- Government certified English speaking friendly local guide.
- An assistant guide if the number of participants is above 6 people.
- 1 Sharing porter for two trekkers during the trek (weight limit 25kg).
- 2 Nights deluxe room in 3** hotel in Pokhara with buffet breakfast.
- Domestic fight fare between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Pokhara – Jomsom - Pokhara round flight.
- Round flight of your guide.
- Trekking lodge accommodation on twin bed sharing basis during the trek.
- Meals: Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners during the trek.
- All necessary upper Mustang trekking permits.
- Guide and porters fee with all their expenses.
- Taxes and paper work charges.
Upper Mustang Trekking
Main Highlights:
‘adventure beyond massive Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range’
“Journey on old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route from Nepal to Tibet border Within scenic country enclosed by high giant cliffs and eroded colorful canyons A picturesque area Upper Mustang and former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang Enjoy dramatic views of windswept terrain an extension of huge Tibetan plateau Explore interesting cultural villages enriched with Buddhist and Bon traditions”
“Journey on old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route from Nepal to Tibet border Within scenic country enclosed by high giant cliffs and eroded colorful canyons A picturesque area Upper Mustang and former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang Enjoy dramatic views of windswept terrain an extension of huge Tibetan plateau Explore interesting cultural villages enriched with Buddhist and Bon traditions”
At a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Hotels and Local lodge
Trip Difficulty
Difficult
Max Altitude
3,945 m
Max People
14
Duratiton
15 Days
Activities
Tour and Trek
Meals
Breakfast and Lunch
Vehicle
Private Car
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Upper Mustang
Brief trip Profile:
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
- Transfers, accommodation, meals and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Meals in Pokhara except breakfasts
- Bar bills, beverages like coke, fanta, sprite, mineral water, can juice etc.
- Personal nature expenses, toiletries, hot shower, laundry, internet and phone calls.
- Personal travel insurance and rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Expenses of extra adventure, donations in monasteries (your choice).
- Tips for your guide and porters.
Itinerary
On arrival at Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, where Professional Trekking Guide staff receives with warm welcome and then transfer to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu.
On checking your rooms getting refreshed then join in at hotel foyer / lobby meeting with other members of the trek, where our guide will brief you with information regarding Upper Mustang Trekking.
Evening group welcome dinner in a nice Nepalese environment restaurant with native folk culture programs along with the dinner.
A free day in Kathmandu you can enjoy at leisure as well preparation for the trek, on this day interested people can join in our exciting guided sightseeing tour for half or full day tour at places of great interest around World Heritage Sites.
Morning either in charted bus, or in car as well in tourist coach (depending upon the size of a group), where overland journey takes you on main busy Nepal highway to reach country Mid-West at beautiful Pokhara.
Pokhara an amazing city located on the laps of towering Annapurna Mountain range with famous Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ where reflection of the peaks touches its serene Phewa Lake.
At Pokhara transfer to your respective hotels by the lake side with time wander 8on the street around the lake lined with shops and stores with many good hotels and restaurants.
(Flying options taking 30 minutes flight to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu)
Morning short and scenic flight to reach Jomsom from Pokhara, Jomsom a large town and headquarter of whole Mustang area, located on a shelf of Kali-Gandaki River.
From Jomsom where adventure starts towards wide Kali-Gandaki River valley to reach at Kagbeni village, an important place to enter into Upper Mustang and beyond as far towards Tibet border, on this ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet.
Day 5 :
Trek to Chele 3,045 m - 06 hrs.
After Kagbeni around this exciting village, a short uphill walk to reach an open and wide areas within high canyon with towering eroded cliffs as walk leads to Tiri-Gaon village.
Walk around scenic landscapes with few short ups and down with winding path to Chele village for overnight stop, Chele also spelled as ‘Tshele’ a moderate size village here from onward into more Buddhism culture similar to Tibetan traditional life.
With overnight at Chele / Tsele village, journey continues with a climb to Gyakar village within wide barren and arid terrain to reach Samar village, a lovely village along the route as well explore interesting Ramchung Cave.
After few stops walk continue towards a small settlement of Bhena, and then leading to a steep uphill to Yamda La top at 3,860 meters a small pass, offering glorious views of Mustang wide valley including high peaks with Mt. Dhaulagiri mountain range. After an enjoyable stop with the striking views, descend all the way to Syangboche village for overnight stop.
After a pleasant and wonderful stop at Charang / Tsarang, morning with time to visit village old monastery here observe Buddhist prayer wheels propelled by fast flowing streams of water, after an interesting tour of the Gompa / monastery, walk continues to Ghami village with majestic views of dry and arid country with distant snow capped peaks and crossing two high ridge / passes with downhill to reach a nice village at Ghami for overnight stop.
Day 8 :
Trek to Charang 3,560 m -05 hrs.
Morning leads to cross over Ghami Khola (stream) and then following a long row of interesting Mani walls (holy prayer stone) to reach at Dhakmar village, after a short rest here, where good walk brings of another few hours brings you at overnight stop in Charang or Tsarang village.
An attractive village encircled by large crops fields with buck wheat’s and barley the only crops that can be grown on this high elevation and cold climate, at Charang / Tsarang after getting organized in local lodge or guesthouse for overnight stop, with time to visit another monastery of Charang village.
Walk to reach our main highlights of the adventure heading higher side of Upper Mustang where Lo Manthang a former walled kingdom located, a short walk of 4-5 hrs to reach to Lo Manthang for lunch and overnight stop, walk follows a gentle path and then crossing a steel bridge to reach at Marang village, from here the trail winds up to a ridge top to a Buddhist monument called Chorten with mani stones in between Charang and Lo Manthang, offers grand views of dramatic landscapes which is an extension of Tibetan plateau facing Nilgiri’s, Tilicho and Bhrikuti mountains.
After a wonderful view climb over Lo La pass at above 3,950 meters high and then downhill to a stream with an hour walk to enter walled village / town of Lo Manthang and then into a nice lodge for overnight stops.
An interesting and exciting place as well the highest overnight stop of the journey, morning after breakfast explore around important places and a worth a visit to the palace like fort, where all houses are of Tibetan style with strong influence and way of life also, visit through narrow lane and streets of the village. Lo-Manthang houses four major monasteries the Namgyal Gompa, ChampaLakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall.
After a great and wonderful experience and time at Lo-Manthang, trek ends for a day to reach back at Kagbeni on route Jomsom, where drive takes around scenic country with fabulous views of peaks and amazing landscapes to reach at Kagbeni for overnight stop
Day 12 :
Trek to Jomsom 2, 715 m -04 hrs
From Kagbeni an easy walk on winding road to reach at the bottom of a hill around Kaligandaki River Valley to reach the main headquarter town of Mustang at Jomsom, as walk slowly brings you into a nice town of Jomsom in the land of Thakali people.
At Jomsom our walk completes and checking into a nice hotel and lodge with time in the afternoon to explore Jomsom town located on ancient and present Trans Himalaya Salt and Caravan route to Tibet
Early morning breakfast and leave the lodge with short to Jomsom airport where scenic short flight brings you at scenic and beautiful Pokhara, during air grand views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of peaks all the way till you land at Pokhara.
Pokhara a leading and renowned touristic spot of Nepal and probably in whole Himalaya area, on reaching Pokhara airport transfer to your hotel located by the serene Phewa Lake with views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak.
Rest of the day free at leisure in Pokhara where one engage in activities hike to Peace Stupa, boating on Phewa Lake or short tour around Pokhara.
On leaving hotel in Pokhara after breakfast for exciting drive to reach back at Kathmandu where ride follows on same interesting road to Kathmandu and then back at your hotels, with afternoon free to enjoy personal and individual activities and shopping.
(Options for scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu of 30 minutes)
Final and last day in the country of Himalaya wonder of interesting cultures, after a memorable time and experience on Upper Mustang trekking, as per your time for your international flight our staff and guide transfer you to airport for flight homeward bound or to your next port of call.
Explore. Trek. Thrive. Book your adventure now!
Trip Detail:
Best Seasons for Upper Mustang Trekking:
Upper Mustang Trekking where one can visit during spring times of April and May as well around monsoon wet season of June to mid September.
April and May dry and beautiful with longer sunlight hours during day time walks for lovely scenery of the country with snow capped peaks, cold in the morning and night times and in shady area.
Chances of snow sometimes around higher side of Upper Mustang, June to mid September around monsoon time quite interesting walks with fresh green vegetation from moisture of monsoon clouds.
Upper Mustang falls within rain-shadow area like Tibetan plateau where heavy monsoon clouds blocked by Himalaya mountain range with less rain that makes the country dry and arid.
Warmer than other months of the year with less colder morning and night times, mid September to October clear for views and walks but shorter sunlight hours due to autumn season, can be freezing cold in the morning and night times with chances of snow sometimes.
People and Culture:
Upper Mustang and around Nepal Far North West mostly populated by people of strong Tibetan origin and looks with similar way of life and culture of both Buddhism and ancient Bon sect practice (pre Buddhism).
Bon sect is slowly disappearing where Upper Mustang-Dolpo and Limi valley including South West Tibet are followers of Bon practice, worships natural spirits and five great elements from sky-cloud / water, thunder / fire, vegetation and earth.
On treks one can observe fascinating culture of Mustang people from Kagbeni onwards on this ancient salt trade to Tibet, lower Mustang around Kaligandaki valley inhabited by Thakali people of Buddhist religion, an early traders to Tibet exchanging Nepalese and Tibetan or Chinese goods.
Introduction:
Upper Mustang Trekking leads you to spectacular scenery within high eroded cliffs and canyon reminds one of Great Canyon in USA of similar landscapes for some days.
Upper Mustang an extension of great Tibetan plateau listed as world highest and largest table-land a picturesque country to visit enclosed within arid and barren terrain and yet leads you to view beautiful scenery.
Upper Mustang located Nepal Far North West which falls on old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade as well a Caravan Route of Nepal to Tibet that extends from Upper Mustang towards high Karo-la pass that separates the border of two countries.
Once a forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang and its walled village ‘Lo-Manthang’ which was opened for outside visitors since last three decades where travelers can trek and drive to witness the beautiful areas in the shade of local immense cultures of both Buddhism and ancient Bon religions.
Starts from beautiful Pokhara, a city located on the laps of massive Annapurna Himalaya range of mountains with magnificent Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak that reflects on its serene Begnas and Phewa Lakes.
From Pokhara where short scenic flight reaches you at Jomsom, a headquarter town of whole Mustang area populated by Thakali people a tribe of Kaligandaki River valley settled and engaged with strong trade with Tibet till present.
After Jomsom walk leads to the gateway village at Kagbeni an interesting place where you can witness typical Mustang culture and traditional life with similarity to Tibetans life-style.
Kagbeni the entrance and exit point of Upper Mustang, where walks leads towards dry windswept territory visiting nice villages and well cultivated farms of buck-wheat and barley with few trees that survives like Poplars and Willow trees.
Slowly walk proceeds crossing few smaller passes to reach former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang, where free day allows you to explore its amazing cultures and custom and visiting its old important monasteries and fort palace of former Raja / king of Mustang.
After a great exciting and enjoyable time at high town / village of Lo-Manthang located on route Tibetan border beyond Mustang Himal peaks of Bhirkuti and Damodar mountain range.
With fabulous experience around remote areas of Upper Mustang where journey leads you back at Jomsom for scenic short flight to reach at lovely Pokhara to complete our fabulous and wonderful adventure Upper Mustang Trekking.
1. What is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is a renowned trekking route in the Mustang region of Nepal, offering a unique cultural and natural experience. It takes you through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes, providing insights into the traditional Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
2. How long does the Upper Mustang Trek take?
The duration of the Upper Mustang Trek typically ranges from 10 to 14 days, depending on the itinerary and the starting point. It includes trekking through rugged terrain and high-altitude passes, with each day covering an average distance of 6 to 8 hours of walking.
3. What is the best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek?
The best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
4. Do I need a special permit for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes, a special trekking permit is required for the Upper Mustang region, as it is a restricted area of Nepal. The permit can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and it's essential to have the permit along with other necessary documents during the trek.
5. What is the level of difficulty of the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, primarily due to its high altitude and rugged terrain. Trekkers should be physically fit and prepared for long days of walking, as well as acclimatization to prevent altitude-related problems.
6. What is the maximum altitude reached during the Upper Mustang Trek?
The highest point reached during the Upper Mustang Trek is the Lo Manthang village, which sits at an altitude of approximately 3,840 meters (12,598 feet). Trekkers will gradually ascend to this altitude, allowing for proper acclimatization along the way.
7. What are the accommodation and food options during the Upper Mustang Trek?
Accommodation along the Upper Mustang Trek route mainly consists of teahouses or guesthouses run by local families. These basic but comfortable lodges offer twin-sharing rooms with common dining areas. As for food, most teahouses provide a variety of meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, and international dishes, typically based on rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat.
8. Is it possible to do the Upper Mustang Trek independently?
While it's technically possible to do the Upper Mustang Trek independently, it's strongly recommended to hire a licensed guide and obtain permits through a registered trekking agency. The region's remoteness, restricted access, and challenging terrain make having local expertise invaluable for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
9. What clothing and gear should I bring for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Trekkers should pack clothing suitable for both cold and warm weather conditions, including insulated layers, waterproof jackets, trekking pants, sturdy hiking boots, hats, gloves, and sunglasses. Additionally, essential trekking gear such as a backpack, sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, and a first aid kit are also necessary.
10. What are some highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek?
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek include exploring the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, visiting centuries-old monasteries such as Chhoser Cave Monastery and Luri Gompa, witnessing stunning desert landscapes, crossing high mountain passes, interacting with the local Tibetan culture, and enjoying panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges.