Upper Mustang is the Trans-Himalayan mountain region having the great influence of Tibetan culture and lifestyle. It is described as a mystique valley and the last forbidden kingdom behind the Himalayas in Nepal, which was just opened for foreigners in 1992.Upper Mustang, also known as a ‘Mini Tibet of Nepal’ and a very well-liked trekking in Nepal, has been described as “Mountain Desert”. The journey of upper Mustang allows the travelers to witness heavenly beautiful Trans-Himalaya landscape, walled city;Lo Mangthang,mysterious caves on hills, a colorful regional festival;Tiji dance with the vibrant prayer music, ancient Tibetan Buddhist shrines such as Stupas, Chhortens, Kaanis, Prayers walls, centuries old monasteries, local stone houses and influx of Thakali (indigenous group) and Tibetan culture makes the trip most lifetime memorable and reflects the society of the thousands years back to present.
Lo Manthang, capital of Upper Mustang, lies in the remote Himalaya desert is an old traditional Tibetan isolated village with quaint white washed house, ancient palace of Mustangi king, rare medieval Buddhist arts and exotic culture. This place is considered as one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal.The journey to Lo Manthang- isolated region is an incredibly satisfying one for those who wants to experience the hospitality and warmth of the locals living in this remote region. So, these natural and cultural treasures have made it one of the most popular tourist and trekking destination of Nepal.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet at the international airport and transfer to hotel. Short briefing of trip. Check in to hotel and rest for refreshment .Overnight at Hotel, Kathmandu.
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and proceed to Kathmandu sightseeing tour especially world cultural heritage sites which includes the ancient and historical monuments; Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Buddhist sacred sites; Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath and Hindu divine place; Pashupatinath for the experience of beautiful fusion religion,culture and history.These cultural monuments reflect the centuries old arts, architecture and culture of Nepal which are unique in the world.After tour, drop off to hotel and make a preparation for Upper mustang trekking including all permits and equipments. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and drive to Pokhara for about 07 hours by tourist bus along the scenic highway. After reaching Pokhara, check in to hotel and rest for refreshment. In the evening, visit to lakeside and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel, Pokhara.
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and transfer to Pokhara airport for the scenic flight to Jomsom which is approximately 20 minutes long.This flight offers the close up view of Himalayas in the Annapurna massif. Jomsom is the district headquarters of Mustang district and a stunning mountain town on the lap of Himalayas. It is also the ancient strategic trade center to Tibet.From here, start the actual trek of this trip along the kali Gandaki River and reaches Kagbeni after crossing the Ekley-bhatti village. Kagbeni is the amusing wind-swept village which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kak Khola is the major tributary of the place coming from Muktinath and later it becomes Kaligandaki by mixing with Mustang Khola. Overnight at Tea house,Kagbeni.
After breakfast, start the trek to Chele along the river side of Kaligandaki. The gradual up and down, sandy and windy trail offers to snatch charming natural sceneries. The first settlement on this trail is Tangbe village. Barley, wheat, apple and buckwheat are the main agricultural product of this village. On forward trek to Chhusang, cross a river and then head towards Chele through a small ridge. Overnight at Tea house,Chele.
After breakfast, start the trek to Syanbochen.The trail goes through ups and crosses two passes; Taklam La pass (3,624m) and Dajori La pass (3,735m).Taklam offers a great view of Tilicho Peak, Damodar danda, Yakawa kang.The trail descends down to Samar village then ascends up to a ridge above the village, again descends down and stretches up the Syanbochen. Juniper trees and the running streams welcome everyone in their own natural way. Juniper is the famous plant for incenses in the local area and has essential value for every auspicious work. Overnight at Tea house,Syanboche.
After breakfast, start the trek to Ghami.The trail goes uphill to Yamda La (3,850m) on passing some Tibetan style villages, chortens and few tea houses. The trek passes through poplar forests and barley fields and reaches Nyi Pass at 4,010m and then descends down to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village. Overnight at Tea house,Ghami.
After breakfast, the trek begins with a descent through a rough and often slippery trail, crosses a suspension bridge over Ghami Khola and then starts ascending. The trekking is beautiful with Mani walls along the trail. Mani wall is the sacred stone of Buddhist which is written the auspicious slogans of Buddhism. Next, the trail crosses the Charang La Pass at 3,870m and reaches at Charang village. The village lies atop the Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and a red gompa towards its east. The village has maize fields, willow trees; stone built houses. Overnight at Tea house, Charang.
After breakfast, start the trek to Lo-Mangthang. For the first part of journey, the trail is descent to Charang Chu Canyon, crosses the river and then steep ascent to Lo La pass (3,850m). From this windy pass, the trail descends down to Lo-Mangthang,a walled city made by ancient style.The place offers the magnificent view of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond). Overnight at Teahouse, Lo-Mangthang.
It is a rest day to explore the Lo-Mangthang and to have experiences of traditions, lifestyle and culture of local people. This is a walled city of the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Visit three major gompas of the town namely Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda and four storey local king’s palace. All of these gompas have undergone expert restoration over the last two decades. Visit to Tingkhar,a beautiful village located north-west of Lo-Mangthang.Local people’s lifestyle and their typical traditions makes everyone to enter into the new world of human seniority.
After breakfast, start the return trek to Drakmar through different trail.The trail passes through Gyakar village, which has a century old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings and famous as a wish fulfilling divine place. According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled. Explore the Gompa and continue the trek to Drakmar.Overnight at Tea house, Drakmar.
After breakfast, start the trek early in the morning to avoid strong dusty wind. The trail is almost descent, passes through a dry plateau and fields before reaching Ghiling. After reaching Ghiling explore around the village admiring local way of life and enjoying a good view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. Overnight at Tea house, Ghiling.
After breakfast, start the trek to Chhuksang on the same trail as before going up to Lo Manthang.En route,the trail provides a wonderful view of snow capped Himalayas and beautiful landscapes.Overnight at Tea house, Chhuksang.
After breakfast, start the last day of the trek to Jomsom early in the morning. Stop at Kagbeni for lunch and then continue to Jomsom. Overnight at Hotel, Jomsom.
After breakfast, fly back to Pokhara through a breathtaking scenic flight in between the gorge of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara airport, transfer to the hotel. Check in to hotel and explore the natural and adventurous wonders of Pokhara which includes boating in Phewa Lake, visit to devis falls, Gupteshwor cave and adventurous activities like Para gliding,Ultra-light Flight and Zip Flyer in an extra cost. Overnight at hotel, Pokhara.
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and drive back to Kathmandu through a scenic drive, enjoying the green hills, terraced fields and beautiful landscapes. After reaching Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Check into hotel and rest for refreshment. Enjoy the free time by shopping at souvenir shops or hanging around Thamel (tourism hub city).In the evening, Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance performance. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
Leisure until departure.Transfer to International airport to board the flight.
Cost
Cost Includes
Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
Welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a cultural dance show.
All accommodation in 3-star category hotels on bed and breakfast basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara whilst Tea house accommodation during the trek with full board basis (All meals).
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour with private vehicle and tour guide.
All Heritage monuments entrance fees.
Kathmandu-Pokhara round overland transportation by tourist bus whilst Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara by flight.
Medical supplies (First Aid Kit)
Sleeping bags, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles (To be returned after the trek).
All the necessary permits (Upper mustang special permit+ACAP+TIMS) for the trek and official expenses.
Highly experienced, friendly, government licence holder guide and porter with salary, accommodation, food, transportation and insurance.
Arrangement of helicopter service (Under the rescue or emergency situation), which will be paid by your travel insurance company.
Cost Excludes
Nepalese visa fee.
International airfare.
Trekking, medical and travel insurance (Compulsory).
Lunches and Dinners not mentioned above.
All personal expenses (phone calls,laundry,bar bills,battery recharge,extra porters,bottle or boiled water,shower etc.)
All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Extra night accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu,early arrival or late departure,early return or late return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver (tips is expected).
Gallery
Overview
Cost
