Jomsom & Lower Mustang

A rain-shadow plateau behind the Annapurnas, with the Kali Gandaki gorge, the sacred site of Muktinath and the apple village of Marpha, with views toward Upper Mustang.

Jomsom & Lower Mustang lies in Mustang District, Gandaki Province, Nepal, in the rain shadow behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. At 2,700–3,800 m, the landscape shifts from pine-forested valleys in the south to desert plateau in the north, and culturally it is a meeting point of Thakali and Tibetan traditions. The core area divides into three sections: first, the district headquarters of Jomsom and its surroundings, including Dhumba Lake and Thini village – good for acclimatising; second, north via Kagbeni to the sacred site of Muktinath, with views toward restricted Upper Mustang; third, south along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Marpha, Tukuche and Larjung, and as far as the Tatopani hot springs and Rupse Falls. The best seasons are March–May and October–November, when the skies are crystal clear. During the June–September monsoon little rain falls here, but roads to the south are prone to landslides and flights are often cancelled; winters are cold, and Muktinath may be snowbound. Getting there: small planes fly from Pokhara every morning (about 20 minutes), or it's about 8–10 hours by jeep via Beni. You'll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS-type registration; entering Upper Mustang north of Kagbeni requires a special permit and a licensed guide. Allow 3–5 days: one night in Jomsom to acclimatise, a round trip to Muktinath and a night in Marpha. Strong winds sweep the valley every afternoon, so plan activities for the morning; bring sun protection, a dust mask and warm clothing, and watch for altitude sickness.

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