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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Duration: 10 Days
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Private A/C Vehicle, Flights
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Hotel/ Teahouse/ Lodge
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All meals are included
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Lower Mustang Trek Highlights
- 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 Lower Mustang Trek:
- This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The Lower Mustang trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please contact us.
10-Days Lower Mustang Trek Itinerary
We recommend that you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or afternoon. 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 where you will be served welcome drinks. After you have freshened up, your trek guide will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening.
Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street. Visit to Thamel, the main tourist hub. Overnight at Kathmandu's in a Hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
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.
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.
Accommodation: 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.
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.
Accommodation: 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.
Accommodation: 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.
Accommodation: 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
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
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
Upper Mustang Trek 10-Days Cost Details
Cost Includes
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
- Tea, coffee with Hot boiled water for drinking purposes on the trek
- Accommodation at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu for 3 nights
- All private ground transportation including airport transfers
- Internal flights (Pokhara to Jomsom and Pokhara).
- Accommodation at Hotel Mount View in Pokhara for 2 nights with
- Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses/lodges during the trek
- Annapurna conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card.
- Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 50 per person/per Day
- Experienced English speaking local trekking guide
- Assistant guide to client ratio for personalized attention and support
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers: Porterage of your duffel bag (15kgs)
- Duffle bag for porter use (1 duffel bag per trekker)
- Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicine
- Trekking Area Map, and Water Purifications Tablet
- Staffs salary, food, equipment, and insurance, included on-trip cost
- Official expense, all local and government tax and VAT.
- Sleeping bag if needed (it is refundable)
- Farewell celebratory dinner in Kathmandu with trek team
Cost Excludes
- International flight tickets and Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara during stay
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24. al equipment
- Personal hiking equipment
- Personal expenses. Additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as other events beyond control.
- Drinks except tea and coffee. (Bar Bill, laundry and telephone calls.)
- Travel Insurance: Liability of insurance against any kind of medical expenses etc.)
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
- Tips for treks guide and porter (it is appreciated)
10-Days Trip Cost Details
- 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 trip 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 Lower Mustang Trek itinerary has been published in 3-star hotel and tea house/lodge services for better understanding of the customers.
Please contact us on WhatsApp: +9779860751012 for any information about in your selected package.
Useful Info
Please take care to note: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Accommodations at Lower Mustang during a trek
We will provided you, comfortable Stays in Cities and on the Trail Your comfort is our priority, whether in the bustling city or the serene mountains: In Kathmandu: Stay at Hotel Moonlight or a similar hotel, offering modern amenities for a relaxing experience and Pokhara stay at Hotel Mount View Pokhara Room Arrangement: are on a twin-sharing basis, and during trek stay in teahouse/lodge, known for their warmth and hospitality.
Meals at Lower Mustang during the trek
During the trek, meals are typically served in teahouses, offering a variety of Nepali and international dishes. Which you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.).
- Breakfast and Dinner (On OPEN/CHOICE Menu) Served at the teahouse where you will spend the night.
- Lunch: Provided en route to the next destination, offering flexibility to enjoy the day’s journey.
- Special Touch: Breakfasts are provided your stay in Kathmandu, Pokhara and you will also enjoy a specially prepared farewell dinner to celebrate the end of the trek.
How difficult is the Lower Mustang Trek?
The Lower Mustang Trek, which reaches a maximum elevation of 3,762 meters/12,343 feet, is considered a moderate difficulty grade. However, it is not as comfortable as an easy trek and not as strenuous as a difficult trek. Like most treks, you can modify the difficulty level of the Lower Mustang Trek to suit your needs to some extent. Because, there is no fixed standard for defining the difficulty grade of a trek.
The difficulty level depends on the ability of the individual. Therefore, depending on the trails you use, the places you trek, and the time you trek, you can modify the difficulty level of your trek. You can also make the trek easier by preparing for it in advance. You can do this by preparing physically and mentally for the journey, eating a balanced diet, and choosing a favorable weather for the trek.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek Highlights
The Jomsom Muktinath trek highlights a spiritual and scenic journey in Nepal, featuring the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m), the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, and the dry, Tibetan-like landscape of Mustang. Key experiences include bathing in 108 water spouts, searching for sacred Shaligram fossils, visiting Marpha’s apple orchards, and exploring ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Muktinath Temple (3,800m): A revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for 108 water spouts, the eternal flame (Jwala Mai Temple), and as a place for achieving salvation.
The Kali Gandaki Gorge: Often cited as the deepest gorge in the world, carved by the Kali Gandaki River, offering stunning, dramatic landscapes.
Unique Mustang Landscape: Experience a rain-shadow region, resulting in a arid, desert-like, and windy terrain that resembles the Tibetan plateau.
Cultural Immersion: Discover the Thakali culture, visit traditional villages like Kagbeni and Marpha, and tour ancient, white-washed monasteries.
Shaligram Fossils: The Kali Gandaki Riverbank is known for finding black fossilized ammonites, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
Panoramic Mountain Views: Stunning, close-up views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri Himalayan ranges.
Scenic Flight/Drive: A breathtaking, short flight or scenic drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, offering aerial views of the Himalayas.
Marpha Village: Famous for its picturesque, traditional architecture and extensive apple orchards (and local apple brandy).
This tour not only offers a view of the diverse landscape including mountains, culture and rural settlements of the Nepali people, but also provides mental peace and spiritual bliss. Therefore, the touring site itself is so pure and loving that nobody remains unhappy and emotionally unattached. The place is rich not only in natural beauty but also full of innocent people.
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.
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 following information will give you some ideas on what to bring for a hike. It is important not to forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the hike. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the hike. That is why we have listed some below.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket
- Duffle bag
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note that our guide will carry medicine and first aid kit during the trek. However, we recommend that you bring your own personal first aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous – but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
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