A complete Guide to Lower Mustang

“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regrets”-Oscar Wilde

We present you a “Complete Guide to Lower Mustang blog” that explains to you the location, trekking routes, best season to do the trek, cost, and many more.

First of all, the Lower Mustang trek is one of the shortest treks and is on semi-desert land. It is also known as Skyline trek for trekkers because of its topography-earth closing into the sky.

Lower Mustang trek also can be taken as one of the easy, scenic, and suitable treks for all the beginners and both experienced trekkers. So, let’s unfold everything about Lower Mustang that you need to know.

Where is Lower Mustang located?

Lower Mustang is located between the Tibetan Plateau in the North & South of the high Himalayan mountains. From Kathmandu, it is about 374 Km far by road and 173.2 km far from Pokhara.

You can take either a “Motorbike tour to Mustang” or by four-wheel vehicle. Furthermore, any means of transportation also can be provided for you which makes the trip interesting.

Lower Mustang Trek Highlights:

• The ancient trade route to Tibet and experiencing the landscape of Mustang.
• Jomsom, Muktinath is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrimage.
• Trekkers can explore the culture and lifestyle of local peoples along with a charming village.
• Exploring panoramic mountain views i.e. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Short Outline Itinerary of Lower Mustang trek:

Here is the short outline itinerary for Lower Mustang Trek.

• Day 1: Airport pick up and Transfer to hotel
• Day 2: Kathmandu heritage sightseeing and preparation for trekking
• Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara 8,20m (220km) via Bus- 7hrs
• Day 4: Pokhara to Jomsom 2,800m via a flight  
• Day 5:  Trek to Kagbeni 2,800m- 4hrs
• Day 6: Trek to Muktinath 3710m- 4hrs and visit to Red Gompa
• Day 7: Trek to Marpha via Lupra Valley 2,790m- 6hrs
• Day 8: Flight from Jomsom to Kathmandu and drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus and transfer to hotel
• Day 9: International departure for homeward bound

Lower Mustang Trek is for limited visa Validity

If you want to visit the Kingdom of Tibetan Buddhists but have a very short time then this Lower Mustang trek is designed for you. With limited time, you can bring the most out of it from Lower Mustang.

Furthermore, the Lower Mustang trek doesn’t need any expensive permits. This region has the most comprehensive protected bio-diversity in Nepal and the trekking route passes through the oldest monastery as well as the unique lifestyle of local people which makes it unique.

If you look for the best trekking in Nepal then the Lower Mustang trek is also listed as famous all over the world as the best place to experience Tibetan culture due to the historical and cultural relationships with Tibet since ancient times.

In addition, this trek gives a wonderful opportunity to visit a unique village named Baarah Gaun (Twelve communities). It is interesting medieval (middle age) village that has carefully packed mud-brick houses, dark alleys, and imposing Chhortens.

Muktinath Temple in Lower Mustang Valley

The most famous place located in Lower Mustang is the highly praised site of Hindu pilgrimage-Muktinath temple. Not only among Hindus, but it also plays similar importance to Buddhist pilgrimage too.

Basically, the word “Muktinath” is derived from “Mukti” and “Nath” and its meaning is, “Mukti” as “Salvation” and “Nath” as “God”.

For Hindus, this temple is regarded as 106^th Divya Desam among 108. “Divay Desam” means the lord Vishnu temple where “Divya” means “Divine” and “Desam” means “Place’.

Similarly, among Buddhists, this temple is known as Chumig Gyatsa (one of the 24 Buddhist tantric places) which means “Hundred Waters”. Tibetan Buddhists consider Muktinath as an important place of Dakinis (Sky Dancers goddesses).

This temple Muktinath has 108 waterspouts which are also known as Muktidhara from where water flows continuously from the bullhead and two Kunda (ponds). It is believed that taking a bath in these 108 waterspouts and two kunda gives salvation. If you are interested then you can do the “Muktinath Pilgrimage tour” too.

Important Permits for Lower Mustang trek

Trekkers should take two types of permits for this Lower Mustang trekking. They are:

• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card which cost USD2 to solo trekkers and USD10 for group trekkers.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) costs USD20 per person

So, all these required permits can be issued by Nepal Tourism Board at Pokhara or Kathmandu. If you are trekking through a travel or trekking agency then they will arrange a permit for you on above mention costs.

Accommodation and Foods in Lower Mustang

Every trekker plans their trip on the basis of what kind of accommodation is available in that certain place. And Nepal is famous for low-budget guest houses with amazing services.

Especially around Annapurna Circuit, trekkers can find lots of low-budget guesthouses. As already mentioned, Lower Mustang lies under the Annapurna circuit, trekkers can find guesthouses according to their budget.

Similarly, from the first day of trekking, you can get cheap lodges. However, trekkers should bring toilet paper along with them, a hot shower costs USD 5, and charging your mobile costs USD 2 per hour.

As for the food! you can get all the basic food in the lower Mustang and as you trek higher the cost of food goes increasing too.

You can get a Nepalese meal set Dal Bhat Tarkari or an international food menu like Indian, Italian, Continental, and of course Tibetan. The cost of a meal can cost USD 5 to USD 8 and the cost of the mineral water bottle can cost USD 3 to USD 5.

Weather in the Lower Mustang region

Every trekking trails in Nepal are famous for its own features. Likewise, Lower Mustang is famous for its natural beauty and favorable weather.

The four-season of Lower Mustang has its own merits that make it worth visiting once in a lifetime.

Lower Mustang in Spring Season:

The Spring season falls from March to May month in Nepal. The average temperature in Lower Mustang during spring is 18⁰C to 20⁰C during the day and drops to a negative degree at night.

Trekkers can enjoy the evening walk around local settlements in the month of April and May. In addition, in April average temperature starts to increase and trekkers can have a warm environment.

However, April and May are also known as windy months in Lower Mustang. For this windy month, trekkers should carry windproof jackets and sunglasses to protect themselves as the wind makes trails dusty.

Being windy month in April gives an opportunity to view the mountains such as Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.

Lower Mustang in Summer Season:

The summer season falls from June to August in Nepal. On the basis of trekking, this season is the least favorable.

The average temperature in Lower Mustang during the summer season is 32⁰C during the day and at night the average temperature is 21⁰C which makes the night warmer.

Lower Mustang receives rainfall and sometimes snowfall during this season. Whereas, during late July, the average rainfall precipitation is 6 days. Trekkers during this season can enjoy the rivers in their full glory, beautiful streams, and waterfalls.

This summer season offers trekkers an opportunity to enjoy warm weather and local vegetation. But to trek in this season trekkers always should be prepared with waterproof trekking boots with proper grip.

Lower Mustang in Autumn Season:

The Autumn season is also known as the festive season and falls from September to November.

Trekking in this season means meeting lots of other trekkers. Basically, the autumn season is the busiest season for Lower Mustang.

The temperature of the Lower Mustang during daytime gets about 8⁰C to 10⁰C and nights are always colder. If you are trekking this season then everything should be pre-booked i.e. from your flights to guest houses.

Lower Mustang in Winter Season:

December to February is the winter month in Nepal. Those who don’t mind cold, walking on the snow, and love extra adventure and a challenging trip, can trek this season.

The temperature of this season is between 23.9⁰C and 19.1⁰C. Unlike Upper Mustang, Lower Mustang has nothing like freezing cold temperature. But the proper gear, supplies, and precautions are always necessary.

This season in Lower Mustang provides irregular snowfall yet not to be freezing cold. Lower Mustang provides an eye-catching view of snow-capped mountains.

Basically, the spring season and autumn season is the best time to trek Lower Mustang. During the spring season, trekkers can enjoy the colorful forest of rhododendrons that are available on the trails of Lower Mustang. Similarly, trekkers can spot wildlife too.

Talking about the autumn season, it has the most favorable time to trek which provides you with mesmerizing views.

Things to pack for Lower Mustang Trek

Best gears and equipment are your vital needs for survival and trekking. Without the right gears, you won’t reach a lower mustang. So, for the most important gears for the Lower Mustang trek we have made a short list:

• Waterproof warm jacket, hiking pant,s and hiking shorts
• Thermal trouser
• Full sleeve shirt (woolen and cotton)
• Cap, hat, or headscarf
• Gloves
• Trekking boots
• Socks (woolen and cotton)
• Quick-drying towel
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag
• First Aid box
• Water purifier
• Water bottles
• Earplugs
• Sunblock creams
• Hand sanitizer

Thamel, Kathmandu location provides you with all the necessary stuff that you need for any trekking. You can buy all these things in your own home town too.

You shouldn’t just pack unnecessary stuff while trekking because if you won’t hire a porter you have to carry all those heavy stuff by yourself. Whereas, porters are also allowed to carry 15kg per person.

Complete Guide to Lower Mustang Conclusion:

This trek can be your perfect budget trip. And the above-written article can help those people who are planning to trek Lower Mustang. Hence, trekking to Lower Mustang will never upset you.

If you think our article didn’t give you all the information then for more information you can search for the Nepal Tourism Board site too. At last, if you are interested in Lower Mustang trekking don’t hesitate to check our package details or inbox us