If you're limited on time but yet want to see Mustang's stark beauty, this is a terrific alternative. You'll go on a moderate hike through the Annapurna and Mustang border region, with spectacular vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is on an ancient trade route to Tibet that runs up the Kali Gandaki river. It has one of the best-developed trails, complete with excellent teahouses maintained by Gurung and Thakali families.
Overview Of The Seven Days Lower Mustang Trek
The deep valleys and steep mountains encircle the massive Annapurna Himal encompass a diverse spectrum of landscapes, from subtropical jungle to the Tibetan Plateau's high-altitude desert. Apart from the landscape, this is a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage path with stops in villages such as Jomsom (a trading centre in lower Mustang), Muktinath, and Kagbeni, where you can meet people from different ethnic groups.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Along the Kali Gandaki river, follow the old trade route to Tibet.
- In a short length of time, see Mustang's austere desert scenery.
- Learn about the culture of the Gurung and Tibetan Buddhist peasants.
- Views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal are spectacular.
Brief Itinerary Of The Seven Days Lower Mustang Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu(1,400m) to Pokhara(1,400m)
Day 03: Flight from Pokhara(1,400m) to Jomsom(2,743) and then Trek to Kagbeni(2,858m)
Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni(2,858m) to Muktinath(3,817m)
Day 05: Trek from Muktinath(3,817m) to Jomsom(2,743m)
Day 06: Flight from Jomsom(2,743m) to Kathmandu(1,400m) via Pokhara(1,400m)
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu(1,400m)
Detailed Itinerary of the Lower Mustang Seven Days Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
The flight into Kathmandu Valley is magnificent, with panoramas of the Himalayas and the terraced valley level. At Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our travel agency will greet you and transport you to your hotel.
Enchanting Kathmandu Durbar Square
After you've settled in, you'll have time to see the Kathmandu Valley (and depending on your arrival time). Some of the few recommended places to visit on your first day of the trek are Kathmandu's Durbar Square and its small alleyways, which are crowded with historic temples, local restaurants, and small stores, as well as Swayambhunath temple, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Kathmandu valley and the snow-clad Himalayas to your north.
With various cafes providing both Western and indigenous Nepali food, Thamel, Nepal's major tourist centre, is a fantastic site to start your lunch. Then, if time permits head to Asan Tole, the city's busiest bazaar, for an accurate display of spice, fish, and vegetable stands that make for great photo opportunities. Learn a few simple Nepali phrases and strike up a friendly chat!
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu(1,400m) to Pokhara(1,400m)
After breakfast in Kathmandu, you'll be picked up and driven to the domestic airport for your trip to Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city, which takes 30 minutes.
This is a breathtaking half-hour trip along with the Himalayan range, with views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna I, and Shishapangma, four of the world's fourteen central mountains over 8,000 meters. Your specialist can assist you in securing a seat on the plane's right side for views of the Himalayas en route.
Begnas Lake in Pokhara
You'll be picked up from the Pokhara Airport and taken to your hotel as soon as you arrive. The rest of the entire day is free for you to wander and explore, do one of the tours listed below, or relax by the lake. Expats and adventurous travellers will find plenty of restaurants, fantastic cafés, eccentric boutiques, and yoga studios in Pokhara.
Day 03: Flight from Pokhara(1,400m) to Jomsom(2,743) and then Trek to Kagbeni(2,858m)
You'll be driven to the airport after an early breakfast for a magnificent mountain flight to Jomsom, Mustang's district headquarters. The flight passes above the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge. You'll have fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from the plane, but you'll land in a completely different setting, the arid valleys of the Himalayan rain shadow, just minutes later.
Serenity in Motion: Mesmerizing Buddhist Chants Fill the Air
Begin your hike along the Kaligandaki River, and be prepared for strong wind in this part. After a few hours, you'll arrive at Ekle Bhatti, a tiny but lovely settlement at the river's edge with a majestic view of the Nilgiri Himal, a massif of three peaks in the Annapurna range. This is also an excellent spot for a cup of tea or a bite to eat.
To get to Kagbeni, keep trekking for about an hour. This lovely medieval village features a bustling central plaza with prayer flags and goat pastures. Explore the village's ancient mud-pack cottages by wandering through the village's small lanes.
Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni(2,858m) to Muktinath(3,817m)
Begin your second day of trekking after breakfast in Kagbeni. You'll first come to Khingar, then Jharkot, both of which are excellent places to stop for tea or lunch. Continue walking till you reach Ranipauwa, a small village surrounded by green hills, and then Muktinath, a small town surrounded by green hills.
Image Cr: Holidays to Nepal
Caption: Muktinath Temple
Cold springs, ancient fossils, and a holy shrine make Muktinath a hallowed destination for Hindus and Buddhists. Two little blue flames that burn ceaselessly from a hole that also emits water, thought to be burned by God, may be seen in a neighbouring temple named Jwala Mai.
Day 05: Trek from Muktinath(3,817m) to Jomsom(2,743m)
Visit Muktinath Temple, an important place of prayer for Nepalese Buddhists and Hindus, after breakfast at your teahouse. Before beginning the trail, you will have the option to explore the main temple and its surroundings.
Image Caption: Jomsom
Begin your trip back to Jomsom from here, following an easy path that runs straight downwards. You'll get some incredible vistas of Mt. Dhaulagiri as you retrace your route. Pass through Jarkot to see another monastery and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and ancient caverns. Keep a watch out for Mustang people who will come out to offer products to pilgrims and admire the indications of rich Tibetan culture.
Day 06: Flight from Jomsom(2,743m) to Kathmandu(1,400m) via Pokhara(1,400m)
After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the local airstrip in Jomsom to catch your return flight to Pokhara. You'll then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu.
You will be taken to your accommodation in the capital city after you arrive. Spend the rest of the day on your own, perhaps exploring the streets by foot, bicycle, or rickshaw to see what you missed at the start of your journey.
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu(1,400m)
Nepal must be said farewell for the time being. In Kathmandu, have one more breakfast at a cafe, go for a city stroll, and/or do souvenir shopping. A representative from our travel agency will meet you at your lodging and bring you to the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) for your flight home. Arriving at the airport at least a few hours before your flight is always a brilliant idea.
