Upper Mustang Trekking

Upper Mustang Trekking

Highlights

It is known as the hidden paradise of Mustang which provides the best trip to Nepal. Visitors will experience the forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
The trail takes you to the isolated region, Lo Manthang where you will experience great hospitality and warmth of the locals
Also called Mini Tibet of Nepal and Mountain Desert.
The main attraction of this trip is Trans Himalaya landscape, centuries old monasteries, Tibetan lifestyle and people’s hospitality and ancient Tibetan Buddhist shrines like Kaanis, Stupas, Prayers wall and Chhortens.
sightseeing around Kathmandu valley world heritage and cultures site , Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Patan Museum.
Pokhara Valley (Bindhabasini temple, Devil's fall, Mahendra cave, International Mountain Museum)

Trip Overview

The Upper Mustang trek is a remote Kingdom of Nepal and northern site of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains and is one of the last bastions of undisturbed Tibetan culture in the world. It brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.

This trek takes you to the capital Lo-Mangthang in the fascinating upper Mustang region. The regions isolation from the outside world has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly arid land surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colours and impressive formations. This barren landscape is dotted with settlements of white washed houses, barley fields and chortens festooned with prayer flags which adds a splash of colour to the landscape.

Hidden behind the majestic Himalaya ranges, Mustang is a route best known for mountain biking too. To do trekking or mountain biking in the Upper Mustang region you need special area trekking permits

Officially, Mustang is the name of the district along the Kali Gandaki river valley from the Tibetan border south to Ghasa.

The headquarters of the Mustang district is Jomsom; which is one of the most popular trekking destinations among trekkers in the Annapurna region.
Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the south region with five villages inhabited by people related to the Managis; and the northern region (the ancient kingdom of Lo), where the language, culture and traditions are almost purely Tibetan, the capital of Lo is named Manthang, which translates from Tibetan as ‘plain of aspiration’ many texts refer to the capital as Lo Manthang, but this is not strictly correct. Other texts spell the name of the kingdom as Lho, but this is a transliteration of the Tibetan word for ‘south’ and is also incorrect. Thus the portion of the upper Mustang district north of Samar is Lo and its capital is Mustang the king of Lo is the Lo Gyelbu, though I use the Nepali term raja here.

There is some confusion with existing maps and texts and there are many complex issues relating to the development of upper Mustang and the procedures under which trekkers are allowed to visit the area.

Cost Includes

Trekking permit and all entry fee
All local and National government taxes
Food and Accommodation while you are on the trek , three meals a day with choice of three hot drinks with each meal
Special English speaking trekking guide and porter
Comprehensive wilderness first aid kit
Satellite phone
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (we can organize extra nights if people require) 2 Nights hotel in Pokhara
Twin share room basis accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu
Domestic flight tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Jomsom return
Airport pick up and drop off
We require special area permit for upper Mustang and this included and ACAP permit and TIMS
Guide and porter flight, food, accommodation and insurance
All land transportation

Cost Excludes

Nepalese visa (this costs US 65$ for 30 days and you need two passport photos) this can be issued on arrival in Kathmandu international airport.
International flight to Nepal
Extra snacks while doing activities and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Extra beverages for on the trip i.e.) alcohol and soft drinks.
Travel Insurance which you need comprehensive one with helicopter rescue cover
Any optional tours or activities during the free time
Airport taxes
We recommend tipping the local guides at the end of the trip please as it’s an expectation
Meals not listed on day to day itinerary
Personal small first aid kit
Emergency evacuation and rescue cost if need be

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to your hotel.

Arrive in Nepal's Kathmandu international airport and be welcomed by your Adventure Hub Nepal (AHN) representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and relax and recover from your journey. We will then go for our welcome dinner at a restaurant nearby and have a pre-departure meeting with our group about the trip starting the next day.
Sightseeing world heritage site in Kathmandu valley with professional tour guide.

Today after breakfast your tour guide come and meet you in your hotel for day sightseeing to; Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Patan Museum. Between 4-6 pm pre-departure meeting for the trip at the hotel. Get any last minute personalized items or gear for the trip. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. As you are doing your sightseeing your trekking guide will organise your permit for the trek.

Not Included: Lunch and Dinner
Drive or fly to Pokhara

Get up early have breakfast and then transfer to bus station if you are driving or if you are flying drive to the airport.

Driving time to Pokhara is around 5-6 hours, flying time to Pokhara is around 35 minutes. You can choose whichever way you like to travel in this case. After you arrive in Pokhara you will be taken to your hotel and you can get prepared for the trek the following day. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Not included: Lunch and Dinner
Flight to Jomsom (2682m) & trek to Kagbeni (2810m), 3-4 hours

Early morning drive to Pokhara domestic airport which is around 15 minutes drive. We will then fly to Jomsom, have quick breakfast start our trek to Kagbeni. Trek along the trail that follows the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki, passing through narrow alleyways and houses built around enclosed courtyards as a protection against the unpredictable wind of the Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail further meanders through stone-walled orchards.
Kagbeni to Chele, (3050); 6-7 hours

We enter Mustang and follow the east bank of the river over a series of small ridges. Across the river we can see Kang Gompa, a centre of the Nyingmapa sect. Approaching Tangbe we encounter the distinctive black, red and white chortens that typify upper Mustang. The town of white washed houses contains an intriguing pattern of alleyways and is surrounded by fields of wheat, barley and buckwheat, interspersed with small apple orchards. We cross to the east bank of the Kali Gandaki river and ascend to the village of Chele. Immediately, the strong influence of Tibetan culture of Lo is evident with the decoration of the houses.
Chele to Samar (3660); 4-5 hours

Today’s trail is characterized by the crossing of a series of large spurs. Our trek traverses to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. Further walk around 4 hrs will reach you at Samar or Syanbochen for the overnight stay. The valleys that dissect the trail have cool streams and juniper trees to enable us to relax for a while. These altitudes should not present any acclimatization issues, so we just take our time and enjoy the walk and overnight stay.
Samar to Ghiling (3570m); 4-5 hours

After breakfast we will continue trekking up the valley to Ghiling for our overnight stay. Explore the area stay overnight in lodge or tea house.
Ghiling to Charang (3560m); 6-7 hours

We start our trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Charang for the overnight stay. We descend to the pass and enjoy a spectacular series of Mani walls (secret stone wall of the Buddhism) to the village of Charang with its huge white dzong and red Gompa, make sure you have your camera handy to take pictures.
Charang to Lomanthang (3810m); 4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave the Charang Khola and climb the ridge to 3,810m the windy pass of Lo for our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The trail drops to a stream and then climbs onto the plateau where the city is situated. The only gate is in the north-east corner and we make our way to the entrance. The white washed walls enclose around 150 homes, Gompas and a palace. We stay at teahouse and the rest of the time explore the surrounding area or relax.
Explore culture and heritage at Lomanthang and rest day

Yes you have been walking for long hours and quite a few days so far. Now it's time to enjoy and explore upper Mustang. We have allowed a full day to explore this outstanding historical and cultural centre. There are 4 major Gompas to visit during our stay. The palace is the home of the Raja (King) and his Rani (Queen) and is the attraction as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Although the Raja's function is now primarily ceremonial he is seen as a person who can help people resolve local issues. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe a vibrant Tibetan culture. There are many places to explore and there are many monasteries to visit around here.
Trek from Lomanthang to Dhakmar (3820m); 7-8 hours

After a wonderful time at Lo-Mangthang reluctantly we will depart to Dhakmar which is also interesting place to explore the local area. Climbing the ridge, we get our last view of the walled city and descend the valley towards Dhakmar. During the walk, you'll suffer a bit of dust from wind and it is suggested to walk in the morning.
Trek from Dhakmar to Ghami and Jomsom (3520m); 2 hours & drive back (5-6 hours)

Trek from Dhakmar to Ghami we will start our trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Ghami for the overnight stay. We descend to the Ghaymi Khola and pass a spectacular series of Mani walls (stone wall of the Buddhism) to the village of Charang with its huge white dzong and red Gompa.
Fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom (850m); 20 min flight

This is your last morning in the Jomsom area. After breakfast we check in for our flight to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between the gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport our guide will transfer to you the lakeside hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the second tourist hub of Nepal lakeside centre and stay overnight at hotel.
Explore Pokhara and sightseeing

Sightseeing around Pokhara Valley today we will do a half day sightseeing of Pokhara Valley (Bindhabasini temple, Devil's fall, Mahendra cave, International Mountain Museum). The second half of the day you can either do whitewater rafting on the beautiful Upper Seti River, Stand Up Paddle Boading (SUP) or kayaking on stuning Fewa Lake, whichever fits you there are many options for water sports and cultural, nature activities for you. Enjoy the amazing views of Fish tail mountain and the whole Annapurna mountain region from your hotel roof top stay overnight in hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu (1350m)

After breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu, you will still see an early morning view of the amazing Annapurna mountain range; Fish tail, Annapurna South and many more. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to hotel. You will have time to do any last minute shopping as the shops are open until late. Get ready for next day flight back home, stay overnight in hotel.
Fly back home with your Upper Mustang trip memories

Fly home day and it’s your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then an Adventure Hub Nepal representative will come to your hotel and transfer to you to the airport. We’ll make sure you will arrive at Kathmandu International airport with plenty time before your flight back home. Now, we’ll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.

Note: Weather conditions at Jomsom can affect flight times and departures so we therefore advise you to have at least 2 extra days in your itinerary between your trek completion date and your departure flight from Nepal. In the case of emergencies you can take a shared Helicopter, which can fly in conditions not suitable for planes, from Jomsom to Pokhara at an extra cost.