Upper Mustang Trek

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.

Trip Highlight

• Trek takes through the treeless landscape
• Magnificent views of the wonderful mountain
• Chance to involve in natural beauty
• Unique cultural experience in the forbidden area
• Walking into the remote Himalayan
• Trekking at the altitude of 4000m from the sea level

Hotel, Lodge Accommodation in Upper Mustang

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.

Upper Mustang Trekking Permit

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.

Culture and tradition

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.

Transportation

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.

Details Itinerary of Upp Mustang Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,327 m and transfer to hotel.

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.

Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour or  trek preparations.

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.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 820m – 06 hrs of 220 k.m. distances.

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)

Day 04: Morning Flight to Jomsom 2,700 and trek to Kagbeni – 04 hrs.

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.

Day 05: Trek to Chele 3,050m – 06 hrs.

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.

Day 06: Trek to Geling 3,540 m – 05 hrs.

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.

Day 07: to Tsarang (Charang) 3,560 m – 06 hrs.

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.

Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang 3700m – 04 hrs.

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.

Day 09: In Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.

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.

Day 10: Trek to Dhakmar 3,810 m – 06 hrs.

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.

Day 11: Trek to Ghiling 3,806 m – 06 hrs.

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.

Day 12: Trek to Tsusang 2,980 m – 06 hrs.

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.

Day 13: Trek to Kagbeni 2,830 m – 05 hrs.

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.

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m – 04 hrs.

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.

Day 15: From Jomsom morning fly to Pokhara.

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)

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu – 06 hrs evening farewell dinner.

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)

Day 17: Final International departure homeward bound.

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.

Cost Details

Fixed Departures Every 4th & 16th Of Month

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