Lower Mustang Trek

Flying into Kathmandu, you’ll have views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.

Once you’ve settled in, head out and explore the city. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a great place to start your exploration, where you’ll walk through narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants. If you want to stretch your legs, Swayambhunath, the white stupa rising above the valley, is the perfect spot to catch the sunset over the valley.

In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to choose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Today is a free day. You can either stay at your hotel and relax or explore Kathmandu city on your own. On your request, a full guided sightseeing tour can be arranged. Your original passport will be collected to issue the restricted permit. In the evening, a short trek briefing will be held where you’ll meet your guide and submit your passport.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and driven by private transfer to the domestic airport for your 30-minute flight to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city. This is a stunning flight along the Himalayan range where four of the world’s 14 giant mountains over 8,000 m can be seen: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, and Shishapangma. You will have great views of these from the plane.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, a driver will bring you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore or relax by the lake. Pokhara has many cafes, restaurants, funky shops, and yoga studios catering to expats and adventure travelers.

Overnight: Pokhara

After early breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll drive to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Jomsom, the headquarters of Nepal’s Mustang district. The flight crosses the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, with great views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Jomsom offers a cool, dry environment with stunning Himalayan peaks nearby. The day is for resting and exploring Jomsom. Optionally, take a two-hour walk down Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha, home to Thakali people and famous for apples and apple brandy.

Overnight: Jomsom

Trek north to Kagbeni for lunch. The trail runs along the sandy riverbed of the Kali Gandaki. Kagbeni is an ancient town on a cliff at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers and the last village in Lower Mustang. It has narrow alleyways, green barley fields, an ancient king’s palace, and the 800-year-old Sayka Gompa monastery. At the north end is a police check post marking the start of restricted Upper Mustang.

Overnight: Kagbeni

Uphill trek from Kagbeni to Jharkot (3-4 hours). Explore Jharkot, an old fortified village. Its monastery is over 500 years old and features a Tibetan medicine school. Enjoy views of the valley and Thorong La pass.

Overnight: Jharkot

Visit Muktinath, a place sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, with local nuns caring for the site. Thousands of pilgrims visit for purification and salvation. Spend the day exploring this beautiful and sacred shrine.

Overnight: Jharkot

Descend through Lupra village visiting a Bonpo Monastery then ascend slightly to continue on the trail back to Jomsom. This alternate route bypasses the crowds. Bonpo is a rare pre-Buddhist animist religion with few monasteries remaining.

Overnight: Jomsom

After breakfast, take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara. Enjoy scenic mountain views during the flight. Afternoon and evening free in Pokhara.

Overnight: Pokhara

After breakfast, relax or sightsee in Pokhara. Catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure exploring the city.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Last breakfast in Kathmandu. Final stroll and souvenir shopping. Driver will take you to the airport for departure. Best to arrive at least two hours ahead.