Jomsom Muktinath - Lower Mustang Trek Itinerary - 10 Days

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek (Lower Mustang) – 10 Days offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and spiritual significance. Starting with a scenic drive or optional flight to Pokhara, the journey continues with a short flight to Jomsom before trekking through ancient villages, desert-like landscapes, apple orchards, and sacred sites. Highlights include the vibrant town of Kagbeni, the apple capital Marpha, and the holy temple of Muktinath (3,710 m / 12,172 ft), revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. This moderate trek combines Himalayan vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri with unique insights into Mustang’s Tibetan-influenced culture, making it one of Nepal’s most rewarding short treks.

  • Day 01 Drive from Kathmandu (1,320 m / 4,330 ft) to Pokhara (830 m / 2,723 ft)

    Duration: 7–8 hrs drive (200 km approx.)

    Distance: 200 km approx.

    Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. Along the way, enjoy views of terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and rural Nepali villages. Upon reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and relax at Lakeside. You can stroll around Phewa Lake, shop for trekking gear, or enjoy dinner with the Annapurna Range as your backdrop.

    Optional: For those short on time, a 25–30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is available.

    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft
  • Day 02 Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft) – Trek to Kagbeni (2,930 m / 9,613 ft)

    Duration: 25-min flight + 3–3.5 hrs trek

    Distance: 9 km approx.

    Take a thrilling flight to Jomsom, the windy gateway to Mustang, with breathtaking aerial views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Begin your trek along the Kali Gandaki River Valley, where cliffs and canyons create a dramatic desert-like landscape. Arrive at Kagbeni, an ancient settlement with narrow alleys, stone houses, and a 500-year-old monastery. This picturesque village marks the entrance to Lower Mustang.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Kagbeni
    • Altitude: 2,930 m / 9,613 ft
  • Day 03 Trek from Kagbeni (2,930 m / 9,613 ft) to Marpha (2,670 m / 8,760 ft)

    Duration: 4–5 hrs

    Distance: 10 km approx.

    Today’s trek follows the wide Kali Gandaki gorge through barren terrain and small Mustang villages. Arrive at Marpha, a charming Thakali village known for its apple orchards, cider, and local brandy. Wander through its cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and prayer flags. Marpha is one of the cultural highlights of Lower Mustang.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Marpha
    • Altitude: 2,670 m / 8,760 ft
  • Day 04 Trek from Marpha to Jharkot (3,519 m / 11,545 ft) – Continue to Muktinath (3,710 m / 12,172 ft)

    Duration: 5–6 hrs

    Distance: 12 km approx.

    Ascend gradually on a desert trail, leaving the valley floor behind. Pass Jharkot, a traditional Mustang village rich with Buddhist chortens, monasteries, and stone houses. Continue to Muktinath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex features 108 holy water taps and natural flame shrines, all set against a dramatic Himalayan backdrop including Dhaulagiri.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Muktinath
    • Altitude: 3,710 m / 12,172 ft
  • Day 05 Explore Muktinath (3,710 m / 12,172 ft) and Surroundings

    Duration: 3–4 hrs (exploration)

    Distance: 5 km approx.

    Spend a full day at Muktinath Temple and its surrounding villages. Walk through the temple complex, visit nearby monasteries, and witness the spiritual energy of pilgrims from across Nepal and India. Optional short hikes to nearby ridges provide panoramic views of Mustang’s barren cliffs and the snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Muktinath
    • Altitude: 3,710 m / 12,172 ft
  • Day 06 Trek from Muktinath (3,710 m / 12,172 ft) to Kagbeni (2,930 m / 9,613 ft)

    Duration: 5–6 hrs

    Distance: 12 km approx.

    Retrace your steps along the Kali Gandaki Valley, descending back to Kagbeni. The return journey offers new perspectives on the arid cliffs, Mani walls, and windswept landscapes of Lower Mustang. Spend another night in Kagbeni’s quiet village atmosphere.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Kagbeni
    • Altitude: 2,930 m / 9,613 ft
  • Day 07 Trek from Kagbeni (2,930 m / 9,613 ft) to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft)

    Duration: 4–5 hrs

    Distance: 9 km approx.

    Continue your descent along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through narrow gorges and Mustang villages. Arrive in Jomsom, a lively town where trekkers and locals converge. Enjoy modern facilities, bakeries, and a chance to relax before your return journey.


    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Jomsom
    • Altitude: 2,715 m / 8,907 ft
  • Day 08 Optional: Day Trip to Tukuche Village (2,700 m / 8,858 ft) or Rest Day

    Duration: 3–4 hrs (optional hike)

    Distance: 6–8 km approx.

    Take a day hike to Tukuche Village, home of the Thakali people, known for their culture and cuisine. The walk provides cultural immersion and stunning views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing in Jomsom, exploring cafes, shops, and viewpoints.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Jomsom
    • Altitude: 2,715 m / 8,907 ft
  • Day 09 Fly from Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft) to Pokhara (830 m / 2,723 ft)

    Duration: 25-min flight

    Take a scenic morning flight back to Pokhara, with stunning aerial views of the Kali Gandaki gorge and surrounding mountains. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Lakeside Pokhara, boating on Phewa Lake, or visiting local temples.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft
  • Day 10 Drive from Pokhara (830 m / 2,723 ft) to Kathmandu (1,320 m / 4,330 ft)

    Duration: 7–8 hrs drive (200 km approx.)

    Distance: 200 km approx.

    Conclude your trek with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The road journey follows rivers and terraced fields, offering glimpses of rural Nepalese life. Arrive in the capital by evening, where you can relax, shop for souvenirs, or celebrate the completion of your trek through Lower Mustang.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1,320 m / 4,330 ft