Upper Mustang Trek

Duration: 18 Days    Based on 2 reviews
Photo Gallery Choser Village Ghami Village(3520 M) Ghar Gompa(3930 M) - The oldest monastery of Nepal built in 8th century Kagbeni(2810 M) - Entry point of Upper Mustang Lo Manthang(3809 M) - The capital of the last forbidden kingdom(Upper Mustang) Huge Chorten at the entrance of Tsarang Village      Video     Map Upper Mustang Trek map     

About Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang, an isolated and remote hidden paradise located in the Trans Himalayan region of Nepal. It was once an independent kingdom, although closely tied by language and culture to Tibet until annexed by Nepal in the 18th century. Also known as, ‘The Last Forbidden Kingdom’ because it was a restricted and demilitarized area. It was opened to foreigners in 1992 by the Nepalese government.

Upper Mustang trek gives the trekkers, an unforgettable unique experience of the closely tied Tibetan culture and tradition with the warm hospitality of the local people. Stupas, Chhortens, Kaanis, Prayers flags, centuries-old monasteries, etc. are commonly seen along the treeless barren landscape with the panoramic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, and several others snow-capped peaks. Because of the loneliness and isolation for a long time, trekkers will have the opportunities to explore the lifestyle and cultural heritage that have remained almost unaffected for centuries.

The trek usually starts from Jomsom by taking a scenic and short flight from Pokhara. Another option is to walk from Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tatopani-Jomsom. The best time to trek is from Aug-Oct and April-June. The best thing about this place is, it is equally possible to visit during the monsoon as it receives little or no rainfall because of its geographic location.

Highlights

  • Last forbidden kingdom with people that have rich culture and tradition that resembles the Tibetan people
  • Lo-Manthang, a walled capital city of Upper Mustang, built-in 1380 AD by the first King of Lho, ‘Ame Pal’
  • Breathtaking views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna ranges
  • Centuries-old monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the rare Bon religion
  • 25-minute of a scenic flight over the Himalayas from Pokhara to Jomsom
  • Kora La pass, one of the oldest border routes used for salt trading
  • Almost treeless barren landscape as like the Plateau Tibetan
  • World’s deepest gorge,' Kali Gandaki Gorge'

 

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

Arrive at Kathmandu airport. One of the members of our team will take you to the hotel. You can rest for the day, and in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

You will visit several landmarks like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, etc. All of these places are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will get to see the art, architecture, and culture of Nepal during this tour. You can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel by yourself and prepare for the trek.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After having breakfast, we will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive will be scenic and long. Enjoying beautiful views of lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, terraced fields, and small settlements, we will reach Pokhara. Pokhara will welcome us with excellent views of Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Annapurna. In the evening, we will stroll on the Lakeside market and also do boating on tranquil Fewa Lake. 

  • B&L
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Pokhara
  • 825 M
  • 7 hours

An early morning scenic flight will take us to one of the most gorgeous places in Nepal, Jomsom. After reaching here, we will begin trekking alongside the lovely valley. we will reach Ekalbatti, and further, the trail from here will take you to Kagbeni. 

Elevation: + 95m/ -50m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Kagbeni
  • 2810 M
  • 7 hours

Leaving Kagbeni behind, we will begin ascending towards one of the holiest sites of Hindu, Muktinath Temple. The trail will pass by small villages and present us with a beautiful landscape view. 

Elevation: + 960m/ -45m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Muktinath
  • 3760 M
  • 3:30 hours

 We will wake up early in the morning and visit Muktinath Temple. After that, we will have breakfast and continue trekking towards Chele. The trail ascends to the Gyu La Pass (4077 M). From here, we will descend down through the Tetang, Chhuksang village and cross a bridge over Kaligandaki river then after shot climb will arrive Chele. 

Elevation: +540m/ -1250m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chele
  • 3050 M
  • 7 hours

Today, we will take an alternative route as the old and short route has been damaged by road construction. We will slowly ascend to Ghyakar village by crossing Ghyakar Khola and from there to Samar village via Dajori La pass (3735 M). We will take our lunch here enjoying the view of the Annapurna massif. From here we will need to make short descend and ascend about 3/4 times until Chungsi Cave by crossing rivulets three times. We will spend some time here and after then we will continue our trek to Syanboche ascending through a small gorge.

Elevation: +1185m/ -515m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Syanboche
  • 3800 M
  • 6:30 hours

After having a warm breakfast, we will begin trekking towards Dhakmar. We will make a gradual ascend on a rugged path to Nyi La pass (4010 M) via Tamagaun, Chhungar, and Jhaite village. From the pass, we can see the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.  And then, we will descend to Ghami village via Ghami La Pass (3765 M) where we will have our lunch. After lunch, we will continue our trek to Dakmar by crossing a wooden bridge over Ghami Khola. While walking, we can see the longest Mani wall of Upper Mustang at a hill opposite to our trail. Then we will arrive at Dhakmar after making a short ascent. Dhakmar is a small peaceful village situated in front of huge red cliffs. 

Elevation: + 685m / -780m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Dhakmar
  • 3520 M
  • 6 hours

After breakfast, we leave Dhakmar and ascend Mui La Pass (4170 M) and then descend until Ghar Gompa while passing through the alpine meadows. Ghar Gompa is the oldest monasteries in Nepal and Tibet, which was built by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After having our lunch in Ghar Gompa, we will cross a wooden bridge over Tsarang Khola and gradually climb up to Chogo La (4280 M) and finally descend down to the walled capital of Lo-Manthang.

Elevation: +825 m / -745 m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lo Manthang
  • 3820 M
  • 6 hours

Today, we will explore Lo Manthang and it's surrounding areas as well. Lo-Manthang, the capital of Mustang which contains about 150 houses and has some of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhist gompas in Nepal. It is a fascinating place with four major ancient Monasteries which are impressive and an enormous 14th-century palace imposing a 4-story building in the center.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lo Manthang
  • 3820 M

From Lo- Manthang, we will ascend towards the Lo La Pass. From here, we will leave the main trail and descend to Dhi village via Dhi La Pass where we will have our lunch. Then by crossing a bridge over the Kaligandaki river, we will ascend on a narrow trail until reaching Yara. The trail passes through the beautiful landscape with caves on the hills opposite the trail. 

Elevation: +640m/ -810m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Yara
  • 3650 M
  • 7 hours

After having breakfast, we will go on a short excursion to nearby areas. We will trek to Luri Gompa by passing through Ghara village. While exploring this gompa, we will visit Luri Caves as well, which are believed to be linked with Tashi Kabum caves. After spending some time, we will take another route to Yara through the Puyung Khola and Tashi Kabum Gompa.

Elevation: +540 m/ -550 m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Yara
  • 3650 M
  • 4 hours

Leaving Yara behind, we will trek on the off-the-beaten-path and cross a bridge over Dhechyang Khola. There we can see the new settlement and community apple farm on a big valley above the Dhechyang Khola bank. The settlement was started by the people of Dhey village because of the scarcity of drinking water in their old village. Then we will ascend for the next 2 hours, descend and then walk on a flatlands for the next  2 hours finally reaching Tange village. It's a small village located on the bank of a river.

Elevation: +815m/ -1015m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tange
  • 3340 M
  • 7 hours

Today we will need to take pack lunch as there are no settlements until Chhusang. We will start our trek by crossing a bridge near the village and another one a little bit further. From here, we will ascend to Pa Bhanjyang (4200 M) where we will get to see the superb views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, and the Upper Mustang valley. We will have our pack lunch here. The trail then descends to Chhusang. This is one of the most challenging days of this trek. 

Elevation:  +1205m/ -1560m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chhusang
  • 2980 M
  • 9:30 hours

After a quick breakfast, we will begin descending towards Jomsom. The trail will present us with gorgeous views of nature. Passing by small villages, we will descend to Jomsom village for a night stay. 

Note: Today we will need to walk mostly through the rugged vehicle road. There is no other option as the trekking trail has been completely covered up the rugged vehicle road.

Elevation:  +95m/ -340m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Jomsom
  • 2720 M
  • 6 hours

Today, early in the morning, we will fly back to Pokhara. The flight will be short and we will get to see an outstanding landscape view during the flight. Upon reaching Pokhara airport, we will head to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore around. 

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Pokhara
  • 825 M
  • 25 mins

After having breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu following a scenic route. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company. 

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 7 hours

Today, you will fly back to your home. As per your flight departure time, you will be taken to the airport.

  • B&B
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What’s Included

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • 3 night’s accommodation in 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on BB basis (A single supplement room will be served on request with an additional cost).
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Trekking lodge (Tea House) accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • All the staff’s salary, meals, accommodation & insurance.
  • English speaking guide (French-speaking guide available with an extra additional cost if needed).
  • One porter for two people (maximum weight:12 kg per client) and assistant guide for group size above 4 people.
  • All the necessary permits including a special permit for the restricted area and paperwork needed for the trek.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transportation by deluxe tourist bus (option available with additional cost private vehicle, or by flight)
  • Round flight Pokhara –Jomsom–Pokhara.
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International airfare.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Sightseeing and Monument entrance fees.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Laundry, telephone, personal trekking equipment, hot shower, and battery charging during the trek.
  • Excess baggage charges during domestic flights (only 15kg altogether).
  • Medical evacuation (In case of emergency).
  • Extra nights in Pokhara and Jomsom if the flight gets canceled due to bad weather.

Useful Information

Alternative trail via Tsarang, Ghami and same way back to Jomsom

To trek through the alternative Upper Mustang circuit route, we will have to take a packed lunch as there are no lodges available between Tangge and Chhuksang. This a long day during this trip. Renting a horse is available at Tangge.

About safety and weather

During the monsoon (Mid-June to Mid-September), rivers may affect the trail and there is no bridge at Dhye and Yak Khola. We will have to take the shoes off and cross the river with rope. The climate factors are very important in deciding on a visit to Nepal trekking. About the weather forecast for the Himalayas, nobody can give fully accurate information because the mountain weather changes very quickly. And flights may be delayed or even canceled due to weather conditions. So, to be on the safe side, you can add a few extra days. Similarly, natural calamities or political problems may cause the guide to modify the program.

 

Client Reviews

Rating:  
Review by : Christine Perrin, France

Trek with confidence with Sujan

We (4 french people) a trek with Sujan in Autumn to Mustang because we knew him from a previous trek. Hé clearly understood our needs ( we also wanted to havé Time to visit, meet and discuss with local people). Hé proposed the perfect tour with great timing. Sujan is very expérimented, hé Knows Népal routes so well that he knows the people from all lodges, so easy to adapt the food to our needs. Quel guide népalais pense au dessert, si important pour un français ? sujan bien sur avec des fruits, des gâteaux. Hé is very careful about how we feel. Hé is very nice, speaks excellent english and good french. In a nutshell, do ont hesitate to trek with Sujan, you Will enjoy yourself, for sure. Thanks Sujan

Rating:  
Review by : Arthut Blachier, France

Great experience in the Upper Mustang

Highly recommend Sujan as a guide (experienced, serious and speak multiple languages). Wonder full experience in this beautiful region. Je recommande vivement Sujan en tant que guide. Expérimenté, sérieux et parle Français. Une très bonne expérience dans cette magnifique région.