Lower Mustang Trek

Trip Duration 13 nights/14 Days
Trip Code NAP-KGD-103
Trip Grade Easy to Moderate
Trip Cost Prices on request
Best Time Sept – Nov/March - April

Overview

Lower Mustang trek is follows the Kali Gandaki valley between the soaring peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and then emerges north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry desert like Tibetan Plateau. Kaligandaki Valley trek is a classic trek which is considered as one of the best trekking trails in the world. The views of the mountains are spectacular, and the route actually crosses to the other side of the main Himalayan range for some unusual views of the northern flanks. The final destination of the Kaligandaki Valley trek is the holy temple of Muktinath, the sacred pilgrimage of Hindu’s and Buddhist’s, with great religious significance.

Lower Mustang trek starts from Pokhara, and then heads north along the traditional trade route towards the Tibetan villages via Birethanhti and Tirkhedunga to Ghorepani then trekking trail follows the Kali Gandaki River valley from the Hindu lowlands in the south to the Buddhist villages and people in the upper valley. The 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.

Highlights

  • Visit temple, Art/architecture/Pogadas and heritage sites in Kathmandu
  • Lake valley of Pokhara
  • Mid -hill cultural explore, Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, and Ksetri are the inhabitants mainly
  • Sunrise at Poonhill with magnificent mountain views and many more
  • Natural Hot spring at Tatopani
  • Wide and colourful rhododendrons forest
  • The world deepest gorge and 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
  • The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Easy to Moderate
Trip Duration 13 nights/14 Days
Trip code NAP-KGD-103
Trip Start/Ends Pokhara -Nayapul/Jomsom - Pokhara
Maximum Altitude Muktinath Temple (3810m)
Trip Cost Prices on request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group
Accessibillity 07-hrs drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu and 22m fly to Jomsom from Pokhara
The Route Maximum altitude (3810m) Muktinath and Poon Hill (3200m), 5/6-hrs average walking per day, easy trail
Season Sept – Nov/March - April
Trip Facilities 3+ hotel in city on B/B and best available teahouse/lodge 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. 

After breakfast from Pokhara we drive to Nayapul (1050m) which is take one and half hours drive then your trek begin following the path of Modi Khola passing Birethanti (1115m), a large and prosperous town. From there you will reach Tirkhedhunga (1577m.) which takes about four hours.

After breakfast your trek begins from Tirkhedhunga. The trail crosses Tikhedhunga you could ascend continuing steeply to the large Magar village of Ulleri (2080m) and climbs to Banthanti (2250m). On the way, you could see good view of Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail (6997m.), Huinchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna South ((7219m). Now your trail easier passing through rhododendron forest gently climb to Nanggethanti (2460m) and walking an hour uphill you will reach Ghorepani. On the way to Ghorepani you could see some of the wild life such as monkey and various species of birds.

Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3200m). This day you can enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast trek from Ghorepani we crossing Chitre (2420m)) the trail descends towards Phalate (2390m) and down to Shikha, you will meet another large Magar village. The trail makes a gentle descent to Tatopani (1183m). There you will be able to enjoy the natural hot spring at Tatopani (1189m.) It is believed that one who takes bath get rids of skin diseases. 

The followed route ascends gently up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, towards the village of Dana, which is surrounded by orange groves. From autumn to winter, baskets of these oranges are offered for sale to passing travelers. Just beyond the small hamlet of Rupse Chhahara, the place famous for its beautiful waterfall. From here, the trail enters the steepest and narrowest section of the gorge, but the layered stone path is well-constructed and wide. When the rock cliffs end, we descend to the river before making the short climb back up to Ghasa (2010m). This is the first Thakali village we come across and the houses here are all built in the flat-roofed Tibetan style

The trail goes gentle uphill until you reach Lete (2480m.) crossing suspension bridge over Lete and then you will enter Kalopani (2560m).The trail goes to Larjung (2560m). The trail goes towards Khobang (2580m) and enters the large village of Tukuche (2580m) which is a large Thakali village. There are apple distillery, apple orchard, Chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls and farming terraces.

The trails move through flat land till Jomsom. Jomsom is the Headquarter of Mustang and it is split into two towns and between these two towns passes through Kali Gandaki River. There is access of internet and banking facilities. From Jomsom, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Nilgiri. En-route you find farming terraces, apple orchard, monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags. You can enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak and many other unnamed peaks and mountains. Now your trail again passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki passing through the Eklebhatti. The trail is windy after late morning. The river flows through broader course. Finally you reach Kagbeni following flat path. This is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Here you find monastery, apple orchard, Chortens, Mani walls, prayer flags and farming terraces. From here Upper Mustang begins and it is known as restricted area for trekking. The trekkers need to receive special permit to trek in this area.

It is about 4hrs gradual climb to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage spot for both the Hindus and Buddhist - with a Buddhist Gompa and pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most interesting aspect of the area however is the spot where natural burning gas issued from a rock situated at the same place as a small spring. The holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Bishnu Temple in a grove of secret poplars.

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom and it takes about five hours. Easy day, trail gradually ascends to Eklebhati at Kali Gandaki River valley, walk another two hours along the wide sandy and windy valley. Arrive to Jomsom, celebrate the last day of the trek will in Jomsom with all the trekking staffs.

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 35 minutes. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the after and frequent change of the weather prevent the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks.

After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Along the way you can enjoy with good scenery views. You'll be arriving at Kathmandu late afternoon then you have free afternoon to be fresh up; evening we comment about the trip and celebrate farewell dinner together at Nepalese Typical Restaurant you have free time for shopping.

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

Cost Included

  • Fee: ACAP entrance permit and TIMS card 
  • Activities: Sightseeing, Hiking, trip as per itinerary.
  • Accommodation: 3 night’s hotel in Kathmandu, 2 night hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing bedroom and 8 nights teahouse/lodges on twin or malti share bedroom on mountain. 
  • Food: Full board on teahouse (Brieakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking and 5 breakfasts in city. 
  • Staffs: Group Leader/Guide and supporters and their daily wage, food, and accommodation 
  • Transportation: Airport arrival and departure transfer, Kathmandu valley sightseeing by private transport, Kathmandu to Pokhara and return Kathmandu by tourist bus, Pokhara to Nayapul by car and Jomsom to Pokhara  flight.
  • Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

Cost Excluded

  • Your international flight
  • Travel/medical insurance coverage personal accidents, medical and emergency Helicopter rescue
  • Personal travel and trekking equipments.
  • All lunch and dinner while in city
  • Items of a personal nature such as normal drinks, hot shower, dessert, laundry, internet and phone call.
  • Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc
  • Tips/Gratuities for your trekking crews
  • Temple and Monastery entrance fees
  • Optional activities
  • 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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