Overview
The Lower Mustang – Ghorepani – Muktinath Trek is one of Nepal’s most diverse and rewarding trekking routes, combining lush rhododendron forests, traditional hill villages, and the stark Tibetan-style desert landscapes of Mustang. It is a classic journey in the Annapurna region that connects the green mid-hills with the high Himalayan rain-shadow valleys of Mustang.
This trek usually starts from the Pokhara region, passing through Ghorepani and Poon Hill (3,210 m), then descends and crosses the Kali Gandaki valley to reach the dry landscapes of Lower Mustang, ending at the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath (around 3,710–3,800 m).
It is a moderate-level trek, suitable for trekkers with average fitness, and offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and adventure.
Highlights
- Sunrise view from Poon Hill over Annapurna & Dhaulagiri ranges
- Beautiful Gurung and Magar villages like Ghandruk, Ulleri, and Ghorepani
- Walk through rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and stone stair trails
- Enter the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge (world’s deepest gorge)
- Explore Thakali and Tibetan-influenced villages such as Marpha, Kagbeni, and Jomsom
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, important for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Stunning views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Tukuche peaks
