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Mustang Magic Luxury Lodge Trek

Annapurna & Dhaulagiri - The Tibetan side of Nepal in Mustang - Comfort Lodges - Secret lakes of the Kali Gandaki

All meals on trek included

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Duration

9 Days
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Grade

Easy / Moderate
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Max Altitude

2900m
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Walking Days

3 Days
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Accommodation

4 Nts Hotels - 4 Nts Comfort Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

Wonderful day hikes in the Kali Gandaki Valley.

We've purposefully designed this particular itinerary to take advantage of the existence of a couple of 'comfort lodges' aka luxury trekking lodges in Lower Mustang, Pokhara-Jomsom flights and the new Kali Gandaki 'road' to thus afford a relatively easy, spectacular trek to a less visited part of Nepal that was previously the domain of the hardy, serious trekker undertaking the Annapurna Circuit. Firstly you'll visit Upper Mustang 'as far as you can go' to experience life on the 'other side' of the Himalaya where the Tibetan influence and an altogether different landscape is clearly visible. For what is a relatively short jeep ride part way down the Kali Gandaki Valley the sudden change from an arid plateau to that of dense forests and lofty peaks is quite astounding. Now from an 'eagle's nest' location high above the valley floor and with stupendous views of Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiris and Annapurnas you'll enjoy one of the most beautiful short Himalayan walks to be found anywhere. See Best Day Walk in the Himalayas for more on this day hike.The bonus of having proper beds every night and en-suite facilities on trek will surely be of appeal too. This trek can also be combined with our Everest Luxury Lodge Trek and the Annapurna Luxury Lodge Trek. If you have altitude concerns this trip could also be done 'in reverse' by staying at Thasang (lower) first, then Kagbeni (higher) and flying back to Pokhara.

Wonderful day hikes in the Kali Gandaki Valley.

  • We've purposefully designed this particular itinerary to take advantage of the existence of a couple of 'comfort lodges' aka luxury trekking lodges in Lower Mustang, Pokhara-Jomsom flights and the new Kali Gandaki 'road' to thus afford a relatively easy, spectacular trek to a less visited part of Nepal that was previously the domain of the hardy, serious trekker undertaking the Annapurna Circuit. Firstly you'll visit Upper Mustang 'as far as you can go' to experience life on the 'other side' of the Himalaya where the Tibetan influence and an altogether different landscape is clearly visible. For what is a relatively short jeep ride part way down the Kali Gandaki Valley the sudden change from an arid plateau to that of dense forests and lofty peaks is quite astounding. Now from an 'eagle's nest' location high above the valley floor and with stupendous views of Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiris and Annapurnas you'll enjoy one of the most beautiful short Himalayan walks to be found anywhere. See Best Day Walk in the Himalayas for more on this day hike.The bonus of having proper beds every night and en-suite facilities on trek will surely be of appeal too. This trek can also be combined with our Everest Luxury Lodge Trek and the Annapurna Luxury Lodge Trek. If you have altitude concerns this trip could also be done 'in reverse' by staying at Thasang (lower) first, then Kagbeni (higher) and flying back to Pokhara.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Pokhara
    • Day 3
      Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
    • Day 4
      Trek into the 'Forbidden Kingdom' of Mustang
    • Day 5
      Jeep transfer to Thasang
    • Day 6
      Sekong Lake Trek
    • Day 7
      Jeep transfer to Pokhara
    • Day 8
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 9
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu.

    Accommodation: Dalai La Boutique Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu.

    Accommodation: Dalai La Boutique Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Pokhara

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25min flight to Nepals premier resort-Pokhara. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the sub-tropical climate of laid back Pokhara. There are many lake side cafes to take a leisurely lunch. Perhaps in the afternoon you may like to take a rowing boat out on the lake, or take a dip in the hotel pool. Take dinner tonight at your choice of the many fine eateries in Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 2

    Fly to Pokhara

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25min flight to Nepals premier resort-Pokhara. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the sub-tropical climate of laid back Pokhara. There are many lake side cafes to take a leisurely lunch. Perhaps in the afternoon you may like to take a rowing boat out on the lake, or take a dip in the hotel pool. Take dinner tonight at your choice of the many fine eateries in Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    3

    Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni

    A private vehicle transfer to Pokhara airport for the 18min, thrilling flight between Annapurna & Dhaulagiri to Jomsom (2700m). With the stunning peaks of Nilgiri South towering above you, it will become immediately clear that in essence you are on the 'other side' of the Himalaya. Not only is it cooler at this altitude, the landscape is now arid and very different. Once your porters (or local jeep) are loaded your walk heads into Mustang and along the broad valley floor of the Kali Gandaki. It's a relatively short walk to Kagbeni, with a stop for lunch along the way. As you walk, if you look up you may see Lammergeir and Griffon Vultures riding the mid-morning thermals. Reaching Kagbeni (2800m) you'll perhaps think you have walked into Tibet. Walking time approx 3hrs with around 150m ascent.

    Accommodation: Annapurna Comfort Lodge - Kagbeni
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 3

    Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni

    A private vehicle transfer to Pokhara airport for the 18min, thrilling flight between Annapurna & Dhaulagiri to Jomsom (2700m). With the stunning peaks of Nilgiri South towering above you, it will become immediately clear that in essence you are on the 'other side' of the Himalaya. Not only is it cooler at this altitude, the landscape is now arid and very different. Once your porters (or local jeep) are loaded your walk heads into Mustang and along the broad valley floor of the Kali Gandaki. It's a relatively short walk to Kagbeni, with a stop for lunch along the way. As you walk, if you look up you may see Lammergeir and Griffon Vultures riding the mid-morning thermals. Reaching Kagbeni (2800m) you'll perhaps think you have walked into Tibet. Walking time approx 3hrs with around 150m ascent.

    Accommodation: Annapurna Comfort Lodge - Kagbeni
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Trek into the 'Forbidden Kingdom' of Mustang

    At this higher altitude it's wise not to over cook it. You're also as far as you can go in Upper Mustang without the need for an expensive permit. But, you're allowed into Upper Mustang as you're returning to Kagbeni. So, today's walk will not be long in duration not only so that you're not overly exerted with the altitude, but to allow for a slow pace to soak up this very special & different part of Nepal. Crossing the river by the suspension bridge at Kagbeni you'll follow a trail along the opposite side of the valley heading further up the Kali Gandaki. Across the valley as well as the Nilgiri Peaks the high pass of the Annapurna Circuit (Thorung La) can be seen. Vegetation is now almost non-existent, and you'll see wind eroded formations on the hillsides. Reaching a small village typical of Upper Mustang, chances are you'll be the only foreigners around as trekkers and vehicles use a route on the other side of the valley. After exploring the village you'll walk back to Kagbeni across the flat, valley floor. Walking time approx.4hrs with around 150m ascent and descent. If you'd like to spend an extra day "up here", one option would to go by jeep up to sacred Muktinath and either hike down, or return by jeep.

    Accommodation: Annapurna Comfort Lodge, Kagbeni
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek into the 'Forbidden Kingdom' of Mustang

    At this higher altitude it's wise not to over cook it. You're also as far as you can go in Upper Mustang without the need for an expensive permit. But, you're allowed into Upper Mustang as you're returning to Kagbeni. So, today's walk will not be long in duration not only so that you're not overly exerted with the altitude, but to allow for a slow pace to soak up this very special & different part of Nepal. Crossing the river by the suspension bridge at Kagbeni you'll follow a trail along the opposite side of the valley heading further up the Kali Gandaki. Across the valley as well as the Nilgiri Peaks the high pass of the Annapurna Circuit (Thorung La) can be seen. Vegetation is now almost non-existent, and you'll see wind eroded formations on the hillsides. Reaching a small village typical of Upper Mustang, chances are you'll be the only foreigners around as trekkers and vehicles use a route on the other side of the valley. After exploring the village you'll walk back to Kagbeni across the flat, valley floor. Walking time approx.4hrs with around 150m ascent and descent. If you'd like to spend an extra day "up here", one option would to go by jeep up to sacred Muktinath and either hike down, or return by jeep.

    Accommodation: Annapurna Comfort Lodge, Kagbeni
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Jeep transfer to Thasang

    A lateish start as today you'll travel by a locally chartered jeep along the 'road' that has now been forged through the Kali Gandaki Valley. Passing back through Jomsom you'll halt at the beautiful village of Marpha and explore the village on foot and then take a leisurely lunch before continuing your journey down the Kali Gandkai (although it seems almost level) to Larjung from where a bumpy dirt road takes you up to the tiny village of Thasang (2600m) and your spectacularly located accommodation, high above the valley and beneath towering Dhaulagiri.

    Accommodation: Thasang Comfort Lodge - Thasang
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Jeep transfer to Thasang

    A lateish start as today you'll travel by a locally chartered jeep along the 'road' that has now been forged through the Kali Gandaki Valley. Passing back through Jomsom you'll halt at the beautiful village of Marpha and explore the village on foot and then take a leisurely lunch before continuing your journey down the Kali Gandkai (although it seems almost level) to Larjung from where a bumpy dirt road takes you up to the tiny village of Thasang (2600m) and your spectacularly located accommodation, high above the valley and beneath towering Dhaulagiri.

    Accommodation: Thasang Comfort Lodge - Thasang
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Sekong Lake Trek

    It's certainly worth rising early from your 'eagle's nest' vantage point. The sunrise views as the early morning light catches the summit of Dhaulagiri are incredible. After breakfast you'll head out on foot and descend to the valley floor to cross a tributary river by means of a bridge. Close to here you pick up a trail that leads up through pine forests and after a couple of hours you emerge above the tree line and reach the sacred waters of Sekong Lake. Right above you towers Dhaulagiri and across the valley the peaks of the Annapurna range and the omnipresent Nilgiris. After a picnic lunch by the lake the trail descends to another smaller lake and ultimately the valley floor from where you trek back up to Thasang. Walking time approx.5hrs with around 450m ascent and descent. See Best Day Walk in the Himalayas for more on this day hike.One option for an extra day here would be to take a further, but longer day hike on the opposite side of the valley to Titi Lake.

    Accommodation: Thasang Comfort Lodge, Thasang
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6

    Sekong Lake Trek

    It's certainly worth rising early from your 'eagle's nest' vantage point. The sunrise views as the early morning light catches the summit of Dhaulagiri are incredible. After breakfast you'll head out on foot and descend to the valley floor to cross a tributary river by means of a bridge. Close to here you pick up a trail that leads up through pine forests and after a couple of hours you emerge above the tree line and reach the sacred waters of Sekong Lake. Right above you towers Dhaulagiri and across the valley the peaks of the Annapurna range and the omnipresent Nilgiris. After a picnic lunch by the lake the trail descends to another smaller lake and ultimately the valley floor from where you trek back up to Thasang. Walking time approx.5hrs with around 450m ascent and descent. See Best Day Walk in the Himalayas for more on this day hike.One option for an extra day here would be to take a further, but longer day hike on the opposite side of the valley to Titi Lake.

    Accommodation: Thasang Comfort Lodge, Thasang
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Jeep transfer to Pokhara

    A journey down the sometimes bumpy and dusty, but always spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley and back to Pokhara, which usually takes around 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 7

    Jeep transfer to Pokhara

    A journey down the sometimes bumpy and dusty, but always spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley and back to Pokhara, which usually takes around 6 hours.

    Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY
    8

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.  You'll be met upon arrival and receive a private vehicle transfer to your downtown hotel, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any delays/cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek or with overland travel.

    Accommodation: Dalai La Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 8

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.  You'll be met upon arrival and receive a private vehicle transfer to your downtown hotel, with the remainder of the day at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any delays/cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek or with overland travel.

    Accommodation: Dalai La Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    9

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 9

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1725

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, internal flights in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage to Kagbeni, permits, National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.

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