Photo: Samrat Khadka / UnsplashMustang
Nepal
A high, dry valley behind the Annapurnas: the Muktinath temple, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, apple-orchard villages, and the walled city of Lo Manthang in restricted Upper Mustang.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹2,500–4,000
- Mid-range / day
- ₹7,900–15,000
- Best time
- March to November
- Ideal length
- 3–5 days
- Gateway
- Jomsom (JMO), by air or road from Pokhara
- Altitude
- About 2,700 m at Jomsom, 3,710 m at Muktinath
Lower Mustang follows the Kali Gandaki from Jomsom up to Muktinath (about 3,710 m), one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus from India, with 108 water spouts and an eternal flame. It needs only an Annapurna Conservation Area permit, and jeeps run all the way.
North of Kagbeni lies Upper Mustang, the old kingdom of Lo, with eroded red cliffs, cave dwellings and the walled capital, Lo Manthang. It's a restricted area: you need a special permit, an agency and a licensed guide.
Day by day
5-day itinerary
₹12,500–20,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Pokhara to Jomsom
An early flight, or a long drive via Beni. Walk around Jomsom and nearby Thini village in the afternoon.
- 2
Day 2: Kagbeni
Jeep or walk up the Kali Gandaki to Kagbeni, the medieval village at the gate of Upper Mustang.
- 3
Day 3: Muktinath
Early darshan at Muktinath: bathe under the 108 spouts and see the Jwala Mai flame. Stay in Ranipauwa below the temple.
- 4
Day 4: Marpha and Jomsom
Jeep down to Marpha, the whitewashed apple village, for apple pie and dried apples, then back to Jomsom.
- 5
Day 5: Fly to Pokhara
Morning flight out; keep a spare day in case it's cancelled.
When to go
- Jan—
- Feb—
- MarGood
- AprGood
- MayGood
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec—
- Mar–May: GoodClear and dry, but the afternoon wind up the Kali Gandaki is strong. Tiji festival in Lo Manthang falls in spring.
- Jun–Sep: MixedMustang sits in the rain shadow and stays fairly dry, but landslides on the road from Pokhara and cancelled Jomsom flights are common.
- Oct–Nov: BestClear skies and settled weather. Pilgrims travel around Dashain and Tihar, so book ahead.
- Dec–Feb: MixedVery cold, with snow at Muktinath. Some lodges close for the winter.
Getting there
- By air
- Flights from Pokhara to Jomsom take about 20 minutes and only leave in the early morning, before the wind rises. They're often delayed, so keep a spare day.
- By road
- Jeeps and buses run from Pokhara via Beni to Jomsom in 8–10 hours. From Jomsom, jeeps reach Muktinath in about 1.5–2 hours.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (lodge in Jomsom, Kagbeni or Muktinath) | ₹800–1,500 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Food | ₹600–1,000 | ₹1,200–2,000 |
| Local transport (shared or hired jeeps) | ₹500–1,500 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Permits and offerings | ₹100–700 | ₹700–1,000 |
| Typical day | ₹2,500–4,000 | ₹7,900–15,000 |
Lower Mustang and Muktinath need only the Annapurna Conservation Area permit, about NPR 1,000 (roughly ₹625) at the SAARC rate. Upper Mustang is different: since late 2025 foreigners pay USD 50 a day for the restricted-area permit, arranged by an agency with a licensed guide. Whether Indians pay less isn't clearly published, so ask the agency.
Highlights
Muktinath
A temple sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, with 108 water spouts and a natural gas flame.
Kagbeni
Mud-walled lanes and a red monastery at the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Marpha
A tidy, whitewashed village famous for its apple orchards.
Lo Manthang
The walled capital of Upper Mustang, reached with a restricted-area permit.
Practical tips
- Altitude
- Muktinath is at about 3,710 m. Older pilgrims should spend a night in Jomsom first, go up by jeep, and come down the same day if anyone feels unwell. Ponies are available for the last stretch.
- ID and permits
- Indians need a passport or voter ID for Nepal, plus the Annapurna Conservation Area permit, checked on the road. For Upper Mustang, an agency arranges the restricted-area permit and you need a licensed guide.
- Wind and cold
- Strong winds blow up the valley every afternoon, even in summer. Carry a windproof jacket, sunglasses and lip balm.
Mustang FAQs
How do I reach Muktinath from India?
Cross into Nepal at Sunauli and travel to Pokhara (about 8 hours), then fly or drive to Jomsom and take a jeep to Muktinath. Many pilgrims fly Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom instead.
Is Muktinath suitable for elderly pilgrims?
Yes, with care. Fly to Jomsom and spend a night there, go up by jeep, and descend the same day if anyone has altitude symptoms. Ponies and porters can help with the walk to the temple.
Can Indians visit Upper Mustang?
Yes, but with a restricted-area permit arranged by a registered agency and a licensed guide. Indian passport holders are not exempt, and the permit is checked at Kagbeni.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.