Have a great time on a 6-day short trek in Lower Mustang. Go through Muktinath, Kagbeni, and typical villages like Lurpa and Jharkot.
The short Lower Mustang 6-day trek is a favorite trail in Nepal’s Annapurna region. It also gives you a mix of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and pretty landscapes.
If you don’t have much time but still want to enjoy Mustang’s beauty, there’s a great option. You can go on a fair trek along the border of Annapurna and Mustang, with great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is part of an old trade route to Tibet along the Kali Gandaki River. Along this neat path, you’ll find comfy tea houses run by Gurung and Thakalis families. Hence, making your trek more lovely and easy.
Lower Mustang Location
Lower Mustang is surprisingly called the Trans Himalayan Section. Meanwhile, it’s in the northwest of Nepal, near Tibet. This trek route is in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, creating a special dry landscape.
Best Time to trek for Mustang short trek
The best time for the Kagbeni Muktinath Trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is clear and trek conditions are just right.
Difficulty and Trek Route
This trek is fairly challenging. Also, you will reach around 3800m / 12,467 feet. Therefore, getting sick in high is not a big worry like in higher treks.
Beyond Mustang short 6-day trek
Are you looking for other options other than the Mustang short trek? Explore other treks such as
Please check our trek equipment list. This list will certainly be a guide for you if you plan to trek in Nepal. Similarly, you can check our AMC (Acute Mountain Sickness) which can be a good guide for you to learn more about getting ill at high heights in Nepal. Also, if you want to do a Peak climb in Nepal then please check the climbing equipment list that is a must while going on the Peak climb. Likewise, we suggest you check the updated TIMS card rule as there have been some new changes in Nepal.
How can I get a Nepal Visa?
You can get Nepal visas upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. To make the process faster and avoid long lines, fill out the Online Nepal Visa form a week before you arrive. Bringing a printed copy with the proof number helps you get through Immigration faster. Make sure you have enough cash for the visa fee when you arrive, as the cost depends on how long you’re staying and how often you’re entering. Also, we suggest you check our tourist visa in Nepal as there have been some major changes.
Booking Open for 2024 / 2025
Are you planning to trek or tour in 2024? If so, then in our Best Deals part, you can find the ideal info on the best price for the trek or tour cost. Furthermore, book plans as soon as possible.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Jomsom & drive or trek to Kagbeni – 4 hrs walk
Morning transfer to Pokhara airport in time to board your flight to Jomsom. Upon arrival at Jomsom, start your trek to Kagbeni.
Jomsom is among the very few places in Nepal from where the Himalayan peaks can be admired at such a close range and yet from a safe altitude of only 2800 meters. Giant peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri seem so close you could reach out to touch them.
After arrival at Jomsom, you will trek north to Kagbeni, arriving in time for lunch. There are frequent Local Jeeps in the trekking track hence if you wish to drive to Kagbeni from Jomsom then you can board the local Jeep and utilize your time to explore the Kagbeni & surrounding villages by hiking with your guide. We recommend this option due to the Local Jeep being available. Please discuss it with your guide & decide on the spot.
The wide trail along the western side of the sandy, saligram-filled riverbed provides views of the nearby peaks of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, and, to the south, the Annapurna Massif. Kagbeni, spectacularly situated atop a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Jhong Khola rivers, is the last village in Lower Mustang and guards the entrance into Upper Mustang (visible across the Kali Gandaki riverbed). It is an oasis of green fields amidst rocky, arid mountains, with Nilgiri looming beyond. This ancient, partially ruined citadel town is a glimpse into a unique way of life, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of barley, and its massive, 800-year-old brick-red Sayka Gompa.
Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge in Kagbeni
Day 2: Trek Jharkot
After breakfast, start your trek to Jharkot located in the lower Mustang area. From Kagbeni to Jharkot is approximately 4 hours of walking, depending on how you are feeling in the dry air and the altitude.
It’s an uphill trek from Kagbeni to Jharkot and you gain quite a bit of elevation, so it’s nice to stop here and take the afternoon to explore this old fortified village. The main feature of the village is the striking red Gompa (monastery) of the Sakya sect of Buddhism that sits prominently at the front of the village. This Gompa is more than 500 years old and has an active Tibetan Medicine school. There are stunning views down the valley and up towards the famous Thorong La (pass) which is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 3: Excursion to Muktinath
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus, and a great example of a sacred place shared in harmony by followers of two religions. Local Buddhist nuns (belonging to the lineage of Lama Wangyal) care-take the site. Every year, thousands of devotees from India, Tibet, and Nepal come here on pilgrimage for purification and salvation. It is said that throughout history many kings throughout Asia did the same.
It is well worth spending a day here to not only visit this sacred shrine but also to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 4: Trek Jomsom via Lurpa Village
You’ll descend to Jomsom via Lurpa village, visiting a local Bonpo Monastery. While you have to ascend the mountain again for a short way to get back on the trail, it is a great route that trekkers on the Annapurna circuit miss out on, so you will be far away from the crowds and the jeep trail to Jharkot and Muktinath.
Bonpo is an ancient pre-Buddhist religion not represented by many monasteries these days, so it is a rare and special chance to learn about this ancient animist religion while taking a stunning alternate route back to Jomsom.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 5: Excursion to Marpha Village & Dhumba Lake
Enjoy a day excursion to Marpha village. Marpha is one of the most famous villages of the Panch Gaun (Five Village) region in Mustang district lying on the Annapurna Circuit Trek route of Nepal. It is famous for its picturesque appearance and most importantly for its apple orchards and apple products.
It lies in the Trans, Himalayan rain shadow zone and therefore stays more or less untouched by raging monsoons of lower ranges. The village is mostly inhabited by Thakalis (Mawatan) representing four district clans: Lalchan (Ruby), Hirachan (Diamond), Jwarchan (Jewel), and Pannachan (Emerald). Its economy is strongly dependent upon agriculture, livestock, tourism, and labor in foreign countries.
If time permits, also visit Dhumba Lake. Dhumba Lake is the hidden gem of Mustang. Dhumba Lake is an emerald-green color lake. It lies at an altitude of 2900 m from sea level. This Lake is very famous for being a sacred Buddhist lake. It is 5.5 km west of Jomsom. Its length is 150 meters and its width is 100 meters. The place where it lies is Thini Village. It lies on the base of Mount Nilgiri. Mount Nilgiri is the main source of this Lake.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Local Lodge
Day 6: Fly Jomsom/Pokhara
Early morning, you will board the flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What are the important things that need to be considered for the trek?
During the trek will be local lodges available. These lodges will be simple and cannot be compared with hotels available in the city area. The local lodges will have common bathrooms. In higher elevations (above Tengboche) there is a high possibility of sharing a dormitory due to limited availability.
Q2. Meals
During trek will be with all meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). In the mountains normally meals available will be typical Nepali & Tibetan food. We will provide one full item during breakfast, lunch & dinner. A cup of Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast.
Q3. Flight to/From Jomsom
Jomsom is a small airport located at a high elevation hence the flight operation will be early morning and highly depends on Weather conditions. Flights allow 10 Kg of check-in baggage per person. Any extra personal payload needs to settle directly at the airline.
In case the flight cannot operate due to weather conditions then there is an alternative with a drive option from Pokhara/Jomsom & back. We can adjust airfare with surface transfer with mutual discussion as required.
Q4. Level of Fitness required?
Lower Mustang and Annapurna Foothills is an easy trek however requires 5 hours average walking per day.
Trekking in Nepal is a unique experience; so to get maximum enjoyment you should be physically and mentally prepared. No trek is easy so preparation should commence months before – walking, jogging, and hiking (one or two bricks in a pack) are helpful.
Q5. Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can affect any person, irrespective of age or level of fitness. No training can prevent this illness. Generally, those who trek too fast or gain altitude too quickly are more likely to be affected.
When trekking, “Bistarai” (slowly) is very good advice. Once over 3,000 meters, daily vertical gains of over 500, meters should not be exceeded. Your guide is aware of this so take his advice.
Symptoms:
– Nausea/Vomiting
– Loss of appetite
– Insomnia/sleeplessness
– Persistent headache
– Dizziness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
– Slight swelling of hands and feet
– Breathlessness and breathing irregularly
– Reduced urine.
