The trek to Jomsom and exploration of Chitwan is yet another iconic adventure following the ancient salt trading route in the trans-Himalayan land of the Annapurna trekking region. The trekking trail of this combined Jomsom and Chitwan excursion passes through several appealing villages of the native Himalayan people and the dense woods of some of the rarest fauna in the world.
Throughout the hike, you will be walking through the bank of the Kali Gandaki, offering great cultural and natural diversity of the Annapurna region, where you will see the statement “Nepal is rich in its scenic beauty” come true. The cultural fusion of various ethnic communities is outstanding to get a better insight into the country’s multicultural beauty, with the majority of Magar, Gurung, and Thakali people.
En route to trek Jomsom/Muktinath, trekkers will be blessed with the splendid views of Annapurna I (8,091m) and its ranges, Lamjung Himal, Macchapucchre, Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and many others. The overall journey takes an interesting turn in Tatopani, where you will take a relaxing bath in the natural hot spring whose water has been proven to be significantly beneficial for health.
Furthermore, the Jomsom/Muktinath trek combined with the Chitwan expedition ascents to Kagbeni, which once served as the track to enter the forbidden kingdom, led to the sacred temple of one of the supreme Hindu deities, Vishnu, in Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
On the second half of the joined trek to Jomsom and Chitwan, you will move onto the natural paradise of Nepal, which is home to a wide array of flora and fauna where you can ride elephants, go canoeing, watch birds, and encounter some of the exclusive endangered mammals such as the one-horned rhino, gharial crocodile, royal Bengal tiger, etc.
Therefore, the adventure to the Chitwan National Park via Jomsom/Muktinath is an incredible journey of a lifetime to discover the exceptionally diverse and beautiful culture from the Himalayas to Terai of Nepal, including the abundant biodiversity of the country, along with some of the predominating sky-towering mountains such as the tenth-highest peak in the world, Annapurna I (8,091m), and the seventh-tallest giant in the globe, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), to not miss going at all.
About Jomsom
Situated in the Dhaulagiri Zone of northern Nepal in the Mustang district, Jomsom is one of the most popular trekking destinations at an altitude of 2,743 m above sea level inside the Kali Gandaki River valley.
Commonly referred to as the gateway to the restricted Mustang region of Nepal, Jomsom is a notable town offering mixed culture, and unique and arid landscapes along with ancient monasteries and mani walls.
In brief, Jomsom is a major trekking hub of the Annapurna region, often used as a starting or ending point for venturing into other extraordinary places like Upper Mustang, Kagbeni, and Muktinath, which also falls under the more well-known trekking routes of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
What to expect at Jomsom Trek?
Jomsom Trekking, which is essentially a part of the popular and lengthy Annapurna Circuit Trek, is a quick and enjoyable trip through the Annapurna region. If you're short on time and aren't interested in doing the entire Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Jomsom Trekking is a great alternative to being in the shadow of the planet's tenth and seventh highest mountains, Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m).
From the beginning of the trek, you will be astounded by the area's wealth of natural and cultural treasures as you pass through a number of traditional Tibetan-influenced hamlets along the Kali Gandaki River, all under the watchful eye of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Macchapucchre (fishtail), Annapurna, and other mountains. Where you can anticipate:
Refined mountain vistas
The adventurous journey to Jomsom and Chitwan presents trekkers with the most excellent display of nature’s grandeur, which becomes more and more detailed when the sun begins casting its gentle light upon the snow-covered, rugged peaks.
A series of Himalayan ranges, including the Annapurna ranges (8,091m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Macchapuchhre (6,993m), Mt. Nilgirir (7,061m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Gangapurna (7,445m), and many more, look exactly upfront to you en route to the Jomsom trek. They will fascinate you right away, right from the beginning of the journey.
Alluring sunrise from Poonhill
Although there is a different trekking trail called Ghorpani Poonhill to witness the breathtaking sunrise when the glorifying peaks are totally covered in the golden hue of the first light, the Jomsom trekking route with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks drops by this infamous Poonhill.
The early morning short hike up to Poon Hill during the 14-day trek to Jomsom and Chitwan really pays off well with the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare ranges, which is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual and rejuvenating experience.
The rich culture of native Himalayan people
The lower section of the Jomsom area passes through the Gurung and Magar villages in Ghandruk, while the upper region of the Annapurna is predominated by the people of Managis, Thakali, and other ethnic communities of Nepal, showcasing a unique and unspoiled influence of Tibet.
During your trekking days, you will be spending most of your nights at several tea houses and local lodges, where you will get an opportunity to get a deeper insight into their authentic, typical lives. Therefore, the Jomsom Trek can also be called a cultural endeavor and is perfect for those looking forward to exploring the rich cultural diversity of Nepal.
Scenic Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Marpha village
The trekking trail to Jomsom passes through several charming villages, among which Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Marpha villages are the most notable. All of these are widely popular for their photogenic qualities, offering a vast range of landscapes.
These villages are mostly inhabited by Gurung, Magars, and other indigenous communities where travelers can get to try vibrant traditional Gururng, Magar, and some other traditional attire as well.
Furthermore, the hike throughout this part of the Annapurna region during the Jomsom trek enters a lush woodland of oak, rhododendron, pine, and bamboo, where you might even get to watch some of the rare species of avians chirping along with a few endangered mammals adding much to the overall scenery to capture in your lens.
About Chitwan National Park
Lying at the foot of the Nepalese Himalayas, the fertile land of the first national park of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is home to 700 species of wildlife. Covering an area of 952.63 square kilometers, the park is basically a haven for flora and fauna enthusiasts seeking to savor the raw wilderness of nature and the life it has created.
Moreover, from the adventurers' point of view, Chitwan National Park is a bliss of the god where the best out of the best activities to perform to collect the memory of your lifetime. Such activities include:
Rapti River canoeing in Chitwan National Park
Canoeing in the river Rapti is one of the best things to do in Chitwan National Park, which has been attracting tourists from all around the globe. The chances of encountering Marsha Mugger and Ghariyal crocodiles are greedy for every adventurous soul, for sure.
A slow-paced river journey while observing the exotic varieties of birds, animals, and some nectar insects is a perfect way to unwind and connect with the tranquil beauty of nature, which is also the true root of humanity.
Chitwan National Park Safari
A safari in Chitwan National Park is the best way to enjoy every core of Chitwan National Park, offering a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture in a pristine natural setting. This can be done by joining a jeep, bullock, walk, or elephant ride.
Though the most serene way to head for the jungle safari is no wonder, walking by food. However, the chances of encountering a huge one-horn rhino make it the safest option. Nonetheless, a jungle safari is a must-do activity in Chitwan National Park, which is the heart of Nepal’s biodiversity.
Tharu Cultural Indulgent in the Chitwan National Park
On the outskirts of Chitwan National Park, there live the native people of Tharu, who serve the visitors of the park with the kindest and warmest hospitality. Their enriching culture fascinates everyone with their welcoming cultural programs, including their traditional music and dance.
The experience is holistic, adding layers to your overall journey with the rich tapestry of culture and tradition evolved in the harmony of the native Terai people and the abundant natural environment.
Elephant riding and bathing
As you are entering the land of wild animals into the national park of Sauraha, the best and safest method to do so is the elephant ride. Being home to several endangered fauna, including some of the fierce one-horn rhino and Bengal tiger, it will be exciting to observe them in closer proximity once you have assured your safety.
Bathing elephants in the rivers Rapati and Narayani is another popular and novel activity in Chitwan National Park, where tourists can play with the elephants, take a dive together, and click some pictures. As per the safety concern, the elephants you will get to ride or bathe inside are trained under human care, and you might not get hurt during the process unless and until you provoke them.
Therefore, the Jomsom Trek, which later on connects you to the diverse Terai ecosystem and its culture, is a natural as well as cultural exploration of the lifetime, providing you with an array of wildlife flourishing amidst the yet mysterious Himalayas to the Terai of Nepal.
Jomsom Trek and Chitwan explore the itinerary
There are several factors influencing the itinerary, combining the Jomsom trek in the Annapurna region with an exploration of Chitwan National Park. With Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, you can complete it in the most memorable 14 days.
The trek officially begins with an enchanting drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Throughout the riding hour, you will be blessed with the astonishing peaks that later on hit off the hamlets of the Budhi Gandaki River, arriving first at Tikhedhunga and later on other villages of the Annapurna region, including Ghorpani, Tataopani, Ghasa, and Tukuche.
The following day, you will be showered with the blessings of the Muktinath temple, which is extremely precious to all Hindus and Buddhists spread over the world and is an international religious monument.
Thereafter, you will make your way back to Pokhara via Marpha in Jomsom, the apple orchid valley. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will begin preparing for another extraordinary adventure towards Chitwan National Park.
After spending an unforgettable two nights and one day in Chitwan National Park, according to our best itinerary to discover both the breathtaking mountain landscapes and rich biodiversity of the lowland jungles of Terai, you will return back to Kathmandu to share your amazing journey from the crispy Himalayas of Nepal to the warm lands of the Terai region with your loved ones.
Jomsom Trek and Chitwan Explore cost
The cost of a 14-day Jomsom trek and Chitwan exploration for a group of 7–10 members starts at USD 975, which is our standard package cost. The larger the group, the better the journey, as you will explicit the price amongst each other with more cultural immersion and exchange.
If you are seeking a solo trekking experience of the Jomsom trek with Chitwan Explore, it will cost you slightly more than the group discounted price of USD 1,150, which is USD 1,075 for 2-3 pax and USD 1,025 for 4-6 pax.
Similarly, for a group of more than 10 trekkers and travelers, we provide a flexible group discount depending on your budget plan, ranging from USD 975 to USD 1,150 at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.
