Lower Mustang trekking 12 days
Trip over view:
The Lower Mustang trek, located north of Pokhara, showcases Nepal's spectacular diversity at its finest. This captivating journey through the Mustang region offers a blend of cultural richness and stunning natural beauty, with deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The terrain varies from subtropical jungles to high, dry landscapes resembling the Tibetan Plateau.
This is the most popular trekking region, attracting over 75% of all trekkers (more than 30,000 annually). It's also one of the most accessible areas, with excellent lodges lining the main routes. Although it can be challenging to find the essence of Nepal beneath the influx of trekkers, the scenery and culture are exceptional. By avoiding the peak-season rush, you can still enjoy fine weather and stunning views.
The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom. The mountain views are spectacular, and the route crosses to the other side of the main Himalayan range, offering unusual perspectives of the northern flanks.
Along the trek route, charming villages provide a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. The main destination of this trek, Muktinath Temple, is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. Muktinath is a stunning blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, making it a memorable destination for trekkers and pilgrims alike.
Highlight of Lower Mustang Trekking:
Scenic Flight: Enjoy a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomrom to Pokhara.
Adventure Drive: An adventurous drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley, setting the tone for your trek with breathtaking views.
Jomsom: Known for its apple orchards and stunning views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks, Jomsom is a charming starting point for the trek.
Kagbeni Village: A picturesque village with traditional Tibetan-style houses and ancient monasteries, Kagbeni offers a unique cultural experience.
Muktinath Temple: A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath Temple is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. It is known for its natural gas flame and 108 water spouts.
Kali Gandaki Gorge: Trek through the world's deepest gorge, surrounded by towering peaks and dramatic landscapes.
Cultural Insights: Experience the well-preserved Tibetan culture of the Thakali people, visiting ancient monasteries and interacting with local communities.
Spectacular Mountain Views: Throughout the trek, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Diverse Terrain: Traverse a variety of landscapes, from subtropical jungles to high, arid plateaus resembling the Tibetan Plateau.
Photography Opportunities: The trek offers countless opportunities for photography, capturing the stunning natural beauty and unique cultural elements of the region.
Difficulty: Lower Mustang Trek is generally classified as moderate difficulty. It's suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers with good health and basic fitness levels. The trek involves an average of 5-6 hours of walking each day, with the highest point reaching around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet)
Best Season: The best seasons to trek Lower Mustang are spring (second week to February to first week of May) and (second week of September to first week of December).
Autumn second week of September to second week of December: During these times, the weather is generally clear and dry, offering stunning views of the mountains and lush landscapes. The temperatures are also moderate, making it comfortable for trekking.
Spring (second week to February to first week May): Spring brings blooming flowers and vibrant colors, while autumn offers crisp air and golden foliage. Both seasons provide excellent trekking conditions and are considered peak trekking times in Nepal.
General itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345m). Our Airport Representative transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle.
Day 02: After breakfast transfer domestic airport. Flight to Pokhara then drive to hotel and afternoon visit lake side and rest. Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara. Flight for 25 minutes then driving for 20 minutes.
Day 03: Drive Pokhara to Marpha (2727m) by Jeep – 7 hours.
Day 04: Marpha to Kagbeni (2804m) via Dhumba and Thini Village. Walking 6 Hours
Day 05: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3805m) via Jhong village. Walking 5:30 Hours
Day 06: Visit around Muktinath. Walking 4 hours.
Day 07: Muktinath to Jomsom via Lupra village. Walking 5:30 hours
Day 08: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight. Flight 30 minutes
Day 09: In Pokhara. Free day or city tour on request.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu private tourist vehicles. Walking 6:30 hours.
Day 11: In Kathmandu. Free day or city tour on request.
Day 12: The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal. Driving 7.5 km – 10 minutes
Details itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345m). Our Airport Representative transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle.
Our airport representative will display a company board with your name upon your arrival. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you'll receive a briefing on the trekking itinerary, a check of your equipment, and an introduction to your trekking staff.
Day 02: After breakfast transfer domestic airport. Flight to Pokhara then drive to hotel and afternoon visit lake side and rest. Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive Pokhara to Marpha (2727m) by Jeep – 7 hours.
The journey from Pokhara to Marpha is not just a drive but an adventure through diverse and stunning landscapes, providing an unforgettable experience of Nepal's natural and cultural beauty. The drive by Jeep offers stunning and diverse scenery, including lush green valleys, rivers and waterfalls, charming villages, mountain views, deep gorges and cliffs, arid landscapes of Mustang, and apple orchards in Marpha.
Day 04: Marpha to Kagbeni (2804m) via Dhumba and Thini Village. Walking 6 Hours
Trekking from Marpha to Kagbeni via Dhumba and Thini Village offers an array of captivating scenery that highlights the unique beauty of the Mustang region. You’ll be surrounded by lush apple orchards, for which Marpha is famous, along with terraced fields that showcase traditional Nepali agriculture. Near the village of Thini, you can explore Dhumba Lake, a serene glacial lake offering picturesque views and a tranquil setting, perfect for a peaceful rest stop.
Kagbeni itself is a historic village with ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and mani walls (stone walls inscribed with prayers). It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. As you approach Kagbeni, the landscape transitions to the characteristic arid and rocky terrain of the Mustang region, with striking geological formations and a desert-like environment.
Day 05: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3805m) via Jhong village. Walking 5:30 Hours
The trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath via Jhong Village offers some of the most stunning and diverse scenery in the Mustang region. The journey is a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for trekkers. You'll traverse the characteristic arid and rocky terrain of Mustang, with its unique geological formations and stark, desert-like environment. Jhong Village, with its traditional stone houses, narrow alleys, and ancient monasteries, offers a glimpse into the local culture and way of life, adding a charming and historical touch to the trek. Throughout the journey, you'll also enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Day 06: Visit around Muktinath. Walking 4 hours.
Muktinath is a destination rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. You'll be treated to magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with towering snow-capped peaks set against the arid landscape, which is truly breathtaking. The sacred Muktinath Temple is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It features 108 water spouts and eternal flames, symbolizing purification and enlightenment.
In addition to Muktinath Temple, you can visit other significant sites such as Jwala Mai Temple, Muktidhara, Ranipauwa Village and its monasteries, the Two Holy Ponds, Mharme Lhakhang Gompa, and Sangdo Gompa.
Day 07: Muktinath to Jomsom via Lupra village. Walking 5:30 hours
The trek from Muktinath to Jomsom via Lupra Village is a journey through some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in Nepal, offering a memorable experience filled with natural beauty and cultural richness. Along the way, you'll be encircled by panoramic mountain views and traverse arid and rocky landscapes with unique geological formations. Additionally, you can explore traditional local culture and way of life, with its ancient Bonpo monastery, stone houses, and narrow alleys at Lupra Village, a charming and culturally rich stop on your trek.
Day 08: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight. Flight 30 minutes
This short flight provides an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Nepal from a unique vantage point. The aerial views create an unforgettable experience, capturing the essence of the region’s stunning scenery. You'll get breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with the sight of these towering mountains from above being truly awe-inspiring. As you approach Pokhara, you'll start to see the city’s expansive landscape, including Phewa Lake, with its serene water reflecting the surrounding hills and the Annapurna range.
Day 09: In Pokhara. Free day or city tour on request.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu private tourist vehicles. Walking 6:30 hours.
The drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu presents a spectacular array of scenery that highlights the diverse beauty of Nepal, including lush green valleys, river views, hills and mountain ranges, charming villages, and rural farmland.
Day 11: In Kathmandu. Free day or city tour on request.
Day 12: The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal. Driving 7.5 km – 10 minutes
Lower Mustang trek - 12 days cost as follows:
Group size minimum group size 2– USD 1515 per person
Service includes:
: : All the ground transportation by private car/Van/Jeep/Hiace/Coster/Bus depend on the group size while in Pick up/drop off in Kathmandu/Pokhara and Pokhara to Marpha by Jeep.
: : Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast at 3 stars level.
: : Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom to Pokhara with airport tax.
: : Twin sharing comfortable and clean private room in trekking.
: : Trip Map.
: : Meals three times a day( Breakfast, Lunch, dinner) for you.
: : An experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and English-speaking trekking guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek (2 trekkers:1 porter).
: : Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment’s, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter.
: : Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
: : Four season sleeping bag and down jackets to use for trekking, if necessary.
: : All necessary paper works and Annapurna conservation entry permits.
: : Travel & Rescue arrangement ( should covered by your insurance company)
: : TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
: : All our government taxes, vat, local tax, tourist service charges.
Service Excludes:
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All kinds drinks in trekking.
- Personal equipment.
-Travel and rescue insurance.
- Extra personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, laundry, shower, excess baggage charges)
-Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
-Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.