Salt Trade Route

Mustang Gateway · Moderate

Salt Trade Route

A Muktinath-and-Jomsom corridor route that leans into history, trade-path atmosphere, and dry mountain character instead of the usual Annapurna talking points.

Duration

9 days

Max altitude

3,800m

Best seasons

Mar-May · Oct-Nov

Starting rate

$1,290+

Route highlights

Historic trade-route texture
Muktinath access adds pilgrimage and cultural depth
Dry Mustang-side visuals without full Upper Mustang permit cost
Flexible duration and transport design

Prep notes

Useful bridge between Annapurna and Mustang landscapes
Choose it for cultural identity, not just the walking
Wind and dust planning matter more than on greener routes

Local partner insight

Extra route detail from our local trekking partner.

The notes below show what is commonly included, how the days are staged, and where pricing can change.

Partner-published rates are reference points. Final pricing depends on dates, group size, route choices, hotels, and transport.

Partner notes

One of the most popular treks in Nepal. The Jomsom trek from Pokhara to Muktinath, offers the greatest cultural diversity of anywhere in Nepal. Along this scenic route you will pass through villages inhabited by different ethnic groups such as Thakali, Gurung, and Magar and in higher elevation the Tibetan culture is predominant. Here you may visit several authentic Tibetan Monasteries. The trail follows up the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world, between the soaring peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Finally emerges to the north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry, desert like Tibetan Plateau. The high point of the trek is at the holy temple of Muktinath 3800m which is worshiped by both Hindu and Buddhist people. It is also possible to finish the trek at Jomsom, elevation 2,800m. The walking trail is a gentle slope making this a relatively easy trek that can be completed all year round. The average time is 14 days although a flight one way or the other not only offers incredible views but enables you to do this trek in approximately 8 - 10 days.

Experience the most popular trek. The Jomsom trek from Pokhara to Muktinath offers the greatest cultural diversity in Nepal. Led by local female guides.

Itinerary preview

Day 1

1.5 hrs drive 4 hrs walk42kms drive 7kms walk546m ascent

Pokhara (884m) - Hille (1430m)

A 1.5 hr drive takes us to our starting point, Nayapul. The beginning of our trek follows the banks of the Modi Khola river and slowly we ascend through local villages and rice fields until we reach Hille (1475m).

Day 3

3 hrs walk6 kms walk30 m Descent

Ghorepani (2860m)

We begin our day with an early climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3210 m) to watch the sun rise across a spectacular Himalayan panorama. After breakfast back at the lodge we begin our trek. Rhododendron and Magnolia forests give way to the terraced fields of Shika. (1935m). Hiking hours: 4

Day 4

4 hrs walk7 kms walk1240 m Descent

Shika (2430m)

We descend through the terrace fields and cross the Kali Gandaki river. Tatopani (1189 m), on the banks of the river, is famous for its hot springs. Here we can spend the afternoon relaxing in the springs. Hiking hours: 3

Day 5

6 hrs walk18 kms walk1340 m Ascent

Tatopani (1190m) - Kalopani (2530m)

We have a gentle walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river until we reach the magnificent falls of Rupse Chhahara (1630m). We then pass through the deepest gorge in the world and climb up to Ghasa. (2010m), this is a paradise for bird watchers. Today’s destination, Kalopani (2530m) is reached after a 2-hour walk and offers great mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We take a side trip from here and spend the rest of the day exploring Titi lake and viewing the Dhaulagiri glacier. Hiking hours: 6