Trip Highlights
Explore the well-preserved Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang.
Visit Muktinath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
Visit the pre-Buddhist Bon village of Lupra.
Explore the history of Lo Manthang after exploring the palace of king Lo.
Trip Introduction
Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal was officially opened in 1992. Particularly limited numbers of trekkers are only allowed each year. Thus to protect and conserve the local Tibetan tradition and the fragile environment. Upper Mustang Trekking unfolds the fabled forbidden kingdom’s vast and arid valleys, eroded canyons, yak caravans. The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.
To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience a way of life of true mountain people, who for hundreds of years, had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and retained their rich cultural heritage. Until recent times their king was officially recognized by the Government of Nepal. Within Lo Manthang itself a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings further cultural understanding of the area. Annapurna region is the best arrangement of Himalayas Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Manaslu (8156m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), Machapuchhre (6993m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Tilicho Peak (7134m) and Nilgiri (6940m) with The Kaligandaki passing between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the deepest gorge of the world.
Mustang Region features another of the best trip of Teji Festival so do check the MUSTANG TIJI FESTIVAL.
LOWER MUSTANG-MUKTINATH trekis an ideal trip for trekkers who don’t have much time, or who would rather not do a very strenuous trek. You don’t need expensive permits to trek to lower Mustang.
Outline Itinenary
Day 01:
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara [830m, 6 hrs]
Day 02:
Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni [2800m, 3 hrs]
Day 03:
Trek to Chele [3050m, 7 hrs]
Day 04:
Trek to Syangmoche [3475m, 6 hrs]
Day 05:
Trek Ghaymi [500m, 5 hrs]
Day 06:
Trek to Charang [560m, 4 hrs]
Day 07:
Trek to Lo Manthang [3770m, 5 hrs]
Day 08:
Day Trip at Lo Manthang
Day 09:
Trek to Drakmar [3800m, 6 hrs]
Day 10:
Trek to Ghiling [3860m, 5 hrs]
Day 11:
Trek to Chuksang [3050m, 5 hrs]
Day 12:
Trek to Jomsom [2714m, 5 hrs]
Day 13:
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara [830m, 30 min]
Day 14:
Drive to Kathmandu [1380m, 6hrs]
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara [830m, 6 hrs]
After breakfast, we leave our hotel early morning for a drive with scenic views along the road to Pokhara via Prithivi national highway. The drive could take roughly 6-7 hrs to reach Pokhara. We also have the option for a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara for 35 minutes. You have choice to relax in Pokhara or have a sightseeing or walk around beautiful Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 02: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni [2800m, 3 hrs]
A short morning flight to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge with the glorious view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is exceptional. Jomsom is where your actual trek of foot begins. After checking out from the airport, you will start your 3 hours trek. You will trek uphill alongside Kali Gandaki River to reach Kagbeni.
Day 03: Trek to Chele [3050m, 7 hrs]
You will get our permits checked then begin our trek on a trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. Today you will pass by villages Tangbe and Chusang. Made with mud and white painted narrow alleys, you will pass through apple garden and colorful buckwheat field. You traverse several ridges to Tangbe village. This village is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards.
Day 04: Trek to Syangmoche [3475m, 6 hrs]
Today’s walk is more into undulating trails with couple of steep climb and descents. Despite 6 hour walk the tremendous canyons with its unusual colour that opens out is extraordinary. In this bizarre the farming fields with rich red buckwheat and brilliant green and the south view offering you a panorama of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and YakawaKang adds up to its magnificence.
Day 05: Trek Ghaymi [500m, 5 hrs]
We ascend to the Yamda La pass at 3,850m. On the way, we pass by a few teahouses, chortens and beautiful villages. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. From here, we descend to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village. Overnight in Ghami.
Day 06: Trek to Charang [560m, 4 hrs]
This day is the continuation of gaining high altitude through constant changing up and down. We have one other high passes to conquer ahead of us call Yamda La pass at 3,850m. We will pass by several villages which brings a tone of Tibetian lifestyle. After the two high passes, this region gives more Tibetian vibes, while below Syngbouche it is more of a Gurung and Thakali culture influence from lower Mustang and Manang area (District next to Mustang)
Day 07: Trek to Lo Manthang [3770m, 5 hrs]
You begin your trek by descending to a canyon and cross a river before beginning our uphill trek to Lo La pass which at 3950m. From the top of the pass you can admire the beautiful Lo Manthang village. From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village. From here the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond) is quite good. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.
Day 08: Day Trip at Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang the capital city of Mustang contains about 150 houses and has some of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhism gompas in Nepal. The city itself is absolutely fascinating place with four major ancient Monasteries which are impressive and an enormous 14th century palace imposing 4-storey building in the centre of the city.
Day 09: Trek to Drakmar [3800m, 6 hrs]
You will take the upper highland trail to bid farewell to Lo-Manthang. This gives you splendid views of both Lo-Manthang and Charang Valley. You can also see the snow-capped mountains in the background. On the way, you can visit the oldest Tibetan monastery- Ghar Gompa.
Day 10: Trek to Ghiling [3860m, 5 hrs]
From today the trail connects to the same path as we hiked up. For 14 days itinerary, you can’t extend via Yara Gomba due to the short time. If you wish to make an alternative circuit route, you may need to add two extra days. The journey in midday might be harassing due to the strong wind against us. However, the panoramic view of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri is still worth on the south side.
Day 11: Trek to Chuksang [3050m, 5 hrs]
You will continue your trek back. If you want you can visit some of the attractions you missed on the trek like the Chungsi Cave monastery. We can stop for lunch at Samar village once again. From here, we make our descent down to Tetang. This upper village of Chuksang lies between two hills. It gives you some escape from the fierce wind that Kali Gandaki valley is known for. Chusang is yet another beautiful village you will spend the night at.
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom [2714m, 5 hrs]
Walking through the river valley, today you will exist the restricted area. You spend an exact ten days in a forbidden area. Leaving behind all the memories of Upper Mustang we are ready to set off for Pokhara. It is our last night in the Mustang area. This is the last camp before you leave this region. You may want to enjoy the last toss of local Marpha alcohol cider or apple brandy from the area with your guide support crew.
Day 13: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara [830m, 30 min]
You will catch an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a fantastic way to finish off your Upper Mustang trek. This flight takes you along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu [1380m, 6hrs]
Today you will take back the scenic drive back to Kathmandu which takes around 6 hrs. There is an option to have flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara on added extra cost as required.
Cost Includes and Excludes
Cost Includes
Airport picks up & drop by private vehicle to hotel.
Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara.
Necessary paperwork and Trekking Permits fee (ACAP permit & Upper Mustang Restricted Permit).
Accommodation during trek and Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea).
Licensed English or Chinese or Korean or Hindi along with Nepali speaking Friendly trekking guide.
Coverage of Guides including their Meals, Insurance, Salary, Lodging, transportation and other necessary equipment.
First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by the guide).
Sleeping bag, down jackets and trekking map, if necessary.
Emergency Evacuation Assistance Service (The cost of the helicopter, hospital and necessary transport are not payable by the company).
Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant (complimentary).
A nation-wide operated Mobile SIM Card and a map of the trekking region.
Optional Addons
Porter (We can arrange porter for your trek).
Private vehicle from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Cost Disincludes
International airfare.
Nepal Entry Visa fee: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport.
Personal Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory.
Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-chargefee).
Accommodation, Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner.
Emergency expenses such as expenses on charted helicopter.
Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies etc.
Gratitude and tips for your guide, porter and driver.
Trip Dates
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