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 Jomsom,
(2,713m) is important for its strategic
position along the popular Around
Annapurna (Circuit) Trek route. It is
also the starting point for many
interesting treks like the Kagbeni,
Marpha, Muktinath and Mustang treks. The
Jomsom Trek is known for splendid
mountain views and some of the best
trekking hotels are found on this route.
Jomsom is the capital and administration
headquarters of Mustang district, which
stretches from the Tibetan border to
Ghasa along the Kali Gandaki river. The
deepest gorge in the world lies here
along the Kali Gandaki as the river
passes between two eight thousanders, Mt
Annapurna and Mt Dhaulagiri.
From Jomsom you can enjoy the views of
the Nilgiri peaks as well as Dhaulagiri,
the sixth highest mountain in the world.
Most of the hotels, along this trek
route, are run by people of the Thakali
tribes. They are mostly found in the
mountainous regions between Annapurna
and Dhaulagiri. Jomsom is the last
Thakali village and there is a hospital
here.
This trek is interesting for the change
in terrain as you climb higher. The
higher altitudes around Jomsom are
marked by sparse vegetation and dry
climate while the lower regions near
Pokhara are lush green terraced
hillsides. As you go higher, you will
notice a remarkable change in the
culture of the local populace. The
inhabitants of the lower regions are
Hindus while those in the upper
mountainous regions are Buddhists.
People who live in the highest regions
of Nepal seem more Tibetan than Nepali.
Treks to Jomsom start from Naya Pul,
which is an hour's drive from Pokhara.
You can also drive on to Baglung and
start the trek there and avoid a steep
climb. You can trek to Jomsom and back
in fourteen days. If your trek starts
from Jomsom there are regular flights
taking off from Pokhara for Jomsom. They
leave in the early morning as later the
high winds make flying impossible in the
region.
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NEPAL
TREKKING
Trekking
in Nepal