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Upper Mustang Trek

Overview

UPPER MUSTANG TREKKING

‘a journey to forbidden and former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang’

Upper Mustang Trekking, is an adventure to the former forbidden high country and the walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. Where trek leads you on an extension of Tibet South West high plateau within desert-like landscapes. An exciting area of Upper Mustang, where the locals are known as Lobas, means the people of Lo. The highlanders of the Upper Mustang are located in Nepal Far North West beyond Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas.

The vantage position and trail of the ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. Where caravan of yaks, mules, and horses laden withgoods passed through Upper Mustang to the border of Nepal and Tibet. An amazing country to visit and experience the local immense cultures of age-old heritage similar to its Tibetan predecessors.

Although an arid and windswept terrain, and yet beautiful with captivating scenery of amazing

landscapes. Enclosed by a high-walled canyon and towering red, brown and grey eroded cliffs dotted with smaller caves.

Upper Mustang Trekking, leads you within magnificent places and villages to the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. The throne of many kings / Raja of Mustang who ruled the country since 1,380 A.D. The late former royal family with a history of more than 25 generations from the time of the first king / Raja known as Ame Pal.

The adventure begins in beautiful Pokhara city, taking a short scenic flight to land at Jomsom the headquarters of the Mustang district. The trail follows on windy Kaligandaki River valley to Kagbeni an interesting village, the start of strong Tibetan influence. The village is well the main entrance to Upper Mustang, where foreign visitors require a special permit. As Upper Mustang falls within the Restricted Area of Nepal, which was opened to the outside world from 1992 onwards.

The Journey continues entering the Upper Mustang territory, leading through the dry country and staying overnights in lovely villages. As route follows high passes from one valley to another scenic area of Chele, Geling, and Charang. Then reaching our main highlight at the walled former kingdom of Lo-Manthang, as well as the highest overnight stop.

Having an extra day at Lo-Manthang a mystical and medieval town of closed attached houses and narrow lane paved streets. Tour leads to its famous monasteries and with special permission to enter the former fort palace. Of the late King or Raja of Mustang Jigme Wanchuk Parbal Bista, Lo-Manthang is also famous for its colorful Tiji festival. Held in May as per the Buddhism Lunar calendar, an interesting event to observe.

After completing our major tour and exploring the wonders of the Upper Mustang, the walk leads back on the same scenic trail. Heading towards Jomsom for a panoramic flight to beautiful Pokhara city, concluding a marvelous experience on Upper Mustang Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.

Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel -06 hrs.

Day 04: Morning flight to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni - 04 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Chele (Tsele) 3,050 m - 06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Geling 3,540 m - 05 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Tsarang (Charang) 3,560 m - 06 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,700 m - 05 hrs.

Day 09: In Lo-Manthang rest day for acclimatization and local visit.

Day 10: Trek to Ghami 3,440 m - 06 hrs.

Day 11:Trek to Samar 3,150 m- 05 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Kagbeni -05 hrs and transfer to lodge.

Day 13: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m - 03 hrs.

Day 14: Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel by the Phewa Lake side.

Day 15: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 16: At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

Day 17: Depart for international departure.

Please Note:

Around Upper Mustang and all the way to Lo-Manthang a motorable road has reached, where interested people can contact us. For overland journey from Jomsom to Lo-Manthang on four wheel drives. Taking 3-4 days to complete, the whole journey Jomsom to Jomsom with overnights on route.

Trip Highlights

    “An adventure to Far West forbidden walled kingdom of Upper Mustang Exciting picturesque landscapes of eroded high canyons and towering cliffs. Explore the traditional windblown villages enriched with old heritage cultures. On the old caravan and Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet. Visit the mystical former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang of medieval era’

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges

    Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.

    Highest Spot: Crossing Nyi-La Pass at 3, 932 m / 12, 900 feet high.

    Activities: Exciting flights and scenic trekking.

    Trekking duration: 10 Nights and 11 Days with flights both ways.

    Total Trip: 16 Nights and 17 Days from arrival to departures.

    Best Seasons:

    For Upper Mustang trekking, the best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.

    The springtime begins from March till May, the high seasons for Upper Mustang trekking and around all Himalayas.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to a bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, another peak season for trekking around the Himalayas. As well for Upper Mustang, most days are crystal clear for views and scenic walks. However, days are shorter due to sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Could get snowfall sometimes on walks from above 2,500 m high, but the clear bright starry night sky.

    Upper Mustang falls within rain shadow, the monsoon dark clouds hardly enters the vast dry terrain. The monsoon blocked by the high Himalayan Mountain range, where trekkers can enjoy visit during June to August also.

     

    Religion, Culture of Upper Mustang:

    Around Upper Mustang, populated by Tibetan origin tribe’s call themselves Lobas or Gurung, Lama, Bista, and Ghale. Practice strong Buddhism with a similar culture to their predecessor the Tibetan's heritage and custom. On walks encountering religious monuments and prayer walls and spinning wheels. In the Lower Mustang of Kaligandaki areas,' the main tribes are Thakali, interwoven with Buddhism.


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.

Enjoy the free day for trek preparation and join for an interesting sightseeing tour around historical, cultural and religious places. Kathmandu is steeped with World Heritage Sites, our city / cultural guide will takes you around the great places of historical wonders of great interest. Afternoon free for individual activities and trek preparation.
Day 3:

Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel -06 hrs.

Early breakfast and depart for Pokhara, a drive of 5-6 hours exciting overland journey through Nepal countryside. Riding on main busy interesting highway then reaching at beautiful city in Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake side. Where most good hotels are located, enjoy the afternoon facing views of Annapurna Himalayas and the Lake. (Options for short flight of 30 minutes to Pokhara from Kathmandu) Rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the lake side of Pokhara an amazing place for last overnight stop.
Day 4:

Morning flight to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni - 04 hrs.

From Pokhara, morning transfer to Pokhara airport for short flight to Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district, situated on a shelf of Kali-Gandaki River. At Jomsom join with our trekking staff and porters, having short rest, and then start walk on windswept Kali-Gandaki River valley to Kagbeni village. Kagbeni the gateway and main entrance to Upper Mustang and beyond to Tibet border.
Day 5:

Trek to Tsele (Chele) 3,050 m - 06 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight in Kagbeni exploring the village of great cultural interest. Morning walk starts with short climb reaching an open area, covered with high colorful canyon and towering eroded cliffs. As walk follows to Tiri-Gaon a village with nice cultivated farm fields. Walk within beautiful landscapes with short up and downs and then on winding path to Tshele village, pronounced as Chele. A moderate size village, from here within strong Buddhism culture similar to Tibetan.
Day 6:

Trek to Geling 3,540 m - 05 hrs.

Morning starts with short climb to Gyagar village, and then into windswept terrain of dry and barren landscapes. As walk slowly reaches Samar village, one of the attractive villages, having short rest. Walk continues to Bhena and then climb to the top of Yamda-La at 3,860 m a small pass. Overlooking views of dramatic landscapes with high snow-capped peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mustang Himal range. From here descend to Syangboche village another interesting village, as trail follows to Geling for overnight stop, a lovely cultural village.
Day 7:

Trek to Tsarang (Charang) 3,560 m - 06 hrs.

From Geling, walk to Tsarang also spelled as “Charang”, morning with time visit the old monastery with a prayer wheels. Run by fast flowing water, after an interesting tour of the Gompa / monastery, walk continues to Ghami village. The walk leads over Ghaymi Khola (stream) and then coming across series of Mani walls (holy prayer stones). From here walk past Dhakmar village, and then finally reaching Tsarang village for overnight stop. An impressive village surrounded by wide fields of buck wheat’s and barley. At Charang visit the monastery of great interest enriched with ancient religious relics and painting on walls and ceiling with great statue of Buddha.
Day 8:

Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,700 m - 04 hrs.

Today towards our highlight of the trip reaching Lo-Manthang a large village and a town within the fort and Dzong. A few hours of good walk to Lo Manthang, a former kingdom where great Raja (king) Mustang ruled the huge territory of Mustang. Morning starts crossing a strong steel bridge to Marang village, and then climb to a ridge top, a place with a Chorten. Includes Mani stones prayer walls in between Tsarang and Lo Manthang. Walk leads facing views of Nilgiris, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks, and then cross La-pass at 3,950 m high, offers views of walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. From here down to the base of a pass then on nice path to Lo-Manthang for overnight stops.
Day 9:

In Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.

Another day in Lo-Manthang, the former kingdom of Lo as Upper Mustang is called in early days. Morning explore the impressive villages and Tibetan style houses of great heritage with impressive design and carving. Tour leads to historical and cultural centers one of the main attraction of Lo-Manthang. Includes four great monasteries of Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and Great Entrance Hall. A special permission to enter Raja or king’s palace, tour of old palace interior, rest of the day at leisure to observe the local fascinating way of life.
Day 10:

Trek to Ghami 3,440 m - 06 hrs.

After an enjoyable time at Lo-Manthang, walk back to lower areas towards Jomsom with few short climb then reaching Ghami for overnight stop. One of the major village of Upper Mustang region.
Day 11:

Trek to Samar 3,150 m -05 hrs.

Morning walk on the same trail with climb to Nyi-La pass, and then contouring reaching a path coming from Tsarang village. From the high ridge descend to Geling Valley as walk continues through Geling reaching Tama Gung. Here with steep switchbacks as climb leads to a large painted Chorten, and then walk to our overnight stop at Samar village.
Day 12:

Trek to Kagbeni and transfer to lodge 05 hrs.

Enjoying time at Upper Mustang around interesting villages with grand views, slowly our walk leads to Kagbeni. As altitude lowers on downhill walk past Chele village reaching Mustang Khola. From here on gradual path between towering canyons and eroded high cliffs to Kagbeni for overnight stop.
Day 13:

Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m - 03 hrs

From Kagbeni, morning with last day walks after few hour treks reaching Kaligandaki river valley and then at Jomsom. For last overnight around Mustang and around the high Himalayan country. Jomsom town with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River, an interesting town to explore the local native Thakali culture.
Day 14:

Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel near Phewa Lake.

Morning short walk to Jomsom airport for scenic short flight to beautiful Pokhara. On flight enjoy fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as it lands at Pokhara airport. From the airport transfer to hotels close to Phewa Lake side with time to explore beautiful Pokhara.
Day 15:

Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Morning after a pleasant time in Pokhara and Upper Mustang. From Pokhara drive leads back to Kathmandu on an interesting highway past farm villages and town. After hours of exciting drive reaching Kathmandu, by late afternoon. Rest of the day free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options for flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara of half hour scenic flight)
Day 16:

At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.
Day 17:

Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful adventure and experience on Upper Mustang trekking.

Gears

    • Duffel/Rucksack bag
    • Day pack
    • Trekking shoes
    • Sports shoes or sandals
    • Sun Hat/cap
    • Warm woolen cap
    • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
    • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
    • Pullover or warm sweeter
    • Raincoat
    • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
    • Hand gloves
    • 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers
    • 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts
    • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
    • Sun glasses
    • Water bottle
    • 4 season sleeping bag
    •  Flash or Torch light
    • Camera and batteries