Lower Mustang Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a TrekUp Nepal representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. If you arrive early, you can explore the nearby streets, local markets and restaurants around Thamel.

Later, meet your trekking representative for a briefing about the Lower Mustang Trek. Your team will explain the route, transportation arrangements, accommodation, permits and essential trekking preparations. You can also discuss the upcoming journey to Pokhara and the weather-dependent flight to Jomsom. The evening is free to relax before beginning your journey into the Himalayas.

Maximum Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner

After breakfast, explore some of Kathmandu's most important cultural and religious landmarks. Depending on the sightseeing schedule, your visit may include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These historic sites provide an introduction to Nepal's Hindu and Buddhist traditions, architecture and cultural heritage.

Return to your hotel after sightseeing and use the remaining time to prepare for the trek. Your guide can check your trekking equipment, help organize your luggage and confirm the transportation arrangements for the following morning. You can also purchase any remaining personal supplies before leaving the Kathmandu Valley.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, begin the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The journey follows Nepal's Prithvi Highway alongside sections of the Trishuli River, passing terraced hillsides, small market towns, traditional settlements and green river valleys. The changing landscape provides a scenic introduction to the country's mid-hill region.

Depending on traffic, road conditions and stops along the way, the drive generally takes around 6–8 hours. Upon reaching Pokhara, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time around Lakeside or Phewa Lake. Pokhara is the main gateway for your flight into Mustang, so your guide will reconfirm the following morning's flight schedule and meeting arrangements.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 820 m / 2,690 ft
Driving Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Pokhara Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Wake up early and transfer to Pokhara Airport for your scenic mountain flight to Jomsom. The short flight follows the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley, passing between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. On a clear morning, you can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding peaks and the dramatic landscape of the world's deepest gorge.

After landing in Jomsom, transfer to your lodge and meet the local trekking team. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town and becoming familiar with the Mustang environment. Jomsom is the administrative center of Mustang and an important settlement along the historic trade route between Nepal and Tibet. You can visit the local market, observe traditional architecture and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.

Keeping this day relatively relaxed allows you to adjust to the higher elevation before beginning the walking section toward Kagbeni.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Flight Duration: Approximately 18–20 minutes, subject to operations
Walking Duration: Optional local exploration
Accommodation: Jomsom Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, begin walking north from Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Kagbeni. The trail follows a broad river valley surrounded by dry hills, rocky slopes and impressive mountain scenery. Depending on the route and weather, you may walk along sections of the riverbed and established trails connecting the small settlements along the valley.

The landscape gradually becomes more distinct as you approach Kagbeni, with traditional houses, cultivated fields, prayer flags and monasteries reflecting the region's Tibetan cultural influence. Kagbeni is one of the most historic settlements in Lower Mustang and stands near the entrance to Upper Mustang.

After reaching the village, explore its narrow lanes, traditional mud-brick buildings and old monastery surroundings. The village's distinctive architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it an excellent place to experience Mustang's cultural heritage. Enjoy the remainder of the day at the lodge and prepare for the gradual climb toward Muktinath.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Walking Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Kagbeni Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, leave Kagbeni and follow the trail toward Muktinath. Today's walk involves a gradual ascent through the Jhong Khola Valley, passing traditional settlements, cultivated terraces, chortens and Buddhist prayer structures. As you gain elevation, the views across the Kali Gandaki region become increasingly impressive.

Continue through Khingar and toward Jharkot, a traditional village known for its old houses, monastery and Tibetan-influenced architecture. You can take a short break to explore the village and appreciate the surrounding views before continuing toward Ranipauwa and Muktinath.

Upon arrival, visit the sacred Muktinath Temple complex, an important pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. The site is particularly known for its 108 water spouts and the natural eternal flame. You will have time to explore the temple surroundings and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable Himalayan destination.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
Walking Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Muktinath or Ranipauwa Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start the day with breakfast and, if time permits, enjoy another opportunity to visit the Muktinath Temple surroundings. Afterward, begin descending toward the lower Mustang settlements. Instead of simply retracing the main road, follow the route toward the Lupra Valley, subject to trail conditions and the guide's assessment.

The trail leads through a quieter section of the region toward Lupra village, one of the notable settlements associated with the ancient Bon tradition. Its traditional houses and cultural heritage offer a different perspective on Mustang's religious history. Take time to explore the village and, where access is available, learn about its distinctive Bonpo monastery.

Continue toward the Kali Gandaki Valley and Marpha. The descent brings changing scenery, from the dry upper valley to the cultivated surroundings and apple orchards of the lower settlements. Marpha is famous for its whitewashed houses, stone-paved lanes, traditional architecture and Thakali hospitality. After arriving, explore the village and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Depending on the season, you may also find locally produced apple juice, dried apples and other regional products.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,750 m / 12,303 ft at the starting point
Overnight Altitude: Approximately 2,670–2,790 m / 8,760–9,154 ft
Walking Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours, depending on the Lupra route
Accommodation: Marpha Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, travel from Marpha to Jomsom by local vehicle or on foot, according to the final transportation arrangement. From Jomsom Airport, take the return flight to Pokhara. The short flight offers another opportunity to enjoy the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley and surrounding Himalayan scenery when visibility is clear.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, continue the journey to Kathmandu by road. The drive follows the highway through river valleys, hillside settlements and the green landscapes of central Nepal. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the journey generally takes around 6–8 hours.

After reaching Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. This marks the end of the trekking portion of your Lower Mustang adventure.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Flight Duration: Approximately 18–20 minutes, subject to operations
Driving Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Your Lower Mustang Trek comes to an end today. After breakfast, a TrekUp Nepal representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule.

If your departure is later in the day, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a short walk around Kathmandu, depending on your flight time. We hope you leave Nepal with memorable experiences of Mustang's traditional villages, sacred Muktinath Temple, mountain landscapes and the hospitality of the local communities.

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Airport Transfer: According to international flight schedule
Accommodation: Not included unless an additional night is arranged
Meals: Breakfast