Jomsom

Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the Mustang district, situated at 2,743 meters in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The town lies in the deep valley of the Kali Gandaki River, known for its powerful afternoon winds and rugged, desert-like mountain landscape. Jomsom is world-famous for its apple orchards; visitors should definitely try the local apple cider, brandy, and dried apple slices. It serves as a vital gateway for pilgrimages to the sacred Muktinath temple. The region is home to the Thakali people, who are renowned throughout Nepal for their exceptional culinary skills. Eating an authentic Thakali thali in Jomsom is a quintessential experience. In the Kali Gandaki riverbed, one can often find Shaligrams, ancient ammonite fossils considered sacred by Hindus. Jomsom is reachable via a spectacular flight from Pokhara or a rugged jeep journey through the world's deepest gorge. As it lies in the rain shadow, it's a good destination even during the monsoon, though winds are strongest in spring.

Nearby cities

Baglung

Baglung is the headquarters of Baglung District in Gandaki Province.

Waling

Waling is a municipality in Syangja District, located on the banks of the Aandhikhola river.

Ghorepani (Poon Hill)

A famous trekking stop renowned for the magical sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill.

Ghandruk

A picturesque Gurung village in the Annapurna massif, famous for its slate houses and mountain views.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, a sparkling turquoise gem in the heart of the Annapurna massif.

Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is a serene alternative to Pokhara's Phewa Lake, ideal for relaxation and fishing amidst lush green hills.

History & landmarks

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang, known for its well-preserved Tibetan culture and centuries-old Buddhi…

Bandipur

A living museum of Newari culture set in a charming, vehicle-free hilltop village.

Nature

Tilicho Lake

One of the highest lakes in the world, located in the Annapurna massif.

Kali Gandaki River

A mighty Himalayan river known for carving the deepest gorge in the world.

Phewa Lake

A picturesque freshwater lake in Pokhara that reflects the peaks of the Annapurna range.

More places

Mustang Apple Orchards

In the dry, windswept region of Mustang, particularly in Marpha, farmers grow juicy apples at high altitudes, famous for their unique, cr…

Muktinath Temple

A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, situated at a high altitude in the Mustang district.

Annapurna Conservation Area

Nepal's largest protected area, encompassing the entire Annapurna mountain range.

Dhaulagiri

A massive mountain range and the seventh highest mountain on Earth.

Pokhara Industrial Estate

An industrial area focused on light industry and local crafts in one of Nepal's most important tourist cities.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

As Nepal's only hunting reserve, the population of blue sheep and Himalayan tahr is strictly monitored and regulated here to maintain the…

Gorkha Durbar

An ancient palace and temple complex on a hilltop, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty.

Manaslu Conservation Area

Around the eighth highest mountain in the world lies a protected region inhabited by the endangered musk deer and blue sheep herds at ext…