Upper Mustang Trekking  |  17 Days

Trekking to upper mustang

The historical Upper Mustang provides a glorious trekking experience in the remote trans-Himalayan region of Nepal to the north of the Annapurna area. It is the best choice to explore the untouched beauty of nature, wilderness of landscapes and isolated Tibetan culture beyond the Himalayas. Trekking in Upper Mustang is a privilege that only a few travelers get every year.

The Upper Mustang Trek provides mystical experience walking back to the history of Lo-Manthang, Ancient capital of former Mustang (locally called Lo). The early history of Lo-manthang is adorned in myths and legends rather than recorded facts. It is a magical place imbibed with a great history.

At the end of the 18th century, it was annexed by Nepal from Tibet consisting majority of the population still speaking Tibetan languages. Mustang is also called the hidden Kingdom of Nepal as the region has its own king to date. However, Mustang's autotomy was abolished in 2008. The king as respected by locals even today resides in the central palace while four major temples form the corners of square walled Lo Manthang.

Upper Mustang was a restricted area until 1992 closely tied by the language and culture of Tibet due to its isolation from the outside world. Thus, it is perfectly called 'a Forbidden land' as one of the most preserved regions in the world.

Upper Mustang trek is analogous to a Tibetan trek geographically on one hand since it lies on Tibetan plateau and on the other hand one can observe Tibetan glimpse into the everyday life of locals there. As a matter of fact, back in days, it used to be the commercial area connected with Tibet and India.

After Kagbeni, you will officially enter Upper Mustang from which the journey towards endless tradition starts. It is the trek to high altitude approximately (3000m-4200m) depending upon your itinerary somehow intensified by dry air and framed by the walls of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and other chains of mountains.

Comparatively, the elevation is not high like other famous trekking trails, yet the trail and weather conditions can make journey arduous. Of course, walks to Lo-Manthangare challenging but not very exhausting since the journey is accompanied by the smell of unspoiled nature.

Our eyes capture the beauty of unique landscapes comprising barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and Moraine valleys surrounded by rocks of all colors and their impressive formations. Moreover, the windswept view of Kaligandaki valley is an amazing sight to behold.

Stepping into the Lo Manthang is like experiencing a different world. A world of narrow whitewashed streets, storyteller gompas, hidden chortens, flapping prayer flags, caves, rock paintings, century-old monasteries, the herds of animals and clay walled cities untouched by modernization for years.

The treeless landscapes dotted with settlements of whitewashed houses add a splash of color to the landscapes like a painting. Major attractions of Upper Mustang treks have their own values.

Tiji festival

Tiji festival is a fascinating annual 3-day festival that celebrates a myth of battles between a Buddhist deity and his demon father to save Mustang from the terrible crisis. The word 'Tiji' means 'Prayer for the World Peace'. It emphasizes on the respectful co-existence of the people. The monks organize this festival by performing ritual masked dances in the involvement of local people. The festival is bound to be one of the most memorable experiences observed in monsoon season.

The Royal palace

The Royal palace is the most visited area of this region which was built in the 14th century. The palace is 4 story’s tall. Here, one could feel the essence of preserved architecture, culture and art.

Thungchen Gompa

Thungchen Gompa is a beautiful monastery built in the 15th century. It has a big assembly hall decorated with paintings, statues of Buddha's various avatars, etc creating the spiritual and peaceful environment around it.

The Jampa Monastery

The Jampa Monastery is one of the masterpieces inside the walled city built in the early 14th century that demonstrates Lo Mangthang's rich architectural traditions and sacred art. Inside it is 109 ancient mandalas painted in either gold or silver.

The Dragkar-Thegchen Ling Gompa

The Dragkar-Thegchen Ling Gompa is the most famous and largest monastery inside the wall built during the 13th century wherein Bon po scriptures, Buddhist's arts are exhibited.

Amchi museum and Amchi School

Amchi museum and Amchi School was founded to preserve the ancient wisdom. Here, visitors can learn about ancient healing art. Amchi means a traditional Tibetan doctor. The Amchi museum displays Tibetan Herbal Medicines.

10,000 man-made caves were dug centuries back. Researches have shown that people made these caves to mummify the dead bodies as religious rituals. One of them is the ancient chooser cave, a century-old cave situated high in the rock having 44 separate living rooms decorated with ancient Buddhist paintings.

Muktinath temple is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists located an elevation of 3710m. Every year thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, India and other countries step on this holy land. It offers an amazing view of 108 water sprouts symbolizing the redemption after death and natural flame that never goes out.

A few hours' walks from Lo Mathang lead to Gyakar with its famous Gompa named Ghar Gompa highly dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. It is one of the oldest monasteries said to be built in the 8th century. It is famous for its rock paintings with a myth that any wishes made here come true.

Moreover, Lo Manthang is the socio-cultural center of ethnic Lopapeople, the original inhabitants of Mustang. We can have exclusive experiences of their values, customs, and beliefs. Along with these, we get to taste their food. People are friendly, hardworking and nature-loving. They follow Tibetan Buddhism in a pure form. Their houses are all whitewashed with firewood tucked on the roofs decorated with prayer flags and many walls creating picturesque painted appearance on the faded arid landscapes. It is the best trekking route to experience traditional Bon Po culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Foreigners need to obtain special permission to enter the region costing US$ 500 per person for 10 days. If longer is needed, an additional US$ 50 is charged per day. Also, visitors entering ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit costing around US$ 30 per head for a single entry. Since it is the restricted trekking area individual trekkers cannot obtain RAP permits themselves. Only registered trekking companies in Nepal can make RAP permits. The minimum group size of people to get the permit is two.

Upper Mustang Trek region lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, it receives less to almost no rainfall during the monsoon season. This makes the region suitable for trekking even during this time of year. Likewise, winter comes with extreme cold that can be harsh on the trekkers. However, the best season to trek is September to October during which one can enjoy excellent weather and magnificent mountain views.

While trekking in this region, one should prepare themselves to walk 6-7 hours on a daily basis. Visitors with a moderate level of fitness can easily complete this track without more trouble. Generally, it takes 4 days to walk from Kagbeni to Lo Mathang and the same for return staying each night in a small fortified village around a monastery surrounded with Tibetan atmosphere. The best planning would be allocating 2 days of time to explore much of Lo Manthang.

Accommodation facilities are not so developed in Upper Mustang, of course, to keep the region preserved. Available accommodations are of moderate standards. Tea houses are available along the entire treks but are of small size. Electricity facility is available to some extent having solar power as their back up. The Internet is available up to Kagbeni and Lo Manthang with small pay. However, visitors enjoy the true Himalayan lifestyle than the internet.

Upper Mustang trek's trail follows the ancient salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Porters are available to carry necessities of trekkers. Also, one can hire mules to carry load which is more economical as well as environment-friendly. The best way to explore Lo-Manthang and places on its vanity is to take horses with drivers.

There are two popular trekking routes around Upper Mustang. The most popular is the standard route straight up and down from Kagbeni to Lo-Manthang and the second one where you follow a much wider route down the eastern side of Kaligandaki.

All the routes offer dramatic arid landscapes with fantastic colorful strata laid out on high cliffs with unique rock formations. Beneath these mountains lie rivers, salt waters, apple orchards, barley farms, unique Buddhist buildings, and whitewashed villages. However, tougher eastern routes provide more beautiful sceneries than western routes in the cost of long walking days. Also, camping is necessary due to a lack of accommodation since the route is less densely populated.

Upper Mustang Trek is worth spending time, money and energy. Living far away from the hustle of big cities and modernization, people here are known for their warmest heart and hospitality. One will witness the pattern of epic lifestyle passing from generation to generation. The land untouched by modern colors of livings makes the experiences unusual for the visitors. Thus, two weeks of this ultimate trek route promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.

 Thus, we say "Heaven is a myth and Nepal is real". Yes, we say it proudly.

Other Restricted Region Trekkings:

Trip Highlights of Upper Mustang Trekking

  • The Upper Mustang trekking is popular as Lo Manthang trekking.
  • Explore the ancient monasteries and Tibetan similar lifestyles.
  • Cave like settlement and walled town.
  • Polyandry system still existed.
  • Scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
  • Visit the Muktinath temple, a pilgrimage place of both Hundus and Buddhists.

Outline Itinerary:

  • 1Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu (1350m).Namaste and Welcome to Kathmandu. The representative of Good Vive Adventure greets you at the international airport. Then you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in at the hotel, refresh and rest yourselves. We will briefly explain our tour program in the evening. O/N at Hotel. (A)
  • 3Day 3: Fly/Drive to Pokhara (823m).After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara via Mugling. We follow the main road of Kathmandu Pokhara highway. It is a pretty long but fantastic drive. Travelers can view several scenes, hill landscape, and terraced firm lands. Following the ridge of Trishuli, Marshyangdi and Seti River, we arrive at Pokhara. If we take the flight, it is half an hour's flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. O/N at Hotel. (A, B)
  • 4Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (20m.) and trek to Kagbeni (2858m): 3-4 hrs.After breakfast early in the morning, we fly to Jomsom. It is a scenic flight over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range for 20 minutes. Jomsom is a business center and the district headquarters of Mustang. Our trekking follows the historical salt trade route along the Kaligandaki River. We reach Ekley Bhatti in 3 hours, which continually leads to Kagbeni in an hour. It is a meeting point of Thak Khola and Mustang Khola. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 5Day 5: Trek to Chele (3050m): 5-6 hrs.Now we are entering into the forbidden Kingdom after taking a special permit. We walk on the windy trail along the Kaligandaki River. Then we walk crossing the ethnic settlements and farmlands. We all see the Apple gardens and cross the suspension bridge, which gradually leads to the Chele village. We take rest and enjoy dinner in the evening. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 6Day 6: Trek to Syangbochen (3475m): 6-7 hrsAfter breakfast, we head towards our today’s destination Syangbochen. On the way, we cross the Taklam La and continue to trek towards Samar Village. The trail offers beautiful Himalayan views of Tilicho Peak and distinct sceneries. Then we climb down to cross the stream and walk to Syanbochen. It is a nice ethnic settlement on the historical trade route.O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 7Day 7: Trek to Ghaymi (3520m): 5-6 hrsToday we trek to the Ghyami village from Syanbochen. After breakfast, we walk through the Tibetan style Buddhist settlements. The Buddhists heritages like Chhortens and Mani walls are penetrated here. Then we cross the Yamda La and walk through the farmland of Barley. The trek climbs up to the Nyi Pass (4010m.) and descends to the Ghyami Village, surrounded by the barren lands as well as the barley farms. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 8Day 8: Trek to Charang (3500m): 4-5 hrsAfter breakfast at the lodge, we trek further towards a small stream. After crossing the bridge, we reach to the sacred place of Buddhists. The trail has got long Mani walls, which is significant in Buddhism. The walls lead us to the Charang. The Gompa in this village of red color signifies people’s devotion to the peace-loving Buddhist religion. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 9Day 9: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3700m): 5-6 hrsWe are entering the heart of Upper Mustang- Lo-Manthang. After breakfast, we descend to the Charang Chu and gradually climb up across the River. After we pass the Lo, wow for the first time the views of panoramic Lo- Manthang appear into our eyes. The landscape is barren but still awesome. The views on its background are of Annapurna, Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak. We reach Lo- Manthang, the central attraction of the Upper Mustang Trekking. O/N at Lodge.
  • 10Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang.Today, we explore this wonderful forbidden kingdom. After breakfast, we set off to visit the near monasteries as Tingkhar and Namgyal Gompa. It functions as a judiciary, which is located on the top of the hill. Tingkhar monastery is located in the last beautiful village in the Lo- Manthang. The whole area is covered by a wall. Here is still the system of Kingdom and the palace of King is also another main attraction in this land. Return to the campsite. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 11Day 11: Trek to Drakmar (3810m): 6-7 hrsWe are bidding farewell to the Himalayan Kingdom of Upper Mustang today. After breakfast, we walk through different routes to come back. It is full of ancient monasteries of Guru Rimpoche. We cross Gyakar village and Ghar Gompa, which is known as the wish-fulfilling monastery. Continuing on the windy trail, we reach the Drakmar village. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 12Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3806m): 5-6 hrsAfter breakfast, we head towards the Ghiling village through the windy trail. Especially, it is quite tough to walk in the afternoon. Along with the superb scenes of local geography, we reach to the Ghilling village. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 13Day 13: Trek to Chhuksang (3050m): 5-6 hrsAfter breakfast, we gradually walk through the trail to come back to Chhuksang. The sceneries are really wonderful and the mountains are breathtaking on its far geography. Continually, we reach to the Chhuksang village. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 14Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2700): 6-7 hrsThis is our last day of mystic Upper Mustang treks. It is a pretty long walk and also we join the famous trail of Thorung La pass (5416m) trekking. We visit the famous Buddhists and Hindu pilgrimage place Muktinath. Then we trek down to Kagbeni and continue to the Jomsom trail. O/N at Lodge. (B, L, D, A)
  • 15Day 15: Fly back to PokharaWe have breakfast in the early morning and fly back to Pokhara over the Annapurna Himalayas. We have the next option of the trek to head through the deepest Kaligandaki gorge and join the scenic Ghorepani trekking or ending the trek in Beni. Transfer to the hotel after arriving at Pokhara airport. We have the whole day to see around the city as Devis Falls, Mahendra cave, Peace Pagoda and boating on the Phewa Lake. O/N at Hotel. (B, A)
  • 16Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu.After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Kathmandu for about 6 hours with a wonderful memory of the Upper Mustang Treks. This is a scenic drive with Himalayan views, Rivers, and Jungles. After the arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Walk around the local market in the evening. O/N at Hotel. (A, B)
  • 17Day 17: Final Departure.Today, it’s your final day of the trip to Nepal. On your airport time, Good Vibe Adventure will bid farewell and wish for a safe journey. Or if you have extra activities in Nepal then we do the further trip. (B)

Cost Includes

 Transport

  • All Airport, Bus Park and Hotel transfer with private vehicles.
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing by private Vehicle.
  • Both way (Round Trip) by tourist bus KTM- Pokhara –KTM. (But it can be customized according to your requirement about Flight KTM-Pokhara-KTM).
  • Both way (Round Trip) flight fare Pokhara - Jomsom- Pokhara and domestic airport taxes in Pokhara and Jomsom.
  • Drop and Pick up to Nepali restaurant.

Accommodations

  • Kathmandu (3Ns): 2** Category Hotel  (But it can be customized according to your requirement about Hotel).
  • Pokhara( 2Ns):2**Category Hotel (But it can be customized according to your requirement about Hotel).
  • Upper Mustang trekking (11Ns): Best Available Lodge Accommodation during treks on twin sharing basis room.

Meals

  • There are multiple selections in meals item in  Mustang Region. But, it can be basic and may not have choices in the menu some of the best places.
  • Breakfast: includes full trip.
  • Lunch: During the trekking (11 Lunches)
  • Dinner: During the trekking (11 Dinners)

Guide and Potter

  • English speaking tour guide in Kathmandu valley
  • Trekking Guide leader in mountains.
  • 1 Sherpa potter for 2 trekkers in mountain.

Trekking Package

  • Best Lodge in Mountain, all meals during trekking, all necessary staff with the experienced leader (guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging.

Taxes and Entrance Fees

  •  All the applicable services charges, government taxes, all necessary paperwork, and restricted area permits and Annapurna conservation area permit.

Others

  • Good Vibe Adventure’s t-shirt, Down Jacket, sleeping bag and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
  • Exclusive Medical Kit Bag.
  • Good Vibe Adventure offers you Farewell Dinner on last night.
     

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare.
  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs).
  • Travel and rescue insurance (necessary).
  • Entry fees for city sightseeing.
  • Lunch and Dinner while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara city.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, bottle or boiled water & Hot Drinks Tea and Coffee, Hot Shower, Batteries charge, Heater during the Trek and Sweet things like desert).
  • Extra night accommodation and meals if early departure from mountain.
  • Tips for the guide, porter. (Tipping is voluntary).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on including section.

Trip Note

The given itineraries are temporary. We are ready to operate according to your interested itineraries also. Please, let us know about your desired route plan too.

Arrival in Nepal

After your arrival itinerary in Nepal, Good Vibe Adventure welcomes you at the entry point or at the airport and takes you to the hotel. We also explain to you in short about the programs.

Transportation

Private Tourist vehicle to airport drops and pick up/ round flight trip KTM-Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-KTM.

Food/ Water and Accommodation on Upper Mustang trekking

We provide Standard breakfast in Kathmandu. During the trekking, we provide breakfast and dinner at the lodge and lunch on the trekking trail. We recommend you to bring water purification pills, but you have options of buying bottled water or boiled water as well.

We offer 2-3 star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu but it can be customized according to your request. And best available lodge in the trekking. Lodges with basic facilities are available in upper Mustang trekking

Luggage on Upper Mustang trekking

During the trekking, your bag pack will be carried by the porter and you can use your belongings at your desired time. You can just carry a day pack with a water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. Except for the necessary things, you can deposit your belongings to the hotels' locker.

Communication, Electricity and Battery Charge on Upper Mustang trekking

Despite some areas, there is network coverage of mobile phones in almost the places. The landline phones are also available for communication. Electricity or solar powers are available for the mobile charge. It is better to have a spare battery.

Health Issues

It is better to consult with your doctor before going to the upper Mustang trekking. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)/ High Altitude Sickness can occur during the trekking so proper acclimatization is needed. Please, take your required medicine with you.

Insurance/Rescue

Insurance helps you to get a quick rescue and medical expenses. It is an expensive operation from the higher altitude in the helicopter. It cuts your economic burden if some accidents happen. Insurance should be done by you.

Best Trekking season for the upper Mustang trekking

Autumn and spring are the best seasons for Upper Mustang Trekking. Days are warm and nights are chilling. Mornings are usually clear and fine weather. It can be Windy around the afternoon.

Booking and Payment procedure

20% payment should be paid in advance while you book the trip. It should include Passport copy and flight detail. The rest of the 80% payment is payable at your arrival in Nepal. You can pay by your credit card and deposit into the bank account of Good Vibe Adventure from your country and can pay cash after your arrival.

Trip Extension

In addition to upper Mustang trekking, we can also extend the trip to jungle safari, Lumbini Tour, Nepal Tour, Rafting along with tour activities in Tibet and Bhutan. Please, let us know earlier if you want to extend your trip either inside Nepal or outside of it according to your time management.

 

  • Trip Duration 17 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Style Tour and Trekking
  • Accomodation Lodge Trek
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