Lower Mustang Trek

Trip Overview of Lower Mustang Trek

Lower Mustang Trek is the most sought-after alternative to Upper Mustang Trek, which is naturally blessed with a blend of cultural and geographical diversity. As the Jomsom Muktinath trek has been destroyed by road building; we created an awesome off-the-beaten Lower Mustang trek through pre-Buddhist bon villages, and a side trip to Dhumba Lake and Dhaulagiri Ice Fall also can be added. We take a scenic flight from Pokhara or fly over the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni then to Muktinath, and Lupra and Thini villages toward Kalopani. Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists and you encounter ascetic sadhus carrying a trident and more than a blanket on the way. We see people selling saligram along the way to Kali Gandaki, a black stone that, when broken, reveals the fossilized remains of prehistoric ammonites that lived here more than 140 million years ago, 

It is believed that ‘Visnu in Stone', a legendary god, was turned into stone by the beautiful and virtuous Vrinda when he seduced her. We trek down to Tatopani through the beautiful Thakali village of Marpha (2680 m), the place of the trekker's favorite, impressive kanis. And there is big Samtenling Gompa at Marpha. You can take a healing bath in the pond of natural hot springs in Tatopani, which is 60 degrees Celsius hot. You will walk through the Kali Gandaki Valley, which was centuries before the primary trade route between Tibet and India. This Lower Mustang Trek guarantees visitors a wonderful landscape of natural beauties, great Himalayan scenery, and unique tribal culture.

Getting there and out

The easiest and most comfortable access is taking a flight from Pokhara, which is the quickest way to get to Lower Mustang. Usually, all the flights are in the morning to escape strong winds that whip through Mustang by the afternoon. It is an amazing Mountain View flight soaring over the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, with Dhaulagiri and Tukuche to the west and Nilgiri Central and Annapurna to the east.

Alternatively, Mustang is linked by road to Pokhara. Taking a local bus or private jeep between Pokhara and Jomsom is the ‘adventurous’ choice, but can take more than ten hours along rough and bumpy roads. It is also possible to trek the whole way there from Tatopani, Lower Mustang is located on the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, so it would be possible to add these day trips onto that much longer trip.

When is the best time to trek in Lower Mustang? 

This part gets less rain, making it the best route to hike in Nepal during the monsoon, whereas most other parts of the country are wet in June, July, and August, so this trek can be one of the best for those who can allow a holiday in the rainy season as the area is under the rain shadow. But think that the chances of flights getting canceled are high because of bad weather in the southern part of the Himalayas. The roads can also be quite unfaithful, as the rain makes them muddy and slippery and can trigger landslides. Alternatively, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–mid-November) are good times to visit. Bring enough warm clothing if you are trekking in Winter (Dec to early March)

How much does the Lower Mustang Trek Permit cost? 

While the Upper Mustang trek requires an expensive permit of USD 500 for 10 days, this isn't essential if you're trekking in Lower Mustang, so this is the best alternative trek to the Upper Mustang in terms of travel budget. For the area, you only need a cheaper permit (Rs 3000, or approx. USD 30 for ACAP) and a TIMS Card (Rs 2000 per person).

Optional routes that differentiate the Lower Mustang Trek itinerary and cost

Lower Mustang, aka Jomsom Muktinath trekking trail, is fast changing because of the road extension to the Tibet border of Korala in Upper Mustang that left a bad impact on the trekking trail. So Wilderness Excursion has revived this beautiful trekking trail by adding some of the isolated, beautiful villages with alternatives to the trail that reward travelers by experiencing Tibetan and Thakali typical culture, pre-Buddhist religion, animism, and traditional practices in lower Mustang.

Short itinerary
Day 01: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) & trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 02: Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m)
Day 03: Day trip to Muktinath & trek to Lupra village (3,668 m)
Day 04: Trek to Phalyak (3175 m)
Day 05: Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830 m)
Day 06: Trek to Chimang village (2,850 m)
Day 07: Trek to Kalapani (2,530 m)
Day 08: Trek to Titi village (2,679 m) & Side Hike to Titi Lake
Day 09: Trek to Larjung (2,550 m)
Day 10: Trek to Marpha (2,670 m)
Day 11: Drive to Pokhara or trek to Jomsom and take a flight.

Extended itinerary with round-trip flight from and to Jomsom

Day 01: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 02: Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m)
Day 03: Day trip to Muktinath
Day 04: Trek to Lupra village (3,668 m)
Day 05: Trek to Phalyak (3,229 m)
Day 06: Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830 m)
Day 07: Trek to Chimang village (2,850 m), An Apple Farm Village
Day 08: Trek to Kalapani (2,530 m)
Day 09: Trek to Titi village (2,679 m) & Side Hike to Titi Lake
Day 10: Trek to Larjung (2,550 m)
Day 11: Rest day at Larjung-Hike to Dhaulagiri Icefall
Day 12: Trek to Marpha (2,670 m)
Day 13: Drive to Pokhara or take a short trek to Jomsom and catch a flight to Pokhara.

Extended itinerary to Tatopani, Ghorepani Poon, and Pokhara

Day 01: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 02: Trek to Jharkot village (3,550 m)
Day 03: Day trip to Muktinath
Day 04: Trek to Lupra village (3,668 m)
Day 05: Trek to Phalyak (3,229 m)
Day 06: Trek to Thini village (2,840 m) & Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2,830 m)
Day 07: Trek to Chimang village (2,850 m), An Apple Farm Village
Day 08: Trek to Kalapani (2,530 m)
Day 09: Drive or trek to Tatopani (1190 m) and soak yourself in a natural healing hot spring. 
Day 10: Trek to Shikha (1950 m), 5 to 6 hour trek.
Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2850 m), 
Day 12: Morning excursion to Poon Hill and trek to Hile (1450 m), drive to Pokhara

How Difficult is Lower Mustang Trek?

This trekking route is all above 2700 meters above sea level but the trail is pleasing as the path is criss-crossed by the road so the treks around Jomsom are moderately difficult. The maximum altitude is at Muktinath, which is 3710 meters, but all nights are spent below 3000 meters. It is suitable for both first-time and repeated visitors to Nepal, however, a reasonable level of fitness and good health are essential, and keep in mind that trekking in the Himalayas is an adventure!