Jomsom Nepal: Explore Must-Visit Places and Activities

Jomsom

Jomsom, the gateway to the upper Mustang, is about 2,700 meters (8,900 ft) in the Gandaki Province of western Nepal. People from all around the world love visiting Jomsom for its admirable landscape. The beautiful village sits at the base of Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. The Kali Gandaki River also flows right through the center of Jomsom.

It is also popular for a famous hotel in Muktinath region named Hotel Bob Marley. The B&B has a collection of art and paintings of the Jamaican singer all over the wall, attracting local and international tourists. Similarly, the village has more to offer visitors, including the Mustang Eco Museum, Rupse Fall, Dhumba Lake, and more.

Here are a few reasons to visit Jomsom with your close friends and family.

Geography:

Jomson is a village in the Lower Mustang, south of the Kagbeni village. It was a separate nation till 1992 and Lower Mustang’s capital.

Jomsom’s altitude is 2,760 meters above sea level, so the climate is often dry and windy. As it lies in the Annapurna mountain range, people can also witness the majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

The most bottomless ravine in the world, Kali Gandaki River, also flows through the trail passing through Jomsom. It freezes in winter and flows in summer and monsoon with rainwater and melting snow.

Must visit places in Jomsom

Rupse Falls

Rupse Falls is one of the most magnificent waterfalls on the Beni-Jomsom Highway route.

The 300-meter-long waterfall is a popular tourist destination and a resting spot for travelers. People who love waterfalls must keep Rupse Falls on their bucket lists and visit it during monsoon to witness the fascinating flow that will soothe your soul.

Dhumba Taal/Lake

Dhumba Lake is a clear-water lake located at the base of Mt. Nilgiri. It sits 2830 m above sea level, about 150 meters long and 100 meters wide.

The water of the taal is green but once changed to red, according to a myth. Following the incident, a Buddhist monk performed a ritual to change its color back to normal. So, it is a sacred lake for Buddhists and Hindu pilgrims.

People also visit the lake to worship and pray for a healthy and prosperous life. Furthermore, if you visit Dhumba Lake, make sure not to consume the fish as it is prohibited and considered a sin.

Marpha Village

Marpha village in the Mustang district is the best place to stay while visiting Jomsom. It lies in the Dhaulagiri zone and is the apple capital of Nepal.

The ancient settlement, whitewashed stone walls, and the stone-paved narrow alleys have enhanced the beauty of the village. In addition, apple alcohol and dried apples are the best souvenirs.

Muktinath

The sacred temple for Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath, is in Muktinath Valley in Mustang.

The holy temple is one of the world’s highest at 3800 m. It has a Hindu origin with significance for Buddhist followers.

There are 108 continuously flowing taps (Dhara) in Muktinath. Hindus believe bathing through those 108 taps will guarantee salvation after death.

Kaagbeni

Kaagbeni is one of the oldest villages in the Himalayas, 11 km away from Jomsom.

The beautiful village is located in the valley of the Kali Gandaki River and is the windiest place in Nepal. Furthermore, it is filled with bright, ancient houses, red monasteries, and gumbas.

Things to do while in Jomsom:

1. Mountain biking

While at Jomsom, one thing cyclists mustn’t miss is mountain biking.

As Jomsom has become vastly equipped with dry terrains and barren hills, many cyclists visit the place to conquer the steep slopes. People also make videos of riding their mountain bikes through challenging hill slopes.

2. Rock Climbing

Besides mountain biking, people visiting Jomsom can also go rock climbing.

Jomsom has vertical walls suitable for rock climbing. There is also a climbing cliff outside the Jomsom airport where armies train.

3. Mustang Eco Museum visit

Mustang Eco Museum was established in 1992, showcasing the culture and customs of the Mustang area.

The museum displays the artwork of Buddhist monasteries, a Herbarium, animal specimens, traditional dress, and more. It is about five minutes away from Jomsom airport.

Cultural Significance

Most people of Jomsom are Tibetan and Thakali, as they have lived there since ancient times.

The name “Jomsom” was derived from the Tibetan word “Dzong Sampa,” meaning “New Fort.” King Thang Mig Chen of Thini established the fort to monitor the movement of people on the north-south trade route. The locals started calling the place Dzong Sampa, and the pronunciation gradually changed to Jomsom.

Jomsom is famous for the Thakali food as most of the population are Thakali people. Likewise, Gurungs and Magars reside in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, while people with solid Tibetan roots, the Lopa, live around Muktinath. Additionally, Nepal’s unique festival, Yartung (an annual horse race), takes place in September.

How to reach Jomsom?

By air: 

The easiest way to reach Jomson is through the airway. One can book a flight to Jomsom to enjoy the area’s beauty.

Travel enthusiasts who want an easy ride can reach out to Jomsom Airport. The airport serves domestic flights to Kathmandu and Pokhara. Tara Airlines, Nepal Airlines, and Agni Air are a few airlines covering the area.

By road:

People can also reach Jomsom by using vehicles like jeeps on the road.

Travelers using the road to Jomsom can reach their destination through Pokhara and Beni. The distance between Beni and Jomsom is around 70 km.

On foot (Trek):

Another way to reach Jomsom is through trekking. People who prefer adventure can trek from Beni to Jomsom, as the area is suitable for camping.

Things to carry while visiting Jomsom

• Down jacket and warm clothes
• Thermos and water bottles
• Gloves and warm socks
• Sunscream and lip balm to save your skin
• Trekking boots
• Medicines that you take daily
• Chocolates and energy bars
• Cameras to capture the moment

Jomsom is a beautiful place that one must visit once in their lifetime to witness the beautiful snow-capped mountains and waterfalls. Religious people who want to visit Muktinath temple can make a group of their close pals to worship the Vishnu temple. They can also bathe in the 108 Dhara to make a fresh start with no sins.

People who love nature, mountains, and adventures can enjoy their time to the fullest with no regrets. The soothing sound of Rupse Fall and the beauty of Dhumba Taal will calm your soul. Similarly, the elegance of Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri will leave you in awe.

Travelers can also meet people of different cultural and traditional backgrounds. The locals are warm and treat the tourists with immense love and respect. The visitors can enjoy the goodness of Thakali foods and the best apples during their trip to Jomsom.

Thus, the trip to Jomsom is the perfect family trip or escape from the city with friends to create memories. Taking a break from busy schedules to enjoy little things is crucial to leading a healthy lifestyle and strengthening the bond. Furthermore, the beauty of Jomsom will lighten up your mood and clear all the gloominess in your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best time to visit Jomsom?

The best time to visit Jomsom is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is clear, and the skies are bright. The monsoon season from June to August should be avoided as it brings heavy rainfall and landslides.

What is the altitude of Jomsom, and will I need to acclimatize?

Jomsom is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters (8,900 ft). It is recommended to spend a day or two in nearby towns like Kagbeni or Marpha to acclimatize before heading to Jomsom.

What are the must-visit attractions in Jomsom?

Jomsom is famous for its stunning landscape, the Kali Gandaki River, and the Hotel Bob Marley. Other must-visit attractions include the Mustang Eco Museum, Rupse Fall, Dhumba Lake, and the Muktinath temple.

How can I get to Jomsom?

Jomsom can be reached by taking a flight from Pokhara, which takes around 20-25 minutes, or by trekking from Nayapul, which takes around 5-7 days. There are also jeep and bus services available from Pokhara to Jomsom.

What kind of accommodation options are available in Jomsom?

Jomsom offers a range of accommodation options, including guesthouses, lodges, and hotels. The Hotel Bob Marley is a popular choice among tourists for its unique theme, but there are many other options available to suit different budgets and preferences.