Upper Mustang Trek maintains a way of life almost unchanged for centuries. The trek offers a spectacular trekking experience in the remote Himalayan region of Nepal. This trek is the perfect destination for visiting the oldest Buddhist monasteries. It offers you the sight of a unique blend of the Tibetan culture and the diverse landscape during the time of trekking. Not only the culture and tradition but also the landscape is very much related to Tibet. Most people follow Buddhism and many of the people speak the Tibetan language on this route.
Upper Mustang Trek gives an opportunity to explore many hidden valleys wedged between Tibet and the Himalayas. The remoteness and rugged landscape are unlike anything seen elsewhere in Nepal. This is a surreal landscape that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. You will have an opportunity to see the wonderful views of the mountain like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and many others. This trek offers you the sight of a unique blend of Tibetan culture and traditions. You can see its impact on the arts, language, and architecture of this region.
Accommodations in this region are surely different than other trekking routes. On this route the harsh landscape and difficulty in transportation, the facility, and level of comfortable accommodation are limited. Each lodge has a central communal area with a large stove that provides heat and a cozy atmosphere. You have an extra sleeping bag during the time of trekking because most of the time weather changes in the Himalayan. You can expect a certain level of comfort and the tea-house are small hotels known as Bhatti. Which is a local tea house where you will get typical Nepalese food.
Tea-house and lodge are run by the local community where they provide basic meals in a shared dining hall. And you will have clean beds room and toilets. In some places, you have to share a toilet with other people. This route is one of the busiest routes in the Annapurna region. So in some of the places you have to book a room in advance. You have to have dinner and breakfast in the lodge where you spend overnight. But for the lunch, you will have on the way. At the lower altitude, you have many varieties of menus and at the high altitude, you only have typical Nepalese food.
The Nepal government has special rules and costs for trekking in the Annapurna region. And you need a restricted trekking permit before entering this wonderful land. You must be in a group or with a licensed trekking guide to enter or trek in this wonderful land. If you are joining the company then you will have to give a photocopy of your passport and two passport-sized photos and then they will apply for your permit cards. The holder of the permit can only enter the selected sites within the conservation area. Without a trekking permit, you will not get permission to enter the route.
Of 10 days restricted areas, Upper Mustang Trek is one of them which is very popular. On the route, the solo trekker is not allowed so you have at least two groups of people with a trekking guide and porter. For the first 10 days, you have to pay USD500 per person and after 10 or extra days you live there then you have to pay USD50 per person beyond 10days. Also need to take Annapurna Conservation area of Project (ACAP) Permit entry at Jomsom NRP 3000 Per head issue by local Trekking Agency in Nepal.
This region is also known as the forbidden kingdom. Most of the people are Tibetan Buddhists with an ancient Buddhist monastery, traditional villages, and cave-dwelling high up on the cliff. The trek is a complete package offering you peace of mind with the majestic view of nature where get to explore the mountain, gompas, mani walls, and Chortens. Where the cultural part of the Tibetan Buddhism and the landscape look like another universe with their own typical style.
It offers you peace of mind with the wonderful views of nature and knowing different cultures and traditions which is quite familiar with the modern information and communication technology, culture, and tradition of the western world where you can stroll around the Buddhist cultural villages. In the trekking, we will have an opportunity to explore the Buddhist culture and history of Tibet in the Himalayas with a long, rich, and complex history of its origin and existence.
Nepal is a landlocked country which is why there are only two modes of transportation available land transportation and air transportation which consists of all the modes of travel in the country. If we talk about the transportation service then you can choose either by flight or by road transportation. If you take by flight, you will reach Pokhara within 30 minutes from Kathmandu valley and if you take a Tourist bus or Private Vehicle then you will reach in 6 to 7 hours. From Pokhara to Jomsom just 25 minutes flight or an alternative way to take a Bus or a Jeep is also possible to drive to Jomsom or Kagbeni. That takes an 8 to 9 hours long drive and a tough road edge of the Kali Gandaki river.
On reaching Kathmandu international airport via various respective airlines, our Nepal Base Camp Treks guide or staff will receive you with warm welcome and then a short drive to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
After checking in your hotel rooms and getting refreshed join at the hotel lobby for group briefing and orientation program where our guide informs you regarding hotels, Kathmandu, Nepali culture, Upper Mustang Trekking with welcome dinner in a pleasant authentic Nepalese restaurant with culture program.
In Kathmandu morning after breakfast and at given time our city guide will pick you up for sightseeing tour around places of interest around Kathmandu old part of the city, Kathmandu is famous for world heritage sites with tour of Pashupatinath a holy temple, Bouddhanath Stupa a Buddhist pilgrimage spot or tour of Kathmandu old Durbar (palace) Square and ancient 2,500 years old Swayambhunath, afternoon free for Upper Mustang Trek preparation.
Morning an exciting drive on nice comfortable coach or in a private vehicle (depending upon the group size), the road to Pokhara lead on low hills of with views of Himalayan peaks and rolling green hills, passing through many farm villages and towns to reach at scenic and famed city Pokhara.
Pokhara located in the shadow of massive Annapurna range of mountains with pristine Lake Phewa, here in accommodation in nice hotels with time in the afternoon for walks on the lake side where you can browse around excellent shops-stores-restaurants.
(Options by air from Kathmandu 30 mins of scenic flight to Pokhara)
After a wonderful stop at Pokhara, depart from the hotel for an early morning short scenic flight to Jomsom, during airborne views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and then reaching at Jomsom small airstrip, located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River.
Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, after Jomsom first day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki river valley around windswept country.
Afternoon will be very windy, after few hours of good walk with great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s and ending our first day walk at Kagbeni village for overnight stop.
Kagbeni a windswept Tibetan like village which is the starting and ending point of Upper Mustang area and former Forbidden City Lo Manthang, located on an old Himalayan Caravan Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet.
Morning walk leads on uphill trail into canyon and high red eroded cliff edge, then following upper Kailgandaki River upstream, around unique landscapes of cliff wall in-between walking trails.
This nice walk with views leads to our overnight stop at Chele village, a moderate size settlement.
From Chele (spelled as Tsele also), morning walk begins with a climb to Gyakar village, and from here trek around dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area.
After Samar village with short stops walk to Bhena and then leading with a steep climb to a ridge top of Yamda La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri.
From here on down-hill to overnight stop at Geling village via Syangboche village.
Morning visit old Geling monastery and explore the Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour trek towards Ghami village, and then leading to cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) walk leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone) from here walk to Dhakmar village.
After few hours of pleasant walk reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops like buckwheat for overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.
Today a short day walk to Lo –Manthang our main destination of this classic journey to the wall city (actually a large village) guarding this city / village surrounded by high wall.
At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal few past decade, morning walk starts crossing a steel bridge, and then to Marang village.
From this village climb to reach a scenic ridge top, coming across several chortens and mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiri’s, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks.
Walk leads to a climb over Lo La pass at 3,950 meters with first views of Lo Manthang walled city and its fort like village. From here descend to the bottom of the pass and on nice trail to reach at Lo Manthang for two nights stop.
Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of this journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within great high wall, visit historical and cultural centre the main attraction of Lo-Manthang.
The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall.
Advance permission required to enter king’s palace to visit interior of the old palace and to grant audience with former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.
After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning walk starts on the same route back to Marang village, and then walk west using an old path to Dhakmar village for overnight stop.
From Dhakmar village, morning walk heading on the same route with long series of Mani Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit Geling monastery.
Slowly this fascinating walk comes to an end after a short climb to Syangboche village, and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages.
Walk leads by a stream passing Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending this nice walk at Tsusang village.
Morning walk back on same trail to Kagbeni village after an interesting and exciting time around Upper Mustang, a nice and pleasant walk brings reaches at Kagbeni village before concluding the walk at Jomsom.
Today our last and final day of this beautiful Upper Mustang trekking, morning walk starts on the same route to Jomsom town, after retracing Kaligandaki river valley trail to reach in Jomsom and overnight in a nice fine lodge.
Jomsom area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for delicious apples and products cider, brandy and juice. Celebrate last night dinner with staff and among other teams.
Llast day of this amazing journey around Mustang concludes with short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara a lovely touristic city, overnight in Pokhara a scenic spot with many nice hotels by the serene Phewa Lake, where Annapurna Himal reflects on its pristine calm waters.
(Driving options which is about 6-7 hours via Beni town to Pokhara city from Jomsom)
After a great adventure on Upper Mustang trek, morning journey as the drive leads back to Kathmandu with few rest stops for refreshment and lunch, after 6 hours of good drive reaching back at busy city life in Kathmandu.
(From Pokhara option by air to Kathmandu of 30 minutes flight)
Last day in amazing Nepal with awesome adventure around Upper Mustang trekking, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your final flight back homeward bound or to respective countries.
German Language: Wir haben mit Sappa und einem Träger im Mai 2011 eine elftägige Trekking Tour durch die Langtang und Helambu Region gemacht. Wir sind das Langtang Tal von Syrabrubesi bis Kanjin Gompa hoch gewandert und dann über die Gosainkunde Seen, den Laurebina Pass und die Helambu Region nach Kathmandu zurückgekehrt. Der Trek war einfach wundervoll! Er führt durch verschiedene Vegetationszonen mit reicher Flora und Fauna und überwältigenden Aussichten auf die Gipfel des Himalaya. Darüber hinaus bot der Trek einen tiefen Einblick die die Tamang Kultur und das Leben und die Tradition der nepalesischen und tibetanischen Bevölkerung.
Sappa ist ein sehr erfahrener Führer, der die Gegend sehr gut kennt. Er verstand es perfekt, die Länge der täglichen Etappen und die Trekkinggeschwindigkeit auf unsere Wünsche und Bedürfnisse anzupassen und war insbesondere ein guter Ratgeber bei Fragen zur Höhenkrankheit. Sappa hat sich um alle Angelegenheiten mit den Lodges, den örtlichen Behörden, den Taxi- und Busfahrern etc. gekümmert. Er hat alle unsere Fragen zu den verschiedenen Bergketten und -gipfeln zur Länge der Auf- und Abstiege und zu den anderen Details der Gegend bereitwillig und mit großer Begeisterung beantwortet. Es war eine große Freude, ihm bei den Anekdoten aus dem Leben der Nepalesen, der Religion, Politik und Natur zuzuhören. Mit seiner Begeisterung und seinem Humor hat Sappa den Trek zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis gemacht. Wir können Sappa als erfahrenen, verständnisvollen und sympathischen Führer uneingeschränkt empfehlen. Nach den elf Tagen in der Einsamkeit des Himalaya ist aus unserem Führer ein Freund geworden.”
Christian Email:- bank.christian@web.de
Sappa é o cara. Visitei o Nepal em duas ocasiões. Na primeira ele foi meu guia no circuito Annapurna, onde caminhamos por 21 dias. Na segunda ele nos guiou nos treks Langtang, Gosainkunda e Helambu por 17 dias. Alem disso, ele foi nosso guia no trek Cheppang Hills. Como se não bastasse, fizemos também o clássico Base Camp Everest partindo de Jiri e passando por Renjo La e Cho La, em 24 dias com o seu irmão Lako. O Nepal é um pais maravilhoso e a companhia de um guia como Sappa fez toda a diferença, pois ele nos explicou muito sobre a cultura local, religião, situação política/conflitos no pais e como funciona a sociedade no Nepal em geral. Ele fala muito bem inglês, é muito bem humorado e as risadas estão garantidas. Pra resumir, você começa a trilha com um guia e termina com um amigo. Recomendo-o sem hesitar. Se tiver perguntas pode me escrever.
I first met Sappa in 2008 on a family Gokyo Lakes Trek and EBC Trek. At that time, I was greatly impressed by the highly professional approach he took to mountain guiding. I’m very happy to report that in 2014 and 2017 nothing has changed during my Langtang Valley second family trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek. Sappa continues to maintain an exceptionally high standard of service and this together with his warm, generous and engaging personality ensured everyone in our party had an amazing time during their visit to Nepal.
We were treated to fantastic traditional Nepalese food and cultural performances at welcoming and farewell dinners in Kathmandu; expertly and safely guided over 14 days of trekking through an incredibly beautiful landscape; and provided with detailed and knowledgeable commentary during our tours of all the main sites around Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. I’m very happy to report that the organisation of our transport, sightseeing, accommodation and trekking arrangements was first rate and that over three weeks everything ran very smoothly indeed. Overall, Sappa‘s vast guiding experience and mountain knowledge ensured that our itinerary was structured in such a way that it provided us with a good deal of flexibility and ample time to absorb the magnificent mountain views while trekking, as well as not being rushed on our tours of Kathmandu and surrounds.
On this trip, a few in our party were first time trekkers. What a fantastic introduction to trekking in the Nepal Himalaya they received thanks to the great care and attention to every little detail provided by Sappa and his fabulous support crew Manoj, Shankar and Suraj. Thank you Sappa,for also keeping up the tradition of supplying us with bananas and chocolate bars. I must also mention that the pomegranate seeds the crew provided to us on our way to Langtang was an unexpected but greatly appreciated treat. Importantly, from a safety aspect, we were more than pleased to find that Nepal Base Camp Treks used modern four wheel drive vehicles to take us to the start of our trek in Syabrubesi and also for the return journey from Dhunche. We were also very impressed to observe that Sappa and his company take very good care of their support crews.
If you are planning to visit Nepal, I have no hesitation in recommending Sappa and his company “Nepal Base Camp Treks” for trouble free trekking and touring. You will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for my next trek with Sappa, which will be around Manaslu trek.