trip info
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Min. 2 Max 12
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Grade: Moderate
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Mar-May, Sept-Dec
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Max. 3,762m/12,343ft
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Annapurna Region
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Duration: 10 Days
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Private Car/ Tourist Bus/ Flights
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Hotel/ Teahouse/ Lodge
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Meals Included (B,L,D)
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Highlights of the Lower Mustang Trek
- Explore the well-preserved Tibetan culture of Mustang
- Visit Muktinath temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, which provides a unique spiritual experience.
- Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Flying, over the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki
- Visit the pre-Buddhist Bon village of Lupra
Nepal’s Mustang region was a semi-autonomous kingdom until 2008, and still retains one of the best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist societies in the world. Flying to Jomsom and then trekking around Lower Mustang—through Kagbeni, Muktinath, Jharkot and Lupra—is an ideal way of getting a taste of fascinating Mustang without needing to pay $500 for the expensive Upper Mustang permit. Which, lower Mustang trek is in the rain shadow of the Upper Mustang Himalaya, so the landscape here is arid.
Moreover; flying from Pokhara takes you through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world. On the other side, a completely different landscape opens up that is few other places in Nepal. Which, you will treks around Jomsom reveal Tibetan Buddhist monasteries perched on ridges and cliffs, the holy Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath, and the old fortress town of Kagbeni, the frontier between Lower and Upper Mustang. Greenery is sparse and provided only by the irrigated fields around settlements. The unique landscape and culture combine to create a fascinating trekking experience.
If you are planning your family vacation in Nepal during the monsoon, this trek will be the perfect place for you. This Lower Mustang Trek is an ideal vacation for your family as it features the picturesque deserts of Mustang along with the holy temple of Muktinath, giving the best of both nature and culture.
Customize Your Trek:
- This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please contact us.
10-day Lower Mustang Trek Itinerary
We recommend that you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or during the day. This will give you enough time to relax and recover from jet lag before starting your adventure. Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in. You will be briefed about your upcoming adventure, and rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore around your hotel. Spend the night in Kathmandu.
O/N Elevation: 1,350m/4,430ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vajra
After breakfast early morning, you will take a tourist bus to Pokhara. If you are lucky and get the right side of the bus, you can take pleasure in amazing views of green mountains and villages. Upon reaching the enchanting city of Pokhara which offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, peaks of Annapurna and others, you get check in to the hotel. Pokhara has a big lake, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali which offer fishing, boating and swimming. Strolling around the Lakeside city and exploring it in the evening is enjoyable.
O/N Elevation: 827m/2,713ft
Accommodation: Hotel Mount View Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast in Pokhara, you'll drive to the airport for a 25-minute flight to Jomsom, the headquarters of Nepal's Mustang district. The flight takes you over the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world. From the plane, you'll have great views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Jomsom is among the very few places in Nepal from where the Himalayan peaks can be admired at such a close range and yet from a safe altitude of only 8,800 feet. Giant peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri seem so close you could reach out to touch them. Moreover; In Jomsom, you'll feel how much cooler and drier the air is. Today is a day for taking it easy and exploring the charming town of Jomsom and beyond to get a feel for your surroundings. Depending on how you feel, there is a great two-hour walk down the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha, home of Thakali people and their famous Marpha apples and apple brandy. You can explore village learning about the traditional design principles, including the flat roofs to dry produce for use in the long winters and the underground drainage system.
Flight: 25 min - Hiking: 2-3 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 2,710m/8,891ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, start your trek, 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. Where, 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. "But" 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. Overnight at Kagbeni.
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 2,810m/9,220ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Have a hearty breakfast this morning, as your climbing will begin today. It takes about 3-4 hours to walk from Kagbeni to Jarkhot, depending on the dry air and how you feel at the altitude. It's an uphill trek from Kagbeni to Jarkhot and you gain quite a bit of elevation, so it’s nice to stop here and take the afternoon to explore this old fortified village. The main feature of the village is the striking red Gompa (monastery) of the Sakya sect of Buddhism that sits prominently at the front of the village. This Gompa is more than 500 years old and has an active Tibetan Medicine school. There are stunning views down the valley and up towards the famous Thorong La (pass) which is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Overnight at Jharkot.
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3519m/11,512ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today after breakfast you will begins up to Muktinath temple and Muktinath temple 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 comes 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.
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,762m/12,343ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You'll descend to Jomsom via Lupra village, visiting a local Bonpo Monastery. While you have to ascend the mountain again for a short way to get back on the trail, it is a great route that trekkers on the Annapurna circuit miss out on, so you will be far away from the crowds and the jeep trail to Jharkot and Muktinath. Bonpo is an ancient pre-Buddhist religion not represented by many monasteries these days, so it is a rare and special chance to learn about this ancient animist religion while taking a stunning alternate route back to Jomsom. Overnight at Jomsom.
Hiking: 4-5 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 2,710m/8,891ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today after breakfast, you will check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This dramatic 23-minute flight between the gorge of the two huge mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is a nervy, tingling experience you will enjoy. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, your guide will transfer you to the lakeside hotel. You will spend the rest of your time exploring the lake and then spend the night at your hotel by the lake.
Flight: 23 min
Maximum Elevation: 827m/2,713ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Mount View Pokhara)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you say goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of terraced hills and the rural Nepalese lifestyle. Kathmandu is 200 km from Pokhara. The Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 6 hours to reach Kathmandu from by bus. You will be transferred to the hotel, where you will have a pleasant stay and to celebrate the successful completion of your journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Stay night at Kathmandu.
Driving: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Meals: Breakfast
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home. Safe Journey!! We hope to see you again.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary Disclaimer:
Your safety is of imperative concern while travel, please take care to note that; we every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; But" group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. Trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Follow the package's Inclusions and Exclusions.
Cost Includes
- All meals (B, L, D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on a trek
- Twin-sharing accommodation at Hotel Vajra in Kathmandu for 3 nights.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights.
- Internal flights (Pokhara to Jomsom and Pokhara).
- All required permits for the trek (ACAP & TIMS card).
- Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses/lodges on trek.
- All private ground transportation including airport transfers
- Experienced local trek guide with a 1:4 assistant guide-to-client ratio.
- Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers.
- Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicine
- Use a Duffel bag, Sleeping bag and Down Jacket (Must be returned after completion of trek)
- Staff wages, equipment, insurance and allowances
- Required documentation, government and local taxes.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare, Visa, and travel insurance.
- Meals at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason).
- Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
- Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamitie during trek.
- Personal expenses and trekking gears
- Gratuities for staff.
Why didn't AlpineTrav Include the price in the package?
Price for the trip:
- The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
- The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trekking itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
- The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
- Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
- The itinerary is published in full board services for the better understanding to the client. Among many options such as hotel facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the client can make his/her own choice
- The cost is also affected by the number of employees‒ guides and porters
- Please contact us for any information about in your selected package.
Nepal Visa Information
Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Visa Fees: A 15-day multiple-entry visa costs USD 30, a 30-day visa costs USD 50, and a 90-day visa costs USD 125.
Application Process: Visitors should fill out a visa application form, which is available online or at the airport, and provide a passport-sized photo and payment in cash.
Requirements: A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a blank page for the visa stamp is required. Ensure you carry sufficient USD cash for the visa fee as not all payment methods are accepted.
Useful Information
For your information, international flights and Nepal’s “entry visa fee” are not included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request a private room. So if you want to upgrade to better hotels in the cities, please contact us for your customized services.
Why trek with ALPINETRAV Treks & Expeditions?
At AlpineTrav, we aim to provide a wonderful holiday in our part of the world and ensure that our clients enjoy the holiday as much as possible with minimized risks and worry-free trips. All the logistical arrangements required for the trip will be made before your arrival, providing you with a hassle-free journey. On the trek, an experienced and medically trained guide with a high staff ratio will lead you. Considering the safety of our utmost priority, all our groups are backed up with oximeter, and medical kit, be it a group of 1 participant or 12 participants.
On the trek, all meals and accommodation are included, and we provide you with an option for an OPEN/CHOICE menu, meaning you can choose your meal straight from the menu. Our itineraries are also devised with every aspect in mind, such as acclimatization, to provide real-life experiences. We also provide each participant with a sleeping bag, down jacket, and waterproof duffel bag.
Lower Mustang housing
In Kathmandu, you stay at Hotel Vajra in Kathmandu near Swyambhunath, where you can relax and enjoy the greenery and breakfast will be provided in the hotel. In Pokhara, you will stay in a 3-star hotel located near the Lakeside area.
Moreever; During the trip, accommodation is in standard lodges run by local people. Rooms are basic, usually offering a bed with a pillow and blankets, but they provide wonderful views from the window. All lodges have a spacious dining room and lounge area. Rooms are not insulated or heated, and bathrooms are mostly shared. Blankets are generally provided, and we will also provide a warm sleeping bag for every traveler. Please note that some lodges can be very basic, so a sense of adventure is necessary. All accommodation is based on twin sharing. If you would like a single room, you can request it and pay the single supplement price as stated in the trip costing.
Group size of the lower Mustang
Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. But if the size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 12 people.
Guide to Lower Mustang
We have a deep passion for alpine adventure and outdoor activities, and with our small professional team, we have gained extensive experience on some of the most remote trails and highest peaks. We take great pride in calling ourselves ‘high-altitude adventure specialists’. Therefore, your trip will be led by a qualified guide with 1 assistant guide for every 4 participants.
Cost of Lower Mustang Trekking
Lower Mustang Trek’s standard cost is USD 1200 per person, which is all-inclusive. However, if you are a larger group, please contact us for group price and availability. Similarly, if you wish to tailor your private trip, the cost will also be affected. You’ll also be provided with sleeping bags, jackets, and duffel bags, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing equipment for one trek. We handle all the details so you can focus completely on your trek. Likewise, we also provide a customizable option for every group, which costs extra, depending on services. Upgrading hotels, adding extra services, or shortening the trip will impact the price of Lower Mustang Trek
Additional information
Other information such as (Insurance, Arrival Instructions, Visa and Passport etc) required for the trip will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require more information about the trip.
FAQs
To plan a trek and get off to a good start, it’s always a good idea to learn a little more about the area and even catch a few checkpoints. These FAQs will answer your most important question marks and provide tips to plan your trek with confidence. So, let’s get into them.
FAQs About Lower Mustang Trek
The treks around Jomsom are moderately difficult. The highest elevation is Muktinath at 3,762m/12,343ft, but all nights are spent below 3000 metres. It is suitable for both first-time and repeat visitors to Nepal, though a reasonable level of fitness and good health is required.
As Jomsom and Mustang are in the rain shadow of the Himalaya and receive little rainfall, this is one of the few places in Nepal that is ideal for trekking in the monsoon months (June to August). However, flights from Pokhara to Jomsom are frequently delayed at this time of year due to bad weather, so best to have a buffer of a couple days on either end to avoid missing any important connections. Like elsewhere in Nepal, spring (March-May) and fall (September to November) are also good times to go to Jomsom. but, Visiting in winter is not advised, as temperatures here get very cold, and many resources (including running water) become scarce in Mustang. Many locals shut their businesses.
Instead of heading east to Muktinath from Kagbeni, you can continue on to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. This adds another 8-10 days to this itinerary. Highlights include exploring the narrow streets of the old city of Lo Manthang and seeing the meditation caves cut into rock faces. Permits for trekking in Upper Mustang cost $500 for 10 days, and trekking must be done with a guide.
From Muktinath, you can join the Annapurna Circuit by crossing Thorong La (5416m). The Annapurna Circuit is one of the classic treks in Nepal, but crossing Thorong La is very difficult, and is best attempted only with proper preparation. The elevation gain will be rapid when crossing from Muktinath (3,762m), so it is important to descend to Thorong Phaedi (4540 m) on the same day. The pass often snows, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Generally, Thorong La is crossed from east to west.
The Lower Mustang trek is quite a safe destination. The locals of the region are very friendly and welcoming. However, due to complicated terrain and remote conditions, trekkers have to be well-prepared and physically fit. The primary safety considerations include altitude sickness, weather changes, and landslide potential, especially during the monsoon season.
Rest assured that you will be in good hands with our experienced trek leaders, who have multiple years of experience trekking in Nepal. All of our guides, known as, are locals with a deep understanding of the mountain, its people, culture, health, hygiene, and most importantly, your safety. They are fluent in English and will be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the trek. Our guides are passionate about their work and will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
The prices for trekking to Lower Mustang can vary depending on service level, itinerary, and group size. However, on average, the basic cost of trekking to Lower Mustang is about:
Standard Group Trek: USD 1250 – 1450 per person – all include
Private/Customized Trek: USD 1450 – 1750 – all include
Luxury: USD 2100 – all include
These typically include permits, domestic flights, guides, accommodation, meals, and festival access. Nonetheless, the exact cost will depend upon your itinerary, requirement of porters, transportation uses, standard of accommodation etc. Therefore, get in touch with us.
In Nepal, we have been leading treks to Lower Mustang for a long time. Our guides are local experts, well-versed in the history, customs and landscape of Mustang. We ensure that all the logistics – permits, accommodation, guides, transport – are handled smoothly, so you can enjoy a stress-free Lower Mustang Trek.
The gear listed below is recommended for high altitude and slightly challenging trip like Lower Mustang. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.
✔ Clothing and Footwear
Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
Trekking shoes
Inner wears
Warm Hat, Gloves, and Bandana/Scarf
Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
Thermal
Longsleeved shirts
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Warm socks
T-shirts
Down Jacket
Sleeping bag
Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
Trousers
Duffel/Kit Bag, Daypack 3035 litres (To carry your sunblock, water, camera, waterproof jackets and others that you may require while trekking)
Undergarments
✔ Documents
Flight tickets
Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
Travel Insurance (Please refer to the general information page for more details about it)
Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
Credit cards in case of emergencies
4 copies of passport-size photos for permits and official formalities
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)
✔ Others
Binoculars
A laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
Camera with charger or spare batteries
Padlock
Sunglasses with UV protection
Water bottle one (1) litre
Reading materials, notebooks, and pens
Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
Headlamps with extra batteries
A pair of trekking poles
✔ Toiletries and hygiene
Quick-drying towel
Small face towel
Toothbrush &Toothpaste
Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes
Hygiene products
Basic first aid kit
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