Lower Mustang Trek

Lower Mustang Trek is one of the best destinations to trek if you want to explore the hidden valley of Nepal, the one and the only Buddhist Kingdom, Mustang, the Tibetan Emperor. The trek offers to experience pure Tibetan Buddhism and the villages build in Tibetan style, with whitewashed stone and mud house with firewood tucked on the roof. The best, a popular and short trek to experience the last bastion of traditional Tibetan life. Lower Mustang is the last route of Annapurna Circuit trek after crossing the Thorong La pass 5416m, and one of the ideal trips for experienced, novice, spiritual, family, all age trekkers in a short period from all around the world. Or alternative of the strenuous trek.
Muktinath the spiritual place for Hindus and Buddhist, Kagbeni the unique settlements of Tibetan culture besides the Kaligandaki, Kagbeni river is one of the major highlights of the Lower Mustang trek. Muktinath Temple, the main shrine is uniquely shaped by a pagoda-style and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, there are 108 waterspouts which surrounded the Temple, and mythically believed that the sins will be clean after getting shower by 108 waterspouts.
There is another surprising part in the territory of the Jwala Mai Temple, it contains a spring and an eternal Flame fed through natural gas. Since prehistoric time, the Flame, Jwala, has been worshiped as the Goddess of flame, Jwaladevi.
Including the healing natural beauty, the Thakali and Tibetan people are the friendliest people you will ever meet and they serve the most delicious food which is even famous all over Nepal.
Trekking to the Lower Mustang is not difficult as Everest base camp trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek start directs from Jomsom (2720m), we take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara then Pokhara to Jomsom. After the flight, the trek will be for 5 days which is easy and amazing, Jomsom – Kagbeni – Jagarkot – Muktinath -Lupra is an ideal way of exploring the fantastic Mustang without any expensive permit as Upper Mustang permit.
Lower Mustang, the rain shadow of the Himalaya offers breathtaking views of stunning mountains, like Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, not only that this trek offers to explore the Deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki, the life, culture, and unique settlements of the Tibetan people in an arid landscape. The unique arid landscape and pure Tibetan culture combine to create a fantastic trekking experience.

Best season to travel Lower Mustang

Lower Mustang is situated in the northern part of Nepal, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath are in the rain shadow of the Himalaya and receive less rainfall, Lower Mustang is one of the places in Nepal that is ideal for trekking throughout the year. Summer/Monsoon (June, July, August) is also the ideal season to trek Lower Mustang, Marpha, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath receives as little as 50mm of rain per month during Monsoon/Summer.

However, Pokhara to Jomsom flight is frequently delayed at this season of the year due to change in weather, so, wisely have a buffer of extra days on either end to avoid missing any important networks.

Winter (December, January, and February) season, the trek is doable but you need to be prepared with extra layers, the temperature drops below 0 degree, due to the extreme cold many resources including running water become scarce in Lower Mustang. Locals from this region will shut their business and shift to the Pokhara or lower region.

The best season in Nepal, Spring (March, April, May) and peak/ fall/ Autumn (September, October, November) are also the perfect time to do Lower Mustang Trek.

Highlights of Spring and Autumn Season

It offers stunning views of Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and other surrounded peaks.
The temperature of lower mustang will be mild and stable
Low chance of snowstorm and downpours
Stunning views of charming nature under the clear blue skies.

Permits for Lower Mustang

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Mode of Transportation to getting there and away

Private jeep, Local Bus & Flights

Overview

Explore the pure Tibetan culture
Muktinath Temple, one of the sacred sites of Hindu pilgrimage
Stunning mountain views of Annapurna Massif tenth highest, Dhaulagiri seventh highest, and another surrounded peak
Kathmandu to Jomson flight, over the deepest Kali Gandaki gorge in the world
Natural Hot Spring

Lower Mustang Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO POKHARA (30MIN – 820M) We will take a flight to Pokhara after lunch, a beautiful paradise city in Nepal. we will explore Pokhara city by Boating at Fewa Lake.
DAY 2: FLY TO JOMSOM & TREK TO KAGBENI (30MIN-4-5 HOURS – 2880M) We will take an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom after breakfast. Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom is an amazing experience that will take us through the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world, and the scenic view of Mt Dhaulagiri and Mt Annapurna. Jomsom is one of the best and nearest spots to explore the close-up stunning views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna Massif. Also, consider the best Himalayan region of Nepal to admire such a healing view. Kagbeni has situated atop a cliff overview the convergence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola rivers, and the last settlement town of the Lower Mustang and sentries the gateway to Upper Mustang. The ancient, moderately crumbling fortress town is an indication into a unique resident, along the narrow alleyways and tunnels, green Terence field of barley, and over the centuries-old brick red Sakya Gompa (800 years old), the ancient 100 room king’s palace. Overnight at Kagbeni
DAY 3: TREK TO MUKTINATH (4 HOURS – 3800M) Today we will trek to the most important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, and a beautiful demo of a holy place shared in peace and harmony by the devotes of two religions. This site is looked after by the local Buddhist nuns, belongings to the lineage of Lama Wangyal. Thousands of devotees from India, Tibet, and Nepal visit every year to Clear their sins and salvation. It is mythically believed that throughout history, many kings from Asia did the same. It is the best and well worthy place to spending a day by visiting the holy shrine and relax in the peaceful nature surrounded by positive energy.
DAY 4: TREK TO MARPHA (2680, 5-6 HOURS) Today we will Trek to to Marpha, the beautiful town of Thakali people. Today is an easy day to explore the surrounding of Jomsom, depending on how you feel, we will hike for 5-6 hours down to explore the Marpha village which is famous for the best apple, apple brandy, the settlements of the Thakali people. Overnight at Marpha
DAY 5: TREK TO KALAPANI (2480M, 7 HOURS) Overnight at Kalapani
DAY 6: TREK TO TATOPANI (1200M, 7 HOURS) Overnight at Tatopani
DAY 7: DRIVE TO POKHARA (5-6 HOURS) Overnight at Pokhara