From jaw dropping landscape to amazing mountain views and mysticism, Jomsom is Nepal at its bestJomsom, also known as Dzongsam or New Fort, is a town located at an altitude of 2,800 metres above sea level in Mustang District, at the Annapurna region. Jomsom's rugged terrain, bare hills and mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, make this place surreal giving visitors their most lasting impression of Nepal. Famous for its juicy apples and local brandy, Jomsom is also the gateway to the popular and picturesque Upper Mustang.
The soaring peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form a backdrop. However, be prepared for harsh climatic conditions, heavy winds, glaring sun and cold nights.
Muktinath
Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. For the Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place for salvation. They believe that bathing in the water here guarantees salvation after death. For the Buddhists, it is the place where the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated. And for everyone, it is the source of fossilised ammonites, known locally as Shaligrams that are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River valley. This trek is recommended year round as most of this trek is always in the rain shadow. From Jomsom, it is three or four hours' drive or a seven-hour trek.
Marpha
Popular for local brandy and apples, Marpha is a small town and the main market in Jomsom. This place has plenty of shops that sell interesting souvenirs and trekking goods. There are plenty of restaurants as well, serving all kinds of dishes. A visit to one of the many apple orchards is a must to try out the famous `Jomsom Apple'. Marpha is just 10-minute drive from Jomsom Airport and takes 45 minutes to reach on foot.
Kali Gandaki Gorge
The deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge is flanked by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on either side. The gorge passes through Tatopani, where you can relax in the hot water spring. Tatopani is twoday trek from Jomsom or sixhour drive.
Lo Manthang
The village is noted for its tall white washed mud brick walls, monasteries and the King's Palace -a ninecornered, five-storey structure built around 14th century and served as the capital of ancient Kingdom of Mustang. Lo Manthang's three big monasteries are storehouses of some of the most exquisite Buddhist artworks in the entire Himalayas. With its ancient monasteries, palaces, caves and ruins of old forts, Lo Manthang is rich in art and history where little has changed over the centuries. It is two to three days' trek from Jomsom and five to six hours' drive.
source: the himalayan times,26 Sep 2013
