JOMSOM THE WONDERLAND FOR ADVENTURE
Jomsom is one of the most tourist-attracting destinations of Nepal that lies in Mustang District at an elevation of 2,743m, i.e., (8,999 ft). It holds the total population of 1,370, which is mostly covered with barren hills and mountains.
On the Mid of Nepali calendar, a big mass of people both from Nepal and foreign visit Jomsom to experience a totally different diversity and nature. This area has got diverse landscapes and unique culture with the marvelous trekking routes to various high peaks of Nepal.
People who reside in this district as primarily known as Thakalis, who worship the visitor as the Gods. You can reach Jomsom through roadways and airways where you can have regular flights from Pokhara city.
GEOGRAPHY OF JOMSOM
Jomsom lies in the north of Pokhara and also known as the Mustang, which is the main pathway for Upper Mustang. It lies at the end of the village of Kagbeni, a historic village filled with chortens, prayer wheels, and several Buddhist monasteries.
The trail of Jomsom follows the Kali Gandaki River that lies between the Annapurna mountain range and Dhaulagiri. The river freezes during winter and flows in summer and monsoon.
With its diverse landscape, Mustang has the scenery of rocky cliffs and high peaks of Himalayas without the presence of greenery. You won’t be finding any forest with green trees as you reach Jomsom and begin further trekking in Upper Mustang.
Anyone visiting Jomsom aims to reach the highest trail point of Muktinath at 3800 m. It is a holy temple to both Buddhists and Hindus.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU MUST DO WHILE VISITING JOMSOM
1. ROCK CLIMBING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING
Jomsom is a place that is totally surrounded by high rocky hills. You will rarely find the hills covered with green trees as the altitude and geography of land won’t allow any green trees to grow.
So due to the presence of rocky mountains, people from all over the world reach Mustang in order to climb the rocky hills. You can get natural vertical cliffs that are perfect for low risks to experience rock climbing and make your day full of adventures.
It is also the best place for mountain biking as other vehicles are rarely reached in that area. Cycling in the banks of Kali Gandaki River surrounding with ideal mountains will surely make your tour to Jomsom worth.
2. VISIT MUKTINATH TEMPLE
Muktinath Temple is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is located 12 kilometers ahead of Jomsom, which is also known as the temple situated in the world’s highest altitude of 3,800 meters.
Hindu people believe the temple as Mukti Kshetra, which means the place of liberation. Every tourist, either internal or external, must worship this temple while visiting Jomsom.
Many tourists have a trek from Jomsom to Muktinath along with the beautiful and historical village of Kagbeni. Tourist feels blessed once they visited Muktinath Temple and return their path safely.
3. THAKALI CULTURAL DETOUR
Travelling Jomsom itself is a beautiful journey to every individual, and the addition of Thakali cultural detour is like adding a cherry on top of the cake. Those who are living a high-class lifestyle in city areas would definitely love to explore the culture of rural areas.
The hospitality and tradition of the kali people would enhance the worth of visiting Jomsom, Nepal. Getting to know the historical lifestyle and cultures of Thakali and having the Thakali cuisine along with them in their traditional historical house is more than trekking in Jomsom.
You would be able to capture some of the best moments of your life exploring the Thakali cultures. The famous Yartung (Horse) racing event, which is a frequently observed event by Thakali people, is a must-see activity in Jomsom.
4. APPLES OF MUSTANG
I bet you will fall in love with the apples that you will be having during the visit to Jomsom. Jomsom is famous for apple farming, and you can have fresh apples picking up from the tree by your own hands.
You can also find Marpha (a hard drink made from apple) and other apple products only in Jomsom, Mustang. You are free to buy as much you want that you are able to carry with you.
5. HIKING TO DHUMBA LAKE
Dhumba Lake is situated at a distance of 5.5 kilometers away from Jomsom, which is a sacred hidden lake surrounded by the rocky terrains and pine trees. It is the best place for a day hike from Jomsom.
To reach Dhumba Lake, take a right from the bus park where you will cross the wooden bridge over Kaligandaki. The lake is considered as sacred as it is surrounded by Buddhist prayer flags. This lake is not available to swim as many people insist on calming their adrenaline rush.
6. MUSTANG ECO-MUSEUM
Only five minutes walk from the Jomsom Airport; you will reach Mustang Eco-Museum, where the ancient heritages are preserved with care. Inside the Eco-Museum, you will be able to observe the various species of wildlife Mustang. And also the traditional dresses of people living there, and Buddhist monasteries.
You will also be provided with some library books and videos regarding the traditions and culture of Mustang. Before exploring the place by yourself, it is better to know its historical past and traditions.
WEATHER FORECAST OF JOMSOM
Jomsom is a mostly dry land where it rarely gets rainfall. The river following across the Kagbeni village flows from Upper Mustang through the Himalayas and remains dry during the winter season.
Throughout the year, the temperature varies from 18 degrees Fahrenheit to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. In rare conditions, the temperature falls below 10 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most favorable time to visit Jomsom is between September — October. During this time, many internal, as well as an external tourist, visit Jomsom as the temperature remains favorable.
SNOWFALL IN JOMSOM, MUSTANG
If you love snow and wish to play in the snow and capture some of the best moments of your life then, Jomsom might be the best place to travel in between January — February as it is the time to receive heavy snowfall in that area.
Snow gets thick as one foot blanketed all over the Mustang. The Dhumba Lake gets totally frozen during the winter because of snowfall and temperature in negative degrees Celcius.
Those dry and barren hills are seen in summer would be covered entirely in white snow, where you can enjoy skiing and play with a snowball.
LAST
If you are a real adventure lover and have a high adrenaline rush inside of you, then do visit this hidden kingdom once in your lifetime. Jomsom is really a wonderland to those who are tired of living a fancy lifestyle in their city.
