Jomsom at an altitude of 2800m, is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as the Thakalis. It has a wireless station, a police station, a bank, a hospital and a veterinary hospital. A company of the Nepalese Army is stationed here. Nearby is an airfield, from where flights operate regularly. However, due to the strong winds that buffet the area in the afternoons, the airfield is functional only in the forenoon.

The views from Jomsom are enchanting as the Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) ranges reflect the golden rays of the rising and setting sun. The entire panorama is filled with a golden, glittering light which forms a dramatic contrast with the barren, black and dry mountains of the surrounding Kali Gandaki valley. Life here is a balance of hard work, and ancient culture. Many visitors find their most lasting impression of Nepal comes not from the ancient temples in the urban valleys but from visits to places like Jomsom and its exhilarating spiritual environment. Jomsom area is not only the most popular trekking destination in Nepal but also the gateway to Upper Mustang - "Kingdom" within the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. Jomsom is also the gateway to The Muktinath shrine that holds great religious significance to both Buddhists and Hindus. This area is also famous for its delicious apples.

The altitude in this area varies from 2012 m. near Ghasa to 8091 m (Mt. Annapurna) - vertical height difference of 6079 m. over a distance of only 14 Km. The towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, the Pre-Himalayan Gandaki river systems, old cave dwellings, lush green fruit orchards, ancient religious temples and monasteries, primitive villages, high mountain lakes, caravans still operating along ancient salt routes - all these make this area one of the most diverse, stark and primitive areas in Nepal. Explore diverse villages like Marpha, Thini, Syang, Tukuche, Kagbeni etc. Dhumba and Tilicho lakes. Nature and Man reside in complex harmony!

Jomsom is served by 8-15 flights a day. Regular visitors know that the flights are dependent on weather conditions. Though this is a remote area, private initiative in the form of many domestic airlines operate frequent flights to the area. Flight reliability and frequency are generally higher to Jomsom than to any other remote area in Nepal. This is not a run-of-the-mill destination. Leave the concrete jungle behind with the hope that you will experience nature in its most primitive form. Be ready to let your mind and spirit free in wide-open spaces. Be prepared for harsh climatic conditions, glaring sun during the day, heavy winds and cold nights. This is a unique experience for the more than 50,000 visitors to Jomsom in a year - most of them repeat visitors. We invite you to 'Discover a New World' called Jomsom!

PEOPLE OF JOMSOM

The Thakalis:

Living in the Jomsom region and in the nearby villages of Marpha and Tukuche have been known for their trading skills. They occupy an important village on the traditional trade route between the Gangetic plains of India and Tibet. To help their fellow men, the Thakali people have organized a system called "Thigur", in which groups of 20 to 30 people pool certain amounts of money according to their individual capacity. This money is then given to any member of the group who is in dire need of money for starting a business. The loan is repayable in easy installments. Such a sense of trust in their fellow members is indeed commendable. Many of the Thakalis have migrated to cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but due to the influx of tourists, quite a few return during the summer to run restaurants and hotels.The Thakalis follow a mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism, with the latter holding sway. They have a rather "interesting" marriage custom. The bridegroom abducts a girl of his choice, takes her to his house and convinces her to marry him. If she accedes to his proposal within three days their parents work out the remaining formalities. Otherwise, the girl returns home and the process is repeated with someone else. There is no taboo on marrying cousins.