Lower Mustang Trek
Lower Mustang Trek is the most popular substitute for Upper Mustang Trek, which is naturally endowed with a blend of cultural and geographical diversity. As the Jomsom-Muktinath journey has been disrupted by road construction, we have designed an amazing off-the-beaten Lower Mustang trek via pre-Buddhist bon communities, with optional side trips to Dhumba Lake and Dhaulagiri Ice Fall. We take a picturesque flight from Pokhara or fly through the world's deepest valley, Kali Gandaki, to Jomsom and then hike to Kagbeni, Muktinath, Lupra, and Thini villages en route to Kalopani. Muktinath is one of the most significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and you will encounter austere sadhus carrying tridents and more than a blanket along the road. On the route to Kali Gandaki, people are selling saligram, a black stone that, when split, shows the petrified remains of prehistoric ammonites that inhabited this area more than 140 million years ago.
It is thought that 'Visnu in Stone' is a fable about the god Visnu turning into stone after seducing the beautiful and virtuous Vrinda. We descend to Tatopani via the picturesque Thakali town of Marpha (2,680 m), a popular among trekkers for its spectacular kanis. And at Marpha is the large Samtenling Gompa. You can take a therapeutic soak in the 60-degree-Celsius-hot pond of Tatopani's natural hot spring. You will trek through the Kali Gandaki Valley, which was the principal trading route between Tibet and India centuries before you arrived. This Lower Mustang Trek promises travelers a breathtaking environment of natural wonders, magnificent Himalayan vistas, and distinct ethnic culture.
Lower Mustang Trek Highlights
The Lower Mustang Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and accessibility. There are several reasons why people choose to embark on the Lower Mustang Trek.
Scenic Beauty: The Lower Mustang region is characterized by its breathtaking landscapes, which include towering mountains, deep valleys, and barren landscapes that resemble deserts. The trek offers magnificent views of iconic peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, along with unique rock formations and gorges.
Cultural Experience: The Lower Mustang region is home to people of Tibetan descent who have a rich and distinct culture. Trekkers have the opportunity to visit traditional villages, monasteries, and ancient caves that hold historical and religious significance. The town of Kagbeni is particularly renowned for its medieval architecture and Tibetan influence.
Accessibility: The starting point of the Lower Mustang Trek is usually the town of Jomsom, which is accessible by a short flight from Pokhara. This makes it relatively easy for trekkers to reach the trailhead without the need for long bus journeys or strenuous hikes.
Moderate Difficulty: The Lower Mustang Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for a wide range of trekkers, including beginners. The highest point of the trek is Muktinath, which is around 3,800 meters above sea level, so trekkers have the opportunity to experience higher altitudes without the extreme challenges of more demanding treks.
Diverse Landscapes: The Lower Mustang Trek offers a variety of landscapes, from lush river valleys to arid desert-like terrain. This diversity in scenery adds to the allure of the trek, as trekkers get to experience a range of natural environments within a relatively short span of time.
Teahouse Accommodation: The trail is dotted with teahouses, which are basic lodges that provide accommodation and meals for trekkers. This eliminates the need to carry heavy camping gear, making the trek more accessible and convenient.
Less Crowded: While some of the more popular trekking regions in Nepal can get quite crowded, the Lower Mustang Trek tends to be less crowded, especially compared to routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit. This can provide a more peaceful and immersive trekking experience.
Religious Sites: The trek passes through places like Muktinath, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The sacred temples and monasteries in this area add a spiritual dimension to the trek.
Overall, the Lower Mustang Trek offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and accessibility that appeals to a wide range of trekkers looking for a memorable Himalayan adventure.
The Best time for Lower Mustang Trek
The best time for the Lower Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions and provide the best trekking experience. Both spring and autumn offer fantastic trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its blooming flowers and lush landscapes, while autumn offers clearer skies and vibrant cultural experiences. It's important to note that the Lower Mustang region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, making it a more feasible option during the monsoon season (June to August) as well. However, the views might not be as clear, and some trails could be affected by landslides.
Duration : 14 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Drive to Pokhara (900m).
Day 3 - Fly Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni.
Day 4 - Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m) 3 hours.
Day 5 - Day excursion to Muktinath and hike to Lupra.
Day 6 - Trek to Phalyak (3,229m).
Day 7 - Side Hike to Dhumba Tal & Trek to Thini Village (2,840 m) (2,830m).
Day 8 - Trek to village Chimang (2,850m).
Day 9 - Trek to Kalapani (2,530m).
Day 10 - Trek to Larjung Village.
Day 11 - Trek to Jomsom via Marpha.
Day 12 - Flight to Pokhara and relaxation.
Day 13 - Drive Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Day 14 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.