Lower Mustang Trek
Trip Overview
Mustang, a region steeped in history, is divided into two distinct areas: Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang, with Lo Manthang as the capital. Lower Mustang covers Marpha, Jomsom, Muktinath, and Kagbeni villages, whereas Upper Mustang covers two-thirds of the total area. The land in the Mustang region is usually rugged and dry, experiencing less rainfall throughout the year, making it explorable throughout the year except for the peak winter season. Mustang, lying in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, transports you back to a hundred years ago when Tibetans lived, farmed, and traded similarly. You get to explore 16th-century monasteries, ancient caves, and rugged settlements of Tibetan people, delivering a robust history in a tiny area. The region was previously a prohibited kingdom, isolated from China, and the Nepali government prohibited any international entrance. Later, in 1994, the region was open for international tourists. However, Upper Mustang requires a special permit for entrance.Â
Lo Manthang, Muktinath, Dhumba Lake, Thubchen Gompa, Chhairo Gompa, Jomsom, Damodar Kunda and Muktinath are famous places in the Mustang Region. It is a famous pilgrimage destination for Hindu and Buddhist trekking and Mountain Biking destinations.
Transportation
Flight/Jeep/Bus
Per Day walking:
5 to 7 hours
Best Season
Oct-Dec / Mar-May
Group Size
1-14 Pax
Accomodation
Hotel/Tea House
Trip Grade
Moderate
Max Height
3817M
Start/End
Kathmandu
Trip Highlight
- Step into Jomsom-Gateway to Mustang.
- Scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
- Magnificent view of Mt.Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
- Visit Muktinath temple-A sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, known for its eternal flame and 108 water spouts.
- Stay at kagbeni- A picturesque village with traditional Tibetan architecture, narrow alleys, and ancient monasteries.
- Visit Marpha village-Famous for its apple orchards and apple products, including cider and brandy.
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Detail Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a company representative or a guide will welcome you and ensure a seamless transfer to the hotel. Rest assured, our hotels in Kathmandu are hand-picked with great care, focusing on top-notch hygiene and cleanliness to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant stay. A guide and a driver will be assigned according to the day's plan for shopping, side strolls, and welcome dinner, ensuring your needs are met.
Kathmandu, with its rich culture and vibrant lifestyle, can be a fascinating experience, especially for a first-time visitor to Nepal. As you explore the city, you will be captivated by the diversity and unique customs of the Nepalese people. However, it's important to be cautious while navigating the streets and alleys, and to avoid unsolicited interactions. To fully appreciate your visit, we recommend learning about Kathmandu's culture and customs in advance, which will enhance your experience and prevent any culture shock or inconvenience.
Welcome Dinner
Hotel
Today, we will visit three of Nepal's 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath Temple. These places are of significant historical and religious importance. A highly knowledgeable tour guide will be assigned for the day, ensuring your comfort and sharing a wealth of information about these places. Make yourself comfortable, and feel free to ask any query, even if it's unrelated to the heritage.
Hotel
Breakfast
It will be a long drive following the Prithvi highway alongside the Trishuli River, passing through terraced farmlands and many small villages with scattered houses. Seeing the rural lifestyle outside Kathmandu can be an exciting and fun journey. Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will be transferred to a nice hotel.
Hotel
Breakfast
Depending on the weather and other conditions, we will take a private vehicle or fly to Jomsom. The drive will take approximately 8 hours from Pokhara, while the flight takes 20 minutes. Upon arriving at Jomsom, after a quick rest, we will head down towards Marpha. Marpha is a small Thakali village painted in white. The alleys are exciting to explore, and it is famous for its fresh apples, apple wine, and apple pie. Marpha is a wonderful start to the trek, and these attractions will surely intrigue you. We will stay overnight at Marpha.Â
Tea House
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Today will be longer than the day before. With our filling breakfast, we will head towards Kagbeni. For the first 2-3 hrs we will follow the same trail back to Jomsom. From there, we will follow the proper jeep track alongside the Kali Gandaki River to reach a picturesque village- Kagbeni, nestled by the dramatic landscape of Mustang. You will see a beautiful view of Dhaulagiri on the way. This gorgeous medieval village has a lively main square with prayer flags and herds of goats. Wander around the narrow alleyways and explore the village's ancient mud-pack houses and monasteries, if you succeed in interacting with locals you will get to hear some incredible local stories.Â
Tea House
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
As we cross the small stream of Kali Gandaki, the trail unfolds with a gentle ascent on a jeep track. The winding paths lead you to an open meadow, a picturesque setting with the majestic Annapurna massifs and charming small hills as your backdrop. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this landscape before reaching Jharkot. Here, you can explore the nearby small hills for fossils during a break. A delightful lunch break awaits you at Jharkot. From here, we continue our journey on a jeep track, crossing suspension bridges and following small single tracks. The valley gradually opens up, revealing the grandeur of Muktinath.Â
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Muktinath is a destination of profound spiritual significance, particularly among Hindus. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, temples mentioned by the poet-saint Alvars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The temple houses 108 taps, where devotees perform a sacred ritual of bathing in the icy cold water as a part of their devotions. This spiritual practice is a testament to the deep faith and devotion of the pilgrims. Muktinath is also home to a thirty-five-foot-tall statue of Siddhartha Gautam, offering a panoramic view of the entire area.
Tea House
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
We will follow the single-line jeep tracks on the highest hill upfront from the Muktinath bus station. The trail starts with a gradual ascent that follows a steeper bit on a single track to the top of Lupra Pass. A pile of stones with a prayer flag around it marks the pass. Here, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Annapurna massifs, a sight that will surely inspire awe. After the pass, the trail descends until we reach the suspension bridge of Ekle Bhatti. The trail can be very rocky and slippery; however, the view is magnificent on the way. From Eklebhatti, the trail joins the same jeep track to Jomsom.Â
Tea House
Brakfast-Lunch-Dinner
After breakfast, we will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. A quick break at Pokhara to enjoy a glimpse of the lake and a flight back to Kathmandu from the Pokhara International Airport (PIA). Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you can take your refreshment time.Â
Hotel
Breakfast
An extra day in Kathmandu is a good time for souvenir shopping, massages, or just relaxing in the restaurants. The guide will help you find the best places in case you need help. We will have a farewell dinner with the guide and the company representative, reflecting on the time together, celebrating the trek completion, and expressing gratitude, hoping to see you all again.
Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, if you have time according to your flight time, you can enjoy a city tour once again, then transfer to Kathmandu Airport and return to the departure point from Nepal.
Breakfast
What's Included In The Package
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist /Private vehicle.
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation in hotel for 4 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast.
- Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour fees/Guide/Transportations.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara Tourist Bus.
- Pokhara-Jomsom Flight OR Jeep incase of flight cancellation.
- Jomsom-Pokhara and Pokhara-Kathmandu Flight.
- Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
- All the necessary permits (Trekking permit/ACAP/Local authority permits)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for 2 clients with Max 22 kgs weight limit in total).
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance for all staff.
- All administrative expenses and government taxes.
- Evacuation assistance in case of emergency.
- Trip completion certificate from Avventura Himalaya.
What's Excluded In The Package
- International air fare.
- Nepal Visa.
- Emergency Evacuation/s and medical treatments.
- Upgrade of accommodations.
- Travel Insurances.
- Emergency evacuation(s), Accidents, recovery & additional transport.
- Change in Itinerary due to cancelled helicopter flight or unavoidable delays on route i.e. landslides etc, extra or cancelled accommodation etc.
- Personal Expenses.
- Excess luggage above recommended levels.
- Some meals, all kind of bottled drinks, Internet services, hot showers etc.
- Tips for the guides, porters and drivers.
Fixed Departure Date For 2024
Essential Information
Before booking
- Choose the right trip, considering your health, physical ability, and experiences.
- Read the terms and conditions properly.
- Make sure the payment is delivered to ensure the final confirmation.
After Booking
High-altitude activities in Nepal are not just physically demanding, they are a test of your fitness. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a necessity to ensure you’re physically ready for these adventures. By committing to physical training, you’ll not only be prepared, but you’ll also be confident and ready to take on the challenge.
For Trekking
- For multiple days of trekking at high altitudes of over 4000m-5000 m, ensure you have trained yourself well. Box jump, circuit and resistance training, and endurance training like hiking, running, cycling, or swimming can be beneficial.
- Feed on the right nutritious food rich in protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates.
- Keep yourself focused and determined, which helps to strengthen your willpower for the next challenge ahead.
International Flights arrangements:You are responsible for arranging the international flight ticket and travel insurance, which can cover emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Our package doesn’t include this service.
Route Map
