Trek Duration
6 Days
Max Trekking Altitude
3710m
Trek Grade
Moderate
Accommodation
Teahouse
Hours of Walking
5-7 Hours
Area
Lower Mustang
Best Time to go
Mar - Nov
Highlights
Trip Details
Spiritual Encounters in an Ancient Buddhist Kingdom
Lower Mustang Trekking involves rising in and out of the huge Kali Gandaki Valley while crossing high-altitude desert terrain. The gorge through which the Kali Gandaki River flows is the deepest in the world in some areas. This area is home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal as well as centuries-old, remote villages with charming whitewashed buildings.
You can hike to lower Mustang without a Mustang Restricted Permit because the hikes are short, scenic, and easy and on the lower area. The area passes via Nepal's oldest monastery, largest protected area for wildlife- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), and diverse population. The journey to Jomsom, through Pokhara, is the first section of the trek to Lower Mustang.
Day 1: Fly to Pokhara and Overnight
To start off your trekking journey, our team in Kathmandu will assist in transferring you to the airport for your domestic flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, our representatives will be waiting to drive you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to enjoy Pokhara at your leisure, whether it's exploring the city, taking leisurely strolls, or simply relaxing at your hotel to prepare for the adventures awaiting you the next day.
Note: KTM to PKR (35 min flight)
Day 2: Fly to Jomsom and drive to Dhumba Lake
After breakfast, our team will help you load your luggage onto our vehicles. We will move towards the Pokhara airport for your short flight to Jomsom. Upon arrival, we will drive to our first destination which is the Dhumba lake. You will be greeted by turquoise lake and an amazing view of the mountain surrounding the lake. A picture-perfect spot to unwind and take in the scenery. After enjoying the serene surroundings, we will return to our hotel in Jomsom, allowing ample time to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Note: PKR-JOMSOM: 20 mins flight, Jomsom (2720m), Jomsom to Dhumba Lake: 20 mins drive.
Day 3: Start trek to Kagbeni and overnight at lodge
After breakfast, we will begin our trek to Kagbeni. As we hike along the trail, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri to the north, and the Annapurna Massif to the south. The terrain may exhibit arid, desert-like features typical of this region, with the Kali Gandaki River flowing alongside, enhancing the unique charm of the trek.
Keep an eye out for traditional Tibetan houses and small farms, which reflect the cultural blend of this area.
Kagbeni is perched atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers, offering a stunning backdrop. Take breaks along the way to admire the scenery and capture the beauty of the surroundings. Our aim is to reach Kagbeni by lunchtime, where we will stay overnight at a lodge.
Note: Kagbeni (2810m) – Time taken: 3 hours
Day 4: Trek to Jharkot – Visit Red Gompa and overnight at lodge.
After breakfast, we will begin our trek towards Jharkot. The trail from Kagbeni to Jharkot involves a steep ascent, and the elevation will increase significantly. It's important to take breaks along the way to acclimatize to the altitude and ensure a comfortable journey.
Upon reaching Jharkot, we will visit Red Gompa (monastery) at the village. This ancient Gompa, over 500 years old, belongs to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. We would be able enjoy stunning views down the valley and towards the famous Thorong La pass i.e. the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Later in the evening, we will settle into our lodge in Jharkot, where you can unwind and rest after the day's trekking adventure.
Note: Jharkot (3550m), Red Gompa (3519m) – Time taken: 4 hours
Day 5: Day trip to Muktinath
Today, we will embark on a day trip to Muktinath which stands as an important pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters in the Mustang district of Nepal, this sacred temple offers a serene and spiritually uplifting experience for thousands of pilgrims who journey to its hallowed grounds each year.
Visiting Muktinath Temple is a unique and profound experience, offering spiritual seekers a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
Note: Jharkot – Muktinath: 3 hours; exploration time: 2 hours
Day 6: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra Valley
After breakfast, we will take a slightly different route to Jomson via Lupra village. Lupra village is a hidden gem nestled in the Panda Khola gorge between Kagbeni and Jomsom along the Mustang and Annapurna Circuit trails. It is a trail away from the usual trekking crowds. As we trek through Lupra Valley, you'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient Bon Po monastery, a rare and significant site representing the Bon tradition that predates Buddhism. Lunch breaks would be provided along the way.
Upon reaching Jomson, we'll settle into one of the teahouses for the night.
Note: Bon Po Gompa (2790m), Time taken: 5 hours
Day 7: Fly to Pokhara – leisure time and overnight at hotel
Our staff will assist you with your luggage after the breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, the day is yours to enjoy leisure time at your own pace. You can opt to relax at the hotel, take a stroll along the lakeside, visit local markets, souvenir shops, places or explore the vibrant town of Pokhara.
Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel for the night
After breakfast, our representative will assist you with a smooth transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, our representatives will ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel.
Itinerary
Day 2. Fly to Jomsom and drive to Dhumba Lake
Day 3. Start trek to Kagbeni and overnight at lodge
Day 4. Trek to Jharkot – Visit Red Gompa and overnight at lodge
Day 5. Day trip to Muktinath
Day 6. Trek to Jomsom via Lupra Valley
Day 7. Fly to Pokhara – leisure time and overnight at hotel
Day 8. Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel for the night
Confirmation of booking
We will require an advance deposit of US$ 200 per person in order to hold your booking on a secure basis with the balance to be paid prior to your arrival in Nepal.
Terms and Conditions
Arrangements may be cancelled at any time but the cancellation should be communicated to us in writing. Since cancellation incurs administrative costs, we will retain any deposit paid and in addition will apply cancellation charges as follows.
Period before departure within which written cancellation is received, and sum of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the package price:
Any unforeseen cost increases beyond our control will be passed on directly to the guest, whenever such increases occur.
This could include (but is not limited to) such items as airfares, fuel costs, government taxes, currency exchange variations, etc. In some cases, an increase might also be applicable if group numbers drop below the originally costed number.
Change of Itinerary
We reserve the right to change or alter any itinerary at any time for reasons beyond our control. These could include but are not limited to adverse weather conditions, cancellation of flights or government restrictions in certain areas.
Whenever we are forced to make such late changes, we will always endeavor to give guests as much advance notice as possible and to ensure that the alternate itinerary achieves, insofar as possible, the objectives of the original tour.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+977 (01) 4511 225
Mountain Travel Nepal
House No : 309
Shree Marga 1,Khursanitar
Kathmandu, Nepal
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