The Jomsom trek is probably the single most
popular trek in Nepal. The diverse of landscapes and cultures to
be found along the trek route gives a marvelous insight into the
way of life of rural Nepalese people. The main feature of the
trek is the walk through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki
River, which carries water from the Tibetan plateau to
eventually join the Ganges in India.
Muktinath is famous pilgrimage site for both Hindu and
Buddhists. To the Hindus, Muktinath is sacred as the place of
salvation. They believe that to wash in the water here
guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god Brahma, is
thought to have lit the eternal flames that still burn at
Muktinath. To the Buddhists it is a place that the great sage
Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated at, and to all, it is
the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligras,
that are the found all along the upper reaches of the Kali
Gandaki.
Between Tatopani and Lete Khola the scenery changes
dramatically. Pine forests crowed in the trail and the villages
take on a quite different appearance. The best example of unique
architecture is to be found at the village of Marpha. Jomsom is
best known its airport and district Head quarter of the Mustang
District. |
