Jomsom is a Village Development Committee (VDC) and the capital of Nepal's Mustang District. The village is situated in the valley of Kali Gandaki on both sides of the river, at an elevation 2740 m (8900 feet) above sea level. Jomsom in the rain-shadows of the Himalayas has a semi-arid climate, but water is privided by the KaliGandaki. The river can freeze in the winter. Jomsom has around 1,500 inhabitants in 500 households. A training unit of the Nepalese army's high mountain infantry is stationed here. The name of the village, also transcribed "Dzongsam", translates to "New Fort".
Among trekkers, Jomsom well kown as a waypoint of the classical Annapurna Circuit. For many travelers the Jomsom Airport is the gateway to Mustang and Nepal's Trans-Himalayan region. The airfield of Jomsom is served from Pokhara on a daily basis, but delays ans cancellations occur often due to cloud cover in Pokhara or too strong winds in Jomsom. Jomsom Airport is considered very dangerous due to the combination of strong winds and the location between high mountains. Fatal accidents occured in 2012, 2016, and 2022. Several hotels can be found close to the airport.
Viewpoint - Jomsom Mountain Resort
The place with the best views is Jomsom Mountain Resort, locally known as JMR, which is built on a hill to the southwest of Jomsom.
Each of the 102 rooms is facing the majestic Nilgiri mountain. The deluxe resort with modern facilities flewn in from Kathmandu is nonetheless known to be operated in an eco-friendly way, particularly the water supply and sewage treatment systems. Emissions from the back-up diesel generator comply with World Bank guidelines. An underground tank with secondary containment preventing spillage is used for storing the fuel. The hotel is built on former barren land, that was not suitable for cultivation.
Each of the 102 rooms is facing the majestic Nilgiri mountain. The deluxe resort with modern facilities flewn in from Kathmandu is nonetheless known to be operated in an eco-friendly way, particularly the water supply and sewage treatment systems. Emissions from the back-up diesel generator comply with World Bank guidelines. An underground tank with secondary containment preventing spillage is used for storing the fuel. The hotel is built on former barren land, that was not suitable for cultivation.
Trekking Destination Jomsom
Since 2008, a partly unpaved road (accessible for jeeps and motorcycles) has led from Pokhara via Beni to Jomsom and the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The mountain road is prone to landslides and flooding particularly during the monsoon. With the new, Jomson has now become the terminus of the Annapurna circuit. As a dirt road passable foe jeeps now also leads fom Pokhara to Manang at the opposite side of the Thorong La Pass, the former circuit trek has now actually become a much smaller "semi-circuit" from Manang to Jomsom.
To be honest, the cityskape of Jomsom is much less attractive than that of neighbourin villages such as Marpha, Kagbeni, or Lupra. But there are a several shops selling handicrafts and trekking equipment.
At the southern end of Jomsom there is the Mustang Eco Museum incuding a collection of traditional costumes, a photo gallery, and a library. Villages around Jomsom have plenty of apple orchards, apples from Mustang are highly appreciated in Nepal. The main apple and apricot growing region is situated to the south of Jomsom, around Marpha and Tukuche. Fresh apple pies are served in bakeries in Jomsom.
The area of the upper reaches of Kali Gandaki and around Jomsom is rich in fossilised ammonites, known as Shaligrama Shilas. These black fossilised stones are believed to be a reminder of Lord Vishnu. Hindus believe, they are only found in the riverbed or banks of the Kali Gandaki.
Vishnu, on being cursed by Tulasi, because he had cohabited with her disguised as her husband, assumed the form of Mount Shaligrama on the banks of the Gandaki river, in which Tulasi had been transformed. But the Dragon Vajrakita with his adamantine teeth carved out markings on his body, which fell down as stones into the Gandaki river. The use of Shaligrama Shilas was already known to Adi Shankara (Shankaracharya) around 800 AD as a well-known practice of Hindu worship.
To be honest, the cityskape of Jomsom is much less attractive than that of neighbourin villages such as Marpha, Kagbeni, or Lupra. But there are a several shops selling handicrafts and trekking equipment.
At the southern end of Jomsom there is the Mustang Eco Museum incuding a collection of traditional costumes, a photo gallery, and a library. Villages around Jomsom have plenty of apple orchards, apples from Mustang are highly appreciated in Nepal. The main apple and apricot growing region is situated to the south of Jomsom, around Marpha and Tukuche. Fresh apple pies are served in bakeries in Jomsom.
The area of the upper reaches of Kali Gandaki and around Jomsom is rich in fossilised ammonites, known as Shaligrama Shilas. These black fossilised stones are believed to be a reminder of Lord Vishnu. Hindus believe, they are only found in the riverbed or banks of the Kali Gandaki.
Vishnu, on being cursed by Tulasi, because he had cohabited with her disguised as her husband, assumed the form of Mount Shaligrama on the banks of the Gandaki river, in which Tulasi had been transformed. But the Dragon Vajrakita with his adamantine teeth carved out markings on his body, which fell down as stones into the Gandaki river. The use of Shaligrama Shilas was already known to Adi Shankara (Shankaracharya) around 800 AD as a well-known practice of Hindu worship.
Dhumba TaaL - the heart-shaped Turquoise Lake
Dhumba Lake, also known as Dhampus Lake or Heart-shaped Lake of Turquoise Lake, is the hidden gem of Jomsom, situated in a distance of around 5.5 km (3.5 miles). The access road crosses the village of Thinigaun from where you have a view to Jomsom and the airfield.
Dhumba Lake has a circimference of 450 m (1500 feet), the largest diameter measuring 165 m (550 feet). The small lake is situated at an altitude of 2,830 m (9,285 feet). Fed by meltwater from the Niligiri Mountain, it's famous for its turquoise colour, picturesquely framed by a grove of pine trees. Several movie directors used this idyllic setting for their shootings. In winter, the lake’s frozen surface is a very different kind of attraction.
Dhumba Taal is considered a sacred lake, which is indicated by the Buddhist prayer flags. Therefore, fish are not caught here and you should not swim in the water and behave in a respectful way, not disturbing the pilgrims. The lake is surrounded by legends. Once a shepherd boy discovered a stone with a holy mantra inscribed on it. When touching it, the stone turned into the heart-shaped lake. Padmasambhaba, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, is said ti have visited this site, when he came from India, and to have blessed the turquoise lake. Another folklore has it that the colour of the lake once changed to red, till a Buddhist monk or a group of local Buddhiste performed long and arduous rituals, which finally turned it back to the natural turquoise colour. Accordingly, pilgrims usually visit the lake in the hope of significant changes in their lives for their betterment.
The Kuchup Terenga Gompa offering panoramic views is placed on a ridge in 15 minutes walking distance from the lake.
The Kuchup Terenga Gompa offering panoramic views is placed on a ridge in 15 minutes walking distance from the lake.