The Lower Mustang Trek is an exciting experience that takes one through the trans-Himalayan region of the Mustang District. This region offers stark contrasts of desert landscapes combined with rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The trek takes one through the ancient route of the Kali Gandaki River. This trek offers a unique experience of diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The experience begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom. This experience by itself is an adventure, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri.
The trek begins from Jomsom, passing through windswept landscapes, picturesque villages such as Kagbeni, an ancient village that lies on the old salt route to Tibet. This experience becomes even more rewarding as one passes through the traditional Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and prayer flags waving in the mountain winds. Among the highlights of this trek is the experience of visiting the sacred place of Muktinath, which is a sacred place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. This place offers a holy bath under the 108 water spouts of the sacred river Gandaki and the eternal flame at Jwalamai Temple.
The trek is not only about nature but also involves culture and spirituality. The wide-open valleys, deep gorges, and changing vistas of the Himalayas make this trek one of the most memorable trekking experiences in Nepal. The Lower Mustang region provides a relatively moderate trekking experience, which is suitable for those who are seeking adventure and ease in one package while getting an authentic taste of the high Himalayas.
Highlights of the Lower Mustang Trek:
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will be taken by a private vehicle to the domestic terminal, from which you will board a flight to Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal. The scenic flight, which takes only thirty minutes, provides a beautiful view of the Himalayas, as four of the fourteen peaks rising over 8,000 meters, namely Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, and Shishapangma, can be seen on a clear day. The guide can help you secure a seat on the right side of the plane, which provides the best view of the Himalayas.
On arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, and you can do whatever you wish. Pokhara is a vibrant city, full of life, but at the same time, it is also very relaxing. There is a wide range of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and yoga centers, which attract travelers and adventure enthusiasts.
Includes: Breakfast, Airfare, Private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
In the morning, your day will start with a short 20-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. This is a short but incredibly scenic flight that will provide breathtaking views of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you will even be able to witness the towering peaks of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and other snow-capped mountains rising above the clouds.
After landing at Jomsom, you will have your breakfast before starting your trek to Kagbeni via the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The trail is dry and rugged but is mostly flat, making it a relatively easy trek.
Kagbeni is a medieval-style village located at the confluence of two rivers. It is a windswept village that lies along the ancient Trans-Himalayan salt trade route that once connected Nepal to Tibet via the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. This is a historic and culturally significant region of Nepal that lies within the Mustang District. It is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the region that still has many stories and mysteries to be unraveled.
Includes: Airfare, English-speaking trekking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kagbeni.
After breakfast, your journey towards Muktinath starts. During your journey, you may enjoy the scenic beauty, the gorge created by the Kali Gandaki River, and some monasteries.
After arriving at Ranipauwa (3,710 m), you have to cover a short distance, about 40 minutes, to reach Muktinath Temple. During your stay at Muktinath, you may take a sacred bath in the 108 water spouts, known as “Muktidhara,” and visit the two holy ponds in front of the temple, known as “Mukti Kunda.”
After completing your darshan, your next destination is the Jwalamai Temple, where a flame is burning naturally, and then return to Ranipauwa.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath.
In the morning, you will start your descent towards Jomsom as preparation for your flight to Pokhara the next day. The trail will gradually take you down through the rugged landscape of the Kali Gandaki Valley.
When you arrive at Jomsom, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the area, or just relaxing and soaking up the sun in the serene environment of the mountains.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jomsom.
After an early breakfast in Jomsom, you will be transferred to the airstrip to board a flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will board a flight to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at your own pace, strolling in the streets on foot, by cycle, or by rickshaw, visiting any place you may have missed at the beginning of the tour.
Includes: Airfare, Private Transport, and overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
