Lower Mustang Trek Overview:
Lower Mustang Trek:
You’ll take a moderate trek through the region bordering Annapurna and Mustang, with great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Altitudes on this trek are not too high, and flying between Pokhara and Jomsom speeds up the journey.
The Lower Mustang Trek is an ideal trip for trekkers who don’t have much time or who would rather not do a very strenuous trek. This trek is the classic in the ancient trading route to Tibet in the Kali Gandaki valley and the gateway to the secret treasure of Nepal, the Mustang.
Lower Mustang is an ideal base for visitors to set off on scenic day hikes, discover isolated Nepalese villages stuck in a medieval time warp, and experience the rustic charm and the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the local Thakali people.
It is a moderately short and beautiful, easy trek, and you don’t need expensive permits to trek to the lower Mustang. The region has the largest protected biodiversity area in Nepal and passes by the oldest monastery and a unique lifestyle of people. The trek to Lower Mustang starts with a flight or drive to Jomsom via Pokhara.
Lower Mustang Trek Highlights:
Explore the well-preserved Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang.
Visit Muktinath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
Views of the north face of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Fly over the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki.
Visit the pre-Buddhist Bon village of Lupra.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2720m).
You’ll drive to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Jomsom, the headquarters of Nepal’s Mustang district. The flight takes you over the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world. From the plane, you’ll have great views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Jomsom is among the very few places in Nepal from which the Himalayan peaks can be admired at such a close range and yet from a safe altitude of only 8,800 feet. Giant peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri seem so close that you could reach out to touch them.
In Jomsom, you’ll feel how much cooler and drier the air is. Today is a day for taking it easy and exploring the charming town of Jomsom and beyond to get a feel for your surroundings. Depending on how you feel, there is a great two-hour walk down the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha, home of the Thakali people and their famous Marpha apples and apple brandy. You can explore the village and learn about the traditional design principles, including the flat roofs to dry produce for use in the long winters and the underground drainage system. You can also visit the distillery and sample their wares before returning to Jomsom.
Day 2: Trek to Kagbeni (2800m).
This morning, you’ll trek north to Kagbeni, arriving in time for lunch. The wide trail along the western side of the sandy, saligram-filled riverbed provides views of the nearby peaks of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, and, to the south, the Annapurna Massif.
Kagbeni, spectacularly situated atop a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola rivers, is the last village in Lower Mustang and guards the entrance into Upper Mustang (visible across the Kali Gandaki riverbed). It is an oasis of green fields amidst rocky, arid mountains, with Niligiri looming beyond. This ancient, partially ruined citadel town is a glimpse into a unique way of life, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of barley, and its massive, 800-year-old brick-red Sayka Gompa. You can also wander past the ancient 100-room King’s Palace.
At the police checkpoint at the north end of the village, there is a sign that reads, “Restricted area; tourists, please do not go beyond this point.”. This is the trail going up to the famous Lo Manthang, in ‘forbidden’ Upper Mustang.
Day 3: Trek to Jharkot (3550m) and visit the red Gompa.
You will eat a hearty breakfast this morning, as today the climbing begins. From Kagbeni to Jharkot it takes approximately 3–4 hours to walk, depending on how you feel in the dry air and the altitude.
It’s an uphill trek from Kagbeni to Jarkhot and you gain quite a bit of elevation, so it’s nice to stop here and take the afternoon to explore this old fortified village. The main feature of the village is the striking red Gompa (monastery) of the Sakya sect of Buddhism that sits prominently at the front of the village. This Gompa is more than 500 years old and has an active Tibetan medicine school. There are stunning views down the valley and up towards the famous Thorong La (pass), which is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Day 4: Trek to Jharkot (3550 m) via Muktinath (3760m).
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus and a great example of a sacred place shared in harmony by followers of two religions. Local Buddhist nuns (belonging to the lineage of Lama Wangyal) take care of the site. Every year, thousands of devotees from India, Tibet, and Nepal come here on pilgrimage for purification and salvation. It is said that throughout history, many kings throughout Asia did the same.
It’s well worth spending a day here to not only visit this sacred shrine but also to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Day 5: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) via Lupra (3310m).
You’ll descend to Jomsom via Lupra village, visiting a local Bonpo monastery. While you have to ascend the mountain again for a short way to get back on the trail, it is a great route that trekkers on the Annapurna circuit miss out on, so you will be far away from the crowds and the jeep trail to Jharkot and Muktinath.
Bonpo is an ancient pre-Buddhist religion not represented by many monasteries these days, so it is a rare and special chance to learn about this ancient animist religion while taking a stunning alternate route back to Jomsom.
Day 6: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
After an early breakfast in Jomsom, you’ll take a flight to Pokhara.
What’s included:
- Trekking permits
- Trekking guide
- Trekking poles
- Trekking map
- A first-aid kit or Medical kit
- Food (meals include only the main course and tea or coffee) It doesn’t include starters or desserts.
- Private lodgings
- Hot shower
- Water purification tablets
- Toilet Paper
- Transportation (pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel)
What’s not included:
- No alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
- A porter isn’t included. If you need a porter, we can provide one for an extra fee.
- Sleeping bag (we rent sleeping bags for an additional fee).
- Wifi
- Cell phone charging
- Hot drinking water
- Your Personal Expenses
- Personal Travel Insurance.
Personal supplies for the trek
The personal supplies you require for this trek depend on the season in which you are trekking.
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat
- Headlights with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Face/body wipe
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Hooded rain jacket or wind shell
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-shirt ( bring lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene Underwears
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Thick & light socks( take an extra pair of thick and light socks)
- Sandals
Essential gear
- Backpack or day pack bag
- Thermal bottle
- Medium-size drying towel
- Sleeping bag
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face wash
- Body wash
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
- Power Adapters and Chargers
Extra supplies
- First aid kit (Note: The guide will carry a first-aid kit on the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
- Lip Guard
- Notebook and pen.
- Mosquito Repellent spray
- Moleskin for blister