Lower Mustang Trek – 11 Days

Lower Mustang Trekking offers an opportunity to witness diversity in natural and cultural aspects with a visit to the popular pilgrimage site of Muktinath temple. From tropical forested lands at a lower altitude to Tibetan influenced trans-Himalayan landscapes at higher grounds, everyone with fit physical fitness can join this adventure within 14 days of time frame. Along the course of our Lower Mustang Trekking, we pass through Poonhill viewpoint that offers excellent views of Annapurna Himalayas. Encounter the best of nature, culture, and adventure by joining Lower Mustang Trekking.

We begin our Lower Mustang Trekking after your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu followed by next day sightseeing tour around UNESCO world heritage sites of Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square. In this way, we complete our necessary trekking preparations and either take a drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

We enjoy our day at naturally blessed lake city of Pokhara by boating on Phewa Lake and start trekking towards beautiful Sarangkot hill. Further, leaving behind, nandanda, we drive to Nayapul and trek to Birethanti and Tikhedhunga before heading towards Ghorepani the next day. Continuing our Lower Mustang Trekking, we get an exclusive opportunity to capture the best sunrise views of Annapurna Himalayas, Dhaulagiri, and other neighboring peaks.

Tatopani is our next destination, famous for natural hot springs. Taking a warm water bath at Tatopani is believed to be a natural cure to various illnesses. Tatopani is also commonly known as the entrance to the Mustang region. Then we head towards beautiful Ghasa, Tukuche, Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni in next couple of days that gives us an exclusive chance to witness the diversity from both natural and cultural point of view.

We finally arrive at the popular pilgrimage site of Muktinath temple holding great importance for both Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims. Nearby, visit monasteries, watching an eternal flame would be other attractions there at Muktinath. The next day, we trek back to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara with a visit to nearby popular attractions like David falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Seti river gorge, etc. And we conclude our Lower Mustang Trek as we get back to Kathmandu.

As Mustang region lies in the rain shadow area and receives less rainfall, Lower Mustang Trekking can be joined during any time of the year. However, the best seasons for trekking in Nepal are during the autumn months of September, October, November, and spring months of March, April, and May. To join this trek, previous experience is not mandatory but a good level of physical fitness is required allowing you to enjoy the trip to the fullest. 

Lower Mustang Trek Highlights

• Walking through cultivated fields, excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna families.
• Experience the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali ethnic groups and their local lifestyles.
• 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.

Lower Mustang Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu – Arrival Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour – Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square

Day 3: Fly Pokhara – Boat Trip Phewa Lake, Trek to Sarangkot

Day 4: Trek to Nandanda, Drive Nayapul, Trek to Birethanti & Tikedhunga

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani

Day 6: Sunrise Poon Hill, Trek Tatopani – Hot Springs

Day 7: Trek to Ghasa in Mustang District

Day 8: Trek to Tukuche

Day 9: Trek via Marpha & Jomson to Kagbeni

From Marpha we will follow a broad trail that goes along the east bank of the river towards Ekla Bhatti. From here we will continue to trek along the bottom of the valley to reach the village of Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a settlement of narrow flagstone paved paths and houses with flat rooftops. Beyond the village, we can enjoy stunning views of the gompa with Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri rising above us.

Day 10: Trek via Jharkot to Muktinath. Visit Temple & Eternal Flame

Leaving Kagbeni we will follow the trail that ascends steeply to the upper valley with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and the Kali Gandaki Valley. We will pass through one of the oldest villages in the region – the village of Jharkot where the culture and tradition are largely influenced by Tibetan culture. From there we will climb all the way to reach an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist and Hindus – Muktinath. The holy shrine is a Buddhist gompa and a pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. From here we can enjoy magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and other chains of snow-topped high peaks.

Day 11: Trek back to Jomson

Day 12: Fly to Pokhara. Tour Pokhara – David Falls, Shiva Cave, Seti Gorge

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 14: Final departure