Mustang, Nepal
Location
17 Days
Duration
Moderate
Trip Grade
Autumn, Spring, summer, winter
Best Time
Min: 2, Max: 10+
Group Size

Upper Mustang Trek is an adventurous as well as a wonderful trip to the Trans Himalayan Kingdom following the Kali Gandaki River Valley along off beaten trail towards Highland settlement- Lo Manthang.  

Upper Mustang Trek is a great adventure trek that takes you along the “off-beaten path” in the Trans-Himalayan trail and starts with an electrifying flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. It is an easy trek that goes along the bank of the deepest gorge of the world, the Kali Gandaki River, and takes you to the capital of Mustang, the Lo-Manthang at 3730 m. and is the highest point of this trip.

Entering the Majestic Kingdom Mustang, you will encounter the unique landscapes, picturesque villages, the ancient sky caves, and monasteries along with the culture, lifestyle, and heritage that remain unchanged for centuries to this date. The trail was once an important route for crossing the Himalayas between Tibet and Nepal, and many of the old salt caravans passed through Mustang.

In addition, if you have to wish to enjoy natural beauties, and enhance cultural experiences with limited time to explore the Hidden Kingdom, you can join us in our Short Upper Mustang Trek-12 Days. Meantime, if you are short of time, you can also explore the lower valley of Mustang- Jomsom Valley Trek.

Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. Mustang region is also known as ‘Restricted Areas’ that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal, and hence FITs are strictly forbidden. Trekking in these areas is allowed only upon acquiring a permit from the Department of Immigration.

Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies who then can apply for permits (on behalf of trekkers) at the Department of Immigration fulfilling all the necessary formalities. Trekkers should be trekking in a group (of a minimum of two persons) accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. Individual trekkers cannot apply for the permit.

If you are not satisfied with this itinerary or if you want to customize this package in your timeline or budget, then you could contact us, or email info@hikingnepal.com

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Dinner)
Day 02 Option for Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 04 Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,858/9,374ft) (Altitude: Kagbeni: 2,858/9,374ft Jomsom: 2,715m/8,910ft Flight: 20 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 05 Kagbeni to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft, Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 06 Chele to Syanbochen, (Altitude: 3475m/11,398ft Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 07 Syanbochen to Ghami (Altitude: 3520m/11,546ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 08 Ghami to Charang (Altitude: 3500m/11,480ft Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 09 Charang to Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 10 Explore the Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Meal: BLD)
Day 11 Lo-Mangthang to Ghar Gumpa (Altitude: 3950 m/13035 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 12 Ghar Gumpa to Ghiling (Altitude: 3806m/12,484ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 13 Ghiling to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 14 Chele to Jomsom (Altitude: 2700/8,856ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 15 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (Altitude: 823 m/2691 ft. Flight: 20 minutes Meal: B)
Day 16 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B/D)
Day 17 Departure from Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)

Trip Notes in Detail :

As you are trekking in the remote Himalayas of Nepal, where weather condition, health and fitness of the participants, natural calamities and any other unforeseen circumstances could compel the trip to be customized even at last minute. Hence, we always suggest to be flexible with the condition. Also, we will try our best to keep the original itinerary. Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our prime concern while travelling with us and we ensure you our best team, logistics, professional services to make sure that you would have an amazing trip of lifetime with us. Also note that our trip leader deserved the final decision if the trip has to amend, change the route or cancel due to the extreme conditions for the safety precaution. However, he will try his best to ensure that the trip runs accordingly to the stated plan but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.

Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Dinner)+

On your arrival in Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip. In the evening, we, the Hiking Nepal will offer you a welcome dinner introducing Nepalese cuisine and culture.

Day 2: Option for Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Breakfast)+

After your delightful breakfast, in case of organizing a sightseeing tour,  you will be introduced to a guide and takes you to UNESCO Heritages sites of the valley where you will observe living heritage of Medieval Nepal – Witness the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath and capture the sacred moments of Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat in Pashupatinath. Stroll the lively streets of Kathmandu Old Market Asan to Kathmandu Durbar Square and visit the home of The Living Goddess Kumari, Nepalese style of Architecture as well as astonishing wooden carving. A short drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square will take you to a hill top stupa called as “Swyambhu” meaning “self -emerge” and belief that the hill emerged impulsively from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu valley.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: Breakfast)+

Early morning, after breakfast, catch Tourist bus or we can also organize a private vehicle for you. Viewing countryside villages, farm, shops and river, you will reach at Pokhara. A beautiful place with tremendous views of mountains and lakes. You can also go for Boating at Fewa Lake. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,858/9,374ft) (Altitude: Kagbeni: 2,858/9,374ft Jomsom: 2,715m/8,910ft Flight: 20 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Take an early morning flight to Jomsom over the mountains with the views of Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri; you will land at tiny airstrip of a beautiful town, Jomsom. It is also a headquarters of Mustang region and a major village of the Kaligandaki valley that links the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt trade route to Tibet. After initial preparation of loads, begins trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Since, it will be very windy in the afternoon from Jomsom onwards, gradually starts trekking along the Kali-Gandaki River bed after crossing a suspension bridge in an easy trail. Grasp the closest view of the Mt. Dhauligiri, Mt. Tukuche, Mt. Nilgiri and the entire Annapurna massif in south. You will reach at a beautiful land with narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, wheat and barley field, a large red Gompa picturing the culture and nature if Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is a sacred place and a major junction of river Kagh Khola coming from Muktinath and Mustang Khola forming the River Kaligandaki. Here, at the north is a police station where you will need to complete a paperwork while entering to Upper Mustang- a forbidden region of Nepal. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft, Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Begins to walk up stream of the Kaligandaki River. On the way, catch the scenic photographs of some caves, and Gompa Kang. In the Upper Mustang, you will visit numerous monasteries of the Shakya-Pa sect, however, Kang Gompa is of Nyingma-Pa sect of Himalayan Buddhism. The trail you will follow will be the ups and downhill. You will reach at Tangbe for a while. Here you will see first black, white and red Chortens that symbolize the Upper Mustang. Tangbe is a tangle of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Walking for hours, you will reach at Chukkung, from here onwards, you will see the distinct change in topography, lifestyle as well as culture and people. Spots you encounters will be the brown landscape with patches of green. And continuing the trail towards north, you will reach at the river where, you have to cross a steel bridge that takes you to the ridge village Chele. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 6: Chele to Syanbochen, (Altitude: 3475m/11,398ft Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Today, you will have a climb in a steep trail and cross a Taklam-la Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft.) and Dajori la Pass (3735 m/12325 ft.). Walking through the plateaus and narrow stretches, you will view the mountains including Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. After crossing passes, descend down on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of a poplar trees. It is a main place to stop for horses and mule caravans.  Then, following the ascending trail above Samar village, you will reach to a ridge and starts descending steeply to a stream. Walking for nearly 3 hours in ups and downhill, you will reach at Syanbochen. On the way, you will enjoy cool streams, juniper trees, Chortens and some caves including a famous cave known as Ranchung cave. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 7: Syanbochen to Ghami (Altitude: 3520m/11,546ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Starts walking gently in uphill trail to a huge village and descending for a while, you will reach at Geling. You will see the Tibetan style houses with walls of mud and stones and a roof with twigs, straw and a mixture of a mud and pebbles. From here, you will walk uphill through the mountain passes following the trail with poplar trees. Then, begins climbing to the Nyi-La Pass (4,010m/13,193ft.), would be a bit linger but interesting Viewing Mountains: Mustang, Annapurna and Nilgiri. The gentle descent from the pass will takes to a junction from where you will take left direction towards Ghami for overnight stay. Ghami is one of the largest village of Lo region surrounded by large fields, mostly barren. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 8: Ghami to Charang (Altitude: 3500m/11,480ft Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

After breakfast, you trek starts with a pleasant walk crossing Ghami Khola. You will climb to a plateau and passes a longest Mani wall; then catching the trail towards east, you will continue to walk to the village of Charang. It is a large spread-out village with mess fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village, visit a huge white Dzong and Red Gompa that exhibits an excellent collection of ancient statues and Thankas. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 9: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Today, spend morning time exploring village of Charang and then get ready to trek for Lo-Manthang.  You will gently walk in downhill to Charang Chu Canyon and then steeply climb above the valley crossing a river and gently ascending to a windy pass (3850 m) of Lo for a beautiful view of Lo-Manthang. Then walking for a while you will reach to a large isolated Chortens which is the entry point of Lo Manthang. View the walled city of Lo Manthang with a single entrance on the north east corner. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 10: Explore the Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Meal: BLD)+

Today, take your own time to explore the surrounding of Lo Manthang. The city has around 150 houses, temples and monasteries. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar that lies on a hill top and stands as an important center of local communities and even a local court. First, you can visit Namgyal Gompa and the make your next destination to Tingkhar which is the main village in the northwest corner of the Lo Manthang. You can also make your journey to the Tall Champa Lakhang “God House” that contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as wall painting of “Mandala”; Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of the city. Likewise, the four stoyred palace of King at the center and the panoramic view of the Himalayas makes your trip overwhelming. Spend Overnight at local lodge.

Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Ghar Gumpa (Altitude: 3950 m/13035 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Today, you will return from Lo Mangthang btaking the upper highland route. The trails offers a dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang valley along with the background of snowcapped mountains. Just passing the settlements of Lo Gekar, you will reach at the oldest monastery of Mustang- the Ghar Gompa. Here you can scripture of Guru Padmasamvaba and the amazing rock paintings. The legend define those who visit this place will have good fortune and any wish made will be fulfilled. Spend overnight at Local Lodge.

Day 12: Ghar Gumpa to Ghiling (Altitude: 3806m/12,484ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

After breakfast, make your journey back to the Ghiling. It is a land with extensive barley fields. As like in all settlements in Mustang, you can see the white and ochre-painted houses constructed with mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. Hence, it will be dusty wind in afternoon, the better time to explore village would be either morning or evening. Spend overnight at Local lodge.

Day 13: Ghiling to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

Today, you will retrace back to Chele following the trail downhill. Spend your time resting in the pleasing environment. Stay overnight at local lodge.

Day 14: Chele to Jomsom (Altitude: 2700/8,856ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)+

It will be a long and a sad final day of your trek in the Mustang. Starts walking in the morning and pass back through Kagbeni to Jomsom for overnight stay. You can have good time with a nice hot shower. Celebrate final evening with Sherpas and porters and don’t missed to taste the “Marpha”, the local drink. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (Altitude: 823 m/2691 ft. Flight: 20 minutes Meal: B)+

Take a spectacular early morning flight to Pokhara. It will be a 20 minutes dramatic flight between gorge of two giant mountains- Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhauligiri. On your arrival at airport in Pokhara, you will be escorted to the Hotel. Rest of the time, enjoy at your own exploring beautiful Pokhara city. Spend overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B/D)+

You can either fly or drive to Kathmandu based on your feasibility and comfort. During flight, you can reach Kathmandu within 30 minutes after departure from Pokhara. Whilst, driving will takes around 7 hours to reach Kathmandu, however, you can grasp the countryside life. The 1st half of the trip is along the highway above Seti and Marsyandi Rivers and the latter half winds along Trisuli River. Green hills along the spiral roads, stopping in between for snacks (fish) are the trip highlights. Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel in the city. Take your time for refreshment. Evening, we, Hiking Nepal team, invite you for a dinner. Give us chance to make your evening a wonderful time.

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)+

Our tour officer will pick you up from your hotel three hours prior to your departure time. You will be escorted in a private vehicle to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight home.

What is included?

Airport transfer by Hiking Nepal office representative in a private vehicle

Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show

Farewell Dinner at the finest restaurant in Thamel Kathmandu

3 Nights’ accommodation at Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on double/twin sharing basis

11 Nights’ accommodation  at well and comfortable Mountain Lodge available en-route during the trek (A few nights at during trek with attached bathroom/toilets)

2 Night’s accommodation at 3-star Hotel in Pokhara with breakfast on twin sharing basis

Full board meal during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, tea & coffee, seasonal fruits, chocolate/s & biscuits)

English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide as per the group size, porters (2:1)

All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance

Domestic Airfare and Tax for the sector Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara

Pokhara to Kathmandu transfer in a Tourist Bus

Mustang Restricted Area Special Entry Permit (minimum 2 participants required- USD 500 for 10 Days, then after USD 50 per person per day)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee

Exclusive medical kit bag, Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt,  Adventure Certificate

Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek- must return back after the trek

All Government and local taxes as applicable

What is not included?

Nepal Visa – (Cost- US$- 30 for 15 days & $- 50 for 30 days)

Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner)

Travel insurance

Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or coca-cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phones bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry etc.

The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations

Tips for Guide/porters/driver …

Anything not included in “What is Included”

Group Size: 
For group, we normally run with minimum 2 person to maximum 10 in our published group departure program. However, there is no barrier for a private trip. We can run a trip for single person and even more than 10 in a group. Normally for a group, we provide 1 main guide, 1 assistance guide along with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers. Moreover, for every additional 2 trekkers, 1 more assistance and a porter will be provided making a team combination as follows:

Minimum to 2 PAX: 1 Guide and 1 porter
4-6 PAX: 1 guide, 1 assistance guide and 3 porter
7-10 PAX: 1 guide, 2 assistance guide and 4/5 Porter

Guide and Trip Safety
Once, you confirm your trip, it is our responsibility to make your trip wonderful without creating any difficulties. Hence, we have prepared our itinerary in such a way that it will properly acclimatize you. Also, we request you in advance to have regular exercises and make habits to walk in a daily basis. Similarly, during trek, you will be fully guided by our professional trekking guides and supporting team. They are properly trained in regards to safety and first aid. Even, we have every set up in case of emergency such as high altitude medicine and Gammow Bag (High altitude Chamber bag). Please note High altitude Chamber Bag is used to provide heat in your body and it is available on certain cost. Moreover, to let you familiar with altitude, you are suggested to walk slow and steady and ensure for proper acclimatization.

For trekking, we provide local experienced guide speaking fluent English and familiar with the local routes, landscape, flora, fauna as well as culture, and tradition of certain areas and let you feel comfortable. We do not encourage for child labor, hence, our porter will be above 16 years that are living in the Himalayas of Nepal; as well as carries only 20-22 kg weight per porter. Normally, the guide and support teams are selected with proper analyzing of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. Our guides are well familiar with different societies of all caste and customs along the trail and share the insight culture with you that are not even noted in guide book.

To make our staffs more fluent and experienced, we consistently provide trainings. They have been participating in special training programs like Trekking guide training, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Intensive Wilderness first Aid and many more that has been certified and approved by Nepal Government.

Travel Insurance
While travelling to Nepal, you are requested to have a travel insurance that should cover any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Especially, your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and required to issue from your home land and we do not arrange or sell insurance.

Travelling in the Himalayas is full of adventurous; hence it is wise to choose a proper insurance policy. While choosing your insurance policy, make sure that it will protect all such unforeseen expenses. Your insurer should be well familiar with our itinerary that you have booked and must have agreed to cover all activities being undertaken during trip. Meantime, it is not compulsory that our all the assigned trip are facilities with Heli-rescue. You will not require heli rescue insurance for Tibet Tour as it is not possible to provide such facility.

Vaccination
It is better to follow the precaution given by World Health Organization and other international health related institutions that recommend having vaccines before travelling Nepal to prevent from certain fatal illness. If possible, we suggest you to bring your medical certificate however, it is not required to show but for safety. The recommended vaccines are polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he might recommend you properly. You can also take suggestion of local travelers who have travelled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

High Altitude Sickness 
At the higher altitude, you will feel a decrease in availability of oxygen. If a person walk in the high altitude particularly climbs up too quickly, he might suffer from High altitude sickness. Hence, proper rest is required at that altitude. You can cure at right time knowing certain symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Common symptoms are headache, loss of appetite, tiredness and nausea, vomiting, dizziness and difficulty in sleeping. The best remedies that local belief and take is taking garlic, or ginger in mouth. Eat dry food and take liquid as much as possible. We recommend Diamox if there is no any options.

Also, we provide experienced guide and staffs in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk.

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