17 Days Upper Mustang Trekking

  • Duration 17 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End Kathmandu
  • Style Lodge/Tea House trek
  • Group Size 2+
  • Max Altitude 3810
  • Best Time March to June and August to November
All Inclusive PriceUS $2199US $2299
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Highlights

  • Walk into beautiful, amazing country Mustang a photographer’s paradise.
  • Stunning views of dramatic landscapes within dry terrain and snow-capped peaks.
  • Follow the ancient Trans Himalaya Caravan and Salt Trade Route of Nepal / Tibet.
  • Explore traditional villages enriched with glorious colorful cultures and custom.
  • A spectacular panorama of snow mountains, eroded canyon walls, and high cliffs.
  • Adventure into the former Walled Kingdom of Lo-Manthang of the medieval era.
     

Upper Mustang Trekking journey lies in the ancient Trans Himalaya Caravan and Salt Trade Route. The trek starts from Pokhara towards the Upper Mustang and beyond. It goes across to the Karo-La Pass on the Nepal / Tibet frontiers.

It is an interesting adventure that is beyond your imagination. The trekking trail takes you to a picturesque country.This region is a photogenic place and a favorite among photographers. You get to witness amazing landscapes of dry and windblown terrain. As well as the views of the snow-capped mountain range.

The Upper Mustang is an extension of a wide and large Tibetan plateau. It is a rain shadow region where monsoon clouds are blocked by the Himalayan chain of peaks. It receives less precipitation and the moisture is absent in the atmosphere. This makes the terrain dry and arid, yet very beautiful.

The Upper Mustang Trekking Adventure begins with an exciting drive or a flight. It first reaches you to the scenic city of Pokhara. It lies in the Midwest region of Nepal.  It finds itself sitting pretty on the laps of massive Annapurna Himalayas. Alongside the towering Machhapuchare, Himal is the famous and magnificent FishTail peak. The reflection of high snow mountains touches Lake Fewa and Begnas. This awe-inspiring marvel makes Pokhara one of the most attractive and charming places. These kinds of occurrences only happen here and are one of the best.

A short scenic flight from Pokhara reaches you to the town of Mustang District at Jomsom. This is the important hub of indigenous Thakali people. These people occupy the region of the Kali-Gandaki River Valley.

The route takes you further westward following the river bed of Kali-Gandaki. You can witness exciting views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Peaks. As you move on you reach an interesting old Kagbeni village. This village here forms the boundary of theUpper and Lower Mustang .

After Kagbeni you will be making pleasant stops at intervals. This gives you a chance to observe the impressive traditional farm life of the locals. Their way of life is almost the same as Tibetan culture. It has a strong Buddhism and Bon religions influence. From here the route enters the Upper Mustang.  and towards the ancient former Kingdom Lo at Lo-Manthang.

You will be walking into a dry and barren country. It is enclosed within great eroded walls of canyons and towering cliffs. This reflects various dramatic colors making the walk more exciting and interesting.

As the adventure progresses you will be visiting nice lovely villages. These villages are adorned and enriched with religious monuments. All along the way, you will find Stupas, prayer walls, and long rows of spinning wheels. These chimes if you happen to rotate with Buddhist prayer chanting ‘Om Mani Padma Hum’.

Taking a walk within the villages you can witness green agricultural fields. It consists of barley and buckwheat which is their main staple diet. These fields make a great contrast with the dry and red barren landscapes. As you move on, the breathtaking views of the Mustang terrain with white-snow peaks is splendid.

At last this scenic and cultural journey enters into the walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. You get to enjoy marvelous moments within this old medieval town. A great chance to see the medieval ancient fort / Dzong and palace of former Raja the King of Mustang.

Further the tour takes you around interesting old sites and monasteries. You then take an alternative route on your return journey. This offers extra wonderful views of the Upper Mustang. You can sense this while walking into nice cultural villages to end the walks back at Jomsom.

From Jomsom you will be catching an early morning short flight. While flying you get to see the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.After sometime you will land in the charming city in Pokhara.This marks the end of your journey giving you the  best experience on Upper Mustang Trekking.

Itinerary

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You will be arriving at the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu. One of our airport representatives will meet you outside the arrival gate. He/She will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel at Thamel in Kathmandu.

You then check into your rooms and take some rest. Later in the afternoon, you will be meeting your leader or the guide in the hotel lobby. You will be briefed about your onward trekking journey in detail.

In the evening you will be enjoying a welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant. You will get to taste varieties of local cuisines along with the cultural program held for you.

    Today the morning brings in lots of excitement. As you will be taking an interesting Kathmandu sightseeing tour around  the city. You will be visiting the famous landmarks and UNESCO listed world heritage sites. All these places are historical, traditional and rich in cultural diversity. These places are significant for both the Hindu and Buddhist religious followers. After having a good look at all these classic monuments you return back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

      In the morning as per your schedule, you will be boarding a bus, or a car, or a coach for  Pokhara. An interesting drive takes you beyond Kathmandu valley. You will be heading towards Nepal Midwest to reach the most scenic and beautiful town of Pokhara.
       
      Once you arrive at Pokhara, you will be transferred to your respective hotels. The hotel lies near the shores of Fewa Lake. This gives you an excellent front-facing view of the adjacent mountain peaks. The views of Annapurna mountains. and Machhapuchhre Himal, the famous Fish-Tail peak is stunning as well.
       
      (Flying option a 30 minutes scenic flight from Kathmandu to land at Pokhara airport)

        An early morning rise is on the cards today. As you will be heading towards the Pokhara airport. Boarding a super scenic flight you will land at Jomsom airport. It lies above the Kali-Gandaki River.
        Once you are here in Jomsom after a refreshing break you get yourself ready for the trek. The trekking staff and porters will load your baggage on mules.

        Next, you will begin your first day of the actual trek.  You will follow the trail that leads you towards the wide Kali-Gandaki River valley. Following a river bed, the trail goes all the way until it reaches Kagbeni village. Kagbeni, lies to the entrance to Upper Mustang and beyond to the Tibet border. This is also the old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route between Nepal and Tibet.

          Staying overnight at Kagbeni is a delightful experience. The morning involves exploring this exciting village. Later the walk takes you for a short uphill ascent. As you reach into open areas within the towering colorful canyons and high eroded cliffs. As you walk further ahead you will reach the Tiri-Gaon village. It is a village with well-cultivated farm fields.

          You will be walking within the beautiful landscapes with short ups and downs. As the trail is set on a winding path that reaches the village of Tshele. You will soon find out that this is a moderate-sized village. Moving on from here you will come across Buddhism culture and custom-oriented villages. Tibetan way of life and impressions can be explored in this bordered town

            Today in the morning you will be leaving Chele behind.  Your target destination is Syangbochen.  The morning walk from Chele village gets steeper for almost an hour. Then keeping onto a ridge at 3,130m, you get a grand view of Gyagar across a huge canyon.
             
            The Trek continues with a slow climb on the windswept terrain till the pass reaches an elevation of 3,540m. From here a gradual descent leads you to Samar. You will then make a short climb above Samar village to a ridge. Next, with a downhill descent, you come across a large gorge.  Passing by you get glimpses of chortens painted in red, black, yellow, and white. The colors that you see are all put together from local rocks.
             
            The journey continues into another valley with juniper trees, on crossing a stream. The walk then follows the uphill path to a ridge at an elevation of 3,800 m. The trail soon climbs over the next pass.  From this point onwards our trail descends to Syangbochen. This is an interesting small village that has few tea shops. Overnight at Syangbochen.

              In the morning you prepare to leave Syangboche for Ghami. At first, the route climbs through the fields upwards reaching the center of the valley.  Then it passes below the Tama Gung settlements. You continue your walk making a long climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La pass.  At 3,950m,  this is the highest point of this trek. The pass itself happens to be the southern boundary of Lo.  Then from here a gradual descent of about half an hour brings you to the intersection. The path to the right leads to Tsarang while the left leads to Ghami village. These are one of the most significant villages in the Lo region. An overnight stay at Ghami.

                After a nice overnight at Gami, trek continues to a gentle climb reaching a pass at 3, 770 m entering towards a huge valley, from here taking the right downhill path towards Ghiling with its large fields of barley on the outskirt of the village.

                Walk drops below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmarchu River, the path climbs past to the long and magnificent stretch of Mani wall, probably the longest one in Nepal.

                From here the final climb of the day brings to 3, 600 m pass, after the last pass a gentle descent leads to the overnight stop at Charang, a lovely and interesting village with row of maze of fields, willow trees and huge five storied white Dzong and a Red Gompa located on the edge of Kali Gandaki gorge, Tsarang with its own electricity system.

                  From Charang our journey heading to our final goal and highlight of the adventure reaching at former walled city of Lo-Manthang, actually a large village inside the fort known as Dzong that guards Lo-Manthang from outside invaders in early days.

                  A few hours of good walk takes you into Lo Manthang, a former kingdom where great Raja (king) of Mustang ruled the whole kingdom of Lo known as Mustang.

                  As walk progress crossing a strong steel bridge to Marang village, from here climb to a ridge top, past Chorten and Mani stones prayer walls in between Tsarang and Lo Manthang.

                  Walk along facing views of Nilgiri, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks, and then up to Lo La pass above 3,950 m high offering grand scenery looking down towards Lo Manthang walled village and a fortress, from here descend to the base of a pass then on nice path to reach at Lo Manthang for overnight stops.

                    At Lo Manthang inside the former kingdom of Lo or Upper Mustang, enjoy the free whole day exploring its narrow neat street within impressive villages with houses of great interest with Tibetan design and carving.

                    Here in this wonderful place visit its historical and cultural centre one of the main attraction of Lo-Manthang, with four grand monasteries of Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and its Great Entrance Hall.

                    A special permission to enter Raja or king’s palace visit the interior of the old palace and to grant audience with late Raja of Mustang family if possible.

                      With memories of Lo-Manthang still fresh in your mind you begin your trek.The morning walk leads back on the same route for a few hours. It is a gradual walk up to Marang village. Once you are here you then turn to your right towards the west. Following an old path, you will soon reach the village of Drakmar. As you will discover that during the afternoons this place becomes very windy and dusty. For making a move on it is always good to start early in the morning. An overnight stop at Drakmar village,

                        As you leave Drakmar, the walk that you take follows the passes. You will soon find it to be one of the longest trails that has a spectacular series of Mani walls. (These are prayer stone walls built by locals and Buddhist pilgrims).  You will then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola that reaches you to the village of Ghami. You will then walk for a couple of hours from here taking a southward route. Trekking further you will reach the village of Ghiling. With time in your hand, you will be visiting its places of interest. You will visit the Gelling monastery and its water-rotated prayer wheel. Overnight at Ghiling

                          The morning starts with a gradual climb to the Syangboche village. Soon later you will go through a small pass of Yamada La at an elevation of 3,860 m. It is a fascinating place with superb views on the offer. You can behold glimpses of snow-capped peaks and Mustang's vast landscapes.  A downhill walk from here takes you through the small villages of Bhena and Samar.
                           
                          The walk then follows a stream leading all the way to Tsusang village. You will be making an overnight stop via Gyakar and Chele villages.

                            Today you will be leaving Chusang / Tsusang village behind. You will be making it to Kagbeni into the Lower Mustang area. This day's walk will make you complete the Upper Mustang section. It comes to an end once you reach  Kagbeni. This is one of the interesting villages on the route for an overnight stop. before ending our walks at Jomsom town.

                              From  Kagbeni the walk becomes much easier. As it is set on moderate trails all the way until it reaches downhill to Kaligandaki River valley. You will halt at places for some time at   Kagbeni and Ekale Bhatti. Soon you will be reaching back to Jomsom town. It lies on a junction of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri circuit, and Upper Mustang. It also includes the holy Muktinath route. The afternoon is free for you to explore around Jomsom.

                                An early morning wake-up call for you as you prepare to leave Jomsom. You will be reaching the Jomsom airport for a scenic short flight to land at Pokhara. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. It is adorned with a verdant valley, high mountains, and serene lakes. The afternoon is free for you. Later in the late afternoon, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu.

                                  This is the ultimate day of your trekking in Nepal. One of our airport representatives will see you off at the airport.  You will be taking back the wonderful memories of the Upper Mustang Trekking Journey. 

                                    Upper Mustang trekking provided with standard Itinerary days where some walks can be shorter or longer as per your physical fitness, some designated overnight stops can change, due to available rooms and other facilities and etc…….

                                    We will follow the itinerary if its need to be changes in case of weather, landslides and difficulties on walks requiring more days where our leader and lead head guides decides holding full authority for Trekking Planner Inc, USA.

                                    Want to customize this itinerary? Or Download PDF

                                    Cost Details

                                    Includes

                                    • All airport Pick up drop by private vehicle (Both for Domestic and International flight)
                                    • Welcome dinner in Authentic Restaurant
                                    • Twin/Double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
                                    • Twin/Double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Pokhara
                                    • Guided sightseeing tours with private vehicle in Kathmandu (Entrance fees extra)
                                    • Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist bus and Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
                                    • Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
                                    • ACAP Permit and Special permit for upper mustang trek
                                    • Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
                                    • Three meals a day; breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trekking
                                    • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly , English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
                                    • 02 guest=01 porter with their Insurance, Salary, Food, accommodation and equipment Luggage per porter carries about 20kg).
                                    • We provide assistant guide his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance walking with group to support where necessary as per the group size
                                    • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
                                    • First add kid box
                                    • Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, Ti-shirt, Cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
                                    • Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trekking (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible
                                    • All applicable government and local taxes as per the itinerary

                                    Excludes

                                    • Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
                                    • All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
                                    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
                                    • All necessary entrance fees for the guided sightseeing tours in city
                                    • Meals during the traveling time
                                    • Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
                                    • In case of extra more nights’ accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary
                                    • Your Personal expenses such as ( laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc)
                                    • The Tips to the trekking crews and drive
                                    • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
                                    • Anything not included in service includes column

                                    Essential Info

                                    Best Seasons for Upper Mustang Trekking:

                                    Upper Mustang Trekking an adventure where one can visit March to May including wet monsoon months of July to September, where wet dark rain clouds of monsoon times, blocked by great Himalayan Mountain Range.

                                    Upper Mustang falls within Rain Shadow area with least rain falls than other southern areas of Himalaya that is why Mustang remains dry and arid most of the year round.

                                    The best months to visit is April to June with much longer sunlight hours, most days are clear from morning till late afternoon, can get cloudy sometimes with chance of snows around higher elevation cold in the morning and night time (not adding extra wind-chill factors).

                                    Next best times from Mid-September to October during autumn / fall season most days are crystal clear from morning till mid-afternoon, days are shorter with sunlight hours, much cold and freezing temperatures especially during morning and night as well in shades (without counting wind-chill factors).

                                    Local Culture and Religion:

                                    Whole of Mustang that include Lower and Upper Mustang dominated by strong Tibetan influence of both Buddhism and ancient practice of Bon religions (pre-Buddhist worship of natural spirits).

                                    Fascinating cultures of Buddhism and Bon where visitors can observe impressive villages lined with long series of prayer stone walls and spinning bells and visit its old monasteries of great interest.

                                    Upper Mustang mostly populated by Mustang people call themselves as Gurung, Ghale with surname title as Lama, of pure Tibetan origin where the border to Tibet located a mere distance from Lo-Manthang, where trade still exists.

                                    Lower Mustang of mix people with Mustang Gurung / Lama and Thakali the main tribes of Kali-Gandaki River Valley, where the main hub and headquarter is Jomsom town. Thakali people of Buddhism religion been on trade with Tibet since ancient times on this caravan route.

                                    Climate and Weather:

                                    Himalayan climate can be unpredictable sometimes even in good best seasons, where April and May to first week of June will be the best time during spring times, when days are longer with enough sunlight hours.

                                    Morning and night time as well in shade can be cold and much freezing temperatures around higher areas above 2,000 m.

                                    Other months from September and October great times for treks around Upper Mustang and other areas of Himalaya, when days are clear for views and to summit the top of the peak, although much colder months of autumn season with extreme cold during morning and night time, where sunlight is much shorter.

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