In the era of easy access to various destinations through motor-road, trekkers are suffering to trek through the isolated route, which tries to avoid the motor road. It is the same in the case of Annapurna Circuit Trekkers as the trekking duration has been shortened. Some trekkers used to hike to the world’s renowned destination-Muktinath as a short trek, which is now accessible by the motor road.
Responding to the crisis of the Muktinath trekking route in the Lower Mustang region including Marpha, Jomsom, and Dhumba Lake, Nepal Kameleon Holidays has tried to design the trekking route, avoiding the motor road as far as possible. Thus, on this route to Jomsom and Muktinath, there comes a fabulous town, known as Lubra Valley, which is a hidden settlement.
Itinerary of Lower Mustang Trek via Lubra
The trek itinerary differs as per your interest and it can be customized too. One would-be itinerary could be this:
Day 01: Drive Pokhara to Marpha.
Day 02: Explore Marpha Hike to Dhumba Lake, and drive to Muktinath.
Day 03: Explore around Muktinath and Jharkot.
Day 04: Trek Muktinath to Lubra Valley, continue to Jomsom.
Day 05: Drive Jomsom to Pokhara.
Marpha and Jomsom
Marpha is one of the most picturesque towns in Lower Mustang. It blends the greenery of the town and the semi-arid landscape on the surrounding hillside. Marpha is the best-recommended town for overnight stays and exploring the antique settlement, walking through the gully, exploring the monastery and all. Marpha offers the best Dal-Bhat in the town. The best-recommended hotel in Marpha is the Marpha Orchard Hotel.
Jomsom is the district center of Mustang. This is densely populated and has an abundant number of hotels, bakeries, banks, ATMs, security posts, and a tiny airstrip. People with their Muktinath Tour via Jomsom Flight prefer this route and stay at Jomsom. This linear town is located beside the giant Kali Gandaki River. Most of the buses and jeeps stop at this place if you are going there directly.
Dhumba Lake and Thini Village
Dhumba Lake (2830 meters) is a wonderful and calm lake situated at the lap of the beautiful Nilgiri peak. It is just 5 km south of Jomsom. People can make a round of the Lake and the Lake remains frozen in the mid-winter.
The Thini village is another antique and beautiful village near the Lake. It offers you a delightful view of the magical Jomsom and its surroundings. Thini has a Snow Leopard Cave.
Kagbeni: the Gateway to Upper Mustang
Kagbeni (2800 meters) is located at the juncture of Kag Khola (stream) and the Kali Gandaki River. This magnificent town is also the gateway to Upper Mustang Lomanthang. Kagbeni is a sacred land for Hindu devotees to perform their post-death karma. The town is beautiful, and picturesque and has hotels and shops.
You can check out: the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Package
Muktinath: a Spiritual Paradise
The Muktinath Temple is the world-renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Visnu. It is located at 3800 meters altitude. Hindu people prefer to be there at least once in their lifetime. Taking a bath under 108 water spouts and the ponds, you can feel great relaxation as it is believed that your sins will be washed away. If you see the town Muktinath, this amazing town has an abundant number of hotels and lodges, shops, and bakeries. The delightful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Nilgiri, Yakwakang, and the surroundings can be explored greatly from this vantage.
The Hidden Gem: Lubra Valley
Located at an altitude of 2972 meters above sea level, the Lubra Valley is an impressive town populated by the Bon religious people, which is quite typical, because there are only a few towns in Nepal that follow the Bon religion. The traditions and lifestyles of the local people are relatable to Tibetan Buddhism.
Lubra Valley is unique in it and nestled somewhere hidden in a beautiful setting of the Himalayas bordering it. The village includes mud houses, Chhorten, and a traditional way of living standard. As most of the towns in Mustang have been modernized, this town remains unchanged preserving the traditions and traditional culture.
People in Lubra produce apples and they grow seasonal vegetables too. As winter remains harsh in Mustang, vegetation is rare in this landscape.
Local people are highly spiritual and you can often hear the chanting of prayers as well as the sound of the drums. People often wear traditional dresses, which signify their originality.
Better to Know Beforehand
Best Time for the Tour and Trek
You can have a beautiful time if you choose these months for the trek.
Spring: March, April, and May
Autumn: Mid-September, October, and November
Winter: December and January
Hotel Accommodation and Food
Hotel accommodation options are abundant options- from the basic lodge, attached bathrooms with hot showers, and luxurious rooms. The costs differ according to your choice.
Food is the best on this route. The world-renowned Thakali Khana Set (rice, lentil, curry, pickle) is from this place. Besides, you can try Indian, Chinese, and continental menus.
Road Condition
The road condition is good unless it is monsoon time. There can be some landslides in monsoon, so all other times, the road remains good. You may need to travel a couple of hours off-road. Except that, the road is black-top and great.
Trekking Route and Difficulty
The trekking route is also magnificent. Most of the time, you avoid the motor road, however, it is not completely through the no-motor area. The trail is moderate and all the time rewarding with the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Himalayan Views
During the trek and tour, you will be rewarded by various Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, and more.
Guide for the Trek
The guide is properly trained, licensed, and friendly. He will have the info on the hotels, transportation, and route.
High Altitude Problems
There's less chance of getting caught with the high altitude sickness. For this, we have managed accommodation at 2600 meters on the first night. It helps you to adapt to the high altitude. Still, you need to have some basic medications for fever, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Permits and Paperwork
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and TIMS card are two required documents for this trek. You can obtain them in Kathmandu and Pokhara. No need to worry, Nepal Kameleon Holidays manages them before your arrival. But you need to send a passport copy and a size photo beforehand.
How to Book?
You can book this trip simply by sending us a message on WhatsApp or writing us an email with the following details. We will let you know further procedures.
WhatsApp: +977 9851159455
Email: [email protected]
