Important Information

Region
Mustang Region Treks
Duration
18 Days
Max Altitude 3750 Meters
Best Season Spring, Summer & Autumn
Activity Per Day
4-5 Hours Walk
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 16 people
Transportation Bus/Flight

Lower Mustang trek takes place in the Mustang district within the classical Annapurna circuit route. Lower mustang lies between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain where the Kali Gandaki River flows and formed the deep gorge which is one of the deepest gorges in the world.  This specific area is also known for Thak Khola in the past during the salt trading between Nepal and Tibet. Trekking permits here are very much cheaper as compared with the Upper Mustang where you need Annapurna conservation entrance permit (ACAP) and a TIMs Card. It is suitable for all kinds of hikers or trekkers to trek in lower mustang as it is short and moderate. Although the best time to visit mustang is during spring and autumn, it is possible to do trek even in the monsoon season because of the rain shadow area.

Lower Mustang trek offers a glimpse of Tibet as the culture, people, religion and even the landscape is similar to the Guge Kingdom of western Tibet. This hidden valley offers beautiful sceneries of Dhaulagiri icefall, pristine Titi Lake, vistas of snow-capped Nilgiri, and the Thak Khola valley. In terms of religion, Muktinath is the holiest site here for both Buddhist and Hindu.  Traditional houses in the villages look like stone masonry, and monasteries, Mane wheels, and Chortens are seen in every village. Even Apple orchids are beautifully grown especially in Marpha village. Do not forget to try apple pie and Marpha brandy made from a variety of fruits such as pear, apricot, apple, etc. Every corner of this valley has its own unique features to attract tourists.

Lower Mustang Trek Routes:
Lower Mustang trek route is prepared based on the exploration of Mustang culture and its surrounding attraction like stunning mountains, pristine lakes, etc. This trek starts by taking a flight over the deepest Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom from Pokhara. The actual trek begins from the town of Jomsom to Kagbeni and further to Muktinath via Jharkot. After three days of the trek, you will trek to Lupra (only Bon village in Mustang), untouched village of Phalyak, Thini (foothill village of Nilgiri), Chimang, Kalopani, Dhaulagiri icefall of Larjung and Marpha village. The trek ends in Jomsom and flies back to Pokhara.   

Lower Mustang Trek short Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Overland drive to Pokhara (827 m)
Day 03: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 04: Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m)
Day 05: Trek to Muktinath (3,760 m)
Day 06: Trek to Lupra village (3,668 m)
Day 07: Trek to Phalyak (3,229 m)
Day 08: Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830 m)
Day 09: Trek to Chimang village (2,850 m)
Day 10: Trek to Kalapani (2,530 m)
Day 11: Trek to Titi village (2,679 m) & Side Hike to Titi Lake
Day 12: Trek to Larjung(2,550 m)
Day 13: Rest day at Larjung-Hike to Dhaulagiri Icefall
Day 14: Trek to Marpha (2,670 m)
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Day 16: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (837m)
Day 17: Return to Kathmandu (1,338 m)
Day 18: Final Departure

Outline Itinerary ( 18 Days )

Day 1

Arrival to Nepal

Arrival in Kathmandu-Transfer to Hotel, Welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers' representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel, and briefing about the trip.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Drive from Kathmandu (1,338 m) to Pokhara (827m)

The Bus to Pokhara leaves early in the morning from Kathmandu. It will go along the winding highways through several hilly settlements before arriving at Pokhara. Although the distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is just 200 km, it takes around 7 hours or more to cross that distance. The primary reason for this delay is the road condition. But, sometimes, the traffic jams in the middle places make the delays worst. Despite that, it is a fun journey that keeps you close to nature. You may as well catch a flight to Pokhara or hire a private car or Jeep.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 3

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m)

From Pokhara, catch the early flight to Jomsom, a fabulous place to shop for souvenirs and handicraft items. Then, start your trek to Kagbeni. Just as you leave Jomsom, a new and imposing monastery bids the warm wishes. Within a while, a linear chain of Chortens (little Buddhist Shrines) appears, directing you towards the wonderful town of Kagbeni. Walk until you arrive at the Eklobhatti, and join the trail leading to Kagbeni. Once you reach there, you will feel a completely different environment. There are classic alleys and monasteries to explore, but above all, their Tibetan inspired cultures and traditions are more intriguing. (In case of flight cancel; we offer 4 wheeler Jeep).

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4

Trek to Jharkot village (3,550m)

From Kagbeni, catch a side trip trekking route to Jharkot. Even in this part of the trail, the Chortens and small monasteries are ubiquitous. Sometimes, the Mani walls (prayer inscribed stones) flavor the trip, but it is mostly the prayer flags, wrapped around the houses and pathways, that form a welcoming atmosphere. Once you arrive at Jharkot, explore the local villages and farm fields to experience the unspoiled cultures of ancient times. Plus, don’t miss out on the chat with the seniors of the village. This is how you get real-life experiences.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5

Trek to Muktinath (3,760 m)

From Jharkot, Muktinath is not very far away. Once you reach there, explore the serene lakes on the side of the temple. They are calm and peaceful. Pilgrimages could be seen diving into these oases by chanting the Mantra of Bishnu. Inside the temple, there are 108 stone taps, where the water naturally comes from the underground, mixed with the natural gas. An eternal flame is the symbol of peace and living cultures of Muktinath. In the core of the temple, a large man-sized golden statue of Lord Vishnu is simply phenomenal. Hindus show deep respect to the temple as it’s believed to be the site of Liberation (Mukti) after death.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 6

Trek to Lupra village (3,668m)

From Muktinath, follow the lower route via Ranipauwa towards the village of Lupra. A big Shiva Temple shows you the path to the wonderful monastery of Ranipauwa, which is a colorful and vibrant village. Then, by crossing a bridge, you will walk to the Dhan La. Follow the trail straight to the west until you reach Lupra, a classic Bon settlement of amazing people. The major highlight of this village is the Bonpo Gompa (monastery) and the Thakali village. Unlike other Buddhist dominated regions, Lupra people have their distinct way of living the lifestyle. They are humble and gentle people, who are happy for what they have.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 7

Trek to Phalyak (3,229m)

From Lupra, catch the middle way to the village of Phalyak. Once you arrive at the bank of the Kaligandaki River, continue towards the confluence point of the river where several small tributaries fuse to form a rapidly gushing Kaligandaki River. Cross a bridge and then, walk parallel to the Kolungba Khola, originating from the Tashikang peak and its surrounding glaciers. Within a short while, you will be at Phalyak, a rarely explored pristine village of the Mustang region. Because of the isolation of the village from the main route, only a few put their eye to it. This place is perfect for enjoying the unblemished Tibetan cultures and rituals.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 8

Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830m)

From Phalyak, catch the side trip trekking route to Jomsom (as highlighted in the Upper & Lower Mustang map of Himalayan Map House). The path is pleasant as the browny mountains keep tracking your footsteps. Still, on this isolated section, you will encounter some Chortens on the way, wrapped by the prayer flags. This shows the influence of Buddhism in higher regions of Nepal. Within a couple of minutes, you will show up at Hadigaon, after crossing a bridge. Then, continue towards the Thinigaon.

Go for an hour of a side trip to Dhumba Tal, the exquisite lake to release all the worldly tension. The water is pristine and looks untouched for centuries. Enjoy the moments at the lake and return to Thinigaon.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9

Trek to Chimang village (2,850m)

From Thinigaon, the route to Chimanggaon goes through the incredible stone settlements. The place is exquisite, and the alleyways are formed by placing the flat stone slabs below. The people of this village are also called Chimba. Most of them are Buddhists, so you may as well catch an insight into their lifestyle and cultures. Young kids of the village will come after you for a photograph and they look amazing ahead of the mountains. Take time out to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where they sell their handmade handicraft items and souvenirs.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 10

Trek to Kalapani (2,530m)

From Chimanggaon, descend to the Kalapani. The more you progress on the trail, the better the views become. The snowy pinnacles, rising above the northeastern Himalayas, accompany throughout the trail, particularly the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (meaning Blue Ridge). The path is completely off-the-beaten and leads you through some of the exquisite locations on the planet. Once you arrive at Kalopani, stroll around the villages and monasteries as it is fun doing that.

Stay overnight in the lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11

Trek to Titi village (2,679 m) & Side Hike to Titi Lake

From Kalapani, Titi Gaon is not very far away. Explore the nearby settlements, and visit the exquisite Titi Lake, perched on the center of snowy pyramids. The lake is turquoise in color, but when you peek into the water closely, you will see the bottom matters distinctly. At a glance, this lake looks typically like the Gokyo lakes in Everest, but this place is much greener and vivid in many ways. Around the periphery of the lake, you can witness several distinct species of insects and birds. For the night, stay in the homestay houses.

Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 12

Trek to Larjung(2,550m)

From Titi, proceed towards the Larjung along the classic routes. The Larjung is just a couple of Kilometers away from Titi. Upon reaching there, a whole mountain series of Dhaulagiri welcomes you. Larjung is one of the least explored natural sites of the Mustang region, which is pure and aesthetic in its own way. With the charming views of the massive hills and rocky cliffs, Larjung has remained the unspoiled heritage of the upper mustang. People of this region are mostly Buddhists, and mountains inspire their daily living.

Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 13

Rest day at Larjung-Hike to Dhaulagiri Icefall

Sparing a day at Larjung is worthy of every second. From the incredible Kaligandaki gorge to the unparalleled classic views of the Dhaulagiri range, the secrets of the Himalayas are no longer hidden from the charming Larjung village. After having a light breakfast, head towards the icefall point of Dhaulagiri. Seeing the icy structures arranged in such an elegant way, your eyes remain awe-struck. They are simply fabulous spots on Earth.

Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 14

Trek to Marpha (2,670m)

After creating some of the exquisite and living memories at Larjung, head towards another wonderful village of Marpha. At a glance, Marpha looks like a rainbow, but all of the same colors- black. The houses are stone-made, and the flat slabs, placed on the alleys, create an intriguing atmosphere. From this village, the astounding peak of the Nilgiri dominates the views and they appear simply fabulous. At Marpha, explore the local hamlets and spend some time talking with the locals.

Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 15

Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)

Early in the morning, we will head towards the ancient but culturally rich Jomsom village where the hustle and bustle of the local people are usual throughout the day. There are several souvenir stalls and handicraft vendors if anybody is willing to get some of them for friends and families. Plus, there are many more aesthetic monasteries to visit and learn about the ancient culture of Tibetan people- both Bon and Buddhists.

Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 16

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (837m)

Catch the early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and spend the rest of the time exploring the natural sites of Pokhara. It is a lot of fun doing that.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 17

Return to Kathmandu (1,338m)

Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara via the same trail that you have been earlier.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 18

Final Departure

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

 

Include

Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara two way Flight
2 nights’ accommodation (2 persons per room) in Pokhra and 2 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Annapurna and TIMs Permits
All land transportations as mentioned in the itinerary
Full Board Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the whole trek.
Government licensed guide and a porter for two people.
Group First Aid Kit.
HWW Company Duffle Bag for luggage

Exclude

Meals & drinks during the trek and in Pokhara and Kathmandu (unless stated otherwise under ‘The trip cost includes’)
Personal trekking equipment
Travel/medical insurance
Emergency rescue evacuation
Phone calls
Internet
International air ticket
Tips for your trekking guide & porters at the end of the trek
If you’re forced to extend your trek due to bad weather or natural disaster circumstances, we are not liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses you may incur
Nepal Visa
Anything not mentioned in the ‘includes section’

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

  • Trekking or running shoes
  • Camp shoes or thongs
  • Socks (polypropylene)

  • Down or fiber-filled jacket
  • Jumper or piled jacket
  • Hiking shorts
  • Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella
  • Hiking pants
  • T-shirts or blouses
  • Underwear
  • Sun hat

  • Rucksack
  • Self Inflating
  • Sleeping Mattress (optional, “normal” mats 
  • Water bottle
  • Torch,
  • batteries, and
  • bulbs