Upper Mustang Trek with Muktinath Visit – 14 Days

After you have spent a night in Kathmandu, you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a wonderful place for you to relax before your trekking trip. Once you reach Pokhara, you can take the remaining time to rest or you can visit the stunning Phewa Lake, which is surrounded by the Annapurna range. Take your time exploring and soaking in the beauty of this place while resting and not tiring yourself too much.

The drive to Jomsom is a memorable journey and will set the stage for your days of trekking ahead. On this drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, you will be able to experience many things, such as beautiful landscapes. As you admire the stunning landscape, you will come across lush valleys, and you will also be able to experience the dry altitude terrain of this beautiful place, Mustang.

The trek to Kagbeni will start early in the morning. As the cool air hits your skin, you will feel a sense of relaxation. You will be rewarded with many changes in the landscape as you trek. You will be able to discover hidden waterfalls and rugged rock. As the day comes to an end, it will all be worth it because now you will be rewarded with the unreal and breathtaking view of the mountains.

Embark on the fifth day of your journey, transitioning from Kagbeni to Chele. This trip offers an amazing preface to Mustang's unique culture, with bright white houses and small, colorful red Buddhist shrines. Enjoy the unique culture and beautiful nature of this place and get ready for your next day adventure.

During this day you will stop at Manang Village for body acclimatization before continuing your journey to higher altitudes. Manang village provides both energy recovery space and multiple opportunities to study historical landmarks and natural attractions around its surroundings. You can enjoy your breakfast while admiring breathtaking images of different peaks. After breakfast, you can choose to walk through the village to understand its essence more deeply. You can pray in complete silence in front of an ancient monastery. Gangapurna Glacier Lake is visible from a distance if you continue to trek from the monastery. Spending time here capturing images of the landscape is an option. After that, you will return to Manang village to appreciate its beauty. The village is home to a variety of cultures and traditions. You have the option to engage with the residents as well. The architecture of the house and how the inhabitants reside are visible. You will spend your night in your lodge where you will have a delightful dinner followed by a comfortable sleep. Additionally, you may consult with your guide regarding the subsequent expedition.

It is day six, leading you to Geling, a day of stunning scenery. You’ll walk through ancient villages where people still live as they did centuries ago. These villages also give you a sense of how local people maintain their traditions. It is about seeing them doing their jobs and living their lives. It’s an opportunity to learn about their everyday life and traditions. Conversing with the residents of these villages is the best part. They are friendly and eager to share their culture. The walk to Gelling is less about walking. It’s about imagining a different way of life.

From day eight, you’ll head towards Lo Manthang, the old capital of Mustang. This is a very special place. It’s like stepping into the pages of a history book. Lo Manthang is known for its ancient castle. It's a place where you can explore and learn about the history surrounding kings and queens in years past. The palace serves as a reminder of the kingdom’s history. You’re going to see a colorful walking path as well.

You can walk around and see the old art on the walls and in the buildings. All of these things tell tales about the residents who came before us. It is like reading a history book off the walls. Spend time having conversations with the locals. They are extremely kind, and they know a lot about Lo Manthang. Learn about the daily life and traditions of the locals who keep their customs even today. This day is not only about what you see but who you meet and what you learn about. It’s about learning how they live and preserve their old ways. The art, people, and festivals will stick with you for a long time. It’s an opportunity to experience a different style of life.

From Lo Manthang, you head to Muktinath, a holy place. The landscape changes slowly as you move. Even the air has a different quality, carrying the light scent of juniper and pine trees. The trail is a combination of rocky trails and winding paths, requiring firm footsteps. You will probably pass local people going about their daily lives, which adds beauty to your walk. Each step takes you closer to Muktinath, a convergence of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Getting closer makes you feel the weight of the old history.

Muktinath is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus, a convergence of their religions. The most amazing sight is the Jwala Mai Temple, where a tiny flame burns all the time. Witnessing it in person is a very emotional experience; you feel like you’re a part of something so much bigger than yourself. We all have our personal beliefs, so take some time to soak in the spiritual energy of the place and reflect on yourself. You can enjoy colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind and tons of people praying hand in hand, giving a very devotional and calm feeling.

The trip turns homeward as you begin your journey back to Jomsom. The path retraces some of your earlier ways, but the experience is subtly different now. Having visited the sacred point of Muktinath, your perspective is shifted, and you see the geography with new eyes. The journey back offers enough openings to appreciate the beauty of the changing Himalayan geography. You will move from the advanced, more rugged terrain around Muktinath towards the gentler pitches near Jomsom. Keep an eye out for the original fauna that thrive in this unique terrain. Capture the panoramic views of the snow-dusted peaks. Carry the memory of your Muktinath experience with you as you travel. The journey to Jomsom becomes a trip back to your starting point. Enjoy the physical challenge, embrace the changing geographies, and savor the quiet beauty of your return trip. Feel the distance of your way as you make your way back to Jomsom, and allow the experience to continue within you.

So that's it, you are done with your incredible Journey to Jomsom and Mustang. This morning, have one final breakfast with the mountain views. Then, you’ll take a small plane back to Pokhara. It's a short flight, but you get one more opportunity to see the gorgeous peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from the air. You may even glimpse the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge. When you arrive in Pokhara, the air is pleasant and clean. You’ll go to your hotel and unwind. You can go for a good walk by the lake, have a good meal at a local restaurant, or just read a book. This is the day you rest and ponder on all that you’ve seen and done. Rethink the difficult parts you pushed past, the jaw-dropping views, and all the great memories you have made.

You will take a scenic flight from Pokhara back to the bustling capital city of Kathmandu. The flight is a chance to enjoy one further perspective of Nepal's different geographies. Once you land in Kathmandu, you will be transported back to your hotel, where you will have the rest of your day to enjoy as you please. For those eager to explore, Kathmandu offers a wealth of artistic and literary spots. You could visit the ancient Durbar Square, wander through the serene auditoriums of Pashupatinath Temple, or maybe explore the bustling streets of Thamel, picking up monuments to flash back on your trip. Alternatively, you might choose to relax at your hotel, reflecting on your trip and preparing for your departure.