Lower Mustang Valley Trek

The Lower Mustang Valley Trek is a captivating journey into the lesser-explored regions of the Annapurna foothills, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. This trek takes you through the remote Lower Mustang region, an area known for its unique landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and dramatic mountain views. Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, the region features arid, desert-like terrain that contrasts with lush, green valleys, providing a stunning variety of scenery.

The trek begins in the vibrant town of Pokhara and heads towards the ancient town of Jomsom, which serves as the gateway to the Mustang region. From Jomsom, the trail meanders through charming villages such as Kagbeni, Marpha, and Tukuche, which are known for their traditional stone houses, narrow alleyways, and unique cultural heritage influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. As you trek deeper into the region, you will have the chance to visit ancient monasteries, gompas, and spiritual sites, such as the famous Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Lower Mustang trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountain ranges. The contrast of the snow-capped peaks against the arid terrain below creates an incredible backdrop for the journey. The trek is also an excellent opportunity to explore the rich flora and fauna of the region, as you move through lush forests, river valleys, and barren highlands.

What makes the Lower Mustang Valley Trek special is the sense of tranquility and seclusion you’ll experience along the way. Despite being a popular trekking destination, the region remains less crowded than other areas of Nepal, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience. The trek is suitable for all levels of trekkers, including those with moderate experience, as it involves manageable altitudes and relatively easy terrain compared to other more challenging Annapurna treks.

In summary, the Lower Mustang Valley Trek is an ideal choice for those seeking to explore a remote, culturally rich part of Nepal, offering a perfect mix of stunning landscapes, spiritual experiences, and a deep dive into the region’s unique heritage. It is a trek that combines adventure, culture, and nature in a way few other routes in Nepal can offer.

Region

Nepal

Duration

14 days

Level

easy

Max Altitude

3802.m.

Daily Activity

5 to 6 hours

Season

February, March, April, May, September, October,november

Starting From

$ 1400

Nepal New Generation Trek offer 1+10 People

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Overview

Itinerary

Date/Cost

Includes

FAQ

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Brief Introduction

The Lower Mustang Valley Trek is a captivating journey that offers an immersive experience into one of Nepal's most culturally rich and picturesque regions. Located in the Annapurna region, the trek takes you through the hidden gems of Lower Mustang, a place where Tibetan culture and stunning landscapes blend harmoniously. Known for its ancient monasteries, high desert terrain, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, this trek provides trekkers with a unique opportunity to explore remote villages, rugged terrain, and centuries-old traditions.

Beginning in the bustling city of Pokhara, the trek gradually ascends towards the mystical town of Jomsom, the gateway to the Mustang region. From there, you’ll visit iconic villages such as Kagbeni, Marpha, and Tukuche, each offering a glimpse into the region’s distinct lifestyle, history, and spiritual practices. The trek culminates at Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, before descending back to Jomsom.

With its relatively moderate difficulty, the Lower Mustang Valley Trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, including those with some prior trekking experience. The journey offers an unforgettable combination of mountain views, cultural exploration, and serene landscapes, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an adventure that is both peaceful and enriching.

Lower Mustang Valley Trek

Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of Lower Mustang. Visit ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and sacred sites like the Muktinath Temple, which holds deep spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Stunning Mountain Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, with snow-capped peaks providing a majestic backdrop throughout the trek.
Scenic Landscapes: Traverse through a dramatic mix of terrains, including lush green valleys, dry desert-like landscapes, and vibrant forests, offering a diverse and beautiful trekking experience.
Authentic Villages: Explore remote villages such as Kagbeni, Marpha, and Tukuche, known for their traditional stone houses, narrow alleys, and distinct culture. Experience the hospitality of the local communities and get a glimpse into their way of life.
Muktinath Temple: Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, where you can witness religious rituals and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.
Less Crowded Trek: Enjoy a peaceful and relatively quiet trekking experience compared to more popular routes, making the trek perfect for those seeking a tranquil adventure away from the crowds.
Flora and Fauna: The trek offers a chance to see diverse flora and fauna, including alpine forests, rare bird species, and wildlife adapted to the high-altitude environment.

Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day

Days: 1: Welcome to Kathmandusfer to Hotel

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. After going through customs, a representative will be waiting to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets and get you settled into your hotel. Once you've settled in, head out and visit one of Kathmandu's cultural highlights. In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.

Days: 2: Morning in Kathmandu - Fly to Pokhara

Kathmandu has a special atmosphere during the early morning hours when the city is slowly coming to life yet not too chaotic. It's a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares. After lunch, you'll take a short flight to Pokhara, where you'll spend the night.

Days: 3: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom

After an early breakfast in Pokhara, 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 where 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 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 Thakali people and their famous Marpha apples and apple brandy. You can explore village learning 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.

Days: 4: Trek to Kagbeni

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 check post 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.

Days: 5: Trek to Jharkot and visit to the red Gompa

You will want to eat a hearty breakfast this morning, as today, the climbing begins. From Kagbeni to Jharkot is approximately 3-4 hours walking, depending on how you are feeling 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.

Days: 6: Trek to Jharkot via Muktinath

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) caretake 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.

Days: 7: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra

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

Days: 8: Flight from Jomsom to Kathmandu via Pokhara

After an early breakfast in Jomsom, you'll be transferred to the local airstrip to catch your return flight to Pokhara. From here, you'll catch a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Once you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the capital city. Spend the rest of the day on your own, perhaps exploring the streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, and seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip

Days: 9: Depart Kathmandu

After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. At Nepal New Generation, meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday

Reservation & Date

Sunday

01 Oct 2023

Thursday

30 Nov 2023

$100 Off

$1400

~~$1500~~

5 Seats

Available

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Inclusion/ Exclusion

Lower Mustang Valley Trek Inclusion/Exclusion

Services Included

Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek and hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary.
Meals: Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.
Guide and Porter: Experienced, licensed trekking guide and porter(s) with their food, accommodation, and insurance.
Transportation: Private or shared vehicle transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and from the trek ending point (Jomsom) back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit for emergencies during the trek.
Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags and down jackets (if required, to be returned after the trek).
Emergency Support: Arrangement for emergency evacuation services if needed (insurance required for coverage).

Services Excluded

International Flights: Airfare to and from Nepal.
Visa Fees: Nepal visa fees and processing costs.
Personal Expenses: Snacks, beverages, personal trekking gear, hot showers, and internet services.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and other trekking staff.
Optional Activities: Additional sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or other activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Unforeseen Costs: Expenses arising from unforeseen events such as natural disasters, strikes, or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

The Lower Mustang Valley Trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It does not involve very high altitudes or technical climbs, making it accessible to trekkers with basic fitness and some prior trekking experience.

What is the difficulty level of the Lower Mustang Valley Trek?