• Duration 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Price from $1029 / person
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 3900 Meter

Trip Overview of Lower Mustang Trek

Lower Mustang Trek is the most sought-after alternative of Upper Mustang Trek which is naturally blessed with a blend of cultural and geographical diversity. As the Jomsom Muktinath trek has been destroyed by road building; we created an awesome off-the-beaten Lower Mustang trek through pre-Buddhist bon villages and a side trip to Dhumba Lake and Dhaulagiri Ice Fall also can be added. We take a scenic flight from Pokhara or fly over the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni then to Muktinath, and Lupra and Thini villages toward Kalopani. Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists and you encounter ascetic sadhus carrying a trident and more than a blanket on the way. We see people selling saligram along the way to Kali Gandaki, a black stone that, when broken opens reveals the fossilized remains of prehistoric ammonites that lived here more than 140 million years ago, 

It is believed that ‘Visnu in Stone’ a legendary god Visnu, was turned into stone by the beautiful and virtuous Vrinda when he seduced her. We trek down to Tatopani through the beautiful Thakali village of Marpha(2680m), the place of the trekker's favorite, impressive kanis. And there is big Samtenling Gompa at Marpha. You can take a healing bath in the pond of natural hot springs in Tatopani which is 60 degrees Celsius hot. You will walk through the Kali Gandaki Valley which was centuries before the primary trade route between Tibet and India. This Lower Mustang Trek guarantees visitors a wonderful landscape of natural beauties, great Himalayan scenery, and unique tribal culture.

Getting there and out

The easiest and most comfortable access is taking a flight from Pokhara - the quickest way of getting to Lower Mustang. Usually, all the flights are in the morning to escape strong winds that whip through Mustang by the afternoon. It is an amazing Mountain View flight soaring over the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki with Dhaulagiri and Tukuche to the west, and Nilgiri Central and Annapurna to the east.

Alternatively; now Mustang is linked by road to Pokhara. Taking a local bus or private jeep between Pokhara and Jomsom is the ‘adventurous’ choice, but can take more than ten hours along rough and bumpy roads. It is also possible to trek the whole way there from Tatopani, Lower Mustang is located on the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, so it would be possible to add these day trips onto that much longer trip.

When is the best time to trek in Lower Mustang? 

This part gets less rain making it the best route to hike in Nepal during monsoon whereas most other parts of the country are wet in June, July, and August, so this trek can be one of the best treks for those who can allow holiday in rainy season as the area is under the rain shadow. But think that the chances of flights getting canceled are high because of bad weather in the southern part of the Himalayas, the roads can also be quite unfaithful, as the rain causes them muddy and slippery, and can trigger landslides. Alternatively, spring (March-May) and autumn (September to mid-November) are good times to visit. Bring enough warm clothing if you are trekking in Winter (Dec to early March)

How Much is Lower Mustang Trek Permit Cost? 

While the Upper Mustang trek requires an expensive permit of USD 500 for 10 days, this isn't essential if you're trekking in Lower Mustang so this is the best alternative trek to the Upper Mustang in terms of traveling in budget. For the area you only need a cheaper permit (Rs 3000, or approx. USD 30 for ACAP; and TIMS Car Rs 2000 per person.

Route and Itinerary

Lower Mustang aka Jomsom Muktinath trekking trail is fast changing because of the road extension to the Tibet border of Korala in Upper Mustang that left a bad impact on the trekking trail. So Wilderness Excursion has revived this beautiful trekking trail by adding some of the isolated beautiful villages with alternatives to the trail that reward travelers by experiencing Tibetan and Thakali typical culture, pre-Buddhist religion, Animism, and traditional practices in lower Mustang.

Short itinerary
Day 01: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) & trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 02: Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m)
Day 03: Day trip to Muktinath & trek to Lupra village (3,668 m)
Day 04: Trek to Phalyak (3,229 m)
Day 05: Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830 m)
Day 06: Trek to Chimang village (2,850 m)
Day 07: Trek to Kalapani (2,530 m)
Day 08: Trek to Titi village (2,679 m) & Side Hike to Titi Lake
Day 09: Trek to Larjung(2,550 m)
Day 10: Trek to Marpha (2,670 m)
Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m) and fly back to PKR

Extended itinerary
Day 01: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 02: Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m)
Day 03: Day trip to Muktinath
Day 04: Trek to Lupra village (3,668 m)
Day 05: Trek to Phalyak (3,229 m)
Day 06: Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830 m)
Day 07: Trek to Chimang village (2,850 m)
Day 08: Trek to Kalapani (2,530 m)
Day 09: Trek to Titi village (2,679 m) & Side Hike to Titi Lake
Day 10: Trek to Larjung(2,550 m)
Day 11: Rest day at Larjung-Hike to Dhaulagiri Icefall
Day 12: Trek to Marpha (2,670 m)
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (837m)

How Difficult is Lower Mustang Trek?

This trekking route is all above 2700 meters from the sea level but the trail is pleasing as the path is criss-crossed by the road so the treks around Jomsom are moderately difficult. The maximum altitude is at Muktinath which is 3710 meters, but all nights are spent below 3000 meters. It is suitable for both first-time and repeated visitors to Nepal, however a reasonable level of fitness and good health is essential, and keep in mind that trekking in the Himalayas is an adventure! 

Highlights

  • Views of Tibet-like plateau as you are trekking to lower Mustang
  • The panoramic views of giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal 
  • The Hindu and Buddhist sacred site of Muktinath Temple
  • Monasteries in Tukuche, Marpha, Kagbeni, Jharkot, and Muktinath
  • Fly over the world’s deepest Kaligandaki gorge

 

Itinerary

Expand all + Collapse all -

This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause to change of day to day plan

Take a short but scenic flight in the morning to a stunning town of Jomsom. A twenty minutes' flight with a very close up view of Annapurna range takes you to the mountain town of Jomsom. Feel welcomed by the mountain air in Jomsom and start the trek of the day to Kagbeni along the bank of Kali Gandaki river. A four hours gentle walk takes you to this beautiful place in the middle of the mountains. Enjoy the view of the mountains.

  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2858m
  • Kagbeni

Wake up early to a beautiful morning, take breakfast and start the walk of the day to Jharkot - an uphill walk 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.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3,550 m
  • Jharkot Village

Visit to Muktinath - a significant pilgrimage place of both Buddhists and Hindus, and a great example of religions interfaith. Local Buddhist nuns care take the site, thousands of Indian devotees, Tibet, and Nepal come here on pilgrimage for purification and salvation. It is said that throughout history many kings throughout Asia did the same. 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. Overnight in Lupra village – a less traveled place.  

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Home Stay
  • 3668m
  • Lupra

Follow the middle way to the village of Phalyak. Once you arrive at the bank of the Kaligandaki River, continue towards the confluence point of the river where several small tributaries fuse to form a rapidly gushing Kaligandaki River. Cross a bridge and then, walk parallel to the Kolungba Khola, originating from the Tashikang peak and its surrounding glaciers. Within a short while, you will be at Phalyak, a rarely explored pristine village of the Mustang region. Because of the isolation of the village from the main route, only a few put their eye to it. This place is perfect for enjoying the unblemished Tibetan cultures and rituals.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Catch the side trip trekking route to Jomsom (as highlighted in the Upper & Lower Mustang map of Himalayan Map House). A pleasing trail as the brownie mountain keep tracking your footsteps. Yet, on this isolated segment, you will come across some Chortens on the way, wrapped by the prayer flags. This shows the influence of Buddhism in higher regions of Nepal. Within a couple of minutes, you will show up at Hadigaon, after crossing a bridge. Then, continue towards the Thinigaon.

After checking and having lunch; go for an hour of a side trip to Dhumba Tal (Lake), the exquisite lake to release all the samsaric pressure. The water is pristine and looks untouched for centuries. Enjoy the moments at the lake and return to Thinigaon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Home Stay
  • 2,840 m
  • Thini village

From here, the way to Chimang gaun goes through the impressive stone settlements. The place is exquisite, and the alleyways are formed by placing the flat stone slabs below. The people of this village are also called Chimba. Most of them are Buddhists, so you may as well catch an insight into their lifestyle and cultures. Young kids of the village will come after you for a photograph and they look amazing ahead of the mountains. Take time out to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where they sell their handmade handicraft items and souvenirs.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Home Stay
  • 2,850m
  • Chimang village

From Chimanggaon, descend to the Kalapani. The more you progress on the trail, the better the views become. The snowy pinnacles, rising above the northeastern Himalayas, accompany throughout the trail, particularly the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (meaning Blue Ridge). The path is completely off-the-beaten and leads you through some of the exquisite locations on the planet. Once you arrive at Kalopani, stroll around the villages and monasteries as it is fun doing that.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2,530m
  • Kalapani

Walk down hill from Ghandruk to Syauli Bazaar then flat pleasing walk to Nayapul and drive back civilization, Pokhara. Rest and relax after 5 days hiking. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2550m
  • Larjung Village

After creating some of the exquisite and living memories at Larjung, head towards another wonderful village of Marpha for lunch break. At a glance, Marpha looks like a rainbow, but all of the same colors- black. The houses are stone-made, and the flat slabs, placed on the alleys, create an intriguing atmosphere. From this village, the astounding peak of the Nilgiri dominates the views and they appear simply fabulous. At Marpha, explore the local hamlets and spend some time talking with the locals then head to Jomsom for last night in the trekking.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2700m
  • Jomsom

Catch the early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and spend the rest of the time exploring the natural sites of Pokhara. It is a lot of fun doing that.

  • Breakfast
  • Not included
  • 800m
  • Pokhara
Customized Trip

What's Included

  • A registered, English-speaking, and friendly local guide.
  • 1 Shared porter between two trekkers to carry your main pack. 
  • Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches 9 Dinners.
  • Round flight fare of Jomsom and airport taxes. 
  • Guide and porter fee with all their expenses.
  • Lower Mustang Trek Permits. 
  • Taxes and documentation fees. 

What's Excluded

  • Accommodation, meals, and transfers in Kathmandu & Pokhara.  
  • Bar and beverage drinks. 
  • Hot shower and hot water, laundry, and toiletries.
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls. 
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Tips for your guide and porter.

Availabilities

Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd is a local tour operator so we guaranty small private groups departures any dates that suits your date and time.
Start Date End Date Status Note Price  
March 23, 2024 April 01, 2024 Available US$1029
March 30, 2024 April 08, 2024 Available US$1029

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