Lower Mustang Pilgrimage-Trek
with Cory & Bidur
Apr 5 - 17, 2027
In April 2025, we set out on a journey through Lower Mustang that became far more than a trek. Moving through ancient villages, practicing in monasteries, and walking beneath vast Himalayan skies, we found ourselves immersed in a living expression of the Dharma. Each step—whether along dusty trails or into quiet shrine rooms—became an opportunity to practice, reflect, and connect more deeply with the awakened heart.
This pilgrimage is an invitation to share that experience. Together, we’ll move at a steady, intentional pace from Boudhanath into the sacred landscapes of Mustang, integrating daily meditation, yoga, and time with local communities. Guided by both the outer terrain and inner practice, the journey becomes one of simplicity, presence, and insight.
This is not just a trek—it is a path of practice, connection, and discovery, held within the beauty and depth of the Himalayan Buddhist world.
Itinerary in detail
DAY 01: ARRIVALS in KATHMANDU
We’ll pick you up on arrival to the Kathmandu (Tribhuvan Airport) and deliver you to Hotel Butsugen near Boudhanath Stupa. In the late afternoon we’ll gather for orientation before heading to group dinner with spectacular evening view over the stupa.
DAY 02: KATHMANDU to POKHARA
After morning meditation and yoga practice at the hotel we’ll head to the airport for a short flight up to Pokhara where we’ll check into a lakeside hotel for the evening. Pokhara is a super fun town and you’ll have some time to explore on your own.
DAY 03: POKHARA to JOMSOM / 2710m / 6-7 HRS drive
After morning meditation and yoga we’ll jump in the jeeps and drive 6-7 hours through the mountains to Jomsom — a wild west sort of town (that actually has a Himalayan Java Cafe!) from where we’ll start our trek.
DAY 04: JOMSOM TO KHAGBENI / 2804m / 4-5 HRS trekking
Khagbeni is a super cool town — ancient Tibetan dwellings and a magical old Sakya Monastery that we will visit. And we’ll be staying at the infamous Yak-Donald’s (which apparently actually ran into infringement issues with McDonald’s and had to remove their yak horns/golden arches). It has a fireplace and even a sauna!
Day 05: KHAGBENI TO JHONG / 3200m
After practice we’ll hit the trail through the wide open spaces of the Mustang plateau. Wrapping up early afternoon to settle in to the sleep village of Jhong for some hot tea and relaxation.
Day 06: JHONG to MUKTINATH (3710)
A bit of an upward climb today as we make our way to one of the most sacred places on earth — MUKTINATH. Set high in the windswept landscape of Lower Mustang, Muktinath Temple is one of the Himalaya’s most revered pilgrimage sites, honored by both Hindus and Buddhists. Known as a place of liberation, it is said that sincere practice here can help release deep karmic patterns and open the heart to greater freedom.
Pilgrims circumambulate the temple, passing beneath 108 sacred water spouts and visiting the eternal flame at Jwala Mai—symbols of purification and the union of the elements. Surrounded by vast sky and stark mountain beauty, Muktinath invites a quiet turning inward.
The village here is bustling and a lot of fun to explore with vibrant nightlife — including the (also) infamous, Bob Marley Guesthouse (where we’ll stay) in the center of town (and they have good coffee!).
DAY 07: MUKTINATH to JOMSOM (2710m)
After morning practice and a visit to Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s nunnery, we’ll hop in jeeps and drive back to Jomsom for the evening.
DAY 08: JOMSOM to THINI VILLAGE and onto MARPHA (2900m)
An exciting day awaits! We’ll trek to a local monastery in nearby Thini Village in the morning — and then drive to Marpha for the afternoon and some free time.
Perched above Jomsom, Thini Village offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of Mustang. With sweeping views of the Kali Gandaki valley and surrounding peaks, the village carries a sense of stillness that naturally draws the mind inward. Its monastery and ancient footpaths invite unhurried exploration, where practice feels woven into daily life.
Known as the “apple capital” of Mustang, Marpha is a beautifully preserved village of whitewashed homes, narrow stone alleys, and vibrant orchards. Beneath its charm lies a deep sense of order and care, shaped by generations of community and practice. Walking through Marpha feels both grounding and uplifting—simple, clean, and quietly alive. It’s a place to rest, reflect, and reconnect, where the rhythm of village life supports a gentle return to presence.
DAY 09: MARPHA to NAURIKOT (2750m)
This morning we’ll trek to Naurikot, get settled in our lodge and then spend the afternoon venturing up to the side of a nearby mountain to visit Guru Sangpo — a meditation cave of the great Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). It’s fantastic!
DAY 10: NAURIKOT to HOLIDAY CAMP
An easy morning trek to Holiday Camp — a nice lodge in the forest where we can spend a relaxing afternoon. Set along the wide, open expanse of the Kali Gandaki valley, Holiday Camp offers a simple and grounding place to land after days on the trail.
DAY 11: Back to POKHARA
Today we’ll make the long winding drive back to Pokhara with a fun stop along the way at the hot springs in Tatopani (tato = hot; pani = water).
DAY 11: POKHARA
Lakeside Pokhara is a lively and relaxed hub where you can unwind and enjoy yourself after the trek. The area is filled with great restaurants, coffee shops, live music spots, and local shops, with plenty of options for good food and a bit of nightlife. You can take a boat out on the lake, grab a drink by the water, or just enjoy the easygoing atmosphere. It’s a fun, social place to recharge before heading back to Kathmandu.
DAY 11: POKHARA to KATHMANDU — back to Boudha
Cost:
$3200 for shared; $3800 for private
Secure a spot with an $600 nonrefundable deposit.
Payment plan option available at checkout.
Final payments due Feb 15, 2027.
Cost includes:
Meditation & yoga with Cory
Lodging
Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
All domestic transport as listed in itinerary (by airplane and private 4x4 Jeep)
National Park entrance fees
Trekking permit (TIMS)
Porter to carry personal gear (1 porter for 2 clients)
12kg per person luggage allowance while on trek
English speaking trekking guide
Comprehensive medical kit
Bottle water (3 bottle each day)
Cost Does Not Include:
Arrival/departure flights to/from Kathmandu
Cost for extra usage of vehicle, other than scheduled & mentioned in the itinerary
Cost for any other service not mentioned under the “Cost Includes” above
Cost for Insurance
Additional cost arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like - landslides, road blockage, etc. In such cases extra funds will have to be paid on the spot by the guest directly
Payment for service provided on a personal request
Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft and hard drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.
Lodging
The lodging for this trip will be bare bones, no frills — local lodges along the trail. Sometimes hot water is available, but no guarantees and often it’s a shared bathroom situation. Our porters will be carrying your supplies (12kg limit) and we recommend that you carry a day pack with layering options because weather can change quickly. So, it’ll be comfortable, but simple!
