Lower Mustang Trek

5.00/5 from 519 reviews
At a Glance
  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration14 days
  • Trip DifficultyEasy
  • ActivitiesTrekking
  • AccommodationHotel/Lodges
  • MealsB.L.D
  • Max. Elevation1m.
  • Group SizeMin. 2 Pax
  • Best TimeMarch to May and Sept - Dec

Trip Overview

Imagine embarking on a thrilling adventure through an ancient land of mystical landscapes, where rugged mountain trails lead you to remote villages and hidden treasures. That's the Lower Mustang Trek!

Lower Mustang region blends the beauty of viewpoints, sacred sites, and major trekking destinations. The beauty of the landscapes prevailing in this setting is praiseworthy, where one can enjoy the charming traditional villages that Tibetans mostly inhabit and also the ancient culture of the villagers. Whether you're an avid trekker seeking a new challenge or a nature enthusiast craving awe-inspiring scenery, the Lower Mustang trek promises an unforgettable experience.

Additionally, the route leads to amazing viewpoints of Poon Hill, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Muktinath, and Jomsom. These are a few major highlights that you’ll get to experience on this trek. Throughout the trek, the spectacular vistas of Mt Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and Annapurna panorama will surround you, adding bliss to your whole trek. Moreover, as it lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, the vast wilderness of the various flora and fauna will add a soothing feeling to your hiking experience.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the allure of the Mustang region and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let's get started!

Highlights

  • Get a chance to explore the UNESCO world heritage sites- Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple.
  • Enjoy scenic rides to Pokhara and roam around the vibrant city.
  • Explore the wilderness of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Witness a glorious sunrise from the most popular viewpoint- Poon Hill.
  • Make your way along the deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki Gorge.
  • Admire fascinating views of mountains like Annapurna Panorama, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Himchuli, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Machapuchare, Mt. Tukuche, and many more.
  • Dip into the hot spring at Tatopani and relax.
  • Interact with the local villagers and learn about their lifestyles.
  • Visit the holy pilgrimage site- Muktinath, a popular spiritual hub that annually attracts many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims worldwide.
  • Walk around the Jomsom settlements.

Route Overview

Let's look at the route overview of the Lower Mustang trek.

The trip begins with your arrival at the airport. Then, a  sightseeing tour is organized for you where you'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Later, to reach Pokhara, we'll drive there, continue our way to Nayapul, and walk to Tikhedhunga.

The hike begins from Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani. In the morning, we’ll hike upto Poon Hill (a popular viewpoint) to watch the beaming sunrise behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Later, we’ll head back to Ghorepani and continue our way to Tadapani. The route then follows Ghasa, Tukuche, Kagbeni, and Muktinath. Muktinath is a holy site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages. It includes a monastery and a pagoda-style temple of Lord Vishnu. You can visit this temple and pray for blessings. Then, we’ll halt there and trek to Jomsom the next day. From Jomsom, we'll catch an early flight to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. With this, the trip comes to an end.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of the Lower Mustang trek is generally considered suitable and easy for trekkers with a reasonable level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience.

Here are some factors that contribute to the easiness of the lower Mustang trek:

Altitude: The trek starts from a lower elevation and gradually gains altitude as you ascend. The trek's highest point is Muktinath, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. There is not much risk of altitude sickness at this altitude level.

Trail conditions: The trails in the Lower Mustang region can sometimes be rocky, uneven, and narrow. There are also some steep ascents and descents along the way, which may require good balance and stability while walking. Overall, the trek is easy and perfect for beginners. 

Best Time

The best time for a Lower Mustang trek depends on the specific months and seasons that offer the most favorable weather and trail conditions. Generally, the best time for a lower Mustang trek is during the spring and autumn, known for their mild temperatures, clear skies, and stable weather patterns.

Spring (March to May): Spring is considered the best time for a lower Mustang trek, as the weather is generally pleasant with moderate temperatures and clear skies. The temperatures gradually warm up, and the snow melts, making the trails more accessible.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another excellent time for a lower Mustang trek, with clear skies, dry weather, and stable temperatures. The temperatures during the day are usually warm, and the nights are cooler, making it an ideal time for trekking. The autumn season also offers excellent visibility with stunning views of the mountains, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Overall, the Lower Mustang Trek is a fantastic trekking package. If you want to know about our booking procedure, please contact our travel specialist. We’re eager to let you experience the beauty of the Lower Mustang Region! 

Detail Itinerary

Expand All

Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30am and escort you to the bus station. The tourist bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30am. The scenery along the road is dramatic and you will see the river, valleys, cascading rice terraces and rocky gorges. Upon arrival, check in hotel, in the evening, you may enjoy leisure boating on the scenic Fewa Lake and see the reflection of the Mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Range on the crystal clear water of the Lake. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

We begin our trek at Nayapul after an hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015m) a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495m and after a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570m. Today's walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

From Tikhe Dhunga the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge near the camp site at Tikhe Dhunga. The trail ascends a steep stone staircase (which has about 3300 steps) to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 2080m. Above the village, the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields.

There is a camp site for a rest and water stop one hour’s walk above Ulleri. The trail crosses two sparkling streams before making a short, final climb to Nangethanti where we stop for lunch. Thanti is a Nepali word meaning "rest house”. In the winter the trail can be covered with snow. From Nangethanti we will climb to Ghorepani at 2850m, from here we can see the spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Nilgiri (6940m) Annapurna I (8091m) Hiunchuli (6441m) and more. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

This morning, we will get up early and hike to Poon Hill 3,210m/10529ft). From here you will see a superb view of the sunrise and a panoramic view of the Himalaya, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and others. After visiting Poonhill, we will come back to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and continue walking to Tatopani. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

The trek now starts up the Kali Gandaki valley, which is said to be the deepest gorge in the world Here we will enjoy a beautiful day’s walking along the Kali Gandaki riverside, gradually ascending into sub-tropical vegetation. We will cross the Bhalu Khola on a high suspension bridges before arriving at Dana (1450m) Around 30 minutes from Dana we will see a very high waterfall: Rupse Chhahara (which translates as “beautiful waterfall”). From there we will continue through the steepest and narrowest part of the Kali Gandaki valley, where much of the route is cut through solid rock. We will cross the river again on a 120m long bridge to the east side. We will continue on to Ghasa, an ethnic Thakali village and this marks the southernmost limit of Tibetan Buddhism in the valley. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through a narrow gorge before reaching Thakali traditional villages. Today we will cross the gorge and river numerous times via long suspension bridges, which make great photo opportunities. We will pass a couple of villages (e.g. Lete, Kalopani and Kokhethati). On the way we can see the top of Dhaulagiri Mountain peeking over the west side. We will end our day in the village of Tukuche. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

An easy and lovely day’s walking where we will first see the village of Khobang, which has narrow alleyways and tunnels connecting houses. We can make short side trip to the Kanti Gompa (a Buddhist temple). Then our route continues to Marpha, one of the most important place for Apple. We can see a wine-brandy distillery here and walk through the orange orchard street. We will continue our trek for another 2 hours before reaching our day’s final destination at Jomsom, Here we will have lunch then trek continue along the Kaligandaki river passing though Eklai Bhatti. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Today we will do the 1000 meter ascend to Muktinath which is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindu and Buddhist. We will first walk through Khingar (3400m) and then onto Jharkot (3500m), which is an impressive fortress like village.

We will continue our way to the first part of Muktinath which is known as Ranipauwa, where we will stay the night. There will be time to explore the area and see some of the holy Hindu places like an eternal flame coming from natural gas next to a spring which is considered holy as well. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Trek to Jomsom (2600m) Duration: 5 hrs. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Morning flight to Pokhara, 20-minutes. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Scenic drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, 6 hrs. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.

Cost Includes

  • All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Two night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees
  • Round trip flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara including departure taxes
  • Meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Nepal Hiking Team duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, Special trekking permit), please bring 3 passport size photos for permit
  • Surface transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Optional tours and activities during free time
  • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Drinks (hot and cold), snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipments
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

Cost and Date

Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.

The Lower Mustang Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 14 days Lower Mustang Trek departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.

    Plan your own Trip to Nepal

    Media Gallery

    Lower Mustang Trek Photos

    Travellers‘ Reviews

    Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.