Lower Mustang Trek

7 Days

You’ll take a moderate trek through the region bordering Annapurna and Mustang with great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Altitudes on this trek are not too high, and flying between Pokhara and Jomsom speeds up the journey.

Lower Mustang Trek is an ideal trip for trekkers who don’t have much time, or who would rather not do a very strenuous trek. This trek is the classic trek in the ancient trading way to Tibet of the Kali Gandaki valley and the gateway of secret treasure of Nepal-Mustang.

Lower Mustang is an ideal base for visitors to set off on scenic day hikes, discover isolated Nepalese villages stuck in a medieval time warp and experience the rustic charm and the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the local Thakali people.

It is moderate short & beautiful easy treks and you don’t need expensive permits to trek to lower Mustang. The region has the largest protected biodiversity area in Nepal and passes by oldest monastery and unique lifestyle of people. The Trek to Lower Mustang starts with a flight or drive to Jomsom Via Pokhara.

Accommodation Facility:
Nepal is famous for its low-budget tea houses, especially on trekking routes around the Annapurnas. These are available in Lower Mustang, but so are some much more comfortable places to stay. If you want comfy beds, art on the walls, good quality food and atmospheric buildings, then there are options for these in Lower Mustang.

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Overview

Lower Mustang Trek Highlights

  • Explore the well-preserved Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang
  • Visit Muktinath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal
  • Views of the north face of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
  • Fly over the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki
  • Visit the pre-Buddhist Bon village of Lupra
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Itinerary

Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by Mustang Trekking airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle.

We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.

After breakfast to Kathmandu hotel, you'll be picked up and driven by private transfer to the Kathmandu domestic airport for your flight (30 minutes) to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city.

This is a stunning half-hour flight along the Himalayan range, where four of the world’s fourteen giant mountains over 8000m can be seen; Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, and Shishapangma. Your specialist can help you get a seat on the right-hand side of the plane for views of the Himalayas en-route.

Upon landing, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore, select from one of the tours below, or just relax by the lake. Pokhara has plenty of great cafés, restaurants, funky shops, and yoga studios that cater to expats and adventure travelers.

This morning, you'll trek north to Kagbeni, arriving in time for lunch. The wide trail along the western side of the sandy, saligram-filled riverbed provides views of the nearby peaks of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, and, to the south, the Annapurna Massif.

Kagbeni, spectacularly situated atop a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola rivers, is the last village in Lower Mustang and guards the entrance into Upper Mustang (visible across the Kali Gandaki riverbed). It is an oasis of green fields amidst rocky, arid mountains, with Niligiri looming beyond.

This ancient, partially ruined citadel town is a glimpse into a unique way of life, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of barley and its massive, 800-year-old brick-red Sayka Gompa. You can also wander past the ancient 100-room King’s Palace.

At the police check post at the north end of the village, there is a sign that reads "Restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point". This is the trail going up to the famous Lo Manthang, in ‘forbidden’ Upper Mustang.

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus, and a great example of a sacred place shared in harmony by followers of two religions.

Local Buddhist nuns (belonging to the lineage of Lama Wangyal) caretake the site. Every year, thousands of devotees from India, Tibet, and Nepal come here on pilgrimage for purification and salvation. It is said that throughout history many kings throughout Asia did the same.

It's well worth spending a day here to not only visit this sacred shrine but also to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

After breakfast at your teahouse, pay a visit to Muktinath Temple, an important place of worship for Nepalese Buddhists and Hindus. You will have the opportunity to visit the main temple and its surrounding area before you hit the trail.

From here, begin your trek back to Jomsom along an easy route that heads straight downhill. While you retrace your steps, you'll be able to enjoy good views of Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Pass through Jarkot where you can visit one more monastery, and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and ancient caves. Admire the signs of rich Tibetan culture and keep an eye out for Mustang people who will come out and sell handicrafts to pilgrims.

Trekking time: 5 hours (9.3 miles / 15 km)

After an early breakfast in Jomsom, you'll be transferred to the local airstrip to catch your return flight to Pokhara Airport. From here, you'll catch a connecting flight to Kathmandu.

Once you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the capital city. Spend the rest of the day on your own, perhaps exploring the streets on foot and seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.

It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. Mustang Trekking representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It's good to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure.

Cost Includes:

  • All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle
  • Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • One night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees
  • Round trip flight from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu including departure taxes
  • Meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, TIMs)
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
  • International airfare to/ from Nepal.
  • Nepal Entry Visa fees.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
  • Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the 4wd adventure drive.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Personal gear and expenses.
  • Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
Why should people visit Muktinath?

The word “Muktinath” means “the place of liberation” in Sanskrit. It is believed that visiting this temple and taking a dip in the holy waters of the temple’s 108 taps (water spouts) can wash away one’s sins and bring them closer to salvation. The temple complex includes a Vishnu temple and a Buddhist monastery.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

Which mountain is seen from Jomsom?

Jomsom view tower at an elevation of 3750 meters offers a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho peak and other mountains and unique landscape of Mustang as far as Muktinath and Upper Mustang.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

What is the difference between the Upper Mustang and the Lower Mustang?

Mustang Region is divided in two parts that is Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang. Both have an equal importance, a really unique landscape of Nepal “Upper Mustang” is popular for adventurous trekking and “Lower Mustang” is famous for natural scenery.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

How many steps are there in Muktinath temple?

You need to climb around 250 steps to reach the temple. Behind the Muktinath temple is Muktidhara – the source of river Gandaki. If you wish to take a holy dip in it, better to tie a cloth on your head and go around in a jiffy.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

Which season is best for Jomsom Muktinath Trek?

The months of September, October and November are regarded as the best months to visit Muktinath temple. The average temperature condition is experienced in these months. Slight rainfall can be experienced in early September but the integrative experience is finest in these months.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

How is the road from Jomsom to Muktinath?

Road to Jomsom Muktinath from Pokhara and Beni: Is it Easy …
From Jomsom, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Muktinath. Now, the road is easy and almost 45 minutes, it takes you through the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. The road is being extended and after sometime, it may be pitched. From Kagbeni, the road is awesome.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

How to reach Muktinath?

By flight to Jomsom and drive: Jomsom airport is the only airport in Mustang and about 25 kilometres from Muktinath. It is 15 minutes flight with tiny aircraft. Flights only operate morning time up to 11 am. Pokhara to Jomsom flight, catch the local bus or Jeep (2 Hours) to reach Muktinath temple.

4.9/5 - (61 votes)

Packing List for Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Head, Face & Neck

  • Sun hat/cap (day)
  • Fleece beanie/woolen cap (night)
  • Balaclava (optional)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreens
  • Moisturizers
  • Lip Balm
  • Face towel
  • Scarf
  • Neck gaiters

Upper Body

  • T-shirts (preferably quick-dry and breathable) (day)
  • Parka/windbreaker (day)
  • Rain gear / Poncho
  • Thermal inner (night)
  • Fleece T-shirts (night)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket (night)*

Lower Body

  • Undergarments
  • Trekking pants (preferably stretchable, quick-dry, water-resistant) (day)
  • Rain gear
  • Thermal inner (night)
  • Fleece / wool pants (night)

Hands

  • Light / outdoor gloves (day)
  • Warm winter gloves, fleece or woolen gloves (night)

Legs

  • Thin socks (day)
  • Warm woolen socks (night)
  • Hiking boots (preferably GORE-TEX) with spare shoelaces
  • Floaters/sandals
  • Knee support (optional)
  • Gaiters (for winter and trails with loose scree or sand)
  • Crampons (for winter and icy trails)

Essential Items

  • Passport
  • Extra passport size photos (Min. 2) for trekking permit
  • Mobile phone & charger
  • Money
  • Backpack & rain cover
  • Duffel bag*
  • Padlocks
  • Day pack (< 30L) & rain cover
  • Trekking pole
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Sleeping Bag*
  • Personal medicine
  • Water bottle

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Facial wash, soap & shampoo
  • Tissues / wet wipes
  • Toilet rolls
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Handkerchiefs (optional)
  • Basic first aid kit**

Others (Optional)

  • Thermo flask
  • Portable water filter/purification tablets
  • Earplug
  • Universal Adaptor
  • Camera, memories card & charger
  • Reading book/map
  • Binoculars
  • Whistle
  • Watch
  • Snacks
  • Pocket pen-knife
4.9/5 - (61 votes)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Lower Mustang Trek
From $950
/ Private
From $850
/ Group
  • 06 Nights | 07 Days
  • Fly In / Fly Out
  • 3-15
  • 3,710m
  • Lodges Treks
  • Jan - Dec

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