibet.
Their
typical flat-roofed stone houses, architectonic cheery-wood red windows, and doors
fascinate all the visitors. Each and every house has a rooftop reserved of wood
logs which is a symbol of wealth. In the winter, except few people, almost all
the villagers move to Pokhara for 2 months. They don't use their wood logs to
keep them warm or cuisine but as legends say that this is the symbol of
wealth. This is also a decoration of their flat-roofs.
In
1966, a horticultural farm was established in the village and introduced local
families to the apple production for which the area is now famous. A famous
local apple brandy is also given the name of the village "Marpha Brandy”,
Visitors can tour a local distillery to learn how brandy is made, sample cider,
peach or apricot brandy.
Climb stairs to the Samteling Monastery of Karma-Pa sect in the middle of the village which was built in 16 century. Inside the monastery, there are big copper statues of Amitabha Buddha, Avaliketeshwora, Vajrapani, and Padmasambhava. In October/November, local people celebrate the Dhekep festival, monks performed a beautiful masked dance. You can also enjoy the birdseye view of the village, beautiful houses flat rooftops with reserved wood logs, Kali Gandaki valley, Nilgiri Himal and Apple garden.
Detail Itinerary and Cost
Day 1: Drive Kathmandu (1350m) - Pokhara (900m) 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel.
Early in the morning after breakfast at around 8:00AM, drive to Pokhara. It's 206 km from Kathmandu, which offers beautiful landscapes, villages, Ganesh Himal Range, Agricultural fields mostly rice fields, Trisuli River (one of the biggest rivers of Nepal, famous for Rafting), Kurintar cable car, Marshyangdi River, Madi River, and Seti River. Lunch at Riverside resort on the way.
Check-in hotel at Lakeside Pokhara in the afternoon and go for an evening walk to see the 2nd biggest lake of Nepal, Phewa lake. Dinner at the lakeside restaurant.
Day 2: Drive Pokhara - Kalopani (2530m) 8 hours. Overnight at Kalopani, See You Lodge.
After breakfast in the morning, at around 7:30AM, drive to Kalopani 122km on a bumpy road. You pass through Naudanda, Beni, wonderful waterfall "Rupse Chahara", stop at Tatopani (natural hot spring) for a lunch break, here a beautiful view of Nilgiri Himal, Ghasa, Lete along with Kali Gandaki River and finally reach Kalopani settlement on the lap of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and Tukuche Peak (6920m). Overnight at See You lodge.
Day 3: Drive Kalopani - Marpha Village - Jomsom - Dhumba Lake - Thini - Lupra Village.
After a beautiful sunrise view over Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche peak, breakfast then drive for a 1h15mins to Marpha Village. Visit Marpha Village and climb the stair of an ancient monastery for an overlooking view of Kali Gandaki Valley and Marpha Village for an hour. Then drive half an hour to reach Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang before heading towards Dhumba Lake, it takes only 15mins drive to reach there from Jomsom.
Visit pristine Dhumba Lake, and cross a bridge to go short hike(15-20mins) to reach the monastery for an overlooking view of the valley. Visit nearby Thini village, a beautiful village of Thankali people, an ethnic group of Nepal. Take a lunch there and drive towards Lupra Village, just 7km away from Jomsom.
Visit the village and an ancient monastery of Bon religion. Overnight at Bon community Homestay.
Day 4: Drive Lupra Village - Kagbeni - Muktinath (3800m). 1hour drive and 2 hours visit.
After a delicious community breakfast, drive to Kagbeni about 10mins to Visit Kagbeni village, beautiful view of Nilgiri Himal, visit the 15th-century monastery, and a new monastery before heading up towards Ranipauwa, 11km nice road. Then walk for a half an hour to reach the Muktinath Temple. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 5: Drive Ranipauwa - Tatopani. 8 hours. Overnight at Tatopani lodge.
Get up early in the morning to admire the sunrise view with Dhaulagiri I and wonderful barren landscapes along with colourful Buddhist flags, breakfast then drive same way down to Tatopani. Take a lunch on Kalopani or Ghasa. You will arrive late in the evening because of the bumpy road. Overnight at lodge.
Day 6: Drive Tatopani - Pokhara. 6 hours. Overnight at lakeside Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive through bumpy road along with Kali Gandaki river long way down to Pokhara. It takes about 6 hours to reach Pokhara. Check-in hotel and go to the lakeside restaurant for beautiful ambience and delicious cuisine according to your taste. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7: Drive Pokhara - Sarankot - Kathmandu. 7 hours, overnight at Kathmandu.
Get up early in the morning at 4:30am to drive 45mins to the famous sunrise view station "Sarankot". After taking breathtaking view's photos of snowy peaks, landscapes and overlooking view of Pokhara valley, drive down to the hotel for breakfast. Then drive to Kathmandu. Lunch at Hamlet Restaurant on the way. Overnight at Kathmandu.
COST DETAILS
Separate Rs. 8000 - 10000/- per day for Jeep, a maximum of 6 people in a jeep.
Accommodation at Kathmandu and Pokhara Hotel: price range from $25 - $100 per day ON BB PLAN.
Accommodation on the route: separate for $10 for room and $15 for food.
For foreigner: ACAP PERMIT $22 and TIMS CARD $10.
Tips for driver as you wish. Not mandatory but it's tourism culture.
If you have any question regarding this Tour, feel free to write me an email: robinrajgiri@gmail.com
I will definitely reply and help you with the best option available.
"Thank you for reading this blog, Namaste"
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