Jomsom Cultural Trek - 9 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 9 Days
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-10
  • Max. Altitude 2804 M.
  • Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November

Highlights

  • An ideal trekking destination throughout the year.
  • Mind-blowing scenic drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa.
  • The beautiful tourist city of Pokhara and its Phewa Lake are set amidst the soaring hills and mountains.
  • Explore the rich biological and cultural diversity of the Annapurna region.
  • Majestic views of the tenth and seventh highest peaks in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m).
  • See and venture around the largest gorge in the world, Kalu Gandaki, and many more.

The Jomsom Cultural Trek is one of the best short adventures to venture into the Annapurna trekking region of Nepal along the Kali Gandaki River valleys for its untouched cultural and natural beauty.

This special cultural journey to Jomsom follows the ancient salt trading route of one of the trans-Himalayan regions, with the majority of Gurung, Magars, Managis, and specifically Thakali on the outskirts of Jomsom.

Throughout the trekking trails of Jomsom, you will come across a wide range of landscapes, from the subtropical woods of rhododendron and oak to the alpine meadows and the desert's dry terrain.

The 9-day expedition gets more exciting as you get to savor the otherworldly beauty of the Annapurna ranges Macchapuchhre (fishtail), Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri, along with Tilicho Peak.

As the headquarters of the Mustang region, Jomsom also takes care of each of your needs, facilitating standard hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and airports, along with a lively marketplace to buy handmade crafts, organic apples, and other products.

However, the region still retains the serenity and solitude, offering a memory of a lifetime with comparatively less risk to the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek that you can continue from Jomsom onwards if you wish to.

What to expect at Jomsom Cultural Trek?

Jomsom is known for its marvelous setting in the Himalayas, with outstanding and extensive views of Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and others, along with its rich cultural immersion.

The fusion is a must-to see once that has been captivating the heart and mind of each adventure aspirant, where you ought to come across:

The diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region

The trekking trail to Jomsom passes by a fascinating mixture of terrains, from the subtropical woods in the lower elevations to the high desert landscapes beyond Kagbeni, where the Tibetan-styled traditional villages further add to the sense of awe and inspiration.

The geographical variety you will encounter en route to Jomsom is one of its kind, boasting the natural beauty of walking through dense forests of oak, bamboo, and rhododendrons to the arid terrain with wide open space that has minimal vegetation in contrast to the panoramic views of the encompassing peaks.

Phenomenal mountain views

The never-ending mountain sight of Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), and some other notable peaks such as Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Tukuche peak (6,920 m/22,703 ft), Yakawa Kang (6,482 m/21,260 ft) in between Kagbeni and Chele, etc. are a visual feast to the eyes en route to Jomsom from the very beginning trek from Pokhara.

Rich Cultural Encounter

If there is any place in Nepal specifically known for its diverse culture, it is undoubtedly Jomsom in the Annapurna region, along with its miraculous mountain views and varied landscapes.

The journey to the trans-Himalayan rain shadow zone hidden behind the glorifying ranges of Nepal takes you through charming villages like Kagbeni, Tukuche, and Kalopani, predominantly inhabited by locals practicing Buddhism.

As a result, the nine-day journey to Jomsom provides you with a unique insight into the everyday lifestyle of the locals, treasuring several centuries-old monasteries, gompas, and Mani walls adorned with vibrant prayer flags.

Furthermore, the warm hospitality and friendliness of the smiling locals enhance the comprehensive trekking experience. They are happy to welcome you into the land they have been protecting for generations and to share the cultural heritage of the region.

Therefore, it is crucial to remain respectful while approaching these historical sites that hold the utmost religious and spiritual importance during your trek to Jomsom.

The pleasant hospitality of the Locals

Along the trekking route to Jomsom, you will stay in teahouses and lodges run by locals. Their hospitality is appreciable, providing you with a home-like environment to spend nights in while they cook some of the hearty local meals.

They take pride in their culture and tradition and, hence, are rich in cultural heritage, offering an enriching trekking experience. They always come up front to provide you with any sort of help, whether it be direction, information about the area, or assistance with anything else.

Apple Orchard of Marpha Village

Yes, you are correct. Jomsom is famous for its juicy red apples and its other products, among which the apple brandy has been the talk of the town for a while now. Interestingly, you are considered one lucky fellow if you get to taste the brandy.

Precisely in Marpha of Jomsom, the scenically mesmerizing garden of apples cannot go unnoticed. It is a good place to have heartfelt conservation with your loved ones, and it would be a good place to be with your loved ones.

The whole ambiance of the village is so serene that it might bring out the raw you, the real you, unfiltered, unjudged, and unbothered by the restrictions of what modern civilization thinks of you. Anticipate wholesome moments!

What makes the Jomsom Cultural Trek unique?

If you are looking for one specific reason, that would definitely be the unspoiled Himalayan culture flourishing amidst the seventh and tenth largest peaks in the world, situated in between the infamous Mustang and the Annapurna region.

The infused yet distinctive cultural identity showing an exceptional Tibetan influence helps the whole journey to Jomsom stand out as you move through the subtropical forest distinguished by its lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna, passing by a series of terraced fields, several tiny villages, and Kali Gandaki River Valley.

As you begin to ascend to higher altitudes, the landscape of the Jomsom trekking trail becomes arid, featuring barren hills, impressive rocky terrain, and its formation showing a stark contrast to the verdant lower region.

Therefore, the 9-day Jomsom cultural trek is the ultimate opportunity to explore not only the multicultural of the Annapurna and the Mustang region but also its distinct natural beauty parallel to the Everest region in a shorter amount of time in a budget-friendly manner.

Jomsom Cultural Trek Itinerary

An extremely adventurous journey entering two of the most infamous trekking regions of Nepal, Annapurna, and Mustang, is the cultural tour to Jomsom, whose itinerary can be added or reduced as per the needs of trekkers and travelers.

Beginning with a dramatic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and later on a flight to Jomsom, the 9-day trail to venture into the culturally abundant Jomsom in the naturally rich Himalayas of Nepal, passing by several stunning traditional valleys, tumbling waterfalls, and some lush to barren-like deserted areas, is what we call the best itinerary to go trekking to Jomsom.

En route, you will be able to witness the diverse landscapes of the country in a perfect blend with regional diversity in culture, traditions, and language, and its unique people with varying backgrounds showcasing equal friendliness and warm hospitality.

Jomsom Cultural Trek Cost 2024

The Jomsom Cultural Trek cost is a matter of change, i.e., during inflation, it can cost you more as well. However, for 2024, we have the best budget-friendly package of 9 days, beginning at USD 970 per person, that comes with a group discounted price.

For a group of 2-3 pax, the cultural trek to Jomsom can be done at the price of USD 895, where it comes to around USD 845 for 4-6 pax, and most cost-effectively for a group of 7–10 pax in USD 795.

This package cost to go on a cultural journey to Jomsom includes the expenses of all other trekking logistics, including food, accommodations, guides, porters, transportation, and permits.

Itinerary
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Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal, where you will be greeted warmly by our airport representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and then transferred to the hotel.

After your arrival, you will be given a brief on your upcoming trek after refreshments in the evening, and you will stay overnight at the hotel.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsComplimentary - Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

The Jomsom cultural trek officially commences this day with a 6-7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara after an early morning breakfast following the Trishuli river upstream to its junction with the Marsyandi river.

Throughout the ride, you will enjoy the scenic surroundings, passing by thickly terraced fields below the lofty verdant hills along the banks of various rivers, among which you will get to Pokhara via traversing the Seti River.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

On the third day, you will catch a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara after breakfast and begin uphill hiking to Kagebeni. The flight will be short yet amazingly scenic, while the trek of the day lasts for 3–4 hours, depending on your walking pace.

The overall journey is through the bank of the Kali Gandaki River, passing by the arid part of the Annapurna trekking region, to stay overnight in the cozy tea house of Kagbeni.

  • AccommodationComfortable- Local-Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,804 m

It is yet another short trek following the Kali Gandki River and its valleys till you reach Tukuche, which will take you 5–6 hours from Jomsom while witnessing the ethereal mountains such as Tukuche and Niligiri from left to right.

In between, you will stop at the apple orchid village of Marpha, famous for its apple products, including apple brandy, upon a steep, ascending uphill ramble for about an hour. However, your destination for the day is Tukuche, so you will continue the hike.

The beautiful typical village of the Thakali people, Tukuche, will be reached in around 4-5 hours on a flat hill after leaving Marpha behind. In the village lies a well-known monastery to reflect on your journey through life, along with the stunning panorama of Dhaulagiri.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,804 m

The day again begins with a finger-licking breakfast to go and explore one of the major highlights of the Annapurna Conservation Area via the rugged trail traversing through the hamlets of the Kali Gandaki for approximately 2 hours until you arrive at Larjung.

Larjung functions as one of the astonishing viewpoints, offering more refined views of the Glacier of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri I, and other mountains passing by several apple orchids.

After trekking along a comparatively smooth path for a couple of hours, you will finally make it to the teahouse of the day in Kalopani, which widens the view of Annapurna I upon crossing the adrenaline-rushing suspension bridge, passing by the dense forests till Kokkethenati.

  • AccommodationTea-House
  • MealsAll-Three-Meals
  • Max. Altitude2,580m/8,465 ft

It is quite a long trek day ahead, so this morning you will begin the walk early, retracing the previous day's route along the Kali Gandaki River with alluring mountain vistas of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and several unnamed peaks.

The Tibetan refugee camp near Marpha and the apple orchard and distillery, along with a series of agricultural lands watched over by lush hills passing through the packed forested areas and walking by the rugged trail from place to place, are some of the key features of this day trek that calls for a day at Jomsom in around 6-7 hours.

  • AccommodationComfortable-Guest-House
  • MealsAll-Three-Meals
  • Max. Altitude2,743 m

On the seventh day, you will catch an early morning flight to Pokhara, as the road conditions might not be as favorable as you have been used to while morning flights are operated to avoid the bad weather of the afternoon.

The flight is scenic, and the bustling city of Pokhara usually influxes with trekkers and travelers looking forward to the Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit Trek due to its unchallenged scenically abundant location, which makes possible every adventurous activity that you can think of.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude2,743 m

By now, you are almost at the end of the Jomsom Cultural Trek. When you board the tourist bus back to Kathmandu by the Prithivi Highway along the bank of the Seti River first and then the Trishuli River.

The mountain views, green scenery, terraced fields of rice, and rich vegetation in the surrounding area are a treat to die for en route that you can enjoy until you make it to the hotel in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

Today, you will be flying back to your country. Three hours prior to your scheduled flight, you will be transported to the international airport in Nepal.

In your leisure time, you are free to collect some souvenirs to take home after breakfast.

We hope you enjoyed your Jomsom Cultural Trek with us. Have a safe flight!

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

What's Included
Includes
  • Arrival & departure transportation by  private vehicle
  • Two night accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast. 
  • Two night accommodation in Pokhara with Breakfast 
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu by tourist coach. 
  • 04 nights 05 days trekking with all meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Guide and Porter during trekking ( porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person). 
  • Guide and Porter Insurance. 
  • ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
  • TIMS Card ( Trekker's Information Management System) 
  • Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight tickets
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Trekking achievement certificate
  • Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
Excludes
  • Lunch / Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Travel Insurance of clients
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips for staff
  • Emergency evacuation expenses, helicopter
  • Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. in such case extra will be charged as per actual.
  • Anything not mentioned in cost includes
Dates and Prices
Date PriceAvailability 
Start DateStarts: ThursdayMar 28, 2024End DateEnds: FridayApr 05, 2024PricePriceUS$895StatusStatusAvailable
Useful Info

What sort of food and accommodation will you be offered on the Jomsom Cultural Trekking Route?

In comparison to some other remote Himalayan trekking alternatives in Nepal, the Annapurna trekking region does access a range of accommodations, from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges with modern amenities such as wifi, hot showers, and good network coverage.

You can call it the luxurious trekking experience where you can be served some international menus in the teahouse and local lodges, which can get very limited on other trekking routes like the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek, along with other 21st-century facilities you have been lavishing on.

Nonetheless, you will be enjoying the typical Tibetan and Nepali dishes in traditional Nepali teahouses and local lodges opened to host passersby, which are not only delicious but also the perfect nutrients required for high-altitude activities like the Jomsom Cultural Trek.

When is the best time to travel to Jomsom?

Jomsom is an ideal trekking destination throughout the year in Nepal; however, for nature enthusiasts, spring spanning from March to May and autumn lasting from September to November is the most suitable when the wildflowers, along with the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, bloom in full color or when every species of flora begins to shade.

The weather at these times in the Annapurna region is also warmer and often the most favorable, with excellent visibility of the surrounding peaks and other nature's grandeur, while the summer or monsoon can get super slippery and muddy.

Guides and porters to voyage the cultural Jomsom

Guides and porters are the most essential aspects of a conquering trekking acquaintance in the Himalayas of Nepal, especially if you are a novice keen on seeing the mountains' nature and culture, just like the Jomsom Cultural Tour.

A licensed guide helps to get the best on everything, including navigation, local interaction, cultural exchange, and even food and accommodation, especially in the peak trekking season of spring and autumn when the rooms are usually booked in advance.

It is also good to know that free independent trekking from April 1st, 2023, onwards is banned in Nepal. Therefore, a hassle-free voyage is one hundred percent guaranteed by the company of government-authorized guides or porters that you can hire for us. Learn more about hiring a personal Sherpa guide.

Jomsom Cultural Trek Difficulty

The adventurous journey to Jomsom is considered one of the relatively easiest, rambling through some of the well-traversed trekking routes to rugged and uneven terrain, where the unpredictable Himalayan weather can add to the difficulty level along with the probability of acute mountain sickness above 3,000m.

Regardless, the overall trek to the land of mind-blowing mixed culture in Jomsom is an easy to moderate-grade voyage where appropriate footwear is a must aside from professional trekking guides or porters.

Do you need a permit to go on the Jomsom Cultural Trek?

Yes, you will need two primary permits to go on an adventurous trek to Jomsom, which are:

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS card is a mandatory permit to enter any trekking destination in Nepal, including Jomsom, under the Annapurna Conservation Area, which helps the local and national authorities of the country keep track of trekkers and provide necessary assistance in need.

The cost of TIMS for all tourists is NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20), payable in Nepalese currency only, while the rest of the trekkers from SAARC countries pay just NPR 1,000.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Along with the TIMS card, it is compulsory to obtain the related conservation area permit if you are entering the protected lands of Nepal; hence, as the Jomsom trek falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will have to get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

ACAP permits are available at NPR 3,000 (around USD 30) for all foreigners, which is going to cost only NPR 200 for SAARC nationals.

Why flying to and from Jomsom is better than driving?

The Jomsom excursion includes walking through steep ascents and descents and hiking through some rocky terrain in the high-altitude area, where you can observe the drastic change in weather in the blink of an eye.

Although you will be following a locally trodden route, which is most of the time safe to traverse even in the winter, the same cannot be said for the summer or monsoon season when the lower region trekking trail to trek Jomsom gets muddy and slippery.

Therefore, it is advisable to take a flight to and from Jomsom to mitigate the tiresome travel experience along with any other accidents and injuries posed specifically by the rainy season of Nepal from June to September.

What to pack for Jomsom Cultural Trek?

Packing to trek the cultural Jomsom can vary based on the type of trekking you are seeking and the season you have chosen to travel. The region plays a significant role in determining what to carry in your backpack and what not to.

Here is our comprehensive guide to things that must not be left out while packing gear to venture into Jomsom, regardless of the time of year you have set your departure date, where summer and winter might ask for an extra procedure of packing selection:

  • Light-weight, perfectly fitting trekking boots
  • Pairs of breathable down jackets and trekking pants
  • A couple of air-passing hiking shorts
  • Thermal trousers as an insulating layer
  • Full-sleeve woolen or cotten shirt
  • Bandana or head scarf
  • Pairs undergarments
  • Woolen hat, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Pair of gloves
  • A few pairs of woolen and cotton socks
  • Casual sandals
  • Good-quality duffel bag
  • Torso fitting rucksack, and
  • Trekking poles, etc.

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