The Lower Mustang Trek is an excellent blend of natural splendor, cultural discovery, and historical significance. This trek takes you into the Mustang region, previously part of the ancient Kingdom […]
The Lower Mustang Trek is an excellent blend of natural splendor, cultural discovery, and historical significance. This trek takes you into the Mustang region, previously part of the ancient Kingdom of Lo, where Tibetan culture remains deeply ingrained. Unlike the more remote and restricted Upper Mustang, the Lower Mustang area is more accessible but still offers a unique experience with its arid landscapes, traditional villages, and majestic Himalayan vistas.
One of the major highlights of this trek is a visit to Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This trek also passes through beautiful villages like Kagbeni and Marpha, where you can witness the traditional lifestyle of the Thakali people and experience local apple orchards and unique Tibetan-style architecture. The landscapes of Lower Mustang are striking, with red cliffs, barren hills, and the dramatic backdrop of mountains like Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
Our Lower Mustang trek begins with a flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara which is followed by another flight to Jomsom, either the same day or the next day. The Jomsom flight offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges but the limitation with Jomsom flight is that, it is very limited and mostly takes off early in the morning before noon. It is because the Jomsom village being too windy. From Jomsom, trekking continues towards Kagbeni, an ancient village located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang, with its narrow alleys, traditional stone houses, and fascinating Tibetan Buddhist culture.
After exploring Kagbeni, the trail ascends to Muktinath which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The path to Muktinath passes through arid landscapes and windy plateaus. At Muktinath, we can visit the famous Muktinath Temple which is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is known for its 108 water spouts and eternal flame, making it a spiritual highlight of the trek. Every year thousands of pilgrims, especially from Nepal and India visits this holy and spiritual site for pilgrims purposes.
From Muktinath, the Lower Mustang Trek itinerary will descend back to Jomsom and continue trekking to Marpha, a charming Thakali village famous for its apple orchards. Marpha is known for its whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and monasteries. It’s also the perfect place to taste local apple products, including apple brandy and apple pie. After spending a night in Marpha, our Lower Mustang Trek concludes with a return to Jomsom, where you’ll either fly or drive back to Pokhara. However, if time allows and you would like to explore more, there are many side trips that can be added in the Lower Mustang itinerary.
Similar to other treks in the Annapurna region, the Lower Mustang trek also passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a wide range of flora, fauna, and beautiful landscapes. Therefore, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is mandatory for this trek since the area is well-protected, and your permit fees contribute to conservation efforts. However, unlike the Upper Mustang Trek, the Lower Mustang area does not require a restricted area permit which makes it more accessible for trekkers. The TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) is also necessary, which ensures that trekkers are safe and monitored throughout their journey. These permits can be easily obtained through a trekking agency like Nepal Mountain Guide.
Regarding the best time to do the Lower Mustang trek, like most of the treks in Nepal, it is also recommended to plan during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These times offer clear skies and comfortable trekking conditions in almost all trekking trails of Nepal. In spring months, the weather is mild, and you can see blooming rhododendrons and other flowers along the trail which makes the landscape even more colorful. The daytime temperatures are usually pleasant during these months, though it can get colder at higher altitudes like Muktinath.
Whereas, the autumn season is ideal for clear mountain views and moderate temperatures. After the monsoon, the skies clear up, and the weather becomes stable with the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges along the trail during the Autumn months making it the most popular time for trekking in this region. Also, the biggest festivals of Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar coincide with this season so it is the highly preferred time for trekking in Lower Mustang. In the same way, trekking to Lower Mustang in winter (December to February) is also possible but it can get very cold, especially in places like Muktinath and Kagbeni. The monsoon season (June to August) is not ideal due to rain and slippery trails. But since Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas so it receives less rain than other regions of Nepal, it is still doable and enjoyable to trek to Lower Mustang during monsoon.