Upper Mustang Trek is one of the best adventurous treks in the restricted areas of nepal. It is the best trip for wild adventure seeking travelers who are physically fit and fine. The Upper Mustang Trek begins from Jomsom, a beautiful mountain town in the himalayas and reaches Lo Manthang, a historical desert valley considering an ultimate destination, following the trail through Kaligandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world and steepy rock. The trek provides an amazing view of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many more mountain peaks. The Upper Mustang Trek passes through high passes, glaciers and alpine terrains. 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 is also known as a ‘Mini Tibet of Nepal’ and a very well liked trekking in Nepal, has been described as “Mountain Desert”. The journey to upper Mustang allows the travelers to witness heavenly beautiful Trans Himalaya landscape, walled city; Lo-Manthang, 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 fusion 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, an isolated region is an incredibly satisfying one for those who wants to experience the heartwarming hospitality of the locals living in this remote area. So, these natural and cultural treasures have made it one of the most popular tourist and trekking destination of Nepal.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
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.
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour – B
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and head towards Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour especially UNESCO world cultural heritage sites which includes the ancient and historical monuments; Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Buddhist sacred sites; Swoyambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa and Hindu divine place; Pashupatinath for the experience of beautiful fusion of religion, culture and history. These cultural monuments reflect the centuries old culture, arts and architecture of Nepal which are medieval charms of Malla Dynasty. After tour, drop off to hotel and make a preparation for Upper mustang trek including all permits and equipments. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu – Pokhara (200 km, 06-07 hours drive) – B
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and drive to Pokhara by tourist bus for about 07 hours along the scenic highway. After reaching Pokhara, check in to hotel and rest for refreshment. In the evening, visit lakeside and enjoy the beautiful scenery of tranquil Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel, Pokhara.
Day 04 : Fly Pokhara – Jomsom (20 mins fly) – Trek to Kagbeni (2,858m, 03-04 hrs) – B/L/D
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.
Day 05 : Kagbeni – Trek to Chele (3,050m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Chele along the river side of Kaligandaki. The gradual ups and downs, 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. Further more, trek to Chhusang then crosses a river then after, heads towards Chele through a small ridge. Overnight at Tea house, Chele.
Day 06 : Chele – Trek to Syanbochen (3,475m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Syanbochen. The trek 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 trek 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.
Day 07 : Syanbochen – Trek to Ghami (3,520m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Ghami. The trek goes uphill to Yamda La (3,850m) by 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.
Day 08 : Ghami – Trek to Charang (3,500m, 04-05 hrs) – B/L/D
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 trek is beautiful with Mani walls along the trail. Mani wall is the sacred stone of Buddhist which is written the auspicious slogans of Buddhism. Then, the trek crosses the Charang La Pass at 3,870m and reaches 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.
Day 09 : Charang – Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,700m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Lo-Mangthang. The first part of trek goes on the trail which 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 Manthang.
Day 10 : Explore Lo-Manthang – B/L/D
It is a rest day to explore the Lo-Manthang and experience the tradition, 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 Tingkhar, a beautiful village located in the north west of Lo-Manthang. Local people’s lifestyle and their typical traditions make everyone enter into the new world of human senario.
Day 11 : Lo-Manthang – Trek to Drakmar (3,810m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
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 for 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.
Day 12 : Drakmar – Trek to Ghiling (3,806m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek early in the morning to avoid strong dusty wind. The trekking 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.
Day 13 : Ghiling – Trek to Chhuksang (3,050m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Chhuksang which goes on the same trail before going to Lo Manthang. En route, the Trek provides a wonderful view of snow capped Himalayas and beautiful landscape. Overnight at Tea house, Chhuksang.
Day 14 : Chhuksang – Trek to Jomsom (2,700m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the last day of the trek to Jomsom early in the morning. Stop at Kagbeni for lunch and then continue the trek to Jomsom. Overnight at hotel, Jomsom.
Day 15 : Fly Jomsom – Pokhara – B
After breakfast, fly back to Pokhara through a breathtaking scenic flight in between the gorge of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, transfer to the hotel. Check in to hotel and explore the natural and adventurous wonders in Pokhara which includes boating in Phewa Lake, visit to Taal Barahi Temple (situated on a small island in Phewa Lake), Davis falls, Gupteshwor cave and adventurous activities like Para gliding ,Ultra light Flight and Zip Flyer on an extra cost. Overnight at hotel, Pokhara.
Day 16 : Drive Pokhara – Kathmandu – B/D
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 authentic nepali cuisine and cultural dance performance. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
Day 17 : Departure – B
Leisure until departure. Transfer to International airport to board the flight.
Cost Includes:
1. Airport pick up and drop off service by private vehicle.
2. Welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and farewell dinner in a typical nepali restaurant with authentic nepali cuisine and cultural dance show.
3. All accommodation in 3-star category hotels on B/B plan in Kathmandu and Pokhara whilst Tea house accommodation during the trek with full board basis (all meals).
4. Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour by private vehicle and local tour guide.
5. All heritage monuments entrance fees.
6. Kathmandu-Pokhara overland round transportation by tourist bus whilst Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara by domestic flight.
7. Medical supplies (First Aid Kit)
8. Sleeping bags, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles (to be returned after the trek).
9. All the necessary permits (upper mustang special permit+ACAP) for the trek and official expenses.
10.Highly experienced, friendly, government licence holder guide and porter with salary, accommodation, food, transportation and insurance.
11. Arrangement of helicopter service for the rescue of emergency situation which will be paid by your travel insurance company.
Cost Excludes:
1. Nepalese visa fee.
2. International airfare.
3. Trekking, medical and travel insurance (Compulsory).
4. Lunches and Dinners not mentioned above.
5. All personal expenses ( phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
6. All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
7. Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara or Tea House due to early arrival or late departure, early return or late return from mountain or any reason than the scheduled itinerary.
8. Tips for the guide, porter and driver (tips is expected).