Registration No: 359804/81/82
Email: [email protected]
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Escape Adventure will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your accommodations, you will have the rest of the day to relax or explore Kathmandu at your leisure. If you’re up for it, take a stroll through the lively Thamel area, known for its vibrant streets, shops, and cafes. Your guide will provide a briefing about the trek in the evening.
Today is set aside for exploring the cultural and historical wonders of Kathmandu Valley. You’ll visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, each offering fascinating glimpses into Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage. In the afternoon, you will have a trek briefing, and your guide will assist you with any final preparations and check your gear. You will also have some free time to relax or do some last-minute shopping for trekking supplies.
After breakfast, we will undertake on a scenic 6 to 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive takes you along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River, and passing through beautiful countryside, terraced fields, and small villages. You will also enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains as you approach Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax or enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara.
Today is the start of the trek! After breakfast, we take a short 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the gateway to the Upper Mustang region. The flight offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arriving in Jomsom, you will start your trek toward Kagbeni. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through small villages and windswept landscapes. After about 3 hours of trekking, you will reach Kagbeni, a small and picturesque village located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. This village is steeped in history and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Today, you will continue your journey to Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trail from Kagbeni to Muktinath ascends gradually through a dry, arid landscape, with views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The trek will take around 4 to 5 hours, and you will pass through small villages with typical Tibetan architecture. Upon arrival in Muktinath, you will visit the famous Muktinath Temple and its sacred springs, known for their spiritual significance. Afterward, you will stay overnight at a lodge in Muktinath.
Today, you will have a full day to explore the area around Muktinath. You can visit the Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is a significant religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is located at the base of the Thorong La Mountain Pass, and the surrounding area is stunning, with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You can also visit the nearby monastery and explore the area, which is believed to be sacred. After spending the day visiting the temple and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, you will stay another night at the lodge in Muktinath.
After spending two nights in Muktinath, you will begin the return journey to Jomsom. The trek today takes around 6 hours as you descend back toward Jomsom, passing through villages such as Jharkot and Ekle Bhatti. The scenery will change as you trek back through the Kali Gandaki Valley, with views of the surrounding peaks and unique landscapes. Upon reaching Jomsom, you will stay at a comfortable lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your experiences in this beautiful region.
After breakfast, you will take a short flight back to Pokhara from Jomsom. The flight offers more stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the lakeside area, with options for a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visiting the Peace Pagoda, or enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the town. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants along the lakeside.
This morning, after breakfast, you will begin the 6 to 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu. The drive offers scenic views of rivers, hills, and villages as you make your way along the Prithvi Highway. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop, or explore the city further.
Today, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time to enjoy one last stroll through Kathmandu before you depart. Your journey with Himalayan Escape Adventure comes to an end, and you will leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of your Lower Mustang Trek.
The Lower Mustang Trek is an adventurous and culturally enriching trek through the lower regions of Mustang, a remote and scenic district in Nepal. Located in the shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Lower Mustang offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and unique desert-like landscapes. The trek takes you through the medieval village of Kagbeni, ancient monasteries, and the renowned walled city of Lo Manthang, the heart of the Mustang region. This trek allows you to experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of Mustang while exploring some of Nepal’s most dramatic landscapes.
The Lower Mustang Trek typically takes around 8 to 12 days, depending on the specific itinerary. The trek is designed to allow adequate time for acclimatization and exploration of key cultural and natural highlights in the Mustang region. The route begins in Pokhara and takes you through the villages of Jomsom, Kagbeni, and ends at the ancient city of Lo Manthang, before returning to Pokhara.
The best time for the Lower Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stable weather conditions, making it ideal for trekking. The monsoon season (June to August) should be avoided due to the possibility of heavy rains and muddy trails, while the winter season (December to February) can be cold, especially at higher altitudes, though it can still be trekked if you’re prepared for the conditions.
The Lower Mustang Trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves walking for about 5 to 6 hours per day on varied terrain, which includes gentle ascents, descents, and occasional steeper sections. While the trek does not involve technical climbing, it requires a good level of physical fitness. You should be prepared for long days of walking and a moderate level of altitude gain, especially as you approach higher areas like Lo Manthang. Regular aerobic exercises such as walking, hiking, and cardio workouts will help you prepare for the trek.
The highest point of the Lower Mustang Trek is Lo Manthang, which lies at an altitude of around 3,800 meters (12,467 feet). Altitude sickness is not a major concern on this trek as it does not involve extreme altitudes; however, it’s still important to follow proper acclimatization practices. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath, but these are usually mild due to the gradual ascent. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days in key areas to reduce the risk, and our guides are trained to monitor any signs of altitude sickness.
During the Lower Mustang Trek, you will stay in teahouses, simple but comfortable lodges run by local families. The teahouses offer basic amenities, including clean rooms with shared bathrooms. You’ll find hearty meals, such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, and local specialties, which provide the necessary energy for the trek. The accommodation is generally comfortable, and while you won’t find luxurious hotels, you’ll be welcomed warmly by the local people.
To ensure a comfortable and safe trek, it’s important to bring the right gear. Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, a lightweight but warm down jacket, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles, and layered clothing (thermal layers, fleece, and rain gear). A good-quality backpack, a water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera are also recommended. A detailed packing list will be provided by us before your departure. Some trekking equipment can be rented locally in Kathmandu or Pokhara if needed.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers. It should cover emergency medical evacuation, altitude sickness, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel-related incidents. We recommend ensuring that your insurance specifically covers trekking in high-altitude areas (up to 4,000 meters or 13,123 feet) and includes coverage for helicopter evacuation in case of an emergency. Be sure to check that your insurance policy meets these requirements before your trek.
The teahouses along the Lower Mustang Trek offer a variety of food options. Traditional Nepali food like dal bhat, momo (dumplings), and lentil soup are available throughout the trek. You will also find Western-style meals like pasta, pizza, pancakes, sandwiches, and soups. As the trek goes through Tibetan-influenced areas, you may also have the chance to enjoy Tibetan dishes such as thukpa (noodle soup) and chapati (flatbread). While food choices are somewhat limited in the more remote areas, the meals are nutritious and will keep you energized during your trek.
The trek begins with a drive or flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the main town in the Mustang region. You can take a scenic flight to Jomsom (about 20 minutes) or opt for a longer 6-8 hour drive. From Jomsom, the trek continues on foot, passing through the beautiful village of Kagbeni, and gradually heading toward Lo Manthang, with its ancient monasteries and Tibetan culture. The return journey from Lo Manthang to Jomsom can be done on foot, and from there, you’ll drive or fly back to Pokhara.
Yes, you can extend your trek after completing the Lower Mustang Trek. You can continue exploring the Upper Mustang region, which is even more remote and offers even more spectacular views of the Himalayas. Alternatively, you can combine this trek with other popular routes in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Circuit or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Our team at Himalayan Escape Adventure can help customize your itinerary if you're looking to extend your trek.
