Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek Overview
The Upper Mustang trek is also a captivating journey that takes you to the hidden kingdom of Mustang, a remote region nestled in the trans-Himalayan zone of Nepal. This trek offers a unique opportunity to explore an ancient and preserved Tibetan culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the mystique of a land untouched by modernization.
As you embark on the Upper Mustang trek, you’ll also traverse through arid landscapes, deep gorges, and picturesque valleys. The region’s unique geography reveals towering cliffs, eroded canyons, and stunning rock formations, giving it an otherworldly charm. The trail takes you through traditional Mustangi villages, where you can witness the distinctive Tibetan-influenced architecture, whitewashed houses, and ancient monasteries that are steeped in rich history and spirituality.
One of the main highlights of the Upper Mustang trek is the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. This medieval town also served as the capital of the Kingdom of Lo and continues to be the cultural heart of the region. Walking through its narrow alleys, you’ll encounter intricately carved chortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the grandeur of the royal palace. The vibrant Tiji festival, a three-day celebration of myth and legend, is a unique cultural experience that showcases traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Traversing the Mystical Upper Mustang: Peaks, Passes, and Spiritual Journeys
The trek also offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, which form a majestic backdrop to the barren landscapes. You’ll cross high mountain passes, such as the Lo La Pass, and hike along the Kali Gandaki River, one of the world’s deepest gorges.
The Upper Mustang region known for its preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and monastic heritage. You’ll have the chance to visit ancient monasteries like Lo Gekar, built in the 8th century, and experience the spirituality that permeates the air. Interacting with the friendly locals, who have retained their unique way of life for centuries, provides insight into their customs, rituals, and daily activities.
Due to its restricted access and preservation efforts, the Upper Mustang trek requires a special permit and less crowded compared to other popular treks in Nepal. This adds to the sense of exclusivity and adventure, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of this hidden kingdom.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Upper Mustang trek is a remarkable journey that offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and a sense of stepping back in time. It is a rare opportunity to explore a unique corner of the world and discover the secrets of a land that has preserved its traditions and heritage for generations. The Upper Mustang trek is an experience that will leave you in awe and with a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry of Nepal’s Himalayan region.
Itinerary
-
Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Everest Expeditions Nepal signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.
(No meals included)
-
Day 02- Drive to Pokhara (900 meters) 7 hours by tourist bus. Or Fly it’s a option.
Day 02- Drive to Pokhara (900 meters) 7 hours by tourist bus. Or Fly it’s a option.
Trekking staff will come to your Hotel early in the morning at 6:30 am or Day Flight to pick you up and then the bus leaves around 7.30 am to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast and Lunch Included)
Note: This day we will have Permit Preparation day, if you arrive to Kathmandu early then we can prepare the permits on same day and Next day we can drive early or fly to Pokhara.
-
Day 03- Morning flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800 meters).
Early morning we are flying Northwest from Pokhara toward the great portal between the snow covered peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You will enjoy the well-raised massifs of more than 8000 meters, and the deepest gorge on this planet.
On arrival to Jomsom you will meet the rest of the trekking staff. From Kathmandu you will have a guide with you. We start to trek towards Kagbeni, the main gate to Upper Mustang. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 04- Trek to Chaile (3050 meter)
The trail leads up towards the east bank of the Kaligandaki climbing 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 peak, dominates the southern skyline of Kagbeni, all the way by different shapes. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village in about 1/2 hr, then we trek and cross the river which continues north climbing up to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel that the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chaile. From here the culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 05- Trek to Geling (3500 meters).
The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and with a further descent before coming along a pleasant trail to Samar village. We climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge, which the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800 meters. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there we gently climb to a pass at 3770meters and descend to Geling Village. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 06- Trek to Charang (3620meters).
From Geling village the trail climbs gently up to an interesting pass NYI LA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river) you will arrive to a MANI WALL perhaps the longest and most spectacular MANI wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600meters, the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang village. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are the main attractions to visit and observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings, of seated Buddha’s. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 07- Trek to Lo Manthang (3840 meters).
This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your trek. The trail climbs steadily until Lo-Gekar. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest Gompa of Nepal. After visiting Lo-Gekar continue trek to Lomanthang. The trail until Lo-Manthang is fine with some minor climbing. Finally from the ridge there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 08- Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar.
It takes around 2 hours to Namgyal Gompa. Namgyal Gompa situates on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery for the local community, also serving as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lomanthang. After visiting Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar return to Lomanthang. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 09- Trek to Dhi (3410 meters)
From Lo-Manthang the trail walks straight till Dhi pass 4100meters and descends down to Dhi village. The trek from Lo Manthang to Muktinath is harder, but more rewarding and interesting than the west side of the valley. Dhi village is one of the best villages of whole Lo-mathang and it seems more prosperous and it is settled in a very suitable place. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 10- Drive from Dhi to Jomsom by Jeep.
From Dhi the trail goes through the river for around 2 hours and crosses a river from Damodar Kunda, one of the sacred lakes, there is no bridge on the river so we need to walk across in bare feet to cross this river. After crossing the river the trail climbs up till high above a pass of 3850meters. The trail goes through a grassless, treeless bare hill. After the pass the trail again drops directly to Tangbe village at an elevation of 3370m.Tangbe is a small village of around 30 houses but most of the houses are attached to each other. On the rooftops one can see piles of dry woods, which also reflects the prosperity in their society.
The trail goes through the village of Jharkot where one can visit the many attractions such as the Jharkot monastery, Tibetan herbal medical center and the old fortress of Jharkot which once served as palace. Continuing the trek towards Jomsom one will enjoy the views of the Kaligandaki valley and Kagbeni village. This is the entry point to Mustang. We get a round trip of our trek in Ekle Bhatti visiting all the surprises of the human effort in this corner of the World of such an isolation and solitude. Arrive to Jomsom to celebrate the last day of the trek, with all the trekking staff. Overnight at Tea Houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) -
Day 11- Morning flight to Pokhara and same day Fly or Drive to Kathmandu.
Today 30 minute morning flight takes us from Jomsom back to Pokhara. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.) Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
(Breakfast Included) -
Day 12- Departure to your Home (1345meters).
Our airport representative will drop you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu.
Note:
The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Include / Exclude
Cost Includes:
-
- Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
- Licensed and trained trekking guides,
- potters for carrying goods and supplies,
- Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
- 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
- All accommodation on Tent during the trek on sharing Basis.
- All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
- Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs. - Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
- Trekking staffs wages etc.
- Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
- Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
- All Government and local Taxes
- International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
- Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
- Domestic Flights
- Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.
- Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
Cost Excludes:
- International Airfares,
- Travel/Trekking Insurance,
- Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
- Visa fees.
- Airport Departure Taxes.
- Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
- Tips for The staffs.
- Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
- Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
- Extra Domestic Ticket of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
- Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Price per person
Usefull Information
Flight Delay in JOMSOM
Twin Otter is the primary mode of transport from the airstrip at Jomsom. This service is fairly dependable. Sometimes, flights may be cancelled due to mountain weather conditions or other technical problems. In such case, Friendship World Treks will organize the alternative available road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.
The expense of the road transport will be managed from the reimbursement received from the flight ticket after the deduction of cancelation charge. So please note that there will be no refund of the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, if the alternative road transportation is consolidated.
Equipment List
FAQs
-
Best Seasons March to May, September to November
-
Group Size 2-20
-
Duration 12 DAYS BOOKING OPEN FOR 2024
-
Maximum Altitude 5416M
-
Trek Difficulty Moderate
Leave a Reply