Mustang Trek

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Trip Overview


Mustang Trek Overview

The Mustang Trek is an extraordinary adventure that takes trekkers through the hidden kingdom of Mustang, a remote and culturally rich region in the Himalayas of Nepal. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and traditional culture, making it a popular choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The Mustang region, also known as the former Kingdom of Lo, lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, making it a semi-arid and desert-like landscape. The trek begins in Jomsom, a town accessible by a short flight from Pokhara, and follows a well-defined route through this arid terrain, characterized by colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and unique landscapes. One of the highlights of the Mustang Trek is the chance to explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture. The region  dotted with monasteries, chortens (stupas), and centuries-old caves that were once used by monks for meditation. The walled city of Lo Manthang, with its whitewashed buildings, is the cultural heart of Mustang and offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

Mustang Trek: Exploring Ancient Culture and Breathtaking Landscapes

Throughout the trek, trekkers will pass through quaint villages where locals welcome visitors with warm hospitality. The people of Mustang have preserved their unique traditions, and their lifestyle is a testament to the ancient Tibetan culture that thrives in this remote corner of Nepal. The trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days, depending on the chosen route and the acclimatization schedule. Trekkers can expect to cross suspension bridges, traverse high mountain passes, and marvel at the stark, otherworldly landscape. The region also known for its panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, including Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and more. The best time to embark on the Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most favorable for trekking. During these seasons, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are comfortable.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, the Mustang Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the hidden kingdom of Mustang, steeped in rich history and culture. Trekkers will be mesmerized by the stark beauty of the landscape, the welcoming locals, and the ancient monasteries. This journey provides an immersive experience in the heart of the Himalayas and is a must-visit for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Trip Highlights


  • Views of Tibet like plateau as you are trekking to lower Mustang
  • The panoramic views of giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal
  • The Hindu and Buddhsit sacred site of Muktinath Temple
  • Monasteries in Tukuche, Marpha, Kagbeni, Jharkot and Muktinath
  • Fly over the world’s deepest Kaligandaki gorge

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival at Pokhara and Trek to Kagbeni via Jomsom

Take a short but scenic flight in the morning to a stunning town of Jomsom. A twenty minutes’ flight with a very close up view of Annapurna range takes you to the mountain town of Jomsom. Feel welcomed by the mountain air in Jomsom and start the trek of the day to Kagbeni along the bank of Kali Gandaki river. A four hours gentle walk takes you to this beautiful place in the middle of the mountains. Enjoy the view of the mountains.

Day 02: Trek to Jharkot Village (3550m) 3hrs Walk and Stay in Lodge

Wake up early to a beautiful morning, take breakfast and start the walk of the day to Jharkot – an uphill walk 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.

Day 03: Day Trip to Muktinath and Trek to Lupra

Visit to Muktinath – a significant pilgrimage place of both Buddhists and Hindus, and a great example of religions interfaith. Local Buddhist nuns care take the site, thousands of Indian devotees, Tibet, and Nepal come here on pilgrimage for purification and salvation. It is said that throughout history many kings throughout Asia did the same. 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. Overnight in Lupra village – a less traveled place

Day 04: Trek to Phalyak (3229m)

Follow the middle way to the village of Phalyak. Once you arrive at the bank of the Kaligandaki River, continue towards the confluence point of the river where several small tributaries fuse to form a rapidly gushing Kaligandaki River. Cross a bridge and then, walk parallel to the Kolungba Khola, originating from the Tashikang peak and its surrounding glaciers. Within a short while, you will be at Phalyak, a rarely explored pristine village of the Mustang region. Because of the isolation of the village from the main route, only a few put their eye to it. This place is perfect for enjoying the unblemished Tibetan cultures and rituals

Day 05: Trek to Thini Village (2840m) and Side Hike to Dhumba Tal (2830m)

Catch the side trip trekking route to Jomsom (as highlighted in the Upper & Lower Mustang map of Himalayan Map House). A pleasing trail as the brownie mountain keep tracking your footsteps. Yet, on this isolated segment, you will come across some Chortens on the way, wrapped by the prayer flags. This shows the influence of Buddhism in higher regions of Nepal. Within a couple of minutes, you will show up at Hadigaon, after crossing a bridge. Then, continue towards the Thinigaon.

After checking and having lunch; go for an hour of a side trip to Dhumba Tal (Lake), the exquisite lake to release all the samsaric pressure. The water is pristine and looks untouched for centuries. Enjoy the moments at the lake and return to Thinigaon.

Day 06: Trek to Chimang Village (2850m)

From here, the way to Chimang gaun goes through the impressive stone settlements. The place is exquisite, and the alleyways are formed by placing the flat stone slabs below. The people of this village are also called Chimba. Most of them are Buddhists, so you may as well catch an insight into their lifestyle and cultures. Young kids of the village will come after you for a photograph and they look amazing ahead of the mountains. Take time out to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where they sell their handmade handicraft items and souvenirs.

Day 07: Trek to Kalapani (2530m)

From Chimanggaon, descend to the Kalapani. The more you progress on the trail, the better the views become. The snowy pinnacles, rising above the northeastern Himalayas, accompany throughout the trail, particularly the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (meaning Blue Ridge). The path is completely off-the-beaten and leads you through some of the exquisite locations on the planet. Once you arrive at Kalapani, stroll around the villages and monasteries as it is fun doing that.

Day 08: Trek to Larjung Village (2550m)

Walk down hill from Ghandruk to Syauli Bazaar then flat pleasing walk to Nayapul and drive back civilization, Pokhara. Rest and relax after 5 days hiking.

Day 09: Trekking to Jomsom via Marpha (2700m)

After creating some of the exquisite and living memories at Larjung, head towards another wonderful village of Marpha for lunch break. At a glance, Marpha looks like a rainbow, but all of the same colors- black. The houses are stone-made, and the flat slabs, placed on the alleys, create an intriguing atmosphere. From this village, the astounding peak of the Nilgiri dominates the views and they appear simply fabulous. At Marpha, explore the local hamlets and spend some time talking with the locals then head to Jomsom for last night in the trekking.

Day 10: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (800m)

Catch the early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and spend the rest of the time exploring the natural sites of Pokhara. It is a lot of fun doing that.

Price Includes


  • 2 Nights deluxe room in peace, clean and standard hotels in Pokhara with breakfast basis.
  • An experienced registered, English speaking and friendly local guide.
  • 1 Sharing porter between two trekkers to carry your main pack (weight limit 25 kg/porter)
  • All meals: lunch, breakfast, dinner, tea, coffee and fresh fruits during the trip.
  • All ground transportation during the trip in Nepal.
  • Food, accommodation, salary and insurance of your guide & porters.
  • All necessary Jomsom trekking permits.
  • Guide and porters fee with all their expenses.
  • Government tax, vat and office service charge etc.

Price Excludes


  • Accommodation, meals and transfers in Kathmandu.
  • Meals in Pokhara except breakfasts.
  • Bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
  • Hot shower and hot water, laundry and toiletries.
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls and wifi service
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Advance deposit transfer charge to book your trek.
  • Tips for your guide and porters.
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