• Duration:8 Nights 9 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude: 3800m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Lower Mustang Trekking

Lower Mustang Trekking also known as the trek to ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’, is one of the most exciting and adventurous trekking in the barren landscape of Annapurna region. It is situated in the northern part of Himalaya besides the southern part of enormous Tibetan plateau. During this trek, one can experience the absolute desolated outlooks of Lower Mustang stippled with Tibetan Buddhist cultural allurements and witness the largest protected biodiversity area in Nepal traversing through some of the pristine monasteries and unique lifestyle of people living in this region. Lower Mustang Trekking explores natural delicacies in addition with the archival background of its own era as this isolated region presents the glance of Tibet. Trip grade of Lower Mustang Trekking is moderate and is best suited for those adventure seekers who have limited days and prefer less challenging trip in the trans Himalayan Annapurna region of Nepal.

Our journey to Lower Mustang Trekking starts with a seven hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal and starting/ending point of many Annapurna region trekking. Many tourists visit Pokhara Valley to see the Himalayan range and lakes and also equally famous for boating, trekking, rafting and extreme sports like rafting, and other activities. From Pokhara, we take a short but jaw dropping flight to Jomsom (administrative HQ of Mustang district). After checking out from airport, we start our trekking to Kagbeni, the first destination to stay overnight. The trail is followed through Kali Gandaki gorge – one of the deepest gorges in world. The trail then march towards Muktinath Temple – temple with great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists devotees. Nestled at the foot of Thorang La mountain Pass, it is one of the world's highest temples (3800 m). Hindu and Buddhist traditions claim this site to be the only place on Earth to host all five elements (fire, water, sky, earth and air) from which all material things in the universe are made. After paying our visit to this holy temple, we continue our journey all the way down to the apple orchards of alluring Marpha village. The narrow passages with flat roofed and white washed buildings in Marpha are uncommon but captivating. And finally, we head towards Jomsom again. Jomsom is a whispering settlement in the area that subsists of several hotels, shops, banks and other government stations.

Mustang lies in the rain shadow area of Nepal and this region is dominated by the massif Annapurna Massifs and the ranges of Mount Dhaulagiri, ‘The White Mountain’. Mukti means Salvation and Nath is the word for God. It is believed that all your miseries and sorrows are relieved when you visit Muktinath. Thousands of devotees make the journey to Muktinath seeking these blessings.

Highlights of Lower Mustang Trekking

  • Witness the well-preserved and pristine Tibetan culture of Mustang region
  • Walk through the cultivated fields with stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
  • Explore Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhist devotees
  • Be amazed observing the arid plains of Mustang with typical mud houses, prayer flags and chortens in Kagbeni in the Kali Gandaki valley.
  • Celebrate your last day at Pokhara by Phewa Lake or take in more exciting pumping quests such as paragliding, zip-line, rafting, canoeing… to quote only a few
  • Experience a touch of paradise in the rain shadow of the Himalaya.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,345m/4,412ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room or go for a walk exploring the city.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara early in the morning by tourist bus or Private vehicle passing the River side of Trisuli. It takes about 7 hours to reach in Pokhara valley. We can visit some interesting places like Devi’s fall, Gupteswor Cave, Tal Barahi Temple and boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

Option: We have not included the airfare Kathmandu- Pokhara (USD $125 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalayas where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Pokhara by flight, we give free Airport Drop and Pick up.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Early in the morning, we will drive to Pokhara Airport and take a jaw dropping mountain fly to Jomsom. We can witness stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the plane and land to Jomsom airport at no time. Everything will seem different as we will be in completely different surroundings; in the deserted valleys of rain shadow region of Himalaya of Nepal. From here, we start our trek following the Kaligandaki River. After walking for almost 3 hours through strong wind, we reach Kagbeni where we stay overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

After having breakfast, we head towards Muktinath leaving Kagbeni behind. Passing through the villages namely Khingar and Jharkot, we reach Ranipauwa village. We can have lunch at either of these villages. After lunch, we continue our journey to Muktinath valley which is an alluring village encircled by green hills dominated by towering mountains from all sides. At Muktinath, there’s a divine place for both Hindus and Buddhists devotees. We can observe tiny blue flames that burn forever in Jwala Mai temple which is believed to be charred by Lord itself.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Early in the morning, we visit Muktinath Temple and mark our way to Jomsom Bazaar. Jomsom is a large town sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River, and it is here we will spend the last night of our trek. We take our time to explore the Muktinath Temple completely as there are many things to witness and we make sure that we miss nothing up there

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a spectacular flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Early morning, we depart from Pokhara Tourist Bus Station to travel back to Kathmandu. If you are interested in continuing on to Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today.

Option: We have not included the airfare of Pokhara – Kathmandu (USD $120 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalaya where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Kathmandu by flight, we give free Airport Drop and Pick up. You need to book this flight before start the trek.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. Check in at the Kathmandu international airport 3 hours prior to your flight time.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Three nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation in Pokhara, Two nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 3 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc.
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Annapurna Conservation Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Bothways Airfare from Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara
  • All ground transfers.
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water, boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Useful Info

The Best Time to do the Lower Mustang Trekking:

The best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region are autumn (late September to late November) & spring (February to late April) . Winter is also possible. During winter there are very few tourists. Some people prefer this season, as they enjoy the beauty of the snow, and the environment of the remote areas without the influx of foreigners.

Cultural Aspects of Lower Mustang Trekking:
The most prominent ethnic groups in the Annapurna region are the Gurungs, Thakali, and Manangba. The Gurungs are the most widely dispersed, being found from the hills of Gorkha district to as far West as Palpa. The Thakalis come from the upper Kali Gandaki Valley around Jomsom, where their traditional farming has been supplemented by trade, in particular the hotel and restaurant business.

Lower Mustang Trekking is a Tea House/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy two nights in Hotel Holy Himalaya before and after heading into the remote regions.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!

Spending Money per Day:

Although it depends on your spending habits, you should allocate US$ 10 - 15 per meal in Kathmandu. On the trek, your meals are included, but you may wish to purchase extras which are not included in your package, such as chocolate bars, Coca Cola or a beer. US$10 - 15 a day should be enough, but keep in mind the cost of all items increases proportionately with the distance from the trail head.

Drinking Water:

While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. In the Annapurna Region there are Euro-guard filters, so all you need is your own water bottle and you can refill it easily. We suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets in case Euro-guard water is not available. We request that you avoid using bottled mineral water, as the bottles are not easily disposed of.

Washing and Toilet facilities for Lower Mustang Trekking:

Most lodges offer hot showers, though sometimes a hot shower means a bucket of hot water. You can ask your trekking guide about the availability. For ecological reasons please try and limit your use of hot water unless the water is solar-heated. Please note that at higher altitude and in colder seasons there is very little chance to have enough hot water for all the trekkers. If the water is frozen then ask your guide to get warm bowl of water. Every lodge will have some kind of hand washing facility but it is good idea to carry a bar of soap with you. Toilets are usually Asian squat style and vary in how clean they are. Normally toilets are outside the lodge but now some lodges have attached or indoor toilets. The rubbish bin in the toilet is kept for your used toilet paper.

Re-charging Batteries of Electronic Items on the Trek:
You can recharge your digital camera, iPod, batteries etc. with electricity or solar power sources. You may need to buy an adaptor in Kathmandu before the trip since the plugs in Nepal might be different. The lodges charge a small fee per hour for recharging facilities. Nepal uses 220-240 volts to power your appliances. The sockets fit both round and flat plugs.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Travel Insurance:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Trip Grading and Suitability:

To assist you in choosing a trek and to give you an idea of what you can expect, we have categorized our trips by their level of difficulty, A is the easiest, D, the most hard. In addition to this, the levels have been sub-divided into four areas, suitability, walking times, highest altitude, terrain type, and remoteness.

GRADE: Moderate

  • Suitability: reasonable level of fitness required.
  • Walking times: 5-6 hours per day for up to 10 days
  • Altitude: up to 3800m
  • Terrain: mostly following well-travelled trails, daily ascent and descent
  • Remoteness: reasonable level of local infrastructure, including lodge accommodation