Jomsom spreads over the banks of Kali Gandaki River. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being district headquarter, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as Thakalis. A company of the Nepalese army is stationed here. Nearby is an airfield, from where flights operate regularly. However, due to the strong winds that buffet the area in the afternoons, the airfield is functional only in the forenoon.
The views from Jomsom are enchanting as the Nilgiri (7061m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) ranges reflect the golden rays of the rising and the setting sun. The entire panorama is filled with a golden, glittering light, which forms a dramatic contrast. Life here is a balance of hard work and ancient culture. Many visitors find their most lasting impression of Nepal comes not from the ancient temples in the urban valleys but from visits to places like Jomsom and its exhilarating spiritual environment. Jomsom area is not only the most popular trekking destination in Nepal but also the gateway to Upper Mustang Kingdom within the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal.
Muktinath is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists because of Jwala Mai (holy flame), a natural gas fed flame burning from a fissure in the rock. It is an oasis at 3811 meters amongst the barren hills leading up to the Thorong La (pass). ) It is a large Vishnu temple surrounded by 108 fountains in the shape of cow heads. The devout Hindu drinks from each spout in addition to his / her worship at the temple. Equally well known and a main reason for Muktinath’s holiness is the small Buddhist gumpa (monastery) nearby in which fire, water and earth appear to burn simultaneously, the sacred and pure “blue flame” of Vishnu to the Hindu, a manifestation of divine omnipotence to the Buddhists.
There are many different ethnic groups along the trail, but the predominant people in this area are the Gurungs. Together with the Thakali, Magar, and Chhetrie people, the Gurungs are famous as soldiers in the British Army, better known as Gurkhas.
Along the trail the views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas are magnificent. The winding trail passes through magnificent forests of oak and rhododendrons that line the southern foothills of the Himalaya. The terrain varies from sub-tropical valleys with banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges clad in thick rhododendron forests. You will visit the famous Poon Hill where you will hopefully be blessed with a fantastic sunrise and view of all the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range to the West. The views here are breathtaking as you sit and sip on a hot chocolate before heading down the main trail to Pokhara. Finally trek to Ghandrung following the EBC trail then to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara.
