Jomsom Airport: The Air Route to Mustang’s Mystique
Jomsom is situated at 2,743 meters above sea level in the Mustang District in the northwestern among the Himalayan range of Nepal. It serves as the administrative heart of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality. The town lies along the Kali Gandaki river that is set between the majestic Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain peaks. The riverbanks are popular for Shaligram stones is an ancient shell sacred to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu.
As a gateway to Upper Mustang and the holy Muktinath temple, Jomsom attracts trekkers and pilgrims alike. Jomsom Airport facilitates access there, even though flights tend to be limited to the morning due to strong winds. Despite its remote location, Jomsom remains a hub of culture, commerce, and spirituality in Nepal’s Himalayas.
The special architecture of the town is indicative of its adaptability to the environment, with its buildings constructed to resist daily valley winds. The culture of Jomsom blends Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist influences in its local festivals and traditions. The Thakali, renowned for their entrepreneurship and hospitality, are the most prominent ethnic group.
The Jomsom airport might be Crowd in high season, like month of October, November and march, April The trekkers fly out to pokhara who complete Annapurna circuit trek, it would be great book the flight ticket in advance
Arrival in Jomsom
You arrive in Jomsom either by a flight or by the road route via Beni and Tatopani. The journey of the road is longer, offering a bumpy ride through waterfalls, forests, and narrow mountain paths. However, the flight is a short yet thrilling experience to fly between two huge mountains, making for a surreal view of the landscape.
You will notice the difference in the air immediately as soon as you reach Jomsom. During the afternoons, it is quite cooler, drier, and windier. Even the landscape transforms from green hills to rocky terrain that looks like a desert. The town itself is very peaceful, and people lead a simple yet contented life. You will see a traditional house, alongside apple trees and prayer flags waving in the wind.
Walk Around the Local Market
The first thing that the majority of visitors do is go explore the local bazaar. You may walk along narrow streets with shops selling handicrafts, woolen clothing, and local goods like dried apples and buckwheat flour. Locals here are very hospitable and often welcome you with a warm smile. It is easy to spend a couple of hours looking around and talking to shopkeepers. You can also obtain a comfortable lodge and teahouses in Jomsom. They primarily consist of a good mix of Nepali, Tibetan, as well as continental food. A hot cup of tea with mountain views makes your arrival unforgettable.
Discover the Nearby Areas
Your journey at Jomsom doesn’t stop as you discover further breathtaking locations. If you proceed south for a couple of hours, you end up in Marpha Village. This tiny settlement is popular for its apple orchards, white painted houses, and delicious apple snacks. Find yourself at Kagbeni after travelling north direction in about 13 kilometers.
This ancient village has breathtaking views over the Kali Gandaki River and is ideal for photos. It also leads you towards Upper Mustang. For someone who seeks peace, it is an eastern trek to Muktinath Temple offers a spiritual experience with its 108 water spouts. If you are nature enthusiasts and culture enthusiasts. Go to Dhumba Lake or the Mustang Eco Museum. There is something to take back in any direction from Jomsom.
Try Local Food
You must go around exploring the local delicacies when you are here in Jomsom and the nearby villages. Dal Bhat is the staple food, but you can also indulge in Tibetan bread, thukpa, and yak cheese. Homemade apple products are available in many lodges. Having fresh apple jam made on the spot or drinking hot apple wine in a chilly town provides warmth to your travel.
They also serve buckwheat pancakes and barley meals among locals, both of which are healthy and specialty foods there. Having dinner and chatting with the locals, and having dinner with other trekking colleagues. There are some of the best things to do while traveling there.
Best Time to Visit
Jomsom is best explored during the spring and autumn seasons. The best time starts from March to May and September to November, offering clear blue skies alongside mild weather and safe travel conditions. The monsoon season makes the flight from Pokhara quite risky, and the trails also get slippery may cause landslides as well. The winter season is generally quite dry but cold, where some lodges may get close as well. Traveling during the right season ensures better views as well as easy movement between places. The wind gets stronger in the afternoon all year, so plan your flights and hikes around that.
