Upper Mustang Trek

Duration : 20 Days
Accomodation : Hotel / Lodge
Group Size : 2+

Upper Mustang, lying in the Northern area of Mustang District is one of the most accepted travel destinations for the people from worldwide who would want to explore the ancient Monastery, diversified societies, more than thousand years of hundreds ruined cave and Himalayan Mountain desert with local ribs sphere of influence with Tibetan culture. Mustang, formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo is the rain shadowed area of Nepal. Mustangi Raja (state king of the Mustang) only one state king of Nepal, vestige on the river bank is one more charisma in the trek. Mustang region was also known as the ‘Forbidden Kingdom’ where the trekking started from 1992 only. The capital of Mustang Region is Lo Manthang. Mustang region is famous for its landscape and nature and is popular amongst the travelers as Upper Mustang is also called mini-Tibet of Nepal. We can explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture along with the thousands of years ancient monasteries, cave dwelling high up on the cliffs, traditional villages of Mustang’s people and the walled city of Lo Manthang with beautiful architecture and palace of King. Upper Mustang is enriching for Trans Himalayan climate and Lower Mustang is enrich in natural beauty, different culture and amazing landscapes.

Upper Mustang was one of the forbidden kingdoms till 1992 where travellers / visitors were not allowed to enter. Also, they had monarchy, where King had the power over their Kingdom. The Buddhist Kingdom of Himalayas, Upper Mustang - Lo Manthang has the meaning where ‘Lo’ represents the local language, ‘Man’ represents the heart and ‘Thang’ represents land. This place is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing Himalayan deserts on earth, currently listed on one of the beautiful destinations to visit as per the CNN Research Report, 2023. 

Upper Mustang Trek is a 19 to 20 days trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. This trek is the chance to explore the Buddhist culture, tradition and religion as well as wall city of Lo Manthang, mysterious sky caves, Buddhist Monasteries, Chhoser cave, holy Hindu Temple, Muktinath and many more significances of Upper Mustang. 

The trek to Mustang region begins from Jomsom; then after trek leads to Kagbeni. Then after we begin the Upper Mustang tour to Chhuksang, then to Samar, Geling, Dhakmar, Tsarang and Lo Manthang. After exploring Lo Manthang for a day, we will descend via different route, i.e., at first Dhie and then Tange, then Tetang and other day to Muktinath and finally back to Jomsom. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF UPPER MUSTANG TREK
  • Explore mini - Tibet of Nepal (landscape similar to Tibet)
  • Beautiful Marpha Village, old alleys, apple farm and monastery
  • Jomsom village, gateway to Upper Mustang 
  • Ancient houses and alleys and monastery of Kagbeni Village
  • Holy Hindu temple, Muktinath (108 taps of water from Himalayas and temple of Shiva)
  • We get to pass through the Kali Gandaki Gorge
  • Explore ancient Buddhist Monasteries and architecture along with Tibetan culture and walled city of Lo Manthang
  • Explore mysterious Chhoser cave, red cliffs of Dhakmar
  • Explore the King's palace and monasteries in Lo Manathang
  • The culture, tradition and lifestyle of people in Lo Manthang
  • Explore the landscapes of Upper Mustang along with many sky caves on the cliffs
  • Explore Luri Gompa of Upper Mustang
  • Majestic view of Mount Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
BEST TIME FOR UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Upper Mustang – the Buddhist Kingdom Mustang, Nepal is the best destination in the whole world which is enrich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and history. The Mustang region lying in the rain shadowed of the Himalayan region is the mysterious home of desert beauty and cliff-faced landscapes. Upper Mustang is suitable for trekking and tour the whole season (12 months).

Spring season (March – April), the weather is perfect to travel Upper Mustang in spring. The weather is mild as well as we can see beautiful habitants during Spring. The temperature varies from 13 degree to 22 degree Celsius in Spring during day and might drop down to minus in nigh time.
Summer Season (May – June), the weather is hot during summer season and it is possible to travel in summer season as well. Normally, there are chances of rain in month of June, as Mustang is rain shaded area there is high chances of no rain which makes it feasible to travel in summer. Likewise in Spring, temperature varies from 13 degree to 22 degree Celsius in Spring during day and might drop down to minus in nigh time. May is the best season to travel in Mustang region as the famous celebrated festive of Mustang people, “Tiji” falls in May season. Anyone who wants to celebrate as well as observe the Tiji festival can visit Mustang in month of May. It is suggested to book the trip earlier to get the rooms in lodges and hotels of Mustang.
Monsoon season (July – August), we can observe rain in the different regions of Nepal, however there is less chance of rain in Mustang Region. However, there might be less chance of flight from Jomsom – Pokhara – Jomsom during rainy season. But it will be possible to travel through jeep from Pokhara and throughout the trek in monsoon season as well. The temperature can range from 20 to 20 degree Celsius during day and 0 to -3 degree Celsius at the night time.
Autumn Season (September – November), this season is perfect for travelling in Nepal. We can also see many travellers in Mustang region during autumn season. Autumn being the peak season, the weather will be perfect also we can see beautiful views of mountains during Autumn season. However, there may be crowd of foreign as well as domestic tourists in Autumn. The temperature can range from 11 to 20 degree Celsius during day and -2 to -7 degree Celsius at the night time.
Winter Season (November – December), this season is cold and we can see snow while we are travelling. Also, there are chances of no flight from (Jomsom – Pokhara – Jomsom) in winter. But it is always possible to travel via road in winter. The only problem could be cold otherwise it is possible to trek and tour in winter season as well. The temperature can range around 0 degree Celsius during day and -20 to -25 degree Celsius at the night time.

PERMITS REQUIRED FOR UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Upper Mustang is restricted area of Nepal where travelers can travel or trek in Mustang Region (from Kagbeni - Kagbeni) after they issue Special Restricted Area Permit as directed by Government of Nepal (GON) issued by Department of Immigration. Also, it is not possible to issue the permit for solo travelers, there shall be at least 2 people to issue the restricted area permit. It costs USD 500 per person per 10 days to issue the Special Restricted Area Permit. It takes a whole working day to issue this special permit and passport must be presented while making this permit in Immigration. With that travelers also need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) which costs NPR. 3,000 (USD 30) per person. The travelers cannot enter the restricted Area of Mustang without the permit as well as trekking guide given licensed by GON. For this, travelers must go through the travel company registered in Nepal to conduct trekking and travels in Nepal.
Note: At least 2 person are required to issue Special Restricted Area Permit.

DURATION TO COMPLETE UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Upper Mustang Trek can be completed in 19 - 20 days in total. After taking flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the trek begins. In total trekking will be of 13 days till we get back to Jomsom. Normally, trekkign on Upper Mustang is like walking on desert, as it is dry valley and we have to pass through the desert mountain trials, dirt roads and dusty way along with the beautiful view of Mount Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on the way.


Itinerary Highlights


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu / permit preparation day

Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (820 m.)

Day 04: Pokhara – Jomsom (2,710 m.) – Kagbeni (2,800 m.) 3 hours

Day 05: Kagbeni – Chhuksang (2,950 m) 4.30 hrs

Day 06: Chhuksang – Samar (3540 m) 4 hrs.

Day 07: Samar – Geling (3520 m) 4hrs.

Day 08: Geling - Dhakmar (3820 m) 5 hrs

Day 09: Dhakmar - Lo Gekar - Tsarang (3,560 m) 7hrs.

Day 10: Tsarang - Lo Manthang (3,750 m) 4/5 hrs.

Day 11: Lo Manthang

Day 12: Lo Manthang - Dhie (3,400 m) 4 hrs.

Day 13: Dhie - Tange (3240 m) 6 hrs.

Day 14: Tange - Tetang (3040 m) 7hrs.

Day 15: Tetang - Muktinath (3,720 m) 6 hrs.

Day 16: Muktinath – Jomsom (2,710 m) 5 hrs.

Day 17: Jomsom – Pokhara (820 m.)

Day 18: Pokhara – Kathmandu (1350 m.)

Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu

Day 20: Final Departure

Detail Itinerary for Upper Mustang Trek


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel. (At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the travellers to medieval times on their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at hotel. 


Day 02: Kathmandu / permit preparation day

This day we will have to prepare Special Restricted Area permit from Department of Immigration (DOI). We will have to show the original passport having VISA of each client to issue the permit. While permit is being issued clients can have free day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. Clients can visit different Buddhsit stupas like: Swoyambhu (monkey temple) and Boudhanath. Also they can visit Pashupatinath (holy Hindu temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square (heritage site). Stay overnight at hotel. 


Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (820 m.)

After breakfast transfer to airport. Early morning fly to Pokhara by flight in 25 minutes. After arrival in airport, clients will be taken to the hotel and can have rest for a while. After that we can do sightseeing in some famous places and landmarks of Pokhara such as (Gupteshore cave, David fall, Seti gorge, Pokhara International Mountaineering Museum, Bindubasini Temple and Tibeten Refuse Camp). Stay overnight at hotel.


Day 04: Pokhara – Jomsom (2,710 m.) – Kagbeni (2,800 m.) 3 hours

Early morning we will take flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Jomsom (2710m). After landing on Jomsom airport, we will take rest for a while in Jomsom hotel. Jomsom is the main gateway to Upper Mustang and headquarter of Mustang district. We can mostly see the local residents known as Thakali (one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) and the bazars (shops) in Jomsom. Also, we can see the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Nilgiri (7061 m.). We will start the trek to Kagbeni by walking straight trial along the bankside of Kaligandaki river. After walking for about 2 hours, we will reach Ekle Batti. Then after walking for about 1 hour, we will reach Kagbeni (2800m). Kagbeni is one of the famous Hindu religious sites where people come for Pitri- Moksastala (soul peace) ritual. In the evening we will visit Kagchode Thubten Sampheling Gompa which lies since 1429 A.D. and enjoy historic Kagbeni village. Kagbeni village is one of the beautiful, ancient village with small and awes trucking alleys where people are still living there. Overnight at lodge in Kagbeni.  


Day 05: Kagbeni – Chhuksang (2,950 m) 4.30 hrs

After having breakfast in lodge, we will head towards Chhuksang village via Tangbe. From Kagbeni, the restricted area begins to enter Upper Mustang. We will still be walking through the bank of Kali Gandaki River alongside the majestic view of Nilgiri (7061 m) and Tukuche (6920 m) himalaya. After walking about 3 hours from Kagbeni, passign through Kalobhir and climbing the cliff we will reach Tangbe village. It is a small and wonderful town with typical Gurung village of Mustang having narrow lanes and white washed houses. We can see fields of buckwheat, barley and apple orchards while passing by. After exploring Tangbe village, we will head towards Chhuksang village. We will walk through the dry areas of Mustang first uphill and then downhill for about 1 and half hours to reach Chhuksang village. It is a small village, located at the junction of Kali Gandaki Rivers. Overnight at lodge in Chhuksang. 


Day 06: Chhuksang – Samar (3540 m) 4 hrs.

After having breakfast in Chhuksang, we will head towards Samar. After walking about 2 and half hours, crossing the steel bridge of Kali Gandaki River, called the Mustang Khola and crossing a recently built bridge to the town of Chele, which is a clean town located on a hill that allows us to see all the movements of the valley and its people. and climbing the hill we will reach Chele (Tsaile). On the way we can see the mesmerizing views of red cloured cliffs, sky caves and we can start to see the change in ethnic groups, and get to see the Tibetan influence. The trial continues up until we reach a plateau from where we can see the walled town of Gyagar village. After walking another 1 and half hour we will reach typical village of Upper Mustang, Samar. It is a beautiful typical village of Upper Mustang situated nearby the villages, Bhena and Ghyakar. Overnight at lodge in Samar. 


Day 07: Samar – Geling (3520 m) 4hrs.

After having breakfast, we will head towards Geling which takes about 4 hours. We have two ways to do this trek; one is via Bhena & Yamda la and other is via Rangchung cave monastery. We will trek through the second options as we can explore Chungsi cave and is quite shorter route than first one.  At first it is a steep descent that will take us into a canyon that will seem to us that we are in another world, here we will find sacred caves venerated by the inhabitants of the area, especially a Stalactite-shaped Chorten. We will continue the path through another spectacular canyon to Shyangbochen (3,700 m) where it joins the main path. After crossing another pass of 3,860 meters we will go down to Geling. Overnight at lodge in Geling.


Day 08: Geling - Dhakmar (3820 m) 5 hrs

After having breakfast in Geling we will visit Geling Monastery and then head towards Dhakmar via Ghami village (3520 m) whcih takes about 5 hours. The road will ascend to 4,395 meters and then descend to the village of Ghami. We can see many sky caves nearby the cliff of Ghami village. We can explore this beautiful Ghami village where we can see Tibetan Buddhist people, culture and tradition. Then after we will pass through the suspension bridge over Ghami Khola and reach Dhakmar. Dhakmar is a beautiful typical village of Mustang, where we can see large red cliffs. Overnight at lodge in Dhakmar.


Day 09: Dhakmar - Lo Gekar - Tsarang (3,560 m) 7hrs.

After having breakfast in Dhakmar, we will head towards Charang via Lo Gekar monastery which takes about 7 hours. After walking the ascending trials we will reach Lo Gekar monastery. This monastery was built in 11th century and is one of the religious monastery decorated with the prayer flags and Chortens. After praying and visiting here we will head towards one of the largest town of Upper Mustang, Tsarang (old capital). This is a beautiful village will many Chortens (stupas) and has one of the ancient Tsarang monastery. Overnight at lodge in Tsarang.


Day 10: Tsarang - Lo Manthang (3,750 m) 4/5 hrs.

After having breakfast in Tsarang, we will head towards Lo Manthang which takes about 4 to 5 hours.  This is one of the adventurous walk with the cultural lushness, natural beauty and mesmerizing landscape of Upper Mustang. As we leave Tsarang we will pass through a turbine that gives electricity to the city, several mills and a large Chorten. We will walk through a dry valley that will become greener; we will reach a Lo La pass at 3950 m full of prayer flags. We can see the amazing view of Lo Manthang village and Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. From here a gentle walk will take us to the walls of Lo Manthang, capital of the kingdom of the Mustang.  Overnight at lodge in Lo Manthang. 


Day 11: Lo Manthang

Today will be free day for exploration of Lo Manthang, city of walls. This is the ancient place where Ame Pal came from during 1380 A.D. and started his kindgom. The village is covered by wall, so it is called walled city of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is culturally rich with Tibetan origin and ethnic groups known as Lhobas.

We can explore around the monastery, walled city, Chhoser cave, Garphu, Namgyal and Thinggar Gompas, Chortens, Buddhist places around Lo Manthang. Also, we can visit the Royal Palace, explore beautiful settlement of Tibetan Buddhist people here with the amazing view of landscape whcih is similar to Tibet. Overnight at lodge in Lo Manthang.


Day 12: Lo Manthang - Dhie (3,400 m) 4 hrs.

After breakfast in Lo Manthang we will descend towards Dhie whcih takes about 4 hours. We will cross the pass over Lo Manthang again. The path will continue up the Mustang Valley. Along the way we will see the town of Dhie, and the steep descent will end in a lunar atmosphere. Overnight at lodge in Dhie. 


Day 13: Dhie - Tange (3240 m) 6 hrs.

After breakfast in Dhie, we will descend towards Tange which takes about 6 hours. The trail begins by going down to Ghechang Khola and then ascend upto 3,800 meters before heading back down to the camp near Tange. Visit this remote town with amazing architecture, especially its wonderful Chortens (stupas). Overnight at lodge in Tange. 


Day 14: Tange - Tetang (3040 m) 7hrs.

After breakfast in Tange we will head towards Tetang which takes about 7 hours. Today will be the long day of trek as we will walk through the zigzag road at first adn then flat Mustang road. Later we will have to ascend the steep until we reach 4100 m. As Tange village gradually disappears we will be reaching Tetang. This day will be one of the long and tiring day during the trek. Overnight at lodge in Tetang.


Day 15: Tetang - Muktinath (3,720 m) 6 hrs.

After breakfast in Tetang we will head towards Muktinath whcih will take about 6 hours. Today we will ascend towards Gyu La Pass (4077 m) and after crossing gteh pass we will reach Muktinath. In Muktinath there are 108 taps where it is believed to purify the soul of human beings. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus, it is also home for many ethnics Tibetans and holy Buddhists. Overnight at lodge in Muktinath. 


Day 16: Muktinath – Jomsom (2,710 m) 5 hrs.

After breakfast in Muktinath, we will walk towards Jomsom via Jharkot. Muktinath is also parto f Annapurna trekking as travellers come to Muktinath after doing Thorang La Pass of Annapurna Circuit.  After 30 minutes of walk from Muktinath, we will visit Jharkot whcih is an ancient village of Mustang where we can see old Tibetan House settlement and visit  one of the anceint gompa named, Jharkot Gompa. Thenafter we head towards Jomsom. Overnight at lodge in Jomsom.

(Note: We can also take 2/3 hours vehicle ride to reach Jomsom from Muktinath.)


Day 17: Jomsom – Pokhara (820 m.)

We will take early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara which is of 20 minutes or we can hire private jeep to reach Pokhara which takes about 8 / 9 hours. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

(Note: If clients want to shorten the itinerary, then it is possible to take same day flight from Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu as well.)


Day 18: Pokhara – Kathmandu (1350 m.)

We can fly back / drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.


Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu

We will have free day in Kathmandu for shopping / sightseeing or any other activities preferred by clients. Overnight at hotel.


Day 20: Final Departure

Enjoy your last day on Kathmandu before departure. At your mentioned departure time our correspondent will pick you up from hotel and transfer to airport and depart you with warm hearts.


Cost Includes

  • Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport, including national flights.
  • 4 Nights with breakfast in Kathmandu hotel
  • 2 Night with breakfast in Pokhara hotel
  • Airplane tickets Kathmandu - Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu, including the guide and airport taxes
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit + Upper Mustang Restricted Area Special Permit
  • All meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner) with tea-coffee during the trek
  • Accommodation in Lodge during the trek
  • An English-speaking Guide and a Porter (20-22 kilos) for every two people during the trek
  • Insurance, equipment, accommodation, all meals and salary of the guide and porter-es.
  • Transportation by bus or local Jeep Kathmandu – Jomsom -Kathmandu for the porter-es
  • Government taxes and fees

Cost Excludes

  • Personal equipment
  • Personal and medical insurance
  • Helicopter emergency rescue (if necessary)
  • Bar bills and drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, beers, etc.)
  • Hot showers, electric charges and Wi-Fi during the trek
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Visits and/or entrance fees to the temples in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters, altitude sickness, conclusion or early return of the program, etc...
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips, (Recommendation) €uros 10 per day to the guide between all and €uros per day to each porter
  • Any other expense not mentioned in INCLUDED