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14 days
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Mustang
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Moderate
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3,800 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- The Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world
- Natural hot springs at Tatopani
- Marpha, a Thakali village known for its apple orchards
- Kagbeni and the temple of Muktinath (3,800 m)
- Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas
Overview
The Lower Mustang Trek combines a walk down the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world, between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, with the Poon Hill viewpoint. After flying from Pokhara to Jomsom, you visit the medieval village of Kagbeni and the temple of Muktinath (3,800 m), sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, where the landscape is dry and Tibetan in character.
From Muktinath you descend through the apple-growing village of Marpha and through Ghasa to the hot springs of Tatopani, then climb via Sikha to Ghorepani for sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m).
Know before you go
Best time to go
Mustang lies in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, so it can be trekked from March to November, including the monsoon months when most other regions are wet.
Spring and autumn give the clearest mountain views. Winter (December to February) is very cold and windy, and many lodges close.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days. The high point at Muktinath (3,800 m) is reached on the second trekking day, and the last days include the long stone staircases between Ghorepani and Tikhedhunga.
Afternoons in the Kali Gandaki valley are often windy and dusty. No technical skills are needed, and the trek suits beginners with good general fitness.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A guided tour takes you to the main heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath stupa, the Buddhist centre of Boudhanath and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. In the afternoon there is time for final preparations for the trek. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A scenic bus journey of six to seven hours follows the river valleys west to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region; road works on the highway can make it longer. In the evening you can relax by Phewa Lake and prepare for the trek. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A short, scenic flight takes you from Pokhara to Jomsom, flying between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. From Jomsom you walk along the wide Kali Gandaki riverbed to the medieval village of Kagbeni, with its narrow lanes and old monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Kagbeni (2,800 m).
The trail climbs steadily via the village of Jharkot to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the afternoon you can visit the temple and its spring-fed water spouts. Overnight in a teahouse in Muktinath (3,800 m).
Today you descend via Jomsom and continue down the Kali Gandaki valley, often in a strong afternoon wind. The day ends in Marpha, a well-kept whitewashed village known for its apples and apple brandy. Overnight in a teahouse in Marpha (2,600 m).
The trail continues down the valley past the old trading villages of Tukuche and Larjung, with views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, and on through Kalopani and Lete. The landscape gradually turns greener as pine forest replaces the dry hills. It is a long day of seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghasa (2,120 m).
The trail follows the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world, downstream past the Rupse Chhahara waterfall and the village of Dana, with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rising on either side. At Tatopani you can relax in the natural hot springs. Overnight in a teahouse in Tatopani (1,190 m).
Leaving the Kali Gandaki, the trail climbs steadily through terraced fields and small villages to the hillside village of Sikha. It is a shorter day of about four hours, with time to rest in the afternoon. Overnight in a teahouse in Sikha (1,935 m).
The climb continues via Chitre through oak and rhododendron forest, with the first views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, to the hillside village of Ghorepani. The afternoon is free to rest before the early start to Poon Hill. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghorepani (2,850 m).
An early climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) rewards you with sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. After breakfast you descend the long stone staircase via the Magar village of Ulleri to Tikhedhunga. Overnight in a teahouse in Tikhedhunga (1,540 m).
A short walk past Hile and Birethanti brings you to the road at Nayapul, where a vehicle takes you back to Pokhara. The afternoon is free for a boat trip on Phewa Lake or a walk along the lakeside. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A scenic bus journey takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu, usually six to seven hours. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel, and the evening is free to relax or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
