Lower Mustang Horse Riding Tour

Trip Duration 10 nights/11 days
Trip Code NAP-HRS - 001
Trip Grade Riding an easy trail
Trip Cost Prices on request
Best Time Sept – Nov / March - April

Overview

Lower Mustang horse riding trek design for those who are unable to walk on foot but still wish to visit holy temple of Muktinath than horse riding adventure will give you opportunities to visit this place or most common way to visit to Muktinath temple by helicopter.

Muktinath is the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal after the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu which lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18-kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3810 meter. Muktinath, a holly shrine for eternal peace and salvation is an ultimate destination to all Hindus and Buddhists for their Mokshya or salvation. It is said in the Vishnu Puran that even Lord Bishnu had visited Muktuchhetra to get rid from the curse of Brinda. It is believed that one who pilgrimage Muktinath once in his or her life will not go for the rigorous cycle of re-birth. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom or trek all the way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, which takes 7/8 days. 

The horse ride trek to Jomsom is covered with glittering snow peaks like Nilgiri, Tukche and Muktinath, the famous shrine of Hindus. The lower Mustang region surrounding Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath is characterized by alpine plateau landscape similar to the rugged Tibetan topography. The people of the lower Mustang region are of Tibetan ethnicity and the trek up the Kali Gandaki River across desert like mountain gorges provides an experience of a lifetime. From Muktinath descending to your treks and end at Jomsom. The day is usually consists of 4 to 5 hours of horse riding or walking.

The Muktinath horse riding adventure trip can be combine also an alternative for mountain biker’s who have interest and energetic physical conditions to ride the biking over the high pass of Thorong-La.

Highlights

* Rim of the Kathmandu valley
* Lake valley of Pokhara
* Horse riding through the Kaligandaki valley
* A great photographic site showing whole Annapurna, Dhaulagiri ranges
* Excellent views of Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna, Mustang
* Traditional Magar village, Thakali, Gurungs and Magar cultures to explore
* Explore beautiful Kagbeni village

 

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Riding an easy trail
Trip Duration 10 nights/11 days
Trip code NAP-HRS - 001
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom/Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Muktinath (3810m)
Trip Cost Prices on request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group
Accessibillity Kathmandu 7-hrs drive to Pokhara and start the trek according to itinerary and Jomsom fly back to Kathmandu
The Route Maximum altitude (3810m) Muktinath (3200m), 4/5-hrs average riding the horse per day in easy trail.
Season Sept – Nov / March - April
Trip Facilities 3+ hotel in City on B/B and, teahouse/lodges accommodation on mountain

Itinerary

 Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

This day after breakfast being early in the morning before 7:00 AM. This morning you will be drive to Pokhara (200km), departure at 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 6/7 hrs away by tourist bus. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara approximately 2:00 O’clock. From the Pokhara valley you can see one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machhapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place as your own like boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna range of Himalayas. 

 Pokhara we fly to Jomsom the district headquarters of Mustang. From Jomsom you cross a small hanging bridge and then walk along the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This very easy, enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and in the west the awesome mountain above Kagbeni, Nilgiri. Over to the south and south-west can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, what with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red Gompa. At the police check-post at the north end of the village there is a sign saying ‘Restricted area, tourists please do not go beyond this point’. Here you will complete your paperwork formalities for you to enter this long-forbidden region of Nepal. ACAP have set up a very interesting information post here with displays of Mustang artifacts and photos.

Horse ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath takes about 4 hours. The trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred meters. Gradually horse riding you can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, caves, old Tibetan style villages, apple garden, yaks herds, sheep herds and so on. You can look at Thorong-La valley straight up to the Muktinath. 

This day you can excursion around the main attraction of Muktinath such as; Kunda: In front of Muktinath temple there are 2 Kunda (Lake), where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative actions. Muktidhara: Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there is 108 waterspouts (Dhara). The 108 faucets in the cast in the shape of bulls' heads pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of seven feet. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from Jumla, far western part of Nepal. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist’s Yar tang Mala celebrated here. Jwalamai Temple: Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south and a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma himself, set water on fire. Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai. The Buddhist believes that Padmasambhav, the great Indian master who inducted Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, meditated at this place. The Buddhist living will show foot prints which they say are those of the great master. Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: After completing prayer and Puja at the temple a visit to Mharme Lha Khang Gomba is situated to the North of Muktinath Temple. Mharme Lha Khang is translates as thousand holy lamps. As this monastery dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) with his huge clay image is placed center of altar along with bon deities: red Trakpo at right side and blue singe Doma at left side. Since Singe doma is lion headed deity, Hindu worships as Narasimha and name of monastry Narsingh Gompa. Gomba Samba, a "Newly Built Monastery". It is believed that founder of this monastery Syandol Lama came from Tibet. Originally this monastery was a big hostel for monks that later collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot jointly reconstructed it. The main deities’ monasteries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it. Swaminarayan: One Hindu Guru connected to Muktinath is Lord Shri Swaminarayan, Satguru of Sabij Yoga, the goal of which is the realization of and service to God Supreme. At the end of the 18th century this Satguru practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath. Shaligram: Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success. However, these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in Puja (Prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu. 

The horse riding trail goes through the village of Jharkot where one can visit the Jharkot monastery, Tibetan herbal medical center and the old fortress of Jharkot, once served as palace. Continuing the horse ride toward Jomsom one will enjoy the view of the Kaligandaki valley and Kagbeni village the entry point to Mustang. We get a round trip of our trek in Ekle Bhatti visiting all the surprises of the human effort in this corner of the World of such an isolation and solitude. Arrive to Jomsom, celebrate the last day of the horse riding trek will in Jomsom with all the trekking staffs.

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 25 minutes. The flights are available during the morning time.

This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Cost Included

 Documents: All the entrie documents , ACAP entrance permit and TIMS card
• Activities: Sightseeing,, hiking and  riding trip as per the itinerary.
Accommodation: 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu, 2 night hotel in Pokhara on twin shared bedroom and 4 nights lodges on twin or multi sharing bedroom on mountai
Food: 10 breakfast,only.
Staffs: Trekking Leader/Guide, necessary supporter and horse and horseme
Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation and Pokhara to Jomsom  and return flight to Kathmandu
Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes & official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

Cost Excluded

•  Your international flight
•  Travel insurance covering with emergency Helicopter rescue
•  Personal travel and hiking equipments 
•  Hiring horse and horsemen
•  All lunch and dinner and beverages
• Tips/Gratuities for your crews
•  Optional activities
•  All the temple and Monastery entrance fee
•  And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Trip Notes

Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.

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