Upper Mustang Trek

Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek

The entire trip will take you for about 17 days to complete and can be graded as difficult one. Your trip begins with a grand city tour of Kathmandu city visiting some of the most famous places in Kathmandu such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Basantapur Durbar square etc. which are all enlisted in UNESCO world heritage sites. Nicknamed as forbidden kingdom Mustang has good reasons to be called so because it was entirely cut off from the administration of Nepal Government. It was only after the arrival of tourists in this region in the early 90s has led Mustang to open itself up to the whole new civilization. After the introduction of tourism the lives of the people living in the region has significantly changed over the period of time. All in all the journey of upper Mustang can be excited for those who wish to see whole new different world.

Overview of Upper Mustang Trek

Mustang is a remote and isolated district of Nepal located in mid western part of Nepal. Much of its parts are still lacking the modern infrastructure and wilderness is ruling this part of the world. The upper mustang journey that you are about to embark gives you that extra thrill and excitement of being in the wild and exploring the lives of the people who still live their live in primitive way. The people living in upper mustang can trace their ancestor back in Tibetan mainland which is quite evident as you walk through the villages one after another. The culture and the language followed by the people living in this region are almost same as that of Tibetans. Almost 90 percent of the language they speak here is identical to Tibetan language. It is not just the language that seems to be similar; lots of culture and even food are very much similar to that of the people of Tibetan mainland. Located in between the gigantic Himalayan ranges and the high and massive Tibetan Plateau, Mustang is one of the beautiful places to go and enjoy the thrill with excitement.

The upper Mustang offers one of nature’s most varying landscapes that were supposed to be formed by the collision of two massive tectonic plates, way back in the process of Evolution. Often regarded as the forbidden Kingdom Mustang region has always been in complete isolation and almost keeping it away from the administrative organ of Nepal Government until now. With the majority of people still speaking the language which was inherited from Tibeto-Burman, much of the lifestyle of the people around here reflects that spark of Tibetan culture.

Mustang has some of the most beautiful landscapes that people can only think in their imagination. The great high passes that were used as an ancient trading route, the uphill and downhill and sometimes flat rocky trail, the multitude presence of mountains, diversified geographical structure, wide varieties of flora and fauna and hospitality the people offer are some of the jewels of this place that most of the tourist get attracted to. This epic journey will take you to your wildest imagination as you walk and explore the region. It would be pretty fascinating to learn the culture that is so alien to the western world which would probably feel like being on another planet.

Upper Mustang is known as a mystique valley and the last forbidden Himalayan kingdom of Nepal and is also known as a ‘Mini Tibet of Nepal’ and a very well-liked trekking in Nepal, has been described as “Mountain Desert" The trekking tour to Lo Manthang- isolated region is a incredibly satisfying one for those who want to experience the hospitality and warmth of the locals living in this remote region. Nepal Department of Immigration started to issue only a small number of special trekking permits since 1991. Before 1991 the region was prohibited to visit for foreign travelers. Upper Mustang is a perfect destination where generous scope is offered for visiting Buddhists Monasteries. This semi autonomous and heavily Tibetan influenced region was described by Tillman as fascinatingly ugly country, the more fascinating for being so little known" indeed, the trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill, unbelievable panorama of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several others peaks make your trek marvelous with lifetime experience. Trek begins from Jomsom - reachable by flight and accessible by walk from Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tatopani-Jomsom and Kali Gandaki Valley trekking route.

Mustang is one of those few places in the world that has survived a very close-niche life and that region was, until recently, was a forbidden land for outsides. This isolation helped the people of Mustang to preserve their life style and heritage that remained almost untouched for centuries. Hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges, Mustang is filled with beautiful trekking zones. The high desert rain shadow of Himalayas receives very little rainfall making this region dry and parched, similar to the bordering Tibetan Plateau. The Lo Manthang, capital of Upper Mustang, lies in the remote Himalaya desert behind the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges, is an antique Tibetan Village, with rare medieval Buddhist arts and exotic culture.

Trip Facts
Itinerary
Include / Excludes

Total duration of trek: 16 days where 2 would be accounted for arrival and departure.
Trek Category: Moderate
The highest altitude: Chogo la (4210m).
The lowest altitude: Jomsom (2700m).
The best time to visit: Between October and December or between March and May
Major Attraction: Diversified cultures and religions, the historical places with religious and cultural value, Muktinath temple
Mountains: Dhaulagiri(8167m), Annapurna

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

You will be warmly greeted by our representative at the airport. You will then be transferred to a hotel just within 2 km from the city centre. You will be briefed by your guide about your trek.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Your guide will meet you at the hotel along with all the crew members. You will be transferred in a private vechile to Pokhara which would take you about 6 hours from Kathmandu. There will be a room booked in a deluxe hotel in Pokhara for your second night.

Day 03: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m) and trek to Kagbeni (2800m)

You will take an early morning flight to Jomsom. During your flight you can see the illustrious Himalayan ranges within the comforts of aircraft. As soon as you land in Jomsom airport you will head straight towards Kagbeni which would take you about 3 hours of walk. Overnight at lodge.

Day 04: Kagbeni to Chele (3110m)

Today you will walk along the east bank of Kali Gandaki river. Just after a walk of 1-2 hours you will reach a village of Tangbe where you can see fields filled with buckwheat, barley and apple orchards. You will continue your journey via Chhusang village on your way to Chele.

Day 05: Chele to Geling (3500m)

Today you will walk on a rocky trail with dry and treeless surroundings through a steep canyon. The first part of the trail will be descending until you reach Samar village. You will then continue your trail going through another valley crossing many streams all the way to Geiling to spend your 5th night.

Day 06: Geiling to Charang (3620m)

On your 6th day you will be doing Nyi la pass and descend a cliff to cross a steel bridge over Tangmar river. While walking you will see longest Mani wall of Mustang while you make it through to Charang village. The total duration of today’s trek will be around 5-6 hours.

Day 07: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3840m)

There will be a rapid ascend until Lo-Gekar the oldest gompa in the region. After paying a visit in Lo-Gekar gompa you will then continue your trail in upper mustang to reach Lo-Manthang where you will spend the night.

Day 08: Lo-Manchthang to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkar and return back to Lo- manthang

You will make a side trip to Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop and very famous monastery with great historical importance. After a visit in monastery you will continue towards Tingkhar and make your way back to Lo-Manthang.

Day 09: Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3820m)

Today your trail will ascend very steadily towards Chogo la pass (4210m), the highest point of your trek followed by a steep descend and crossing Charang river. It will take you 6-7 hours of walk to reach Drakmar. Overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Drakmar to Shyangmochen (3800m)

The nature of today’s trail will be descending going through stone walls and fields of Drakmar. You will then climb up a ridge to Chung ka, Tamagoan and finally to Shyangmochen.

Day 11: Shyangmochen to Chhusang (2980m)

There will be two trails to reach Chhusang the first one will be following a stream all the way down to Chusang and the second on e will be via Rangchung cave. You can take either one of them to reach Chhusang.

Day 12: Chhusang toMuktinath (3800m)

You will follow the same stream of Chhusang village and ascend onto the valley floor. You will continue walking through the villages of Muktinath which is very popular for a particular stone called “Shaligram”. You will further continue through Gyu la pass (4077m) which offers a panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukche Himalayan range. Overnight at lodge.

Day 13: Muktinaht to Jomsom (2700m)

Muktinath is aplace of great importance for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Before you leave Muktinath you will visit the famous Muktinath temple and its vicinity. You will then continue descending to Jomsom via Jharkot village.

Day 14: Jomsom to Pokhara

The flight for this sector only operates during morning time so you will be taking an early morning flight to Pokhara. You will be arranged a deluxe accommodation in Pokhara.

Day 15: Pokhara to Kathmandu

After having delicious breakfast you will catch a tourist bus which will take you back to Kathmandu before your final departure.

Day16: Farewell day

Our staff member will pick you up from the hotel to drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your flight departure time.

Includes

Arrival & Departure Transport By private Car/Van /Bus.
Three meal during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
All Domestic Flights with Airport Tax and/or Private Car/Tourist Bus/Local Bus for the trekking.
Accommodation in Tea House during the Trekking in a Tea House Trek.
Porter with Insurance. (We provide 1 Porter for 1 Trekker).
An English Speaking Trekking Guide with Government Licence Holder.
Trekking starting and ending points by Private Car/Tourist Bus/Local Bus.
Accommodation in Kathmandu / Pokhara on a twin share bed and breakfast basis.
Kathmandu city and trekking maps.
Trekking permit (Conservation fee), TIMS.
Insurance for all staffs.