Secrets of Lower Mustang

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Hotels in Cities & Comfortable Lodges During Trek
Grade:	Easy
Max Altitude:	3,802 m/12,475 ft
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Transportation :	Flight/ Private Vehicle
Duration :	9 Nights/10 Days
Group Size:	1 to 15 People

Highlights of The Trek

Witness secrets of Lower Mustang and many more
Visit Thasang Village and Sekong Lake
Great view of Dhaulagiri, Dhaulagiri Icefall, Annapurna, Nilgiri and Kaligandaki Valley
Muktinath Temple and Red Gompa in Kagbeni
Witness Mustang People, Tibetan Culture and Barren Landscapes
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Fly to Pokhara-25 Minutes

Day 03: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) - 6 Hours

Day 05: Drive back to Jomsom and Trek to Thasang (2,700 m/8,858ft)-6 Hours

Day 06: Excursion to Sekong Lake (2,683 m/8,803 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 07: Excursion to Titi Goan and Titi Lake or Rest at Thasang Lodge-6 Hours

Day 08: Drive back to Jomsom-1 Hour or Pokhara- 6/7 Hours

Day 09: Fly back to Pokhara and to Kathmandu

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Secrets of Lower Mustang Trek is specially designed to give the best of Lower Mustang has to offer to the trekkers and mountain lovers.This trip includes the trail between Jomsom and Muktinath, and Thasang Village which is the main highlight of the trip. Thasang Village Lodge is perched on a hill just above the Kaligandaki valley floor which gives the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri and Dhaulagiri Icefall towering just above along with Annapurna, Nilgiri and deepest Kaligandaki Valley. The neighbor villages of Naurikot, Larjung, Koban and Tukuche collectively called Thasang by the local Thakali people who are preserving their traditions.

Lower Mustang Trek starts with the scenic flight to Pokhara and to Jomsom. We start our trek in Jomsom to Kagbeni. Kagbeni in the confluence of Kaligandaki River and Jhong Khola is the last village of Lower Mustang and entry point to Upper Mustang and famous for Red Painted Gompa which is more than 1000 years old and was significant during Salt Trade between Nepal and Tibet. Then we trek to Sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and also take significance in Buddhism as well. From Muktinath, either we retrace back to Jomsom or take a Jeep. From Jomsom, we trek to famous Thasang Village passing by Thakali villages of Marpha, Tukuche, Darjung. From Thasang lodge, we do daytrip to Sacred Sekong Lake which gives the best view of Dhaulagiri,Annapurna along with Nilgiri. Adding one more day, we can do excursion to Titi Lake and Titi Goan. From Thasang, we end our trek in Jomsom before flying to Pokhara or take a Jeep drive back to Pokhara.

The best season around for Trekking to Lower Mustang is around year even in the Moonson and as it is the Rain Shadow region however flight from Pokhara to Jomsom might get delayed. During the trip, we can entirely trek starting from Jomsom and ending at Jomsom and also can drive the entire trip except to the Sekong Lake. We stay at comfortable lodges during the trek which are the luxury of this mountain region. Depending upon the time and budget you have, we can add few more nights or shorten the trip however we are suggesting the standard itinerary.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we will assist and transfer to the hotel. You can rest till the evening before we do a short trek briefing at hotel’s lobby. Then we will take you for Dinner to make you introduce with Nepalese Food and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Fly to Pokhara-25 Minutes

After breakfast and check-out, we start our day with visit to Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva famous Hindu temple at the bank of holy Bagmati River where Hindu people cremate dead body for salvation. Afterwards, we drive to Boudhanath Stupa which is among the largest Stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then we continue to airport for 25 minutes flight to Pokhara. Upon arriving in Pokhara, we check-in at hotel and in the late afternoon, we do quick sightseeing of Devi’s fall, Mahadev Cave and Tibetan Refugee Camp and continue for boat ride at Fewa Lake. We visit Barahi Temple at the middle of the lake.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

After early morning breakfast, we drive to airport for flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, we trek to Kagbeni passing by Eklebhatti. As a part of our trail, we walk on the flatten riverbed of Kaligandaki River with the view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri and Annapurna Mountains. Kagbeni in the confluence of Kaligandaki River and Jhong Khola is the last village of Lower Mustang and entry point to Upper Mustang. There is famous Red Painted Gompa in Kagbeni which is more than 1000 years old.

Accomodation: Overnight at Red House in Kagbeni.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) - 6 Hours

After breakfast, we trek to Muktinath passing by villages of Khingar and Jharkot. At some point after a steep climb, we arrive at a viewpoint which offers panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Tukuche Mountains. We continue to Ranipauwa village from where we see Muktinath Temple on the foothill of Thorong La Pass. Muktinath Temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for all Hindu and Buddhist people around the world. To Hindus, Mukti Kshetra is a place of Moksha or Salvation. This Temple is considered as 106th temple among 108 Divya Desam (Premium Temples) considered sacred by Sri Vaishnava. They believe that bathing in the 108 taps water and dip in holy pond here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that burn at Muktinath. To Buddhists, Muktinath is a place where the great sage guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to meditate. For Tibetan Buddhist, this is very important places for Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers and one of the 24 tantric places. They believe the Idol (Murti) is a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara who symbolizes the compassion of all the Buddhas. For this night, we have option of either staying at Muktinath or drive back to Kagbeni for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Muktinath.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Drive back to Jomsom and Trek to Thasang (2,700 m/8,858ft)-6 Hours

Early morning, we visit Muktinath Temple and drive back to Jomsom (1 Hour) to avoid the same return trail. From Jomsom, we follow down the Kaligandaki Valley to Marpha for lunch. Marpha is a village of Thakali people and famous for its Apple Orchards and Apple brandy. The village is characterized by the traditional flat mud roofed houses with piles of firewood neatly stacked upon it. Wooden carved windows, long main spotless flagstones, and paved alleys are some of the unique features of Marpha. After lunch, we follow the trail to Tukuche and Larjung. And in Larjung, we leave Jomsom/Pokhara road and climb gradual uphill to tiny Thasang Lodge.

Accomodation: Overnight at Thasang Lodge in Naurikot.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Excursion to Sekong Lake (2,683 m/8,803 ft)-5/6 Hours

Our lodge is a fantastic place to witness Sunrise over Dhaulagiri. After breakfast and with lunch pack, we do excursion to Sekong Lake. Initially, we descend to the valley floor and cross a suspension bridge. And we do gradual ascend through pine forest to arrive at Sacred Sekong Lake. From the lake, Dhaulagiri towers just above us and across the valley, we get the view of peaks of Annapurna Ranges and dominating Nilgiri peaks. After spending some time and pack lunch, our trail descends to another Bhurchhato lake and to valley floor. Then we climb to our lodge.

Accomodation: Overnight at Thasang Lodge in Naurikot.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Excursion to Titi Goan and Titi Lake or Rest at Thasang Lodge-6 Hours

Depending upon the time, we can extend one more day at Thasang and do another excursion to Titi Lake and Titi Goan. We again descend to Larjung and walk on other part of the valley to Titi Gaon on the way to Ghasa. This excursion is also for mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Dhampus peaks. Or you may simply rest at the lodge and walk around the Naurikot village in the evening.

Accomodation: Overnight at Thasang Lodge in Naurikot.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Drive back to Jomsom-1 Hour or Pokhara- 6/7 Hours

After breakfast, we have two options again. Either we can drive back to Pokhara by Private Jeep, takes 6/7 Hours or drive to Jomsom for next day flight to Pokhara. If you decide to fly, then rest the entire afternoon and take a jeep to Jomsom in the evening.

Accomodation: Overnight at Om's Home in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Fly back to Pokhara and to Kathmandu

In the morning, we walk to the airport and fly back to Pokhara and to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we visit two monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's. Late afternoon, we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa also called Monkey Temple, a Stupa in a small hill of Kathmandu over viewing Kathmandu valley and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, we will host dinner to celebrate the completion of Secrets of Lower Mustang Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
2 Nights in Kathmandu and 1 Night in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
6 Nights at Comfortable/Luxury Accommodation during the trekking with all meals.
Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu flight and Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara flight with all necessary transfers.
Private Jeep In Mustang Region and Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu and Pokhara Sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide and all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 Hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Meals other than breakfast except mentioned.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.