Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang, situated in the western region near the Annapurna Circuit, is one of the most isolated regions of Nepal whose cultural and scenic vastness is yet to be explored on a large scale. Also known as the Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang wasn't allowed to trek to until recently hence working as a safe haven to the pure virtue of Tibetan Buddhism. Upper Mustang Trek is an opportunity to explore the less trodden paths of the Himalayas to witness the Tibetan way of life in the beautiful desert-like terrain.

The 15 days Upper Mustang Trek takes you to one of the less explored parts of the country with its own culture and history. Starting from Kathmandu, first, you will travel to Pokhara and then fly over the high Himalayas to Jomsom, the starting point of the trek. Passing through many traditional settlements that give you the chance to get an insight on the Tibetan culture, dialect, tradition, and lifestyle, the trek takes you to Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang is the capital city of the former Kingdom of Lo (Upper Mustang) and houses the ruins of its ancient fortress and palaces as a reminder of its royal life. The colorful deserts of Lo Manthang and also the whole of Upper Mustang are sure to leave you spellbound. The trek also takes you to some of the most sacred monasteries in Upper Mustang, including Ghar Gumba and Namgyal Gumba, which protect ancient art and scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism. Upper Mustang Trek is an exciting journey through quiet trails that allow you to explore the most unique terrains of Nepal and create beautiful memories amid the barren yet lively hills.

Everest Himalaya Treks is working tirelessly to become one of the leading travel agencies in Nepal by providing unquestionable services to our clients. Our guides are experienced, friendly, and well disciplined, and work effectively to help you make the best out of your journey. We provide you with the best accommodation and transportation facilities and also acquire all kinds of necessary permits for you.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.

After your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport and the completion of all airport procedures, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 Flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara |40 min flight / 7 hrs drive

You can choose to take either a vehicle or a direct flight to Pokhara. The journey in vehicle provides you more time to get familiar with the topographical differences that are present in Nepal. Similarly, you will be accompanied by two major rivers, the Trishuli and the Marshyangdi, on your way. The flight, however, takes you over the vast hills, the river networks, and the high Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can relax on the bank of Phewa Lake. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 3 Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Continue trekking from Jomsom to Kagbeni, |2800m |4–5 Hrs

Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district, is windy all the time. You can definitely feel the strong winds after you reach Jomsom with a short flight you take from Pokhara. This flight will provide you with the aerial view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Jomsom, you will trek to Kagbeni, the Gateway to Upper Mustang. Ascending through the gorge of Kali Gandaki River, you reach Kagbeni for the overnight stay.

Day 4 Trekking from Kagbeni to Chele, 3030 m |6 Hrs

Walking through the east bank of Kali Gandaki River, you will come across many villages on the way. You will trek through buckwheat fields, barley fields, apple orchards, and wheat fields in order to reach Chele. You will pass through Tangbe and Chhusang village before ascending to Chele, situated at the end of Kali Gandaki valley. Overnight in Chele.  

Day 5 Trekking from Chele to Geling, 3570 m |7 hrs

You will trek through dusty and barren landscapes and head towards the Gurung village of Ghyakar. After passing a steep canyon, your trail now descends to Samar village. Trail continues with many ridges on the way and through gorges. You will take a final descend to a gorge, cross a stream, and climb a ridge which will then take you to Geling via Syangboche. Overnight in Geling.

Day 6 Trekking from Geling to Charang, 3560 m |6 hrs

You start ascending from Geling through a quiet path on a dry and rocky terrain. The path is filled with sandy hills which make up a picture-perfect landscape for you to relish. As you reach Ghemi, you will cross the longest Mani wall of Mustang, after which you will ascend and then descend towards Charang via Dhakmar, where you may find some Himalayan blue sheep. Overnight in Charang.

Day 7 Trekking from Charang to Lo Manthang, 3840 m |5 hrs

Trekking to Lo Manthang will take you to one of the oldest monasteries of the region, Ghar Gumba. To reach Ghar Gumba, you will ascend through the riverbed of Charang Khola. The ancient monastery houses scriptures of Padmasambhava and is believed to hold the pure virtue of Tibetan Buddhism. After spending some time at the monastery, you will first ascend to Chogo La (4280m) and then descend to reach Lo Manthang. The ruins of an old fortress welcome you in the old city of Lo Manthang. Overnight in Lo.

Day 8 Rest day at Lo Manthang. Exploration of the ancient city

Today you will explore Lo Manthang, the capital city of the former Kingdom of Lo. There are many ancient monasteries in and around Lo Manthang which hold the pure essence of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most sacred monasteries in Lo Manthang is Namgyal Gompa, which is believed to be the monastery of victory. After visiting the Gompa, you can further explore Thinggar, which is a village situated northwest of Lo Manthang. Then you return back to Lo Manthang for the overnight stay.

Day 9 Trekking from Lo Manthang to Gekar, 3445 m |4–5 hrs|. Continue trekking to Ghami, 3530 m |1–2 hrs

You will leave Lo Manthang behind as you ascend to reach the ridges leading to Chogo La (4280m). After one last look of Lo Manthang, you will descend through the desert-like terrain towards Ghami. You will once again reach Ghar Gumba on your way to Ghami. Then you will descend to Ghami and climb the ridges to follow the path of alpine meadows which passes through a valley. Further descending will lead you to Ghami. Overnight in Ghami.

Day 10 Trekking from Ghami to Samar 3620 m| 7 hours

You start with a steep ascend from Ghami that takes you to Ghami La (3765m), from where you descend through the meadows to reach the village of Syangboche via Jhaite, Chhunar, and Tamagaon. Further descending from Syangboche, you cross a few small passes and arrive in Samar village. You can get a distant view of Annapurna (8091m) and Nilgiri (7061m) from Samar. Overnight in Samar.

Day 11 Trekking from Samar to Kagbeni 2800 m| 6 hours

From Samar, you will descend to Chele via Dajori La (3735m) and Taklam La (3624m) to reach Chele. You meet Kali Gandaki River once again in Chele and follow the river all the way down to Kagbeni. You will pass through a few Gurung villages before reaching Kagbeni. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 12 Trekking from Kagbeni to Jomsom |3–4 hrs

Walking through the gorge of Kali Gandaki River, you descend from the apple orchards of Kagbeni and walk through sand dunes to reach Jomsom. You might find some Saligram on the way as Kali Gandaki River is famous for the ammonite fossils. Upon reaching Jomsom, you can explore the windy town and get to know the people. Overnight in Jomsom.

Day 13 Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara |40 min flight|. Time for sightseeing in Pokhara

You will take a morning flight from Jomsom as the wind becomes stronger after mid-day. Flying through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki, you will reach Pokhara. You can spend the free time exploring various prominent sites of Pokhara, including Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, Phewa Lake, and so on. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 14 Flight or drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu |40 min flight / 7–8 hrs drive

To return to Kathmandu, you can once again choose either the drive or the flight. You can get stunning landscape views during both the flight and the drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Afterward, you can explore the markets of Kathmandu and do some souvenir shopping if you want to. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Departure

You will be escorted back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your further departure.  

Cost included 

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car or van. It is depend of the group.

Two nights standard accommodation in 2/3 star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center,

2 night Hotel in Pokhara

Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) tea in time during the in trekking

All accommodations during the trek.

Upper Mustang Trekking map

Both ways domestic flight from Pokhara/Jomsom /Pokhara with airport tax.

An experienced Government licensed holder Sherpa guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.

Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipments, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter

Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).

Everest Himalaya Treks , Duffle bag and, if necessary etc.

All necessary Government paper works and national park entry permits and TIMS Card etc.

Special permit for Upper Mustang

Travel & Rescue arrangement.

All government taxes and Vat.

Cost not included 

Meals your self Kathmandu (L+D).

Your Travel insurance.

International airfare.

Nepal entry visa ( You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).

All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks)

Personal shopping and laundry etc.

Personal trekking Equipments.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

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