upper-mustang-trek

Nepal

Upper Mustang Trek

$3080

Destination

Nepal

Activity

City sight seeing/ Trekking

Region

Annapurna Circuit

Duration

16

Altitude

3840 m / at Lo-Manthang

Accomodation

3-star hotels in the cities and tea-houses during the trek

Meal

Full board on trek

Transportation

Land transportation: Private Car / Van / Hiace Flight: jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu (on request)

Best Seasons

Sep-Dec and Mar-May

Group Size

2-12

Grade

Moderate/Difficult

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Overview

Trip Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek

  • 7 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • 20-minute flight to Jomsom from Pokhara valley
  • a rain shadow area and no fear of monsoon showers
  • Views of apple orchid and lower parts of Mustang dry valley
  • Spiritual feelings and the Buddhist settlements
  • Gompas, chortens, flapping prayer flags, and sky caverns
  • Tea house accommodation and cultural taste of mountains
  • palace of Lo Manthang and a Tiji festival
  • The 3,800-meter-high Muktinath temple and 108 sacred water spouts to bathe
  • Hike through lush forest, waterfalls and stone stairs
  • Thorong La Pass (5416m)

About Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the few areas in the world that has long lived a very close-niche life, and that region was, until recently, inaccessible to outsiders. Due to their relative remoteness, the residents of Mustang were able to preserve their way of life and cultural traditions, which have remained mostly unaltered for generations. Mustang is home to several stunning trekking areas and is concealed behind the spectacular Himalayan hills.

Nepal's Upper Mustang Trek is a well-known hiking destination. In October 1991, the Nepalese Home Ministry stated that Upper Mustang, a restricted territory, was now open. To safeguard their heritage from outside influence and to safeguard their environment, there are also stringent requirements for getting special authorization from the Department of Immigration. Upper Mustang, which has a nominal king, refers to the high desert Kaligandaki region under Tibetan influence from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni. One of the few areas on earth where trekkers haven't damaged the environment is the Mustang. As a result of receiving little rainfall due to being in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the terrain is dry and barren, much like the nearby Tibetan Plateau. Your journey to Lo Manthang will be unforgettable since it takes you through a nearly treeless, barren landscape, up and down a steep, rocky trail, and past panoramic vistas of the Nilgiri, Annapurna Region, Dhaulagiri Region, and other peaks.

Upper Mustang Trek is divided into two unique regions: the southern portion, where five villages are home to individuals connected to the Managers, and the northern section, or the former kingdom of Lo, where Tibetan is the dominant language, culture, and tradition. Manthang, the name of Lo's capital, means "lain of desire" in Tibetan. Many documents spell the capital's name Lo Manthang, although this is a transcription of the Tibetan term meaning out and is therefore wrong. Other texts spell the kingdom's name Lho. As a result, Lo is the region of the Upper Mustang district north of Samar, and Mustang is its capital. Although I refer to the Lo Gyelbu, who rules Lo, as a Raja in this context, in Nepali. I also refer to Lo's capital as Lo Manthang to prevent any potential confusion with already published maps and literature.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1: Touch down at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) (1300m)

Welcome to Mountain Guide Trek of Nepal and a hearty Namaste. A Mountain guide Treks representative will welcome you when you arrive (MGT). Pick up your bags and look for our representative at the arrival gate with a Mountain Guide Treks and Expedition display board with the name of the Group leader after finishing your customs formalities (Visa, etc.). After that, you will be taken to the hotel. If there is time after check-in, you will go to the MGT office to meet the other travellers and your hiking guide as well as to make any last-minute preparations for the trip. Your arrival time will determine everything. (BB base, one night in a luxury hotel).

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

The day after breakfast we will start a sightseeing tour with our professional tour guide to the several of most historical and spiritual Places in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered the World Heritage historic Sites such as Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After coming back from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. Mountain Guide Trek will brief you regarding your trek as well as we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. The rest of the time you could use it for traveling around the Thamel and shopping for needed equipment and other necessaries. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 03: Kathmandu (1300m) to Pokhara (900m) by bus, 6 hrs or by fly, 30 min. 

 We start our day early in the morning to catch a tourist bus at 7 am, we then set off for Pokhara via the Nepalese countryside that offers green hills, rivers, farms, etc. After a 200 km and around 6 hours drive, we reach Pokhara (a city of Lake, literally); or 30 min. fly to Pokhara as per departure time. A city that offers us a magnificent view of various mountains namely Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchre, and another mountain of the Annapurna range. Do some last-minute shopping and self-exploration around the town (walk around a few lakes, boating, etc) (Overnight at a deluxe hotel on a BB basis).

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2720m), then trek to Kagbeni (2800m), 3-4 hrs.

You will be land at the district headquarters of Mustang and will start the trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the Upper Mustang, where you can make your eyes busy with The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, and Dhampus. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for an overnight stop. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3100m) 6-7 hrs.

The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki and climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe Village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white-washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. The Nilgiri peaks, which dominate the southern skyline of Kagbenic continue to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang Village and cross the river, continue climbing north up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030m. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 06: Trek from Chele to Gheling (3570m), 7-8 hrs.

The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some Chortens on a ridge, and then the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream, and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. The route climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes before the final descent to Geiling. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 07: Trek from Geling to Tsarang (3560m ), 6-7 hrs.

From Gelling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray, and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river), we will arrive at a MANI (Prayer WALL) perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five €“ story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddhas. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 08: Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3840m ), 5-6 hrs.

The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang - Chu, and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3850m, there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream and then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 09: Lo-Manthang, day hiking exploring around.


Another day in Lo - Manthang gives you the chance to explore its many sights; the Tall Champa Lakhang (God house,) the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Raja's Palace; as well as to gaze at the surrounding panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalaya. Besides Lo-Manthangthere are two other interesting valleys worth visiting? The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory) is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo. In the eastern valley lies the village of Chosar, also rich in Gompas and the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 10: Lo-Manthang- Dhakmar (3520m) 8-9 hrs via Ghar Gompa.

This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo-Manthang. We cross the highest pass on this trek and arrive in Ghar Gompa (3920 Meters). This monastery is very old and older than the Samye monastery in Tibet, supposed to be built around 730AD. After crossing the pass around 4100meters than we descend the way to Dhakmar (3520m) where we fix our campsite for stay overnight. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 11: Trek descend from Dhakmar to Samar (3540m), 6-7 hrs.

From Dhakmar the way goes down to Ghami (3460m) the huge greenery village in Mustang where we can see the ancient monastery and Stupas with. You can see the local houses here like a cave. Then after the trail goes ascends until Nyi La pass and descends to Samar through the same route. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 12: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni (2800m), 5-6 hrs.

Today, all the way downhill to Chhusang with panoramic red stone cliffs. After Chhusang we will climb a little more than arrive in Tangbe village and finally, we will be in Kagbeni. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 13: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m), 4-5 hrs.

We trek to Jomsom with the valley of Kaligandaki River which is also known as the windy valley where every day big wind blowing and overnight in Jomsom. You will explore Jomsom village. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis).

Day 14: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (960m), 20 min.

Early morning we fly to Pokhara with thrilling fantastic Mountain views including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Machhapuchre during the flight. During the day Time if we have time we will meet at the places in Pokhara such as International Mountain Museum, Devis falls and Boating in Fewa Lake. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis).

Day 15: Pokhara to Kathmandu fly 25 min. /drive 6-7 hrs.

In the morning we fly to Kathmandu, be sure to catch the left side of the airplane for the best views of the Himalayas. Or if by bus, we will arrange a ticket in tourist coach at river side seat and start your journey at 7:30 am from Pokhara. Left site's seats of vehicles are nice to enjoy the scenery; the road follows by Trisuli River where you see many people rafting on the river. Around 2:00 pm you will arrive at Kathmandu (beside Thamel) and transfer to your hotel. The day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration "Farewell dinner" at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with Mountain Guide Trek staff for successful completion of the Upper Mustang Trek! (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis).

Day 16: Farewell Friend (Final departure to your onward destination).

Today is the last day in Nepal for this trip, you are saying goodbye to the mountains as the journey in Nepal, comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mountain Guide Treks will take you to the airport.

Cost Details

Includes

Cost includes service for airport pickup and drop-off. every land route followed the itinerary  

  • 2 nights at a luxurious hotel in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis   BB hotel room for one night at a Pokhara hotel of a tourist standard.  
  • 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the journey will be provided in a guest house or tent in accordance with the itinerary.   Flight within the country (Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu)   National airport tax   Before your departure from Nepal, there will be a "farewell meal."    
  •  A knowledgeable English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), an assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) as well as their pay, insurance, gear, flight, food, and housing.  
  • Mountain Guide Trips and Expedition kit bag/duffel bag, down jacket, seasonal sleeping bag, and hiking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)   All required documents and authorizations (National park permit, TIMS )   A complete first aid kit
Exclude

 Cost Exclude  Nepal Entry Visa: You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu by paying the US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. The visa is valid for multiple entries and is valid for 30 days. Similar to that, multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 90 days can be purchased for the US $100. Bring two duplicate passport-size pictures.)  

  • Airfare for travel abroad   Lunch and dinner in Pokhara or Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)   Extra night's lodging in Pokhara or Kathmandu due to an earlier arrival, later departure, or earlier return from the mountain than planned (for any reason).  
  • Rescue and travel insurance. Personal costs (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, water bottle, hot shower during the trekking, etc.)   Personal trekking gear and attire   Donations and entry fees to monuments   Tips for porters and guides   A greater understanding of how the trip is structured may be obtained from the cost includes and excludes part.
  • We'd come back to you with the trip's actual cost as soon as you informed us of the number of interested travellers and the departure date.
 

Equipment

Equipment Required

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend for Upper Mustang Trek, Nepal. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience. However, we recognize that you may have your personal preferences for clothing that may be equally as suitable.

Head
  • Light or warm fleece hat.
  • Watch with light & alarm
  • Sun hat and scrap
  • Sunglasses
High Body
  • T-shirts (4)
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • a fleece sweater or jacket made of fleece (optional)
  • resistant to water (preferably breathable fabric) shell coat vest or jacket made with down (optional)
  • Body lotion and sunscreen
  • lightweight, wind- and water-resistant gloves
  • Trail map and guide book 
  • Hefty mitts or gloves with a waterproof shell outside
Lower Body
  • wearing underwear (4)
  • shorts for hiking (4)
  • Long, breathable cotton pants
  • Lightweight thermal bottoms wool or fleece pants Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
  • Feet inner socks that are thin and light (4-pairs)
  • Trekking socks made of thick, warm wool (4-pairs)
  • Hiking boots with spare laces Camp footwear (sandals or sneakers)
Feet
  • inner socks that are thin and light (4-pairs)
  • trekking socks made of thick, warm wool (4-pairs)
  • boots for hiking with extra laces
  • Camp footwear (sandals or sneakers)
Accessories
  • sleeping bag
  • Money belt batteries and head touch
  • Initial Care Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
  • Water bottle
  • Toiletries
  • little towel
  • sleeping bag
  • Money belt batteries and head touch
  • Initial Care Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
  • Water bottle
  • Toiletries
  • little towel
Elective Items
  • Knife, Swiss
  • Backgammon, chess, and playing card sets
  • Books about hiking maps (Highly Recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Extra batteries and a camera
  • Pen and journal
  • Home and family photos
  • Protein and energy bars (optional)

Map

Upper Mustang Trek Map

FAQ's

The Upper Mustang trek is a moderate-level, non-technical trek to the upper zone of the Mustang district. Mustang is a dry valley with tibetan culture and practices. It is a perfect site for movie makers, couples, and pilgrims. 

Mustang and Manang districts are the main part of the Annapurna circuit trek. The giant mountains like Annapurna I, II, III, Nilgiri, and Tilicho, Muktinath Temple, Lomangthang valley makes Upper Mustang one of the important parts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Upper Mustang trek is mainly famous for Tibetan culture, ancient Lomangtang palace, cold desert walk, Annapurna mountain ranges, Thorang La pass, Kaligandaki river gorge, flora, fauna and Buddhist cultural practices.  

The Upper Mustang trek is challenging during winter because of the extreme temperatures. Snow and frost make living quite challenging so  the villagers from Upper Mustang climb down to Jomsom (the district capital situated in lower Mustang). 

A solo trek to Upper Mustang is almost impossible. The main problem while solo trekking is accommodation, food, and the number of markets available on the route. The first challenge is the route and the distance of villages because it is a cold desert area trek. The second challenge is accommodation because the hotels are almost packed during the season. The third challenge is the health risk in difficult weather. You can lower this risk if you have an experienced travel guide. 

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