Hello! We are traveling to Nepal in July. I've been told Lower Mustang (also told the Tamang Heritage Trail) would be good this time of year. We'd like to avoid booking with an expensive company, but would like to do some tea house trekking in Lower Mustang. Is it possible to go without a company/guide and book into the tea houses yourself when you arrive? Are there downsides to this? Any suggested itinerary for 7-9 days? Any other suggestions instead of this? Any advice is super appreciated!!
1
willemspie
The advantage of Lower Mustang is that there is less rain in summer. You can do dayhikes from Dzong, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Marpha, Larjung, Kalopani. Jomosom is not so nice. There are many lodges and you don't need a guide.
Tamang Heritage is a completely different place, where it does rain.
2
snowynepal
Hi
What you select your time in july is slightly monsoon time in Nepal But in lower mustang not for all day raining just sometimes. It is possible to go trek with out guide in this trail , I suggest you better to hire guide from trekking agencies. Many tea houses and lodges available in this trail. And next trail of Tamang Heritage is area of Langtang trekking route , there were also same lodges and tea houses available. Need more info come to Pm.
3
landfall38
July is is very much in Monsoon time, not "slightly". Guide etc not "required" for lower Mustang (which is in the rainshadow area). Zero problem in July finding lodgeswith space on arrival each village. Trail directions easy. (And yes, Tamang trail over near Langtan is not in the rainshadow, so is wet during monsoon.)
4
hughesclues
Thanks to all for the advice. Would anyone familiar with the area have an option on whether we should do a loop in the lower Mustang area, or rather base ourselves in one area and do day trips? Thanks very much.
5
landfall38
See willemspie's suggestions above. Don't base yourself in Jomsom (not very attractive place). Stay in several ofvthe places mentioned (especially Marpha, Kagbeni, Muktinath(Ranipawa).
Road to/from Jomsom (above Beni) is very rough and tiring, even more so in in the monsoon. But fairly dry up in lower Mustang.
Get the LP Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya guidebook.
6
willemspie
No don't stay in a single place. There is no good dayhike in Marpha, but from Larjung and Kalopani well.
Download the NATT guidebook of trails that avoid the road.
7
hughesclues
Thank you everyone for good advice! Do you think it's necessary to book the Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flights in advance for July or is it okay to wait until we are there?
8
garnerone
Lower Mustang and Tamang Heritage Trail are two different places.
During the monsoon the flights Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara are easily subject to cancellations (even for several days in a row). They will give you a refund, but and you will have to go via land. It will take two days (each way), so allow plenty of extra time.
I'would suggest to sleep in several places. Marpha, Kagbeni, Jarkhot and Jhong are especially beatyfull and pleasant. The first two have many nice lodges. The last two just one or two, and more primitive.
9
Thorn Tree
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